CRISPR-edited hookworms turn into living antidote factories inside the body
TL;DR
Researchers modified hookworms (Ancylostoma ceylanicum) with CRISPR to secrete an antibody that neutralizes tetrodotoxin, showing in hamsters that a parasite can act as a living factory for therapeutics; a first‑of‑its‑kind proof of concept with potential to deliver antibodies or other drugs inside the body, though human use is years away and future work must address durability and safety.
- Genetically modified worms can now produce and deliver drugs inside a living body, scientists say Live Science
- Engineered hookworms could one day dispense drugs from inside your gut Science News
- Transgenic hookworm secretes anti-tetrodotoxin human single chain antibody Nature
- Genetically modified hookworms produce and deliver therapeutics WashU Medicine
- Washington University engineers hookworms to deliver detox antibodies in hamsters 동아사이언스
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