Analysis of Host-Parasite Cross-Talk based on the Bovine Model for Human Onchocerciasis, Onchocerca ochengi

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Christian Betzel, since 6/2009; Privatdozent Dr. Norbert Brattig; Professorin Dr. Eva Liebau; Privatdozent Dr. Alfons Renz
• Co-Applicants: Professor Dr. Daniel Achukwi; Dr. Hamadou Gambo; Dieudonne Ndjonka, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2009 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 69096483

The project is based on more than 30 years of fieldwork in Cameroon and shall take advantage of a well-established research network of cameroonian and german scientists. It combines resources, know-how and skills of the participating partners to answer key questions and improve the understanding of fundamental mechanisms underlying host-parasite interaction, pathogenesis and population biology of filarial parasites. Excretory-secretory products are likely to present the principle players in parasite-host cross-talk. They will be examined by complementary analytical methods, with view to their capacity to actively shape the immunological environment and/or regulate the parasite population. Candidate molecules will be investigated by a concerted multidisciplinary approach mandatory for the project. Although not top priority of the project, we expect these novel insights obtained to serve as the basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies in human Onchocerciasis. The experimental model system used will be Zebu-cattle, naturally exposed to Onchocerca ochengi transmission in Cameroon. This model is unique in its potential for a quantitative approach to the bionomics and transmission of filarial worms. Training concepts for scientists at an early stage of their careers will contribute to the pool of trained personnel in Cameroon, with the experience and ability to contribute to research programs in a wide variety of biological fields. For example, work conducted in the project can later be transferred to other parasitic diseases endemic in Cameroon.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Cameroon, USA
• Participating Persons: Professorin Dr. Minka Breloer; Professor Dr. Kai Lüersen; Dr. Markus Perbandt; Dr. Hanno Steen, Ph.D.