Technological advances in understanding host responses to parasites and parasite manipulation of host responses: 2007 Proceedings

Parasite survival and reproduction reflects their ability to modulate the hosts’ immune systems and the ultimate development of immunity to some parasites requires the host to overcome these defences. The molecules and strategies parasites and hosts use in this interplay are now being explored using a range of technologies. The information gained from these analyses will be used in the treatment of both parasitic disease and potentially other disorders, for example the treatment of anti-inflammatory disease using peptide mimetics of parasite molecules as drugs. Recent advances in parasite genome analysis, functional genomics, proteomics and cell culture have stimulated intense interest and research in this area.