5 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Dundee's parasite-busting breakthrough could save billions
Worm infestations cost the European livestock sector approximately £1.8 billion annually. Despite the significant impact that parasitic worms have on the economy, there is currently no vaccination for humans, and progress in protecting animals has been limited.
However, the Dundee team has discovered a way to turn the parasites' primary weapon against them.
New research from Dundee has shown how to turn a parasitic worm's harmful proteins against itself. (Image: University of Dundee)
New research discovered that the worms create proteins, including two known as HpARI and HpBARI. These proteins suppress the host's immune response, effectively blocking the host's immune system from reacting to and fighting off the worm's harmful effects.
This often allows the infection to develop into a chronic problem, resulting in long-term effects that are much harder to mitigate.
Once infected, human hosts can experience diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of worm infection, with an increased risk of growth stunting and malnutrition.
Dr Henry McSorley and his fellow researchers believe their breakthrough could have significant benefits for humans and livestock. (Image: University of Dundee)
Dundee researchers led by Dr Henry McSorley, lead author in the division of Cell Signalling and Immunology at Dundee's School of Life Sciences, have found a way to vaccinate mice with the same HpARI and HpBARI that the worms produce.
This has allowed the hosts to increase their immune system's response to the typically harmful proteins and block their effects.
The result is to nullify the parasite and give time for the immune system to clear the infection fully.
Scientists have long known that parasitic worms protect themselves by suppressing the immune system of their hosts; however, scientists are only now beginning to understand how this process works.
In addition to their use as vaccines, parasite proteins such as HpARI and HpBARI have garnered interest as potential new treatments for human diseases characterised by an overactive immune system, including allergies and asthma.
Dr McSorley said that the team's breakthrough is an essential step in eradicating the threat of parasitic worms.
'Our work has revealed that HpARI or HpBARI proteins are effective in mitigating the effects of infection in hosts. Further research will be required to identify similar proteins from parasites of humans and livestock.
"These results are incredibly positive and could form the basis of a future vaccination that could protect humans against worm infection.'
