Effects of helminths on the human immune response and the microbiome

Helminths have evolved sophisticated immune regulating mechanisms to prevent rejection by their mammalian host. Our understanding of how the human immune system responds to these parasites remains poor compared to mouse models of infection and this limits our ability to develop vaccines as well as harness their unique properties as therapeutic strategies against inflammatory disorders. Here, we review how recent studies on human challenge infections, self-infected individuals, travelers, and endemic populations have improved our understanding of human type 2 immunity and its effects on the microbiome. The heterogeneity of responses between individuals and the limited access to tissue samples beyond the peripheral blood are challenges that limit human studies on helminths, but also provide opportunities to transform our understanding of human immunology. Organoids and single-cell sequencing are exciting new tools for immunological analysis that may aid this pursuit. Learning about the genetic and immunological basis of resistance, tolerance, and pathogenesis to helminth infections may thus uncover mechanisms that can be utilized for therapeutic purposes.

Automated summary

Helminths have developed immune regulatory mechanisms to avoid host rejection, but our understanding of human immune response to these parasites is limited. Recent studies on individuals infected with helminths have improved our understanding of human type 2 immunity and its effects on the microbiome. Challenges in studying human helminth infections, such as heterogeneity of responses and limited access to tissue samples, also provide opportunities for advancing human immunology. Organoids and single-cell sequencing are promising tools for immunological analysis. This research may uncover mechanisms that can be used for therapeutic purposes.