Exploring the molecular mechanisms of parasite-host interactions with a view towards new therapeutics and vaccines

Authors

  • Megan Cross Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
  • Emma Klepzig Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
  • Madeleine Dallaston Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
  • Neil D Young Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  • Ulla-Maja Bailey Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
  • Lyndel Mason Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
  • Malcolm K Jones School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
  • Robin B Gasser Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  • Andreas Hofmann Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia, Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, Smithfield, Queensland, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18388/pb.2016_40

Abstract

Despite the massive disease burden worldwide caused by parasitic nematodes and other infectious pathogens, the molecular basis of many infectious diseases caused by these pathogens has been unduly neglected for a long time. Therefore, accelerated progress towards novel therapeutics, and ultimately control of such infectious diseases, is of crucial importance. Capitalising on the wealth of data becoming available from proteomic and genomic studies, new protein targets at the pathogen-host interface can be identified and subjected to protein-based explorations of the molecular basis of pathogen-host interactions. By combining the use of systems and structural biology methodologies, insights into the structural and molecular mechanisms of these interactions can assist in the development of therapeutics and/or vaccines. This brief review examines two different proteins from the body wall of blood flukes â annexins and the stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 â both of which are presently interesting targets for the development of therapeutics.

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Published

2016-11-15

Issue

Vol. 62 No. 3 (2016): Alexander Wlodawer 70th Birthday

Section

Articles

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