The association between Schistosomes infection and autoimmunity has been studied extensively in the medical literature. Schistosomiasis might induce autoimmune activity by several mechanisms: molecular mimicry, production of pathogenic autoantibodies, polyclonal activation of B cells, altered self-antigens. It has documented the protective effect of Schistosomes infection against immune-mediated diseases such as type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. This protective effect mediated by Th2 immune response with production of IL-10 which able to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and nitric oxide and mediate the control of autoimmune disease. Additionally, autoimmune mechanisms might have a role in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis inducing granulomatous inflammation, glomerulonephritis and visceral fibrosis.

Keywords: Schistosomiasis; Autoimmune Disease; Autoantibodies; Cytokines; Immunomodulation