Evaluation of novel recombinant antigens as candidates for a vaccine against schistosomiasis mansoni

Objective

Knowledge of the immune mechanisms elicited in rodents and primates by the attenuated schistosome vaccine will form the basis of efforts to develop a recombinant antigen vaccine against Schist soma mansion. Construction of special cDNA libraries will assist in novel molecular biology approaches to clone and express the relevant membrane/secreted larval antigens. The protective potential of all recombinants will be tested in mice, and the most promising also in baboons. Studies on human populations will identify differences between resistant and susceptible individuals in their responses to the recombinants. The estimation of infection intensity by measurement of circulating antigen levels will be validated in the realistic baboon model, and the interaction of infection with vaccination will also be explored in the baboon providing information vital future human vaccine trials.

Programme(s)

• FP5-INCO 2 - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Confirming the international role of Community research,1998-2002"

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (5)