Fatty Acid Binding Proteins (FABPs) are essential for parasitic worms such as Fasciola hepatica, which infect livestock. The dependence of the parasite on the host’s lipids is critical for its survival and depends on FABPs. These proteins are involved in the uptake and transport of lipids from the host to the parasite, where they function as an energy source for the worm’s metabolism. FABPs are essential for the parasite’s efficient uptake and utilization of lipids, making them indispensable for the worm’s survival.
The discovery of Sm14, a FABP relevant to helminths such as Fasciola hepatica, has led to a vaccine that protects animals from this parasitic infection. The protein’s usefulness as an antigen works by stimulating the host’s immune system to produce specific antibodies that can neutralize the parasite. Sm14 interferes with the binding of FABPs to lipids, leading to the parasite’s death. This mechanism of action makes Sm14 an effective vaccine against Fasciola hepatica infections in livestock.
The Sm14 vaccine can help control Fasciola hepatica infections, generating a sizeable economic impact. It has shown promising capabilities against other helminth infections of veterinary importance, such as Dirofilaria immitis, which causes canine heartworm disease. Furthermore, the use of vaccines can reduce reliance on anthelmintic treatments, which can lead to parasite resistance. Overall, a vaccine such as Sm14 represents a significant advance in controlling parasitic infections in animals and can substantially improve animal health and productivity.
The global population of cattle, goats and sheep is around 4 billion animals
Fasciolosis causes over 3 billion dollars in annual economic losses
The current approach to the disease is based on anthelmintics.
The annual expenditure on these drugs in Europe is about 484 million dollars
– Widespread resistance to TCBZ, the most common anthelmintic drug.
– Global meat consumption expected to grow 73% by 2050.
– Global warming is expected to increase by 1.1 to 5.4 Celsius by 2100.
– Fasciolosis increases the emission of greenhouse gases by the affected animal by 10%.
The global market for flea, tick and heartworm products was estimated at USD 1.1. billion in 2022
1/3 of American dogs are treated each year against heartworm, at cost of 70 to 200 USD/year per 18kg dog.
Treating infected dogs costs between 1,200 and 1,800 USD
– Canine infections in the US increased by 21,7% between 2013 and 2016, with an upward trend due to climate dynamics.
– Resistance to the main chemical treatment
development: verty↗