I am a molecular parasitologist exploring parasitism in blood-feeding human helminths, with a particular focus on the molecular biology of parasite feeding and immune evasion. I am utilizing this information to develop anti-helminth recombinant vaccines a
Pathways To Improved, Sustainable Morbidity Control And Prevention Of Schistosomiasis In The People's Republic Of China.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,329,712.00
Summary
600 million Chinese are infected with parasites. One of the most important of these is the Asia or Oriental human bloodfluke, Schistosoma japonicum. It causes schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), a very serious and debilitating disease and a major health problem for more than 40 million Chinese living in Southern China. Infection occurs when people make contact with water contaminated by microscopically small cercariae larvae that are released from freshwater snails. As well as humans, Schistosoma japon ....600 million Chinese are infected with parasites. One of the most important of these is the Asia or Oriental human bloodfluke, Schistosoma japonicum. It causes schistosomiasis (Bilharzia), a very serious and debilitating disease and a major health problem for more than 40 million Chinese living in Southern China. Infection occurs when people make contact with water contaminated by microscopically small cercariae larvae that are released from freshwater snails. As well as humans, Schistosoma japonicum infects a number of other mammals, such as water buffaloes, which complicates control efforts. Current control is based on treatment with the drug parziquantel. Vaccines in combination with other control methods, including the use of new drugs, are needed to make elimination of the disease possible. This new program of research has a very strong emphasis on mutual research training and scientific interaction that will: determine whether another drug, artemether, can be used as an aid in control; increase our understanding of the immunological and genetic processes involved in the development of the disease of schistosomiasis; determine the importance of buffalo infections in maintaining human schistosomiasis transmission; undertake genomics and post-genomics research on existing and new discovered S. japonicum molecules that are candidates as new vaccines and diagnostics; and develop a mathematical model that can predict the optimum methods for the sustained control of schistosomiasis in China.Read moreRead less
Type 2 Immunity: A Regulator Of Physiology, Tissue Repair And Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$640,210.00
Summary
Intestinal helminths (worms) have evolved together with humans and induce strong type 2 immune responses effective at eradicating the parasite, mediating tissue repair and modulating the gut microbiota. My research aims to decipher the roles of type 2 immunity in regulating intestinal health and promoting tissue repair. I also plan to determine how worm infection and type 2 immunity modulate the microbiota the impact of this on health, particularly obesity.
Genomic-based Tools To Support The Control Of Urogenital Schistosomiasis And Hepatic Opisthorchiasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Over 100 million people are affected by parasitic flukes that promote malignant tumours. Parasite control depends on a single drug, making resistance an imminent threat. I will deliver new genomic tools to unravel the complex interactions between parasites and humans, and explore parasite population diversity on a continental scale. I will then prioritise a panel of anti-parasitic drug targets and vaccine candidates to deliver the next generation of interventions against parasitic diseases.
Proteomic Approaches To Explore The Pathogenesis And Secretomes Of Parasitic Flukes Of Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,320.00
Summary
Ten percent of the human population are at risk of infection with liver, blood and lung flukes. These parasites cause considerable human morbidity and mortality including a strong association with cancer of the bile ducts. Current control efforts rely on drugs, but, reinfection and resistance are a problem. This research is aimed at understanding how these parasites cause disease (particularly how a parasite causes cancer) and the development of vaccines and new drugs.
Age-dependent Regulation Of Type 2 Immunity By Dermal Innate Lymphoid Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,281.00
Summary
Type 2 immune responses are critical for the defense against worm infections, but can also cause allergic reactions. How type 2 immunity is regulated is poorly understood. The aim of this application is to define the function of a newly discovered skin immune cell population, dermal type 2 innate lymphoid cell, in cutaneous worm infections and allergies. We anticipate that our studies will aid in the development of strategies to prevent or treat skin allergies and parasitic infections.
Secreted Exosome-like Vesicles From The Carcinogenic Liver Fluke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$771,543.00
Summary
Parasitic liver flukes secrete microscopic cell-like vesicles into the bile ducts when feeding on infected humans. These vesicles, called exosomes, are taken up by the cells lining the bile ducts and promote them to become pre-cancerous. We will characterise the contents of these fluke exosomes and identify the key molecules on their surfaces that can be used to prevent exosome uptake by cells and ultimately form the basis of a vaccine that prevents fluke infection and subsequent liver cancer.
Targeting Schistosome Calcium Signalling To Improve And Broaden Praziquantel Efficacy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,661.00
Summary
Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms, treatment relies solely on praziquantel (PZQ). Schistosomes respond and recover from PZQ exposure through modulation of the gene CamKII. We will target this gene to both increase and extend the efficacy of PZQ in both adult parasites and in refractory juvenile parasites. Research will expand into assaying CamKII inhibitors to maximise effectiveness and take this work into animal models of this disease.
Tropical Diseases: Translating Discoveries Into Better Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$19,803,660.00
Summary
Major progress being made in control of many infectious diseases occurring in tropical areas, including malaria worms and the bacteria that causes strep throat. However, currently available tools will not permit their full control or elimination. This program is aimed to improve understanding of these diseases and to develop the much needed tools that will be required for their elimination.
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are found in the lining of the intestine and are part of the intricate crosstalk between the food we eat, good bacteria, epithelial cells and other immune cells. Without ILCs, the body is susceptible to infections through the intestinal tract. I will investigate the signals from nerve cells that control that activity of ILCs during infection to give us insights into pathways that activate ILCs in situations where they are reduced or inactive.