Prospects for vector-based gene silencing to explore immunobiological features of schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a prevalent, socioeconomically important disease of humans caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma (schistosomes or blood flukes). Currently, more than 200. million people worldwide are infected with schistosomes. Despite major research efforts, there is only one drug routinely used for effective treatment, and no vaccine is available to combat schistosomiasis. The purpose of the present article is to (1) provide a background on the parasites and different forms of disease; (2) describe key immunomolecular aspects of disease induced in the host; and (3) critically appraise functional genomic methods employed to explore parasite biology, parasite-host interactions and ..