WORMVACS2.0 showcases how inclusive partnerships are moving vaccine development forward
Infections with parasitic worms continue to cause a massive global health burden. More than a billion people suffer from the debilitating effects of infections with such parasites, including schistosomes and hookworms, which are the focus of research under the WORMVACS2.0 project. The consortium aims to establish an effective pipeline for parasitic worm vaccine development. It utilises controlled human infection models in endemic and non-endemic countries to better identify and understand protective immune responses to parasitic worms.
As part of the project’s work package 2 (WP2), led by ISGlobal, scientists are generating and analysing immunological data to discover new helminth target antigens with vaccine potential. Researchers from endemic and non-endemic countries are collaborating on this work, hoping to overcome the barriers that have so far prevented the development of effective vaccines to control and eliminate helminth infections.
Throughout this process, scientific collaboration, training, and knowledge sharing are key. Dr Moses Egesa, a senior research officer at the Uganda National Health Research Organisation (UNHRO), recently visited the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya, to receive training on antibody-mediated functional assays developed for Plasmodium falciparum, funded by the Merck Schistosomiasis Research Grant Initiative. The training and knowledge gained will be transferred to UNHRO’s Uganda Virus Research Institute and adapted to work with Schistosoma mansoni larvae, as used in ongoing WORMVACS2.0 research.
While there, Dr Egesa presented his work in Uganda during a special seminar at the Biosciences Department, highlighting the research conducted under the Wellcome Trust-funded controlled human infection project, the EU-funded WORMVACS2.0, and the Merck-funded antibody functional assay studies for schistosomiasis.
“The seminar provided an excellent opportunity to share current developments in the field of Schistosoma infection vaccines with scientific peers,” reflects Dr Egesa. “The research culture at KEMRI Wellcome Trust is conducive to advanced research and professional growth. The facilities are world-class, enabling the Africa-leading research for which the programme is known. I am optimistic about the potential of the new functional assays and collaboration we have developed.”
Dr Egesa presenting WORMVACS2.0 during the special seminar at the Biosciences Department at the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme.
The work conducted during this visit will inform the ongoing WORMVACS research activities. Currently, the researchers behind WP2 are focusing on identifying helminth antigens that are targets of antibody responses using microarray technology and also characterising their type, quality, and function. Specifically, the capacity of antibodies to mediate effector functions, such as opsonic phagocytosis and complement lysis. Additionally, cellular immune responses are being profiled to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of immunity. “With this training, Dr Egesa acquired skills on functional immune assays with full parasites that could nicely complement high throughput assays performed at ISGlobal with vaccine candidate antigens”, says Prof Carlota Dobaño, WP2 lead, highlighting how knowledge and skills gained in different programmes build on each other and strengthen the capacity of research institutions in Africa and beyond.
“When it comes to capacity building, inclusive partnerships are key”, adds Dr Gemma Moncunill, WP2 co-lead. “WORMVACS2.0 is dedicated to building partnerships and providing opportunities for scientists that not only advance science but also build long-term research capacity in African institutions, strengthening both science and sustainability.”
