Suppression of inflammation by helminths: a role for the gut microbiota
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Multiple recent investigations have highlighted the promise of helminth-based therapies for the treatment of inflammatory disorders of the intestinal tract of humans, including inflammatory bowel disease and coeliac disease. However, the mechanisms by which helminths regulate immune responses, leading to the amelioration of symptoms of chronic inflammation are unknown. Given the pivotal roles of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of these disorders, it has been hypothesized that helminth-induced modifications of the gut commensal flora may be responsible for the therapeutic properties of gastrointestinal parasites. In this article, we review recent progress in the elucidation of host–parasite–microbiota interactions in both animal models of chronic inflammation and humans, and provide a working hypothesis of the role of the gut microbiota in helminth-induced suppression of inflammation.
Journal
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
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Volume
370
ISBN/ISSN
1471-2970
Edition
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Issue
1675
Pages Count
6
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Publisher
Royal Society
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Publisher Location
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Publish Date
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Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1098/rstb.2014.0296