Eggs from a parasitic worm may hold the key to treating inflammatory conditions such as lung diseases and psoriasis. Scientists at Trinity College, Dublin, focused on the worm, Schistosoma mansoni, which infects humans. They found it releases a molecule with strong anti-inflammatory qualities which are particularly effective in battling against acute inflammations. The study, which could lead to new treatments, is published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. Researcher Dr Padraic Fallon said: “This study is particularly exciting as it harnesses how the worm modifies immunity in our bodies to stimulate protection from undesirable inflammation.
