S. japonicum infection also showed potential for attenuating DSS-induced colitis in Kunming mice, a feature which has been linked to decreased Th1, Th2 and Th17 responses, characterized by a significant decrease in the serum levels of IL-6, IL-2, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ and TNF-α (42). The gene discussed is IL17A; the disease is colitis.