研究发现一种血吸虫能够关闭人体部分免疫“警报”

Core Insights - Researchers at Tulane University School of Medicine have discovered that the Schistosoma mansoni parasite has evolved a mechanism to shut down the body's pain and itch immune "alarms," allowing it to invade the skin unnoticed [1][2] - This "invisibility" strategy of the parasite may provide insights for the development of new pain relief medications [1] Group 1: Mechanism of Infection - Schistosoma mansoni can penetrate the skin without causing pain or itch, unlike other bacteria or parasites [1] - The research indicates that the parasite suppresses specific neuronal pathways in the skin, preventing the activation of pain or itch signals [1] Group 2: Implications for Pain Relief - The study highlights that Schistosoma mansoni reduces the activity of TRPV1+ protein, which is crucial for transmitting heat, pain, or itch signals to the brain [1] - Identifying and isolating the molecules produced by the parasite that block TRPV1+ activation could lead to new therapies for preventing schistosomiasis and developing alternative pain relief medications [2]