Helminth-derived antigens induce an immunomodulatory response in autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus by promoting regulatory immune responses

Nassef, Mohamed; Elwan, Mona; Bakr, Kareem; Radwan, Nahla

doi:10.21608/bbj.2025.424639.1141

Helminth-derived antigens induce an immunomodulatory response in autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus by promoting regulatory immune responses

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

10.21608/bbj.2025.424639.1141

Abstract

This study examined Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) muscle larvae (ML) antigens for immunotherapy and prevention of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1-DM) in mice. Sixty male albino mice were divided into six groups. Group 1 (Gp1) was left as the control non-diabetic group. Gp2, mice intraperitoneal (i.p) injected with streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day for 5 days, followed by normal saline treatment. In Gp 3 and 4, mice were given T. spiralis ML antigens (500 and 1000 µg/kg, respectively) twice a week for three weeks. Then, they were given i.p STZ (40 mg/kg daily) for 5 days. One week after that, they were again given T. spiralis ML antigens at the same doses twice a week for another three weeks. In Gp 5 and 6, mice were i.p administered STZ (40 mg/kg daily) for five days. One week after the last STZ treatment, they were given T. spiralis ML antigens at the same doses, twice a week for three weeks. The immune and biochemical responses in diabetic mice were evaluated concerning antigen treatment. Our results on T. spiralis antigens in STZ-induced T1-DM mice revealed that both preventive and curative treatments altered the expressions of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, increasing IgE, IgG, and IgM levels. The treatments boosted CD25+ Treg cells and elevated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10), while dropping the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ. This suggests a shift toward Th2-biased immunity, which improved glycemic control. To conclude, Helminth antigens show promise as immunotherapeutic agents for T1-DM by modifying immune responses, suggesting their potential as drug candidates. More trials are needed to evaluate their clinical applications and address challenges in treating autoimmune diseases.

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