Investigation of the in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory activity helminth effector molecules on bacterial induced infection and inflammation

Abstract

Effector molecules produced by helminths within their excretory secretory protein fractions have been under review as potential novel therapeutics for allergic and autoimmune disease due to their potent immunomodulatory functions. In particular, some helminth peptides have been shown to preferentially bind to macrophages, augment their function to regulate inflammation and reduce severity in numerous preclinical models of allergic and autoimmune disease.

Here, we explore the potential of one of these peptides to modulate responses in vitro and in vivo to infection. Through a peptide screen of several truncated derivatives, we examine macrophage responses to infection following treatment with this peptide and reveal the potential region of bioactivity required for function and highlight scope for future research into therapeutics in the chronic lung disease setting.

Thesis is embargoed until 31st July 2030.

Date of Award	Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Cliff Taggart (Supervisor), Damian Downey (Supervisor) & Aoife Rodgers (Supervisor)