Application of helminths in the treatment of intestinal autoimmune diseases

In some autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) excessive responses of Th1 and Th17 cells to commensal bacteria and self-antigens due to formation of progressive inflammation in tissues which in turn lead to severe pathologic effects like colitis. Parasitic infections could polarize the immune responses to Th2 cells activation and the pre-inflammatory suppressive agents in order to maintain helminthes in the host therefore, they may have an important role in the immune modulation and suppression of the inflammation in patients with autoimmune disease. In this work, recent researches on the therapeutic applications of the helminthes have been reviewed. Considering the studies’ results and according to the activate mechanisms of response to helminthes in the host, it can be concluded that helminthes infection reduces the inflammation in patients. Therefore, a new treatment for autoimmune disorders by helminthes should be introduced.