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Review
. 2008 Sep;10(9):1757-64.
doi: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01174.x. Epub 2008 May 26.

On the hunt for helminths: innate immune cells in the recognition and response to helminth parasites

Jacqueline G Perrigoue  1 , Fraser A Marshall, David Artis
Affiliations
Review

On the hunt for helminths: innate immune cells in the recognition and response to helminth parasites

Jacqueline G Perrigoue et al. Cell Microbiol. 2008 Sep.

Abstract

The generation of protective immunity to helminth parasites is critically dependent upon the development of a CD4(+) T helper type 2 cytokine response. However, the host-parasite interactions responsible for initiating this response are poorly understood. This review will discuss recent advances in our understanding of how helminth-derived products are recognized by innate immune cells. Specifically, interactions between helminth excretory/secretory products and host Toll-like receptors and lectins will be discussed as well as the putative functions of helminth proteases and chitin in activating and recruiting innate immune cells. In addition, the functional significance of pattern recognition by epithelial cells, granulocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages including expression of alarmins, thymic stromal lymphopoetin, interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33 and Notch ligands in the development of adaptive anti-parasite Th2 cytokine responses will be examined.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The orchestration of CD4 Th2 cell differentiation following innate immune cell recognition and response to helminth-derived products
Recognition of helminth-derived products by innate immune cells can be mediated by germline encoded pattern recognition receptors such as TLR and lectins. However, with many cell types, including IEC, the exact nature of the host-parasite interaction remains unknown. Following innate immune cell recognition, responses can include secretion of effector molecules such as IL-4, IL-13, IL-25, IL-33, TSLP, and “alarmins” that are thought to contribute to CD4 Th2 differentiation through influencing antigen presenting cell function and/or directly acting on CD4 T cells. Additionally, DC conditioned with some helminth products can promote CD4 Th2 differentiation. However, whether this activity is determined by changes in expression of co-stimulatory molecules including OX40L and CD40, differential expression of Notch ligands, or an as yet unidentified factor are areas of ongoing research.
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