Worms are More Dangerous than We Think: Immuno-modulation of the Host Immune Response by Nematode Parasites

Date/Time: 26 October 2016, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Speaker: Wayne Melrose, Ph.D.
Speaker Affiliation: Adjunct Associate Professor, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Venue: John A. Burns School of Medicine, Medical Education Building, Room 315

For more info: Cori Watanabe 808 692-1654
Description: It is well known that nematode parasites have the ability to suppress their host�¢??s reaction against parasite antigens to facilitate and maintain infection within the host. What is not so well known is that immune-suppression extends to the antigens of other infectious agents, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV and Plasmodium falciparum, thus raising the possibility that parasite control programs may be an important adjunct in the fight against these diseases. The presentation will outline the evidence for this conclusion and make a plea for more research on whether parasite-induced immunosuppression also has an impact on epidemic diseases, such as those caused by dengue and Zika viruses.
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