Haemoglobin Degrading Proteases As Targets Of Anti-hookworm Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$522,773.00
Summary
Blood-feeding worms ingest red blood cells and disrupt them in the intestine, releasing haemogobin (Hb). We have recently shown that canine hookworms employ a battery of distinct proteolytic enzymes, termed haemoglobinases, which digest Hb. The families of proteases used and the order in which they act are strikingly similar to the defined catalytic pathway used by the malaria parasite to digest Hb in its food vacuole. Recent work from our laboratory has shown that these proteases are effective ....Blood-feeding worms ingest red blood cells and disrupt them in the intestine, releasing haemogobin (Hb). We have recently shown that canine hookworms employ a battery of distinct proteolytic enzymes, termed haemoglobinases, which digest Hb. The families of proteases used and the order in which they act are strikingly similar to the defined catalytic pathway used by the malaria parasite to digest Hb in its food vacuole. Recent work from our laboratory has shown that these proteases are effective as vaccines against canine hookworm disease by interfering with the worm's ability to feed on blood and obtain suitable nutrition. This in turn affects the ability of female worms to lay eggs, thereby potentially disrupting transmission of the parasites. We now propose to identify the genes encoding haemoglobinases from the human hookworm, Necator americanus, determine the ordered pathway of Hb degradation and explore in vitro correlates of the effectiveness of a haemoglobinase vaccine in animal models of hookworm infection and pathogenesis.Read moreRead less
INSIDE THE SKIN: UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT HOST RESPONSES IN SCABIES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$499,095.00
Summary
Scabies is an underlying cause of poor health in indigenous communities worldwide. Crusted scabies is a poorly understood, life-threatening form of the disease compromising the success of community control strategies. This research compares the immune response in the skin of scabies patients, and in a world-first animal model of human scabies. This will reveal specific immune defects predisposing to disease, ultimately resulting in improved skin health for disadvantaged communities
A Targeted Molecular Approach To Treating Scabies And Associated Bacterial Infections.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,334.00
Summary
Chronic infestation of human skin with parasitic scabies mites is a severe health burden in Australian Indigenous communities and other disadvantaged communities around the world. Secondary infections with bacteria exacerbate this skin problem, with long-term, systemic and often fatal consequences including rheumatic heart disease. Analyses of the scabies mite genome and associated bacteria will accelerate biomedical research toward improved treatment and control of this neglected disease.
A New Animal Model For Genitourinary Schistosomiasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$395,711.00
Summary
Schistosoma haematobium causes genitourinary schistosomiasis, a serious disease that affects reproductive health, urinary system health and potentially bladder cancer. This species is the most pathogenic species of all schistosomes, but comparatively less is know about it than other species because of a lack of a suitable model. We need a suitable model host for this important parasite. This project will test whether newborn pigs can be used as laboratory models.
Scabies Mite Proteins As Targets For The Development Of New Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Scabies and associated bacteria disease (pyoderma) are a significant health burden, with pyoderma implicated in rheumatic fever and heart disease. Investigations of the mechanism underlying scabies and bacteria disease links, identified scabies proteins inhibiting the human complement system. The inhibition prevents mite damage and promotes growth of bacteria. This proposal aims to elucidate the interaction between scabies, bacteria and the human host, in order to design new therapeutics.
Scabies Mite Intestinal Proteases As Targets For Novel Therapeutics.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$672,533.00
Summary
Scabies causes bacterial disease affecting poor people worldwide. Available therapies are limited and drug resistance is emerging. We investigate molecules that the mite needs to infest the skin, to guide the formulation and the testing of novel drugs. This will provide improved treatment of affected individuals and their families, thereby reducing the spread of scabies and bacterial infections and their devastating sequelae, particularly in Australian Indigenous communities.