Comparative investigation of lipid binding proteins of parasitic nematodes from the genus Trichinella

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Trichinellosis, caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Trichinella is still present in Europe, especially in Eastern Europe, where hundreds of human trichinellosis cases occur yearly. Among the allergens produced by parasitic nematodes are the Lipid Binding Proteins (LBPs). The high levels of hydrophobic binding proteins in helminths, together with their restricted lipid metabolism suggests that these proteins play an important role in metabolism and, as such, are putative targets for chemotherapy and vaccine development. The objective of the proposal is to obtain functional, structural and immunological information about Trichinella LBPs using molecular, biochemical and structural methods. The project will improve the understanding of lipid transport mechanisms in nematodes and their role in parasite-host interactions.