A novel peptide isolated from a parasitic worm prevents Type 1 diabetes

Project Member(s): O'Brien, B.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Diabetes Australia Research Trust (Diabetes Australia Research Trust (DART) Awards and Research Grants Scheme)

Start year: 2014

Summary: We have discovered and synthesised a single protein from a parasitic worm that prevents T1D (called FhHDM). Knowing that FhHDM prevents T1D inspires us to find out how it does it. To date we know that FhHDM modulates the function of both mouse and human immune cells. The aim of this proposal is to understand the mechanisms by which FhHDM generates and sustains anti-inflammatory immune responses to prevent T1D. This will allow the development novel therapeutics to prevent and cure T1D.

Publications:

Alvarado, R, To, J, Lund, ME, Pinar, A, Mansell, A, Robinson, MW, O'Brien, BA, Dalton, JP & Donnelly, S 2017, 'The immune modulatory peptide FhHDM‐1 secreted by the helminth Fasciola hepatica prevents NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting endolysosomal acidification in macrophages', The FASEB Journal, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 85-95.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Keywords: autoimmunity, type 1 diabetes, helminth, parasite

FOR Codes: Diabetes, Autoimmunity, Autoimmunity , Clinical health

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.