Project Details
Projekt
Comparison and knowledge transfer from human to avian apicomplexan parasites
Applicant
Professor Dr. Markus Meißner
Subject Area
Veterinary Medical Science
Term
since 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 434524639
Apicomplexan parasites are obligate intracellular protozoans, responsible for various important human and veterinary diseases. As an example, global economic loss from coccidiosis in poultry production is estimated to be more than 2 billion Euros/year. While Eimeria spp. cause the majority of problems related to coccidians in poultry industry, other coccidian, such as Cryptosporidium baileyi or Toxoplasma gondii, can also infect chicken, but infection is usually self-limiting and often asymptomatic, suggesting unique host-parasite interactions and co-evolution. Within this research group, we aim to benefit from the exceptional, synergistic experience of the consortium to analyse the unique immune responses in chicken upon infection with these three coccidian parasite species, with the ultimate aim to understand, why Eimeria spp. is causing fulminant infections, whereas the chicken appears to be immune to clinical toxoplasmosis. This project will not only inform us about unique adaptations of the parasite to its avian host, it has also a broader implication to understand host/parasite interactions and co-evolution in general. During the first phase of this project, we will directly compare the adaptive immune response of chicken infected with these three parasite species, in wild type, αβ and γδ T cell knockout chickens. Furthermore, we will develop tools and assays for the generation and analysis of essential parasite factors, required for the establishment of infection in chicken. Therefore, during the first phase of this project we will focus on three aims. (1) Comparison of the effects on chicken immune response between Cryptosporidium baileyi, Eimeria tenella and Toxoplasma gondii. (2) Establishment of an in vitro culture system for Eimeria tenella. (3) Establishment of genetic tools for chicken coccidian parasites. The individual research projects within FOR5130 benefit from the collaborations among each other and provide a better insight into the immune system of chickens in relation to important pathogens.
DFG Programme
Research Units
