Werner Jacobs associate professor

Research Werner Jacobs

Research team

Functional research towards the role of glycoconjugates in the pathobiology of schistosomiasis. 01/01/2001 - 31/12/2003

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease with a considerable morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of the disease is mediated by a delayed-type hypersensitivity directed against parasitic antigens. The host's immune response to the parasite is predominantly directed against specific antigenic glycoconjugates on schistosomal eggs and the adult worm. The aim of the study is to identify and to characterise functional and immunogenic Schistosoma mansoni glycoconjugates involved in schistosomal granulomogenesis, fibrogenesis and immunomodulation. At first the glycobiological structure of these antigens in the different developmental stages of the parasite will be studied to determine the oligosaccharide epitopes which are functionally immunogenic. The most important identified carbohydrates will be further isolated and used for stimulating lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. This will enable us to investigate the role of pro-granulomogenic cytokines and interleukins, thought to be responsible for the systemic immunological 'background' in the granulomogenesis of schistosomiasis, in the specific microenvironment of the granuloma and this using lasermicrodissection and molecular biological techniques.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

    Project type(s)

    • Research Project

    A morphologic study of Schistosoma mansoni induced liver damage: immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, in situ hybridisation and morphometrics. 01/10/1997 - 30/09/1999

    Abstract

    The expression of growth factors and adhesion molecules during granulomogenesis and fibrogenesis in the host infected with Schistosoma mansoni, at different immune stages, will be studied using experimentally infected mice and using the Sepharose beads model after injection of the beads in the lung and the liver. The effect of schistosomicidal drugs upon the expression of the above mentioned factors will also be investigated.

    Researcher(s)

    Research team(s)

      Project type(s)

      • Research Project

      A morphologic study of Schistosoma mansoni induced liver damage: immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, in situ hybridisation and morphometrics. 01/10/1995 - 30/09/1997

      Abstract

      The expression of growth factors and adhesion molecules during granulomogenesis and fibrogenesis in the host infected with Schistosoma mansoni, at different immune stages, will be studied using experimentally infected mice and using the Sepharose beads model after injection of the beads in the lung and the liver. The effect of schistosomicidal drugs upon the expression of the above mentioned factors will also be investigated.

      Researcher(s)

      Research team(s)

        Project type(s)

        • Research Project