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Elucidating Host-microbe Interactions to Address Vector-borne Diseases
Yale School of Medicine (7.8.2024) published the article, “Elucidating Host-microbe Interactions to Address Vector-borne Diseases.” The recent Yale study, published in Cell, has identified human protein targets that pathogens transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes and ticks bind to, offering potential new avenues for combating vector-borne diseases. The study, led by Thomas Hart, PhD, postdoctoral associate at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) involved testing interactions between thousands of human proteins and 82 diverse pathogens using a yeast display library of 3,324 human extracellular and secreted proteins.
The researchers aimed to study infectious disease pathogenesis to better understand how pathogens interact with humans, causing Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Their goal is to develop potential treatments and vaccines for these illnesses. In order to infect a host and cause symptoms and disease, pathogens must interact with host molecules like proteins, and evade the immune system.
Key findings include the interaction of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, with epidermal growth factor (EGF), and the role of protein disulfide isomerase in facilitating the invasion of Rickettsial pathogens. “This work expands our understanding of infectious disease pathogenesis and highlights exciting new targets for vaccines and treatments to prevent and treat these diseases more effectively,” Hart explains.
The research also highlights the usefulness of proteome-scale screening technologies in uncovering precise mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis. This can lead to the development of novel anti-infective medicines, such as antibacterials, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics, which help prevent infections.
The compiled resource offers valuable insights into the development of diseases like malaria, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease.
For More Information:
Read the Yale School of Medicine Article and see the Map here.
Read more about Lyme Disease Pathogenesis on the LDA website here.