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Member Since: 2/2006Last Seen: 11/28/2009

The Worm Turns - Curing Diseases With Parasites?

Read ArticleArticle Source: The New York Times
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These worms, or helminths, have a paradoxical effect on the host. Rather than induce inflammation, which is the body's typical response to invasion, the intruders calm the host immune system. They force a peace, scientists think, to avoid eviction and keep the host — their home and food source — as healthy as possible. As Weinstock considered the I.B.D. puzzle, he wondered if immune manipulation by worms could incidentally protect against other diseases.

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{"commentId":2089116,"authorDomain":"spiffie"}

Maybe icky, but worms could play an integral part to our immune system.

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  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Mon Jun 30, 2008 6:04 PM EDT
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