Expression Of Malaria Parasite Invasion Associated Proteins In The Sporozoite Novel Vaccination Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$202,000.00
Summary
Efforts to develop vaccines against malaria still represent a substantial focus of current research activities. Antigens present in the erythrocytic pathogenic stages of the infection account for the majority of targets investigated for potential vaccines. Experimental vaccines targeting the pre-erythrocytic stages [the sporozoite injected by the mosquito, and the hepatic stage parasite) have encompassed a lesser diversity of parasite antigens]. This is the case despite the fact that experimenta ....Efforts to develop vaccines against malaria still represent a substantial focus of current research activities. Antigens present in the erythrocytic pathogenic stages of the infection account for the majority of targets investigated for potential vaccines. Experimental vaccines targeting the pre-erythrocytic stages [the sporozoite injected by the mosquito, and the hepatic stage parasite) have encompassed a lesser diversity of parasite antigens]. This is the case despite the fact that experimentally induced sterile long-lasting immunity in humans has so far only been achieved through exposure to irradiated sporozoites. The acquisition and maintenance of this immunity depends on the use of invasive sporozoites and on the presence of developmentally arrested hepatic stage parasites.Read moreRead less
Hydatid infection is caused by a parasite that is transmitted by livestock animals. This project will develop a treatment for livestock animals which, when used in combination with a vaccine against the parasite, will improve the effectiveness of efforts to prevent the disease being transmitted through animals. I indirectly this will lead to a reduction in the number of new cases of hydatid disease world wide.
Translating Novel Vaccine Strategies To Early Phase Clinical Trials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$855,986.00
Summary
My Fellowship will enable me to further develop and then test in pre-clinical and clinical trials novel vaccine candidates that we are developing to prevent infections with malaria parasites and with Streptococcus pyogenes. Malaria is responsible for the loss of over 600,000 young lives each year and S. pyogenes is responsible for over 500,000 deaths per year. Australia's Indigenous populations suffer the highest reported rates of streptococcal-related pathology worldwide.
Apical Membrane Proteins As Targets For A Schistosomiasis Vaccine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,459.00
Summary
Schsitosomiasis is a chronic neglected tropical disease for which there is currently no vaccine. A vaccine is sorely needed to control this parasite. This proposal seeks to identify molecules from the outer surface of the parasite which are recognised by the immune system of people from Brazil who are resistant to schistosomiasis. Molecules identified in this manner will be tested as vaccines in an animal model of schistosomiasis, and ranked based on their performances to enter human trials.