attenuated hookworm larvae vaccine

The attenuated hookworm larvae vaccine is an investigational live attenuated biologic developed by the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute to prevent human hookworm infection, primarily caused by *Necator americanus*. The vaccine utilizes third-stage (L3) larvae that have been attenuated using ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation, which induces DNA damage that prevents the parasites from completing their migration to the gut and maturing into adult worms, while remaining metabolically active enough to stimulate a robust immune response. Administered via skin inoculation (percutaneous) to mimic the natural route of hookworm entry, the vaccine is designed to induce both humoral (antibody) and cellular (T-cell) immunity against larval antigens. A Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and immunogenic, showing a reduction in larval output following a controlled human infection challenge.

Other names

UVC-attenuated Necator americanus L3 vaccinelive attenuated hookworm vaccine