Mechanism of parasite mediated suppression of autoimmunity. (360G-Wellcome-083503_Z_07_Z)

The development of autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Data from both animal models of human autoimmune diseases and from human inflammatory and autoimmune conditions suggest that infections and in some cases products of infectious agents have the capacity to prevent or ameliorate autoimmune pathology. In this application the products of two different infectious agents (Bordetella pertussis and Fasciola hepatica) that have been sho wn to have immunoregulatory properties will be used to prevent onset of Type 1 diabetes in the NOD mouse. The ability of these products to modulate dendritic cell function in vitro and their potential to influence T cell differentiation will be assessed. NOD mice also develop a relapsing EAE following immunisation with antigens such as MOG. This makes them a good model of human MS. The ability of infection with Fasciola hepatica or of its excretory secretory product (ES) to inhibit onset and rel apse in EAE will additionally be investigated.