By By Tim Sandle Sep 30, 2014 in Science In a ground breaking study Australian scientists have successfully used hookworms to alleviate the symptoms of celiac disease. The reason for using hookworms relates to the ability of helminths (parasitic worms) to treat inflammatory diseases. The worms have the ability to restrain the human immune response. Specifically, certain proteins produced by the worms hold back certain types of immune cells called T cells. Hookworms are parasitic nematodes that live in the small intestine of its host. By the The study results effectively meant that each participant saw an increase in their gluten tolerance by a factor of 60. The results mean that hookworms are a candidate for treating a range of immune disease. However, the researchers also recognize that many people will find taking in worm larvae unpalatable. The long term aim is to take the proteins produced by the worms and to manufacture a drug. The findings have been The finding is the outcome of a trial run over a year. In the trial, 12 participants were each infected with 20 Necator americanus (hookworm) larvae. At the same time, the participants were administered gradually increasing doses of gluten. The gluten began with one-tenth of a gram per day; with the final dose of gluten equivalent to a medium-sized bowl of spaghetti (around three grams).The reason for using hookworms relates to the ability of helminths (parasitic worms) to treat inflammatory diseases. The worms have the ability to restrain the human immune response. Specifically, certain proteins produced by the worms hold back certain types of immune cells called T cells. Hookworms are parasitic nematodes that live in the small intestine of its host.By the end of the study the subjects showed no signs of the inflammation that accompanies celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine. Symptoms include pain and discomfort in the digestive tract, chronic constipation and diarrhea.The study results effectively meant that each participant saw an increase in their gluten tolerance by a factor of 60. The results mean that hookworms are a candidate for treating a range of immune disease. However, the researchers also recognize that many people will find taking in worm larvae unpalatable. The long term aim is to take the proteins produced by the worms and to manufacture a drug.The findings have been published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The paper is headed “Experimental hookworm infection and gluten microchallenge promote tolerance in celiac disease.” More about hookworms, Celiac disease, Immune System More news from hookworms Celiac disease Immune System