Harnessing parasite secreted products as novel therapeutics against the spectrum of fungal disease

Clinical mycology

Summary

This project will explore whether the helminth secreted proteins p43 and p47 impacts the susceptibility and severity of fungal associated disease, from fungal asthma to serious invasive infection.

How are we doing it?

By leveraging the latest in vitro models of the human lung (air liquid interface and lung-on-chip systems with primary human lung cells), the project will aim to develop assays to interrogate (and ultimately demonstrate) the efficacy of using helminth-derived proteins p43 and p47 as novel therapeutics to treat both fungal asthma and invasive aspergillosis.

What happens next?

Translating findings into human models will provide a compelling case to explore p43 and p47 as game-changing novel therapeutics to target the spectrum of fungal disease. Demonstrating the efficacy of p43 and p47 will also act as a springboard for further research which investigates the heavily untapped source of helminth-derived products to not only treat fungal but also wider human disease.

Funding

NIHR Exeter BRC.

People Involved

Prof. Adilia Warris, Prof. Michael Gibbons, Prof. Richard Grencis, Prof. William Horsnell, Dr. Peter Cook, Dr. Matthew Masoli, Prof Chris Scotton, Dr. Bethany McCann.