Cell-mediated damage to helminths
Abstract
Although it is difficult to draw any sweeping conclusions that would be applicable to all helminth infections, the main features that are emphasized in this review may be summarized briefly. Pathogenic helminths, although extremely diverse in structure and behaviour, have one common feature, namely that they present to the host's defenses large, non-phagocytosable surfaces. Because of this, they are susceptible to a range of effector mechanisms differing either quantitatively or qualitatively from those that are active against other parasites or against normal or abnormal host cells. As an extreme example, the various types of cytotoxic lymphocyte, with one interesting exception, are inactive against helminths. Instead, helminth infections are characterized by high IgE responses and increased numbers of circulating eosinophils. Such eosinophils are activated, and show a marked capacity to kill a variety of target helminths in vitro. Further activation may occur in response to mast cell mediators released as a result of IgE-dependent degranulation; and IgE, as well as IgG and complement, can mediate eosinophil attachment and killing. It may therefore be suggested that the eosinophil/IgE/mast cell axis represents a powerful host ...Continue Reading
Citations
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Anthelmintics or antihelminthics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. Discover the latest research on anthelmintics here.
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Anthelmintics or antihelminthics are a group of antiparasitic drugs that expel parasitic worms (helminths) and other internal parasites from the body by either stunning or killing them and without causing significant damage to the host. Discover the latest research on anthelmintics here.