Hookworm treatment induces a decrease of suppressive regulatory T cell associated with a Th2 inflammatory response.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Helminth infections, like hookworm (HW), modulate host immune responses.
• Limited data exists on immune response evolution post-treatment for hookworm infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To phenotype the regulatory immune response during natural hookworm infection.
• To track the immune response evolution after antiparasitic treatment.

Main Methods:

• Blood and fecal samples collected from hookworm-infected (HW+) and non-infected (HW-) individuals.
• Analysis of hematological parameters, regulatory T cells (Treg), surface molecules, and cytokines before and after Albendazole treatment.
• Longitudinal sampling up to 12 months post-treatment in the HW+ group.

Main Results:

• HW+ subjects exhibited increased Treg, including suppressive (TregICOS+, Treg PD1-, rTreg) and non-suppressive phenotypes.
• No significant difference in Th1/Th2 orientation or IL-10 levels between groups.
• Post-treatment, Treg populations decreased, accompanied by increased IL-4 and IL-6 cytokine levels.

Conclusions:

• Hookworm infection leads to a heterogeneous increase in regulatory T cells.
• Treatment-induced reduction in suppressive Treg phenotypes correlates with a developing Th2 inflammatory response.