The Role of Trans-Sialidases from Trypanosoma Congolense in Nagana Disease

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Sörge Kelm
• Co-Applicants: Professor Mohammed Mamman; Professor Dr. Andrew Jonathan Nok
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens ; Biochemistry
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 252602372

African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness in humans and Nagana in cattle, is a disease that is resurgent in Africa and occurs in 37 countries, extending to over 10 million square kilometres, which is about a third of the continent and 50 million cattle (about 30% of Africa's total cattle population) are exposed to the risk of infection. Compared to other diseases, sleeping sick­ness and Nagana have attracted relatively little attention and have been listed among the most neglected tropical diseases (e.g. by WHO, MSF and DNDi). Animals suffering Nagana develop fever, weight loss and progressively become weak, unproductive and infertile.Trypanosoma congolense is one of the most prominent pathogens causing Nagana. Unable to synthesise Sia, trypanosomes use the enzyme trans-sialidase (TS) to scavenge the monosaccharides from host glycoconjugate and sialylate acceptor molecules present on the surface of the parasite membrane. Based on the results of the first project phase, in which TS from T. congolense (TconTS) were characterised and observed that these enzymes are expressed in parasites also in those life cycle phases of transmission, the overall goal of the project is to test the hypothesis that TconTS and related proteins can be used as targets in strategies to control the spread of the disease Nagana. This is based on their essential roles in the lifecycle of T. congolense. In accor­dance with this goal, the aim of the second phase of the project is dedicated to address four aspects:The role of trans-sialylation for the parasite colonisation in tsetse flies.The characterisation of the activities of TconTSx towards natural substrates.The potential of DNA- and bionanoparticle-based vaccines against TconTSx proteins.The potential of sialidases in tsetse midgut to suppress colonisation with T. congolense.To achieve these objectives work packages for the partners in Nigeria and the Ubiverrsity Bremen in Germany have been developed. In addition the exchange program will foster capacity building at both partner institutions, the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and the Nigerian Institut for Trypanosomiasis Research in Kaduna.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Nigeria