The Hidden Impact of Parasites on Vaccine Effectiveness
The development of effective vaccines is a cornerstone of global health, yet their success can be considerably hampered by a surprising factor: parasitic worm infections. This is particularly concerning in regions battling diseases like malaria, where new, promising vaccines may be rendered less effective due to the widespread presence of worms. Essentially, the communities most in need of vaccination may be receiving the least benefit. dr. Murugan is embarking on groundbreaking research to address this critical issue, aiming to understand and overcome the molecular mechanisms behind this interference.
his research centers on how parasitic worms subtly alter the immune system’s B cell response. Normally, the body rigorously selects only the most potent B cells to produce antibodies. However, worms can create an immunosuppressive environment, allowing weaker, less effective B cells to survive and proliferate, ultimately diminishing the strength of the immune defense. Dr.Murugan’s work, under the ERC project B-SELECT, seeks to pinpoint when this process goes awry – during B cell activation, selection, the formation of immunological memory, or the resolution of an immune response – and to identify strategies for restoring optimal function.
To achieve this, Dr. Murugan is employing a multifaceted approach. He’s conducting unique clinical studies, including controlled infections of Dutch volunteers with Schistosoma mansoni to meticulously track B cell behaviour over time. Together, he’s comparing vaccine responses in Ugandan residents living in areas with varying levels of worm infection, directly assessing the impact of worms on antibody quality.
His team utilizes a cutting-edge “multi-Oomics” technique, analyzing B cells at the single-cell level, examining not only what pathogens they recognize but also their genetic makeup, surface proteins, and antibody binding capabilities. Complementing these human studies, Dr. Murugan is also leveraging laboratory animal models and innovative human tonsil organoids – miniature, lab-grown immune systems – to dissect the underlying biological mechanisms and test potential interventions.
The ultimate goal of this research is to develop a practical toolkit for enhancing vaccine efficacy in populations burdened by parasitic worm infections. Dr. Murugan’s ERC proposal represents a pivotal moment in immunology,ushering in a new era of understanding the frequently enough-overlooked influence of parasites on global health and paving the way for more effective disease prevention strategies.
