Parasites and allergies: a complex bidirectional relationship from evolutionary origins to modern therapeutics.

Abstract

Parasites and allergic diseases are linked by a complex, bidirectional relationship shaped by long-term host-parasite coevolution. This review discusses how different parasites may either promote or attenuate allergic responses through immunological, epithelial, and microbiome-mediated mechanisms. IgE-mediated immunity, mast cell activation, eosinophilia, and pruritus may have evolved as protective responses against helminths and blood-feeding ectoparasites. In contrast, modern allergies may partly reflect misdirected responses to harmless environmental antigens. The effects of parasites on allergy are not uniform and depend on parasite type, infection site, exposure intensity and chronicity, host immune status, and the degree of host-parasite adaptation. Protozoa such as Giardia intestinalis may contribute to food allergy-related manifestations by disrupting the intestinal barrier, altering gut microbiota composition, and modifying mucosal immune responses, particularly in atopic individuals. In contrast, selected helminths may attenuate allergic inflammation by inducing regulatory T and B cells, anti-inflammatory cytokines, antigen-presenting cell modulation, and IgG4-associated mechanisms that can limit IgE-mediated effector responses. Molecular similarities between parasite-derived antigens and environmental allergens, including conserved protein families and carbohydrate epitopes, may contribute to cross-reactive IgE responses and complicate allergy diagnostics. Therefore, current research is shifting from live helminth therapy toward defined parasite-derived molecules and immunomodulatory pathways that may inspire safer and more controlled therapeutic strategies. A clearer understanding of parasite-allergy interactions may improve diagnostic interpretation and support the development of new approaches to the management of allergic disease.