Exposure to Lung-Migrating Helminth Protects Against Murine SARS-CoV-2 Infection Through Macrophage-Dependent T Cell Activation

Helminths are parasitic worms that can infect humans and other animals. They are often seen as pests, but there is growing evidence that they can also have beneficial effects on the host immune system.

In a new study published in the journal Science Immunology, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco have found that exposure to a lung-migrating helminth, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, can protect mice from infection with SARS-CoV-2.

The researchers found that mice that had been previously infected with N. brasiliensis had a significantly lower viral load and mortality rate when they were challenged with SARS-CoV-2. This protection was associated with an increased accumulation of CD8+ T cells in the lungs, and with the activation of a type 2 immune response.

The researchers also found that the protective effects of N. brasiliensis infection were mediated by macrophages. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the immune system. They are responsible for engulfing and destroying foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

The researchers found that N. brasiliensis infection caused a long-lasting change in the phenotype of macrophages in the lungs. These macrophages became more activated and produced more type 2 cytokines, which are signaling molecules that promote the production of antibodies and other immune cells.

The findings of this study suggest that exposure to helminths may have a beneficial effect on the immune system and may protect against infection with SARS-CoV-2. This is an exciting finding, as it suggests that there may be natural ways to boost the immune system against COVID-19.

The researchers are now working to understand the mechanisms by which N. brasiliensis infection protects against SARS-CoV-2. They are also working to develop therapies that can mimic the protective effects of N. brasiliensis infection.

This study is a significant contribution to our understanding of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. It also highlights the potential for helminths to be used to develop new therapies for COVID-19.

In addition to the information above, here are some other key takeaways from the study:

• Exposure to N. brasiliensis can protect mice from infection with SARS-CoV-2.
• This protection is mediated by macrophages.
• N. brasiliensis infection causes a long-lasting change in the phenotype of macrophages in the lungs.
• These macrophages become more activated and produce more type 2 cytokines.
• The researchers are now working to understand the mechanisms by which N. brasiliensis infection protects against SARS-CoV-2.
• They are also working to develop therapies that can mimic the protective effects of N. brasiliensis infection.

This study is a promising step forward in the fight against COVID-19. It suggests that there may be natural ways to boost the immune system against the virus. The researchers are now working to develop therapies that can mimic the protective effects of N. brasiliensis infection. These therapies could potentially be used to prevent or treat COVID-19.

reference link : https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciimmunol.adf8161