Parasite glycoproteomics and vaccine development
Dr Edward Kerr
Parasites present the livestock industries in Australia with over $2 billion dollars in costs per year. The industry would welcome new solutions for controlling parasites in livestock to supplement and overcome limitations of the options currently available. Previous studies have shown that protective antibodies can be produced in livestock to protect against certain parasites. It has also been shown that many of these antibody targets are modified by glycans, sugars attached to the parasite antibody targets. Very little is known about the glycans present on the parasite antibody targets and how they affect vaccine efficiency.
The aim of this project is to develop a glycoproteomics capability within CSIRO to help develop an understanding of parasite glycoproteins on animal immune responses. Sheep and the sheep blowfly, the parasite that causes flystrike on sheep is being used as a model for this work.
By developing a comprehensive understanding of antibody accessible parasite glycoproteins, we hope to develop novel highly effective vaccines of the future for parasite control.
Project Lead: Dr Edward Kerr