Immunomodulatory effect of hemozoin from Opisthorchis felineus and its participation in reducing allergic inflammation through activation of the inflammasome.

Hemozoin is a dark brown insoluble biocrystal, an excretory product of a number of hematophageal parasites (Schistosoma mansoni, Plasmodium falciparum and Opisthorchis felineus). This excretory product is a promising compound of parasitic origin for study, has pronounced immunomodulatory properties. This review presents an analysis of the accumulated literature data regarding the immunomodulatory effect of the trematode Opisthorchis felineus and its closely related species. The literature data on the immunomodulatory effect of hemozoin of various origins are analyzed. Current information on the immune mechanisms of inflammasome activation and the possible role of hemozoin in reducing allergic inflammation through this mechanism is presented.