Lay Summary

Proposal No. IBD-0290
Principal Investigator:  Susanne Hartmann, Ph.D.
Applicant Organization:  Humboldt University Berlin (Germany)
Project Title:  Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with helminth immunomodulators
Period of Award:  March 1, 2010 - August 31, 2012

The planned proposal aims to explore naturally evolved immunomodulators from parasitic nematodes for the treatment of IBD. Two recombinant proteins characterized in our group will be investigated with regard to their immunosuppressive capacity to interfere with IBD. The recombinant molecules will be applied in two mouse models, a T cell transfer model and DSS-induced colitis. In addition, we propose application of the molecules via probiotic bacteria that secrete the immunomodulators. With regard to molecular mechanisms we will focus on the participation of macrophages and regulatory T cells as target cells of the immunomodulators. Thus, the project aims to exploit the immunosuppressive activities of immunomodulators derived from parasitic nematodes to suppress IBD. This approach represents a novel way to exploit naturally evolved immunomodulators to treat inflammatory conditions, which pose a serious health risk in the western world.