Crude Necator americanus worm extract diminishes pancreatic islets destruction in diabetic non-obese mice (NOD)

Abstract

Hygiene hypothesis dictates that the lack of microbial interaction during the first childhood increases the chance of developing autoimmune diseases due to not proper immune system maturation. Helminthes are known by their Th2 and modulatory immune response induction. Here, it was evaluated the influence of Necator americanus antigens during type 1 experimental mouse model (non-obese diabetic - NOD). Intraperitoneal injections for 18 weeks did not impair an inflammatory response, but induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response with presence of IL4 and IL10 from different sources. However, the induced immune response was not sufficient to decrease glucose levels but showed a change in the inflammatory infiltrate in the pancreas. It is necessary more refined studies to clarify the mechanisms of how Necator americanus could impair diabetes progression in mice.