HOOKWORM-PROVOKED IGE-MEDIATED PATHOLOGY - CAPRICIOUS DAMAGE OR REMARKABLE STRATEGY

The existence of the canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum in the human gut stems to be curtailed by an effective IgE-mediated inflammatory re sponse against the helminth's feeding secretions, which, by damaging t he host, compromises the parasite's feeding opportunities. In contrast , immunity does not develop against adapted, anthropophilic hookworm s pecies, and it is suggested this relates to modulation of the inflamma tory response by hookworm secretions. Here, John Croese discusses this hypothesis and its implications for the development of drugs to suppr ess allergy.