The role of heat-shock protein 70 in parasite virulence

Funding: 2001: $70,000
2002: $72,000
2003: $75,000

Project Member(s): Wallach, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Large Grant)

Start year: 2001

Summary: The virulence of parasites is a key factor in the severity of the diseases they cause. The host's immune system produces molecules that curtail this virulence, but parasites are equally capable of counteracting the best efforts of the immune system. The 70kDa heat shock protein of parasites is one of their major defences, so we will determine how this protein helps them to resist the immune system. The knowledge gained on this important defence mechanism will allow us to devise new control strategies for parasitic diseases, a major conceptual advance.

Publications:

Dobbin, CA, Smith, NC & Johnson, AM 2002, 'Heat shock protein 70 is a virulence factor in murine Toxoplasma infection via immunomodulation of host nuclear factor kappa B and nitic oxide', Journal of Immunology, vol. 169, no. N/A, pp. 958-965.

Keywords: parasite; protozoa; Toxoplasma gondii; virulence; Heat shock protein; Nitric Oxide

FOR Codes: Parasitology, Medical Parasitology, Biological sciences, Veterinary Parasitology, Medical parasitology

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.