The Helminth Defence Molecules, discovered by UTSⁱ researchers, form a novel family of peptides which have potent immunomodulatory activity. Studies have demonstrated that these peptides induce alternative activation of macrophages, and thus may be able to correct the progression of autoimmune disease, such as Type 1 Diabetes. The peptides can induce immune tolerance, and have great potential in a variety of transplant settings. Further development of the Helminth Defence Molecules research could lead to an immunomodulatory therapy for the prevention or treatment of Type 1 Diabetes and reveal applications for other autoimmune diseases. 

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