Novel Compound to Combat Schistosoma mansoni Infection
Advisor Information
Dr. Paul Davis
Location
MBSC Gallery Room 308 - U
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
4-3-2022 10:45 AM
End Date
4-3-2022 12:00 PM
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a commonly neglected tropical disease, is a waterborne parasitic worm infection able to infect through direct skin penetration. This disease affects approximately 270 million people worldwide and ranks only second to malaria as a leading infectious disease. Although some possible alternatives are emerging, currently, the most effective drug treatment is praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ is only effective against the adult stage of the worm, allowing juvenile worms to progress in the infection. Additionally, Schistosoma worms are developing resistance to this drug as reduced efficacy has been noted. Thus, the need for drug discovery and testing is increased. SA01, a worm clearing compound is being investigated to treat Schistosomiasis. Previous data points to the compound acting on the host’s immune system as opposed to directly on the worms. Single cell transcriptomics was conducted, and a notable change was significant increase in neutrophil population. To explore this immunological phenotype, transcriptomics is conducted to analyze expression patterns for genes associated with neutrophil activation and granulopoiesis to elucidate SA01’s mechanism of action.
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Novel Compound to Combat Schistosoma mansoni Infection
MBSC Gallery Room 308 - U
Schistosomiasis, a commonly neglected tropical disease, is a waterborne parasitic worm infection able to infect through direct skin penetration. This disease affects approximately 270 million people worldwide and ranks only second to malaria as a leading infectious disease. Although some possible alternatives are emerging, currently, the most effective drug treatment is praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ is only effective against the adult stage of the worm, allowing juvenile worms to progress in the infection. Additionally, Schistosoma worms are developing resistance to this drug as reduced efficacy has been noted. Thus, the need for drug discovery and testing is increased. SA01, a worm clearing compound is being investigated to treat Schistosomiasis. Previous data points to the compound acting on the host’s immune system as opposed to directly on the worms. Single cell transcriptomics was conducted, and a notable change was significant increase in neutrophil population. To explore this immunological phenotype, transcriptomics is conducted to analyze expression patterns for genes associated with neutrophil activation and granulopoiesis to elucidate SA01’s mechanism of action.
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