Dr. Charles Ndawula from the National Livestock Resources Research Institute in Entebbe, Uganda, is collaborating with the Department of Medical Biotechnology at TU Braunschweig to develop vaccines against East Coast Fever, a devastating disease affecting livestock. The research aims to identify key proteins in both the tick vector and the Theileria parva parasite that can stimulate an immune response in cattle, offering a potential solution to a significant agricultural challenge.
Dual Approach to Vaccine Development
Dr. Ndawula's research employs two distinct strategies. The first involves identifying proteins present in the saliva of ticks (specifically, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) that are recognized by the immune system of cattle. This approach aims to develop a vaccine that targets the disease vector itself, preventing transmission of the parasite. Norden Vaccines GmbH, a spin-off from TU Braunschweig, is using a similar method in human medicine.
The second strategy focuses on identifying proteins of the Theileria parva parasite that are recognized by the bovine immune system. These proteins would then be used to create a vaccine that directly targets the parasite within the host animal.
Collaboration and Future Steps
Professor Michael Hust from the Department of Medical Biotechnology at TU Braunschweig expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "I am delighted that Dr Charles Ndawula from Uganda is visiting us. He is working on tick gene libraries at TU Braunschweig." Following Dr. Ndawula's work at TU Braunschweig, he, Professor Hust, and Philip Heine will collaborate with Dr. Ndawula’s team at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute to advance the research. The project, which seeks to identify a viable vaccine candidate against East Coast Fever, is scheduled to continue until 2027.
East Coast Fever poses a significant threat to livestock, including cattle, goats, and sheep, leading to substantial economic losses in agriculture. The disease is transmitted by ticks of the species Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, which carry the Theileria parva parasite. The development of an effective vaccine is crucial for mitigating the impact of this disease and safeguarding livestock populations.
