Generalized urticaria induced by the Na-ASP-2 hookworm vaccine: Implications for the development of vaccines against helminths

David J. Diemert, Antonio G. Pinto, Janaina Freire, Amar Jariwala, Helton Santiago, Robert G. Hamilton, Maria Victoria Periago, Alex Loukas, Leon Tribolet, Jason Mulvenna, Rodrigo Correa-Oliveira, Peter J. Hotez, Jeffrey M. Bethony

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Necator americanus Ancylostoma-secreted protein 2 (Na-ASP-2) is secreted by infective hookworm larvae on entry into human hosts. Vaccination of laboratory animals with recombinant Na-ASP-2 provides significant protection against challenge infections. In endemic areas antibodies to Na-ASP-2 are associated with reduced risk of heavy N americanus infections. Objective: To assess the safety and immunogenicity of recombinant Na-ASP-2 adjuvanted with Alhydrogel in healthy Brazilian adults previously infected with N americanus. Methods: Participants were randomized to receive Na-ASP-2 or hepatitis B vaccine. Major IgG and IgE epitopes of the Na-ASP-2 molecule were mapped by using sera from these same subjects. Seroepidemiologic studies in adults and children residing in hookworm-endemic areas were conducted to assess the prevalence of IgE responses to Na-ASP-2. Results: Vaccination with a single dose of Na-ASP-2 resulted in generalized urticarial reactions in several volunteers. These reactions were associated with pre-existing Na-ASP-2-specific IgE likely induced by previous hookworm infection. Surveys revealed that a significant proportion of the population in hookworm-endemic areas had increased levels of IgE to Na-ASP-2. Epitope mapping demonstrated sites on the Na-ASP-2 molecule that are uniquely or jointly recognized by IgG and IgE antibodies. Conclusion: Infection with N americanus induces increased levels of total and specific IgE to Na-ASP-2 that result in generalized urticaria on vaccination with recombinant Na-ASP-2. These data advance knowledge of vaccine development for helminths given their propensity to induce strong TH2 responses. Study data highlight the important differences between the immune responses to natural helminth infection and to vaccination with a recombinant helminth antigen.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)169-176.e6
JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Volume130
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

Keywords

  • Brazil
  • Hookworm
  • IgE
  • Na-ASP-2
  • Necator americanus
  • urticaria
  • vaccine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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