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Ch. 48 - The Immune System in Animals
Freeman - Biological Science 7th Edition
Freeman7th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9783584863285Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksFreeman 7th EditionCh. 48 - The Immune System in AnimalsProblem 16
Chapter 48, Problem 16

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In developed countries, an enormous change has occurred within the human body over the past century—the loss of parasitic worms. Due to improvements in sanitation, roundworms that have inhabited human intestines (such as the hookworm above) and challenged our immune system for millions of years are no longer a threat. Does the end of this long-term relationship come at a cost?
There is a strong association between the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in parents and their children. If you were a physician, would you ask parents who have type 1 diabetes to intentionally infect their children with intestinal worms? What additional information would you need to make this decision?

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1
Understand the historical context: Parasitic worms, such as roundworms, have been part of the human body for millions of years, influencing our immune system. Their absence in developed countries is due to improved sanitation.
Consider the relationship between parasitic worms and the immune system: Parasitic worms can modulate the immune system, potentially affecting autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes. Investigate how this modulation occurs and its implications.
Evaluate the association between type 1 diabetes and intestinal worms: Research studies may suggest a link between the presence of intestinal worms and a reduced incidence of autoimmune diseases. Examine the evidence supporting this association.
Assess the risks and benefits: Consider the potential health risks of intentionally infecting children with intestinal worms, such as infections or other complications, versus the possible benefits in reducing the risk of type 1 diabetes.
Gather additional information: Before making a decision, consult scientific literature, clinical trials, and expert opinions on the impact of intestinal worms on type 1 diabetes. Consider ethical, medical, and social implications of such an intervention.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Parasitic Worms and Human Health

Parasitic worms, such as roundworms, have historically inhabited human intestines, influencing our immune system. Their presence can modulate immune responses, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases. The absence of these worms due to improved sanitation may alter immune system functioning, possibly increasing susceptibility to conditions like type 1 diabetes.
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Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This results in high blood sugar levels and requires lifelong management. The genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes suggests a strong familial link, making it crucial to understand environmental factors that might influence its development.
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Immune System Modulation

The immune system is responsible for defending the body against pathogens. It can be influenced by various factors, including infections and environmental changes. Parasitic worms are known to modulate immune responses, potentially preventing overactive immune reactions that lead to autoimmune diseases. Understanding this modulation is essential for evaluating the potential benefits and risks of reintroducing worms to prevent conditions like type 1 diabetes.
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Textbook Question

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In developed countries, an enormous change has occurred within the human body over the past century—the loss of parasitic worms. Due to improvements in sanitation, roundworms that have inhabited human intestines (such as the hookworm above) and challenged our immune system for millions of years are no longer a threat. Does the end of this long-term relationship come at a cost?

Pattern-recognition receptors have been identified that recognize worm products. Explain how these receptors are used to activate the adaptive immune response most appropriate for worm infection.

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Textbook Question

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In developed countries, an enormous change has occurred within the human body over the past century—the loss of parasitic worms. Due to improvements in sanitation, roundworms that have inhabited human intestines (such as the hookworm above) and challenged our immune system for millions of years are no longer a threat. Does the end of this long-term relationship come at a cost?

Parasitic worms modulate their host's immune response by inducing the proliferation of regulatory T cells. What role do these cells play in the adaptive immune response? How could this effect on regulatory T cells be linked to the hygiene hypothesis?

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Textbook Question

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In developed countries, an enormous change has occurred within the human body over the past century—the loss of parasitic worms. Due to improvements in sanitation, roundworms that have inhabited human intestines (such as the hookworm above) and challenged our immune system for millions of years are no longer a threat. Does the end of this long-term relationship come at a cost?

The roundworm Heligmosomoides polygyrus is a natural intestinal parasite of mice, and it offers an excellent model of the immunology of worm infections in humans. Scientists evaluated the impact of parasitic roundworms on immune disorders using mice prone to developing type 1 diabetes mellitus. Five-week-old mice were infected with H. polygyrus (Hp). Two weeks later, half of the mice were cured of the infection (Rx). When the mice were 40 weeks old, scientists calculated the percentage of mice that developed diabetes in both groups: those exposed to roundworms and those in uninfected control groups (** means P<0.01). What two conclusions are supported by the results shown below?

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