Last Updated: 11/02/2026
Elucidation of mechanisms by which host immune cells kill protozoan parasites and development of antiparasitic peptides
Objectives
This project will investigat how host immune cells, specifically macrophages and neutrophils, kill malarial parasites, aiming to identify effector molecules involved in this process.
Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Japan
Understanding the molecular defense mechanism of phagocytes and identifying their effector molecules against malarial parasites may provide important clues for the discovery of new therapies. Macrophages and neutrophils are professional phagocytes that play key role in the innate immune response against infection through their ability to rapidly recognize and kill microorganisms. An attempt was made to identify the host effector molecules derived from macrophages and neutrophils that kill malaria parasites using DNA microarray technology. Results suggested that DEFB130 from macrophages and CTSL from neutrophils are involved in the clearance mechanism of malarial parasites. The data obtained from this project broaden our knowledge on the immunological response of macrophages and neutrophils to malaria parasites and shed light on a new target for therapeutic intervention.
Apr 2015 — Mar 2017
$36,642
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