Schistosomes--proteomics studies for potential novel vaccines and drug targets

Schistosomiasis is a major health problem and, despite decades of research, only one effective drug, Praziquantel is currently available. Recent expansion of sequence databases on Schistosoma mansoni and S. japonicum has permitted a wealth of novel proteomic studies on several aspects of the organization and development of the parasite in the human host. This unprecedented accumulation of molecular data is allowing a more rational approach to propose drug targets and vaccine candidates, such as proteins located at the parasite surface. Successful preliminary trials of two vaccine candidates that have been detected at the parasite surface by proteomics give grounds for believing that such an approach may provide a fresh start for the field.