The Relationship of Parasite Allergens to Allergic Diseases

• Open Access

• Luis Caraballo & 
• Kevin Llinás-Caballero 

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports (2023)

• details

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Helminth infections modify the natural history of allergic diseases, by either decreasing or increasing their symptoms. Several helminth components are involved in the increasing of the allergic response and symptoms, overcoming the concomitant immunosuppression of helminthiases. However, the role of individual IgE-binding molecules in this process remains to be defined.

Recent Findings

An example of allergic sensitization in a child living in the tropics.
Specific IgE against D. pteronyssinus (Dp), B. tropicalis (Bt), and Ascaris 
extractswere measured using ImmunoCAP™ 100. Specific IgE to A. l
umbricoides GST (AsGST), tropomyosin (Asc l 3), and ABA-1 were
measured by ELISA. 

We updated the list of helminth allergens and IgE-binding molecules, their effects on asthma presentation, and their impact on allergy diagnosis.

Data from genetic and epigenetic studies of ascariasis are analyzed. A new species-specific A. lumbricoides allergen has been discovered, with potential use in molecular diagnosis.

Summary

Most helminth IgE-binding components are not officially classified as allergens in the WHO/IUIS database, although there is evidence of their influence increasing allergic manifestations. Further immunological characterization of these components is needed to better understand their mechanisms of action and evaluate the ways in which they can influence the diagnosis of allergy.

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