Schistosoma-related molecules as a new strategy to combat type 1 diabetes through immune regulation

Authors：Tang, Chun-lian; Lian, Zhan; Ding, Fan-rong; Liang, Jun^*; Li, Xiang-you^*

Source：PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, 2024, 98: 102818.

DOI：10.1016/j.parint.2023.102818

• Schistosoma
• Th1
• Regulatory T cells
• Type 1 diabetes

The study of immune regulation mechanisms induced by parasites may help develop new treatment methods for inflammatory diseases including type 1 diabetes, which is related to type 1 immune responses. The negative correlation between schistosomiasis infection and type 1 diabetes has been confirmed, and the mechanism of Schistosoma-mediated prevention of type 1 diabetes may be related to the adaptive and innate immune systems. Schistosoma-related molecules affect immune cell composition and macrophage polarization and stimulate an increase in natural killer T cells. Furthermore, Schistosoma-related molecules can regulate the adaptive immune responses related to the prevention of type 1 diabetes and change the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg axis. Our previous review showed the role of regulatory T cells in the protective of type 1 diabetes mediated by Schistosoma. Here, we aim to review the other mechanisms of schistosomiasis infection and Schistosoma-related products in regulating the immune response associated with the treatment of type 1 diabetes.