Effects of Antischistosomal Compounds on Immune Response
Advisor Information
Paul Davis
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
3-3-2017 10:45 AM
End Date
3-3-2017 12:00 PM
Abstract
Schistosomiasis or ‘snail fever’ is a water-borne infectious disease caused by parasitic blood flukes known as schistosomes. Schistosomiasis is ranked as the second most devastating parasitic infection and affects over 230 million people worldwide. Currently, Praziquantel is the only treatment option available. While Praziquantel is safe and effective against the adult stages of the worm, it shows little efficacy against the juvenile worm and cases of resistance are becoming a threat. Compound X, discovered in the 1980’s, has shown promising efficacy in vivo but lacks in vitro activity. In an effort to identify the underlying mechanism of action and reasons for the disconnect, immunological-based experiments were conducted. We evaluated the effects of Compound X and analogs on host phagocytic and granulocytic activity. Macrophage phagocytosis was determined by measuring the uptake of fluorescent E. coli particles and granulocytic activity will be assessed using quantitative PCR to analyze gene expression. Though the research into eosinophil granulocytic activity is currently ongoing, we were able to show that phagocytic activity was not stimulated by these compounds.
Effects of Antischistosomal Compounds on Immune Response
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Schistosomiasis or ‘snail fever’ is a water-borne infectious disease caused by parasitic blood flukes known as schistosomes. Schistosomiasis is ranked as the second most devastating parasitic infection and affects over 230 million people worldwide. Currently, Praziquantel is the only treatment option available. While Praziquantel is safe and effective against the adult stages of the worm, it shows little efficacy against the juvenile worm and cases of resistance are becoming a threat. Compound X, discovered in the 1980’s, has shown promising efficacy in vivo but lacks in vitro activity. In an effort to identify the underlying mechanism of action and reasons for the disconnect, immunological-based experiments were conducted. We evaluated the effects of Compound X and analogs on host phagocytic and granulocytic activity. Macrophage phagocytosis was determined by measuring the uptake of fluorescent E. coli particles and granulocytic activity will be assessed using quantitative PCR to analyze gene expression. Though the research into eosinophil granulocytic activity is currently ongoing, we were able to show that phagocytic activity was not stimulated by these compounds.