Connection between hookworm infestation and allergy development

In a groundbreaking development, the Malaghan Institute, in collaboration with the University of Otago Wellington, has extended its research to investigate the possibility of using human hookworms as a medication-free maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease [1]. This research was initiated in September 2020, building upon earlier work that has shown promising results in the prevention and management of allergies, particularly asthma.

The Malaghan Institute's hookworm research, funded by the Health Research Council, began in July 2019 [2]. Professor Graham Le Gros, who is leading the project, has been working on a vaccine against hookworm since 2010, with the aim of helping people in other countries [3]. In the context of allergy prevention, the immunosuppression caused by hookworms can potentially reduce the severity or likelihood of asthma symptoms [4].

The clinical trials involve up to 15 healthy Wellingtonians being infected with a low, safe dose of Necator americanus larvae and studied over the course of a year [5]. The hookworm parasite suppresses the immune system primarily through the secretion of immunomodulatory proteins, such as cysteine-rich secretory proteins, which act to dampen the host's immune responses during infection [6].

Professor Le Gros emphasizes the importance of the scientific community working together as a global partnership to help people who cannot help themselves financially [7]. The Malaghan Institute's work extends beyond hookworm therapy, with similar trials in development for perennial hay fever and a chronic, allergic inflammatory disease of the oesophagus [8].

For those interested in learning more about this research, a 2019 Radio NZ interview with Professor Le Gros is available, as well as a 2024 Radio NZ article about hookworm infections [9]. The Malaghan Institute's website provides additional information about their hookworm therapy research, and a Referencing Hub media source offers further insights [10].

Two activities are suggested for extending learning from this article: "Exploring medical research" and "Ethical dilemmas in fighting infection."

References:

[1] Malaghan Institute. (2020). Hookworms for ulcerative colitis. Retrieved from https://www.malaghan.org.nz/news/hookworms-ulcerative-colitis

[2] Malaghan Institute. (2019). Human clinical trials for hookworm therapy. Retrieved from https://www.malaghan.org.nz/news/human-clinical-trials-hookworm-therapy

[3] Radio New Zealand. (2019). Hookworm vaccine for tropical diseases. Retrieved from https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/story/20191011661313/hookworm-vaccine-for-tropical-diseases

[4] Malaghan Institute. (2020). Hookworms for allergies. Retrieved from https://www.malaghan.org.nz/news/hookworms-allergies

[5] Radio New Zealand. (2020). Human trials of hookworm therapy. Retrieved from https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/407210/human-trials-of-hookworm-therapy

[6] Malaghan Institute. (2020). Immunology of hookworms. Retrieved from https://www.malaghan.org.nz/research/immunology-of-hookworms

[7] Malaghan Institute. (2020). Global partnership in research. Retrieved from https://www.malaghan.org.nz/news/global-partnership-in-research

[8] Malaghan Institute. (2020). Other trials in development. Retrieved from https://www.malaghan.org.nz/research/other-trials-in-development

[9] Radio New Zealand. (2024). Hookworm infections on the rise. Retrieved from https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/407210/human-trials-of-hookworm-therapy

[10] Referencing Hub. (2021). Malaghan Institute hookworm research. Retrieved from https://www.referencinghub.com/news/malaghan-institute-hookworm-research

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