Anthelminthic resistance in equine helminth parasites is becoming an increasing problem. Despite focus on preventive measures, such as pasture management and targeted drug administration, alternative sustainable methods that do not lead to development of anthelminthic resistance are still needed. My research aims to study vaccination against gastro-intestinal parasites as another prophylactic measure. The long-term aim is to formulate a vaccine that protects horses against the large strongyle, Strongylus vulgaris.
In order to develop an effective vaccine, we need to study what type of immune response is necessary to induce immunological memory and how this can be achieved. A large part of the project is therefore to map how the immune response reacts to various vaccine components by measuring specific signalling molecules, so-called cytokines that are important to initiate an immune response. So far in the project, the applicability of a novel adjuvant called “G3”, in combination with different developmental stages of S. vulgaris larvae, has been evaluated to provide basis for future vaccination trials in horses.
In order to study how infectious larvae infect and interact with the intestine, a new cell culture system called "organoids" has been established from stem cells in the horse's small intestine. This cell culture system provide new opportunities to study interactions between S. vulgaris and the horse's immune system in the gut and may in future studies be used for initial screening of vaccine candidates.
Founding
2020-2023: Possible formulation of a vaccine against Strongylus vulgaris
Founding: The Swedish-Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research (H-20-47-568)
2019 –2020 Establishment of a new cell culture method - organoids – for immunological studies in the horse's gut
Founding: SLU One Health platform (SLU ua2019.4.2-3814)
2017-2020: Vaccination – an alternative to anthelminthic treatment in the horse?
Founding: The Swedish-Norwegian Foundation for Equine Research (H-16-47-173)
2016: Cytokine production to map adjuvant effects in the horse
Founding: The Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry (GFS2015-0140)
