Human anthelminthic vaccines: Rationale and challenges

Peter J Hotez; Ulrich Strych; Sara Lustigman; Maria Elena Bottazzi

doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.112

Human anthelminthic vaccines: Rationale and challenges

Vaccine. 2016 Jun 24;34(30):3549-55. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.112. Epub 2016 May 9.

Authors

Peter J Hotez¹, Ulrich Strych², Sara Lustigman³, Maria Elena Bottazzi⁴

Affiliations

¹ Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; James A. Baker III Institute of Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address: hotez@bcm.edu.
² Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
³ Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA.
⁴ Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.

PMID: 27171753
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.112

Abstract

Helminth infections are the most common afflictions of humankind, affecting almost every single person living in profound poverty. Through mass drug administration (MDA) we have seen sharp declines in the global prevalence of some helminth infections, including lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, and ascariasis. However, since 1990, there has been no appreciable decrease in the global prevalence of hookworm infection, schistosomiasis, or food-borne trematodiases. Through the activities of a non-profit product development partnerships and two research institutes, a total of five human anthelmintic vaccines for hookworm infection (two) and schistosomiasis (three) have advanced from discovery through manufacture and are now in Phase 1 clinical testing. At least three additional antigens, including two for onchocerciasis and one for schistosomiasis, are also advancing through preclinical development with the intention of moving into the clinic soon. These preventive human anthelmintic vaccines could be used as stand-alone technologies administered to infants as part of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), or together with anthelmintic drugs in programs linked to MDA. Significant hurdles though could hinder the advancement of these vaccines into later-stage clinical and product development and licensure. They include the absence of a major pharma partner (and the resultant access to adjuvants and industrial scale manufacturing expertise), an uncharted roadmap for how to introduce anthelmintic vaccines into appropriate health systems, uncertain global access and regulatory strategies that might need to rely on developing country vaccine manufacturers and national regulatory authorities, and the lack of innovative financing schemes. However, the public health and economic benefits of introducing these vaccines could be massive and therefore deserve international attention and support.

Keywords: Ascariasis; Helminths; Hookworm; NTDs; Neglected tropical diseases; Shistosomiasis.

MeSH terms

Anthelmintics / therapeutic use
Developing Countries
Helminthiasis / prevention & control*
Hookworm Infections / prevention & control
Humans
Schistosomiasis / prevention & control
Vaccines / immunology*

Substances

Anthelmintics
Vaccines