Helminth infections and immunosenescence: The friend of my enemy

Abdoli, Amir; Ardakani, Hoda Mirzaian

doi:10.1016/j.exger.2020.110852

Cited by 21 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 134 publications

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“…Bradbury et al [ 2 ] highlight the possible negative interactions between helminth infection and COVID-19 severity in helminth-endemic regions and note that alterations in the gut microbiome associated with helminth infection appear to have systemic immunomodulatory effects. It has also been proposed that helminth co-infection may increase the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, because the immune system cannot efficiently respond to the virus [ 3 ]; in addition, vaccines will be less effective for these patients, but treatment and prevention of helminth infections might reduce the negative effect of COVID-19. During millennia of parasite-host coevolution helminths evolved mechanisms suppressing the host immune responses, which may mitigate vaccine efficacy and increase severity of other infectious diseases [ 4 ].…”

Section: Increased Risk Of Covid Infection and Vaccination Efficacymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Interestingly, similar symptoms are observed in a number of parasitoses, and although these are most commonly associated with populations inhabiting poorer regions, they are also found in richer countries [ 1 ]. Not only can parasite infections influence the immune system, destroy tissue, cause anemia and malnutrition, they can also potentially support virus infection [ 2 , 3 ] and affect the effectiveness of vaccines [ 4 , 5 ]. However, parasitic immunomodulation may also protect from tissue damage by reducing inflammatory processes [ 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The New Status of Parasitic Diseases in the COVID-19 Pandemic—Risk Factors or Protective Agents?

Głuchowska

Dzieciątkowski

Sędzikowska

et al. 2021

JCM

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It is possible that parasites may influence the course of COVID-19 infection, as either risk factors or protective agents; as such, the current coronavirus pandemic may affect the diagnosis and prevention of parasitic disease, and its elimination programs. The present review highlights the similarity between the symptoms of human parasitoses and those of COVID-19 and discuss their mutual influence. The study evaluated selected human parasitoses with similar symptoms to COVID-19 and examined their potential influence on SARS-CoV-2 virus invasion. The available data suggest that at least several human parasitoses could result in misdiagnosis of COVID-19. Some disorders, such as malaria, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, can increase the risk of severe infection with COVID-19. It is also suggested that recovery from parasitic disease can enhance the immune system and protect from COVID-19 infection. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected parasitic disease elimination programs in endemic regions and influenced the number of diagnoses of human parasitoses.

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Section: Increased Risk Of Covid Infection and Vaccination Efficacymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The New Status of Parasitic Diseases in the COVID-19 Pandemic—Risk Factors or Protective Agents?

Głuchowska

Dzieciątkowski

Sędzikowska

et al. 2021

JCM

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“…( A ) Parasitic infection cause injuries to epithelial cells, which in turn stimulated and activated various aspects of the type 2 immune response with the generation of IL-25, IL-33 cytokines, and the Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin (TSLP) cells. Macrophages exposure to the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 or IL-13 lead to suppression of the classical activation of macrophages (M1) and stimulated expansion of the M2 phenotype [ 42 ]. ( B ) The excretory/secretory products (ESPs) released by parasite, induced immune responses linked with production of IL-25 and IL-33 cytokines, which are capable of inhibiting the activation and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), and inducing the expansion of functional regulatory T cells (Tregs) [ 41 ].…”

Section: Figurementioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in the Development of Anti-Haemonchus contortus Vaccines: Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives

Ehsan

Liang

et al. 2020

Vaccines

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The gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is a resident of tropical and subtropical regions worldwide that imposes significant production losses, economic losses, and animal health issues in the small ruminant industry, particularly sheep and goats. Considerable efforts have been made to understand how immunity is elicited against H. contortus infection. Various potential vaccine antigens have been tested by different methods and strategies applied in animal models, and significant progress has been made in the development of vaccines against H. contortus. This review highlighted and shared the knowledge about the current understanding of host immune responses to H. contortus and ongoing challenges in the development of a protective, effective, and long-lasting vaccine against H. contortus infection. We have also pinpointed some achievements and failures in the development and testing of vaccines, which will establish a road map for future research directions to explore new effective vaccine candidates for controlling and preventing H. contortus infection.

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“…Helminths are known to have potent immunomodulatory effects in the body through suppression of Th1 pro-inflammatory immune cells and activation of anti-inflammatory Th2 immune responses which are characterised by the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IgE, Tregs, mast cells, M2 macrophages, eosinophils and TGF-β ( Abdoli and Ardakani, 2020 ). However, not all helminths induce the aforementioned immunomodulatory effects in the body (McKay, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, not all helminths induce the aforementioned immunomodulatory effects in the body (McKay, 2015). Hence, helminths can either be beneficial or disadvantageous in ameliorating or exacerbating the severity of inflammatory diseases, respectively ( Abdoli and Ardakani, 2020 ; Helmby, 2015; McKay, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

SARS-CoV-2 and helminth co-infections, and environmental pollution exposure: An epidemiological and immunological perspective

Naidoo

Ghazi

Chuturgoon

et al. 2021

Environment International

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Soil-transmitted helminths infect billions of people globally, particularly those residing in low- and middle-income regions with poor environmental sanitation and high levels of air and water pollution. Helminths display potent immunomodulatory activity by activating T helper type 2 (Th2) anti-inflammatory and Th3 regulatory immune responses. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can exacerbate Th1/Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokine production in humans, leading to a cytokine storm. Air pollutants (particulate matter, oxygen radicals, hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds) and water pollutants (metals and organic chemicals) can also intensify Th1/Th17 immune response and could exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 related respiratory distress and failure. The present review focused on the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, helminths and fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM 2.5 ) air pollution exposure in helminth endemic regions, the possible immunomodulatory activity of helminths against SARS-CoV-2 hyper-inflammatory immune response, and whether air and water pollutants can further exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 related cytokine storm and in the process hinder helminths immunomodulatory functionality. Helminth Th2/Th3 immune response is associated with reductions in lung inflammation and damage, and decreased expression levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors (SARS-CoV-2 uses the ACE2 receptors to infect cells and associated with extensive lung damage). However, air pollutants are associated with overexpression of ACE2 receptors in the epithelial cell surface of the respiratory tract and exhaustion of Th2 immune response. Helminth-induced immunosuppression activity reduces vaccination efficacy, and diminishes vital Th1 cytokine production immune responses that are crucial for combating early stage infections. This could be reversed by continuous air pollution exposure which is known to intensify Th1 pro-inflammatory cytokine production to a point where the immunosuppressive activities of helminths could be hindered. Again, suppressed activities of helminths can also be disadvantageous against SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory response. This “yin and yang” approach seems complex and requires more understanding. Further studies are warranted in a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals residing in helminths and air pollution endemic regions to offer more insights, and to impact mass periodic deworming programmes and environmental health policies.

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Helminth infections and immunosenescence: The friend of my enemy

Cited by 21 publications

References 134 publications

The New Status of Parasitic Diseases in the COVID-19 Pandemic—Risk Factors or Protective Agents?

The New Status of Parasitic Diseases in the COVID-19 Pandemic—Risk Factors or Protective Agents?

Advances in the Development of Anti-Haemonchus contortus Vaccines: Challenges, Opportunities, and Perspectives

SARS-CoV-2 and helminth co-infections, and environmental pollution exposure: An epidemiological and immunological perspective

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