Helminth Infections and Their Role in Modulating Allergic and Autoimmune Inflammation
Author Information
Author(s): Wilson Mark S, Taylor Matthew D, O'Gorman Mary T, Balic Adam, Barr Tom A, Filbey Kara, Anderton Stephen M, Maizels Rick M
Primary Institution: University of Edinburgh
Hypothesis
Can B cells generated during chronic Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection regulate allergic and autoimmune inflammation?
Conclusion
Helminth-induced CD19+CD23hi B cells can suppress allergic and autoimmune inflammation in mice.
Supporting Evidence
- CD4−CD19+ B cells from infected mice can suppress airway inflammation in uninfected recipients.
- These B cells also reduce the severity of autoimmune disease in a mouse model of EAE.
- IL-10 is not required for the protective effects of these B cells.
- Helminth infections expand Treg cell populations, contributing to immune regulation.
- CD19+ B cells from infected mice are predominantly follicular-type B2 cells.
Takeaway
Infections from certain worms can help reduce allergies and autoimmune diseases by changing how our immune system works.
Methodology
Mice were infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus and various immune responses were measured after transferring specific immune cell populations.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in interpreting results due to the use of specific mouse strains.
Limitations
The study primarily used mouse models, which may not fully replicate human immune responses.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, 6-8 weeks old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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