Dr Daniela Pagliara Lage, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil - VALIDATE Fellow
Evaluation of a recombinant chimeric protein vaccine with adjuvant for the protection against visceral leishmaniasis
Project Aims
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by parasites and is a significant concern in many countries, especially in regions like India, Bangladesh, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Brazil. Preventive measures for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) involve controlling sand flies and treating infected humans and dogs. However, these methods alone aren't enough to stop the spread of the disease. Vaccinating animals could help protect them long-term, but there's no vaccine for humans yet. The vaccines available for dogs aren't always effective and can have side effects, making it challenging to control the disease in areas where it's common. Scientists are exploring new ways to tackle this problem, and biotechnology offers promising solutions. One such approach involves developing vaccines to boost the immune system's ability to fight off Leishmania infection. Vaccines could be a cost-effective way to control the spread of the disease. In this project, we aim to test a vaccine candidate in hamsters. The vaccine is made from a combination of specific proteins found in the parasites, which have been shown to trigger immune responses in mice. This combination, called a chimera, has already shown promise in protecting mice against Leishmania infection when combined with certain additives. The project will also compare the effectiveness of the chimera with individual proteins, along with different additives known to boost the immune system's response. Additionally, we will test the proteins on cells from healthy dogs and humans to see if they trigger an immune response, laying the groundwork for future tests in live animals. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a vaccine that can protect dogs from Leishmania infection. If successful, the vaccine could undergo further testing in clinical trials to evaluate its safety and effectiveness in preventing canine leishmaniasis. This research represents an important step towards controlling this widespread and debilitating disease.
Find out more about Dr Daniela Pagliara Lage here.
