Intestinal microbiota is in strict relationship with gut immune cells and a good\udbalance between both components is able to guarantee a condition of healthy status in the\udhost. Helminths tend to alter the host immune system via release of anti-inflammatory\udcytokines and, in particular, interleukin (IL)-10. IL-10 release by FoxP3+ T regulatory (Treg)\udcells, in turn, down-regulates T helper (h)2 cells, which instead protects the host against\udhelminths. At the same time, helminths are able to interact with intestinal microbiota, thus\udleading to either harmful or protective effects. Therapeutically, polyphenols have been shown\udto modulate gut microbiota, also interfering with helminth development. In this context, our\udstudies using polyphenols from red wine and fermented grape marc have shown antiinflammatory\udactivities exerted by these compounds, even including expansion and activation\udof Treg cells. Since evidence has been provided that Treg cell activation with production of\udIL-10 can attenuate immunopathology in the later phase of helminth infections, dietary\udpolyphenols may be beneficial in the chronic stage of parasitoses.
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