Genes that are responsive to immunological stress have been identified in Onchocerca volvulus by the differential display method. The products of these genes are postulated to play a role in parasite defense and persistence, since they are produced at increased levels in response to a confrontation with immunological stress. In this project, the localization profiles of these newly identified O.volvulus defense proteins will be characterized in larval and adult parasite stages by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The function of recombinant O. volvulus defense proteins will be investigated as indicated by primary structure signatures. A heterologous free-living nematode system, Caenorhabditis elegans, will also be employed in this characterization to enable a level of analysis unapproachable in the parasite system. If they exist, C.elegans orthologues of the parasite defense proteins will be analyzed, in addition to generating transgenic C.elegans overexpressing the parasite defense proteins. These transgenics will be tested for increased resistance to immunological and chemical stress. If increased resistance is observed, the mechanism will be further characterized.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
