How parasitic helminth infections alter immunity in the female reproductive tract and control of sexually transmitted infections.

• Applicant: Dr. Laura Elizabeth Layland-Heni
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens ; Immunology ; Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine ; Reproductive Medicine, Urology
• Term: from 2017 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317235998

Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are more common and more pathogenic in areas with high rates of helminth infection. With the exception of Schistosoma haematobium, helminths do not typically interact directly with the female reproductive tract (FRT) and as such have been overlooked as having any influence on susceptibility to STI. Two recent epidemiological studies however, have demonstrated strong associations between nematode infections and risk of both HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Moreover, preliminary mouse model data, generated by us to support the proposed study, has shown for the first time that helminth infections in mice systemically alter immunity in the FRT and impair control of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection. Demonstrating, therefore, the ability of helminth infections to alter host control over STIs. In the proposed study we will build on these initial findings to elucidate how both acute gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode and chronic (filarial) helminth infections alter immunity in the FRT which in turn, potentially modulate host control over both HSV and HPV infections. Additionally, we will run complementary clinical studies in areas endemic for onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and GI nematode infections in Togo and South Africa. Here we will collect vaginal samples to establish how either current or past exposure to helminths alters the immune profile in the FRT and how this relates to risk of STI in these women. These studies will be co-ordinated by an experienced team of basic and clinical researchers and executed by post-graduate/post-doctoral students/researchers primarily recruited from Togo and South Africa. Our preliminary data demonstrates that profound effects exist, providing the ideal platform from which to launch this project. This exciting line of investigation will establish a new paradigm to our understanding of how helminth infections influence systemic immunity and the ramifications of this for female health. In addition, our consortium will be training a group of internationally competitive African researchers who will lead the future development of this study area.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: South Africa, Togo
• International Co-Applicants: Professor William Horsnell, Ph.D.; Gnatoulma Katawa, Ph.D.