Immune Response to Parasites
By Dr. Kione Teta, ND, LAc · April 13, 2026 · Immunity and Vaccination Series - Part 1: 8(10)
If viruses are stealthy invaders and bacteria are quick-strike raiders, parasites are master manipulators. These complex organisms—ranging from single-celled protozoa to multicellular worms—don’t just infect. They embed, evade, and often cohabitate within us for months or years.
The immune response to parasites is among the most sophisticated and frustrating challenges the body faces. Parasites are often too large to phagocytose, can suppress or misdirect immune responses, and may even reshape entire immune environments to promote long-term survival.
Parasites come in two main classes:
This is the opening of the article. The full piece is on Kione's Substack.