Role of regulatory T cells in Schistosoma-mediated protection against type 1 diabetes

The prevalence of T1D in developed societies is partly based on the hygiene hypothesis, that is, the loss of exposure to infectious agents accompanies the loss of immune stimuli shaping the immune system during development. Indeed, the components of parasites, such as Schistosoma, have been reported to ameliorate or prevent the development of T1D, which might be associated with immune cell activity especially that of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Schistosoma infection can lead to the expansion of Treg. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the involvement of Tregs in the response against Schistosoma infection and the mechanism of Schistosoma-associated host protection against T1D. •Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a Th1-type immune response-mediated disease.•Regulatory T cell expansion might prevent T1D.•Schistosoma infection can lead to regulatory T cell expansion in mice.•Schistosoma might play a role in preventing the onset of T1D in humans.