Integrated Functional Genomics: On the road to leishmaniasis control Dormy House

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The purpose of this proposal is to convene an international symposium on leishmaniasis [Integrated Genomics on the Road to Leishmaniasis Control] in September, 2007 to define future post-genomic research strategies for the development of vaccines and drugs against leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease, is endemic in 88 resource-poor countries, with an estimated 12 million people infected world-wide. Leishmaniasis is second only to malaria amongst the parasitic protozoa in its impact on socio-economic development, with a DALY burden of 2.4 million. Increasing overlap with the spread of AIDS has resulting in HIV / Leishmania co-infections as an increasing threat, particularly in Europe, India and East Africa. The recent completion of Leishmania genome projects, advances in our ability to study immune mechanisms in experimental models and in humans, and a greater understanding of the molecular cell biology of the host-parasite interaction. Attendees will include leading international figures in experimental and clinical immunology, vaccinology, parasite molecular cell biology, biochemistry and drug design in addition to representatives from major agencies (TDR, DNDi (Drugs for Neglected Disease Institute (WHO)), One World Health); participants will include scientists from disease endemic countries (23%) and young investigators (15%). Overall, the objectives for this meeting are: 1. To bring together key scientists involved in leishmaniasis research, in a setting conducive to exploring and developing research priorities over the coming decade 2. To review the state of the art in Leishmania molecular cell biology, biochemistry, hostpathogen interactions, host genetics and immune response 3. To formulate key short and medium term objectives for basic research (experimental and clinical), with high potential for translation into new avenues for leishmaniasis control.