Immunological Dynamics of Helminth Infections: From Host Defence and Immune Evasion Mechanisms to Vaccine Strategies

Helminthiasis refers to infections caused by parasitic worms, which represent a significant global health burden, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The pathophysiology of helminth infections is highly complex, largely due to the intricate interactions between the host's immune system and the parasite's sophisticated immune evasion strategies. These parasites can modulate host immunity to ensure their long-term survival, often inducing regulatory responses that hinder both natural immunity and vaccine development. However, in recent decades, new vaccine candidates have emerged that show promise in combating these infections. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe the host immune response to helminth infections, examine the mechanisms by which helminths evade immune detection, and explore advances in vaccine development as a strategy for controlling these neglected diseases.