Helminths' effect on B cells may explain benefit for PwMS

As already reported on MSNews, researchers are interested in helminths (parasitic worms) as a potential treatment for MS, based on evidence that they may help prevent MS and/or lead to milder forms of the disease. Results from a recent immunological study may explain why helminth infections could have a beneficial effect on MS.

Scientists studied B cells taken from MS subjects with helminth infections, non-helminth parasitic infections, and no infection, as well as from non-MS controls. They found that the B cells from the helminth-infected MS subjects produced high levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory signalling molecule. These B cells also produced more brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor than B cells from the other subjects. It may therefore be that helminths protect against MS through a dual action of dampening the immune system and inducing production of neuroprotective factors.