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Cercarial Transformation and in vitro Cultivation of Schistosoma mansoni Schistosomules
Published on: August 16, 2011
Developing vaccines to combat hookworm infection and intestinal schistosomiasis
Peter J Hotez1, Jeffrey M Bethony, David J Diemert
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|October 16, 2010
Summary
Developing vaccines against hookworm (Necator americanus) and schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni) could significantly reduce global disability. Promising vaccine antigens have been identified using new genomic and proteomic data.
Area of Science:
- * Parasitology and Tropical Medicine
- * Vaccine Development and Immunology
Background:
- * Hookworm infection and schistosomiasis are major health issues in developing nations, causing anemia, malnutrition, and severe organ damage.
- * Co-infections with Necator americanus and Schistosoma mansoni are prevalent in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Brazil.
- * These helminthiases contribute significantly to the global burden of disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To review recent advancements in vaccine development for hookworm and schistosomiasis.
- * To present the rationale and promising candidate antigens for creating effective vaccines.
- * To highlight the potential impact of vaccines in reducing helminthiasis-related global disability.
Main Methods:
- * Integration of new genomic, proteomic, and immunological data.
- * Utilisation of X-ray crystallography for antigen structure determination.
- * Review of current research progress in vaccine candidate identification.
Main Results:
- * Identification of several promising candidate vaccine antigens for hookworm and schistosomiasis.
- * Advancements in understanding host-parasite interactions at a molecular level.
- * Progress in preclinical and early-stage clinical evaluations of vaccine candidates.
Conclusions:
- * Vaccine development holds significant promise for controlling debilitating helminthiases.
- * Novel antigens identified through advanced technologies offer new avenues for intervention.
- * Further research and development are crucial to translate these findings into effective public health tools.
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