Immune response Th1/Th2 to Helicobacter pylori and Helminths in co-infected patients

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammation associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is linked to the development of a gastric precancerous lesion. Helminth infections could influence the pro-inflammatory response to such infection from LTCD4⁺ Th1 to a less harmful LTCD4⁺ Th2 response.

Objective: To characterize the polarization of the LTCD4⁺ Th2 immune response in co-infected patients with H. pylori and helminths from low-risk areas for developing gastric cancer.

Patients and Method: We analyzed 63 patients infected by H. pylori (40 adults and 23 children). Through the Multiplex Analysis technology (xMAP), we determined the serum profiles of the interleukins associated with the polarization of the immune response of LTCD4⁺ Th1 (IL-1β, INF-γ, TNF-α) as well as the LTCD4⁺ Th2 (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13). The ratio between helminths co-infection status in H. pylori-infected patients and the polarization of the immune response mediated by LTCD4⁺ Th1 and LTCD4⁺ Th2 was assessed using a Mixed Effects Logistic Regression Model.

Results: The frequency of helminths was similar between adults (15%) and children (17%). The polarization of the immune response was more prevalent in LTCD4⁺ Th1. Serum values of interleukins associated with the immune response polarization of LTCD4⁺ Th1 (IL-1β, INF-γ, and TNF-α) and LTCD4⁺ Th2 (IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) were independent of helminths infection status.

Conclusion: The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was high and the immune response polarization was mainly LTCD4 + Th1.