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Characterization of host responses against infective roundworm larvae

Page reviewed:  05/05/2026

Billions of people are infected with roundworms. Globally, increased antibiotic resistance and anthelminthic resistance in bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and parasitic worms is now a major societal problem. Furthermore, the anthelminthic drugs used causes environmental pollution.

Background

Nematodes have evolved several immunomodulatory mechanisms that reduce the subsequent immune response of the host and thus improve 'parasite resistance'. However, studies of host immune responses to Ascaridae L3 larval stages are still scarce. To this end, we are currently characterizing the host-parasite interactions in vitro. As model organisms, we use the infective L3 larval stages of the zoonotic Ascaris suum and Toxocara canis worms that infect pigs, dogs and humans, and the equine roundworm Parascaris univalens that infects horses. Primary cells isolated from horses and different cell lines from humans and dogs are used as experimental infection models. 

Goal

This project will generate important knowledge on immunomodulatory interactions between host and roundworm.

Project description

Possible project questions are:

  1. How do L3 larvae and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Parascaris affect gene expression in equine intestinal organoids? (60, 45, or 30 credits)

    In this project, you will cultivate organoids, conduct infection experiments using larvae and EVs, and evaluate gene expression using qPCR. 

  2. The effect of L3 larvae and extracellular vesicles (EVs) on gene expression in equine liver cells (60, 45, or 30 hp)

    In this project, you will isolate liver cells (using gentleMACS), conduct infection experiments with larvae and EVs, and evaluate gene expression using qPCR.

  3. The effect of L3 larvae and extracellular vesicles (EVs) on gene expression in equine lung cells (60, 45, or 30 hp)

    In this project, you will isolate lung cells (using gentleMACS), conduct infection experiments with larvae and EVs, and evaluate gene expression using qPCR.

  4. microRNA: New Biomarkers for Roundworm Infection? (30 credits)

    In this project, you will screen patient samples for different microRNA expressions (parasite and host) using qPCR.

Specifications

Open project start. This degree project is suitable for veterinarians, for both Bachelor and Master students.

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