Molecular interactions at the interface of parsitic nematodes with their hosts

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Parasitic nematodes cause chronic and disabling disease in approximately 4 billion people worldwide. In addition, parasitic nematodes are responsible for substantial livestock production losses throughout the world. Eradication of such parasitic diseases remains a major challenge. Anti-parasite drugs are ineffective against some species and many other parasites have now developed drug resistance. Evolution of the host-parasite relationship is a fascinating subject of study. The host immune system functions to elicit the evolutionary derived response that is most effective in combating the parasite and minimizing damage to the host. However, parasites have evolved their own interesting methods for evading the immune response of their host in order to survive and reproduce. My interests in host-parasite interactions focus on parasite molecules that are released during infective processes to facilitate parasitism. The precise mechanisms and molecules involved are largely unknown at present. This research program is investigating molecules with putative functions in: 1) mimicry - parasites decorate themselves with host molecules to thereby avoid detection by the immune system; 2) infective processes - molecules produced by parasites only during the period of entry into a new host; and, 3) transmission - molecules that appear to be produced to promote parasite release from their host to facilitate infection of new hosts. Understanding the molecular interactions at the interface of host-parasite relationships provides insight into the mechanisms that parasites use for immune modulation and immune evasion to promote parasite entry into a host, survival within a host, and transmission from a host. My research address basic questions on the biology of parasitic nematodes with the ultimate goal of broader contributions towards development of contemporary methods for prevention of parasitic infection and disease. This research program is of fundamental importance to understanding infective processes and the molecular mechanisms that are involved in parasitism.