Genomics of Nematode Parasites of Pigs, Sheep, and Other Animals: Towards Understanding Human Immune Modulation

Genomics of nematode parasites of pigs, sheep, and other animals: towards understanding human immune modulation

Paul W. Sternberg^{1, 2}, Erich M. Schwarz, Aaron R. Jex⁴, Robin B. Gasser⁴, Igor Antoschechkin¹, Wen Chen^1,2, Andrea Choe^{1, 2}, and Srimoyee Ghosh^1,2

¹Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, USA

²Howard Hughes Medical Institute; ³Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

⁴University of Melbourne. Victoria, Australia

Nematodes are major parasites of all animals. We seek to understand the molecular bases for how nematodes are effective parasites or protect humans against immune disorders. Genomic information is a facile starting point for the development of anthelminthics and vaccines, and thus the acquisition and annotation of genomes and transcriptomes is a crucial first step.  In particular we want to define the complement of secreted proteases and protease inhibitors, as well as enzymes that synthesize secondary metabolites.  We will discuss our progress on the pig whipworm Trichuris suis, the ruminant-parasitic barber pole worm Haemonchus contortus, and the human/hamster hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. We are also developing laboratory models to study the function of proteases and inhibitors.