Novel Approach to Drug Discovery Against the Chronic Stage of the Parasite Toxoplasma gondii
Presenter Type
UNO Undergraduate Student
Major/Field of Study
Biology
Other
Molecular and Biomedical Biology
Advisor Information
Paul H. Davis
Location
MBSC306 - U
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
24-3-2023 9:00 AM
End Date
24-3-2023 10:15 AM
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan, is globally prevalent with nearly 2.5 billion people chronically infected worldwide. T. gondii can cause toxoplasmosis, often leading to profound neuropathology and potentially death. Currently, acute toxoplasmosis is treated with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which is a combination of an antiprotozoal and a sulfonamide. This combination of drugs directly targets the active stage of infection but has failed to eliminate or impact the chronic stage of bradyzoites. Current in vitro cell culture does not allow for the complete maturation of bradyzoite cysts which resemble those found in tissue, limiting the ability to screen novel compounds against this stage. Ideally, a new method would allow for in vitro bradyzoite formation with greater similarity to those found in vivo. Recently, cultured myoblasts have been used to form tissue-like bradyzoite cysts within an in vitro system. We aimed to establish this system for evaluating efficacy of novel compounds against this historically chemo-resistant parasite stage.
Scheduling
9:15-10:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-Noon, 1-2:15 p.m.
Novel Approach to Drug Discovery Against the Chronic Stage of the Parasite Toxoplasma gondii
MBSC306 - U
Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan, is globally prevalent with nearly 2.5 billion people chronically infected worldwide. T. gondii can cause toxoplasmosis, often leading to profound neuropathology and potentially death. Currently, acute toxoplasmosis is treated with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which is a combination of an antiprotozoal and a sulfonamide. This combination of drugs directly targets the active stage of infection but has failed to eliminate or impact the chronic stage of bradyzoites. Current in vitro cell culture does not allow for the complete maturation of bradyzoite cysts which resemble those found in tissue, limiting the ability to screen novel compounds against this stage. Ideally, a new method would allow for in vitro bradyzoite formation with greater similarity to those found in vivo. Recently, cultured myoblasts have been used to form tissue-like bradyzoite cysts within an in vitro system. We aimed to establish this system for evaluating efficacy of novel compounds against this historically chemo-resistant parasite stage.