RNA interference-mediated hookworm control by gut-dwelling lactic acid bacteria

BACKGROUND: The complex life cycle of geohelminth parasites make it difficult to manage repeated infections that occur in endemic areas, that requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. Human hookworm Ancylostoma sp. and Necator sp. are a serious problem in many areas of the world where the old age anti-helminthics are ineffective. To address this, we have tried a non-traditional therapeutic approach for a sustainable solution to manage parasite infections. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In this study, we attempted to develop a new type of therapy using value-added probiotics-producing antiparasitic RNA interference (RNAi) molecules against a vital hookworm (Ancylostoma sp.) enzyme, astacin-like metalloprotease Ac-MTP-1. A new gut delivery RNAi vector was designed to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against the target to be delivered by feeding with a probiotic Lactococcus lactis that when administered in endemic areas can potentially be used to control the spread of infection by interrupting the life cycle of hookworm. RESULTS: The engineered probiotics colonizing the gut, when consumed by the parasite released the dsRNA that which knocked down the target by RNAi interfering with their moulting and tissue migration. The initial penetration of the larvae into the gut lining was reduced by 70%, followed by a reduction of up to 50% in migration to the critical organs. The damage caused to the liver (30%–40%) and the kidneys (50%–60%) by the hookworm in mouse models as quantitated by enzymes released in the blood was totally reversed when the worms were pre fed with the engineered L. lactis before the parasite challenge. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this is the first demonstrated knockdown of a target gene in hookworms using probiotics genetically engineered to stimulate RNAi (RNAi food), administered through the oral route. This novel method of parasite control when extended to other hookworms, A. duodenalis and A. ceylanicum can augment the efficacy of the existing anthelminthics if combined with them.