Identifying Parasitic Triggers

Penn State researchers have revealed new insights into the mechanisms that cause more severe cases of schistosomiasis—a disease caused by parasitic worms and second only to malaria in terms of potential harm.

The study used a mouse model to examine how the body reacts to the parasite's eggs, which trigger an immune response if they make their way into tissues and organs.

The researchers found that the activation of NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes—proteins in immune cells that detect threats and trigger a response—is a key factor in severe inflammatory responses to these eggs.

"While the findings are preliminary, they provide a better understanding of how the body responds to the parasite and could help identify potential targets for developing future therapies," said Parisa Kalantari, assistant professor of immunology in the college and lead author on the study.

Most known schistosomiasis cases occur in Africa, according to the World Health Organization, and people usually become infected after coming in contact with water infested with parasitic worm larvae.

—Katie Bohn