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Clinical trials of helminth therapy in autoimmune diseases: rationale and findings
Author(s) -
Fleming J. O.,
Weinstock J. V.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
parasite immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1365-3024
pISSN - 0141-9838
DOI - 10.1111/pim.12175
Subject(s) - helminth infections , immunology , helminths , helminthiasis , biology , clinical trial , hygiene hypothesis , pathogenesis , immune system , bioinformatics
Summary Some helminths are major human pathogens. Recently, however, increased understanding of the immunoregulatory responses induced by this class of parasites, in combination with epidemiologic and animal studies, suggests that helminths may have therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases ( AD ) and other conditions. This article reviews the rationale for and results of clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of helminth therapy in AD . Also discussed are future prospects for investigation and the possibility that helminth treatment may serve as a probe to help reveal the pathogenesis of AD .