Objective To evaluate a well-founded vaccine strategy against the trematode parasite Schistosoma haematobium by evaluating : * the immune responses towards, the 28 kDa glutathione S-transferase (Sh28GST) and its major epitopes, in infected human populations in three endemic areas;* the present epidemiological status and transmission process in each endemic area;* the feasibility of the use of new mucosal delivery systems for the recombinant subunit vaccine. In addition, the project will promote the development of south-south collaborative research between the participating DC partners, in terms of technological and staff exchanges. The bi-directional programme (North-south) for research training which took place in 1995 for the cellular immunity analysis and epidemiological and medical studies, will be continued.Expected OutcomeThe epidemiology and immuno-epidemiological studies on S. haematobium infected populations will give us an up to date view of the parasitic status and the specific immune status of the targeted populations allowing us to prepare the appropriate schedule for vaccine trials in infected populations (phase 2; Sh28GST in Alum), which is planned in 1999. The studies on the proposed new vaccine formulations for mucosal immunisation will be the last step of their evaluation. Their efficacy will be confirmed, and their capacity under field conditions will be evaluated.The project will ensure the training of DC partner technicians, doctoral and post-doctoral students and technology transfers, notably between the DC partners. We place particular emphasis on the development of this collaboration in the context of the regional integration of research efforts against infectious diseases.* Epidemiological survey of S. haematobium infection in Senegal, Niger and Madagascar. Study of the transmission process of the disease.* Immuno-epidemiology of S. haematobium infection in human before and after treatment. Humoral and cellular responses to rSh28GST in infected human populations, in Senegal, Niger, and Madagascar.* Production of rSh28GST, liposomes and nucleic vaccine vectors. Humoral responses to mucosal immunization in mice and Patas monkeys,* Mouse model of S. haematobium infection (parasite life cycle). Humoral and cellular responses in infected mice, mucosal vaccination trials in mice. * Monkey model of S. haematobium infection. Humoral and cellular responses in infected animals, mucosal vaccination trials. * Training of one Senegalese technician in immunochemistry, one physician scientist in epidemiology from Niger, and one scientist in Madagascar for cellular immunology will be undertaken. Training of two European students in human immunology, one for the studies in Madagascar (March 1998), the other one in Senegal (June 1998).The coordination of external services for toxicology analysis, and Phase I a clinical trial of rSh28GST in Europe will be engaged by Partner 1. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyimmunisationmedical and health scienceshealth sciencespublic healthepidemiologymedical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsvaccinesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinetoxicology Programme(s) FP4-INCO - Specific research, technological development and demonstration programme in the field of cooperation with third countries and international organizations, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 03010302 - Research on the tools for prevention and the fight against the predominant diseases Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator Institut Pasteur de Lille EU contribution No data Address 1,Rue du Professeur Calmette 59019 Lille France See on map Total cost No data Participants (5) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Organisation de Coordination et de Coopération pour la Lutte contre les Grandes Endémies Niger EU contribution No data Address 10 Niamey See on map Total cost No data Recherche Appliquée à Madagascar sur la Santé de l'Environnement Madagascar EU contribution No data Address 101 Antananarivo See on map Total cost No data Région Médicale de St.Louis du Sénégal - Ministère de la Santé Publique et Action Sociale Senegal EU contribution No data Address Saint Louis See on map Total cost No data UNIVERSITY OF YORK United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Heslington YO1 5YW York See on map Total cost No data Universiteit Gent Belgium EU contribution No data Address 133,Salisburylaan 133 9820 Merelbeke See on map Total cost No data
