The type 2 immune response that develops during infectious disease has undergone major paradigm shifts in the last several years as new cell types and pathways have been identified. It is now clear that the type 2 immune response, characterized by elevations in specific cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, is associated with helminth infections in both humans and mice. This response is complex and includes effector functions that mediate resistance, contributing to expulsion and in some cases destruction, of the parasite. But just as importantly, the type 2 immune response can also mediate tolerance mechanisms, which can mitigate tissue injury as these large multicellular parasites transit through vital organs. The tolerance mechanisms include both tissue repair and immune regulatory effects. These latter aspects of the helminth-induced type 2 immune response are increasingly recognized as a potential resource that can be mined for the development of novel immunotherapies that may enhance wound healing, control of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and regulation of metabolic homeostasis. In this book, leading researchers in this exciting and dynamic field discuss the latest findings and emerging concepts, providing an intellectual framework that can be used as a basis for new discoveries and potentially new treatments for diseases associated with inflammation.

Parasitic Nematodes are amongst the most successful parasites on Earth. This fully-updated second edition constitutes a comprehensive volume that continues to discuss the molecular biology, biochemistry and immunology of nematode parasites of humans, domestic animals and plants. There is a strong focus on new advances including chapters on horizontal gene transfer, genetics of susceptibility in humans, nematode protein structures, role of bacterial symbionts, host immune system modulation, modulation of allergic and autoimmune diseases by parasitic nematodes and the use of these organisms or their products as therapeutics. This book will be of significant importance to advanced students and researchers in human and veterinary parasitology, plant nematology and pathogen immunology in general.