Helminth-based therapies for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #arthritis-experimental #arthritis-rheumatoid #disease-models-animal #helminth-proteins

Helminth-based therapies for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Langdon et al., 2019 | Int Immunopharmacol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Langdon Kane, Phie James, ... Haleagrahara Nagaraja. Helminth-based therapies for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Immunopharmacol. 2019-Jan;66:366-372. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2018.11.034

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Proteins from parasitic worms have been posed as novel therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other auto-inflammatory diseases. However, with so many potential therapeutics, it is important that drug discovery be based on the specific phyla or species which show the most promising effects. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the reported effects of helminthic secretory proteins and derivative therapy on RA in an animal model. METHODS: Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to identify studies evaluating helminthic therapy in the collagen-induced arthritis model of RA. A meta-analysis was undertaken to determine the overall effect of the proteins. Subgroup analyses were also undertaken to investigate individual treatments. RESULTS: Seven articles were included in the analysis. Overall, helminthic therapy significantly reduced arthritis score (SMD -1.193, 95% CI -1.525, -0.860). Subgroup analyses found a significant reduction in arthritis score following treatment with helminth protein ES-62 (SMD -1.186, 95% CI -1.633, -0.738) and phosphorylcholine-based treatment (SMD -0.997, 95% CI -1.423, -0.571). Subgroup analyses found ES-62 treatment significantly decreased IFN-γ levels (SMD -1.611, 95% CI -2.734, -0.487) and significantly increased levels of IL-10 (SMD 0.946, 95% CI 0.127, 1.765). CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutics from parasitic worms are a promising avenue for drug discovery, especially with all included studies reporting a significant improvement in arthritis score. Based on pooled data presented in this study, the nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae seems to be of particular interest for therapeutics.

Key Findings

Seven articles were included in the analysis. Overall, helminthic therapy significantly reduced arthritis score (SMD -1.193, 95% CI -1.525, -0.860). Subgroup analyses found a significant reduction in arthritis score following treatment with helminth protein ES-62 (SMD -1.186, 95% CI -1.633, -0.738) and phosphorylcholine-based treatment (SMD -0.997, 95% CI -1.423, -0.571). Subgroup analyses found ES-62 treatment significantly decreased IFN-γ levels (SMD -1.611, 95% CI -2.734, -0.487) and signific

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Experimental
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Helminths
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Rats
  • Therapy with Helminths

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: collagen

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09