Protective role of parasites against the autoimmune diseases: a benefit of being host

Abstract

Parasites are the accomplished evaders of host immunity. Several life threat-ening disorders have been reported to be caused by them. But, at the same time their immunogenic effect in terms of stimulation of production of cyto-kines like IL-4 and IL-10 which can potentially stop the activation of self ag-gressive T lymphocyte may also not be overlooked. Several in-vivo experi-ments to explore the beneficial effects of parasites like helminthes, protozo-ans and others have been performed at various levels. The encouraging re-sults of them, depicting lasting protection against the chronic autoimmune disorders like diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Arthritis and Encephalomye-litis have attracted the scientific brains in last decade. Few of those studies with possible mechanisms of protective role of parasitic infections are criti-cally reviewed in the present article. Also, futures prospective to exploit the parasites for the treatment of such life challenging autoimmune disorders are discussed.