Impact of Helminth Infection on Th17 Cell Plasticity: Modulation of Inflammatory Responses and Enhancement of Regulatory Functions - Takeaways - MDSpire

Impact of Helminth Infection on Th17 Cell Plasticity: Modulation of Inflammatory Responses and Enhancement of Regulatory Functions

  • By

  • Ahmed Metwali

  • Sarah Winckler

  • Xiaoqun Guan

  • M. Nedim Ince

  • David E. Elliott

  • April 28, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

  • 1

    Helminth infections suppress pathogenic Th17 activity and can inhibit inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases.

  • 2

    Th17 cells exhibit plasticity, allowing them to differentiate into either inflammatory Th1-like or regulatory Tr1/Treg-like cells.

  • 3

    Exposure to the helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri skews Th17 plasticity towards a more regulatory profile.

  • 4

    Helminth-infected Th17 lineage cells demonstrate enhanced regulatory functions, suppressing T cell proliferation.

  • 5

    Intestinal helminth exposure reduces Th17 cell frequency and alters their behavior to resemble classical T regulatory cells.

Original Source(s)

Impact of Helminth Infection on Th17 Cell Plasticity: Modulation of Inflammatory Responses and Enhancement of Regulatory Functions

  • by Ahmed Metwali, Sarah Winckler, Xiaoqun Guan, M. Nedim Ince, David E. Elliott

  • April 28, 2026

Related Content

ECCO consensus on management of inflammatory bowel disease in low- and middle-income countries

Differential effects of tofacitinib on macrophage activation contribute to lack of response in ulcerative colitis patients

Review Highlights Infectious Diarrhea

The authors emphasize the importance of shared decision-making and reassessing goals of care.