Ep. 19: “Parasitic Infections” Featuring Dr. Keke Fairfax
Dec 7, 2021
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Dr. Keke Fairfax, an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, discusses the intriguing impacts of helminth infections on immune responses, particularly how they can impair childhood vaccination effectiveness. She highlights her research on Schistosoma mansoni and its use in studying IL-4 induced immuno-modulation. Additionally, Keke emphasizes the importance of mentorship for minority scientists in STEM, sharing insights on diversity and inclusion within academia. The conversation blends scientific discovery with personal experiences in the pursuit of equity in research.
Schistosoma mansoni infections significantly reduce vaccine efficacy in children, highlighting the need for targeted public health strategies in endemic regions.
Parasitic infections impair the immune response, particularly in offspring of infected mothers, necessitating deeper understanding of IL-4 production and germinal center reactions.
Dr. Keke Fairfax advocates for diversity and inclusion in STEM, emphasizing mentorship and support networks for underrepresented minorities in academia.
Deep dives
Understanding Parasitic Infections
Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic trematode that significantly impacts public health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and the Caribbean, affecting over 250 million people annually. This parasite has a complex life cycle involving freshwater snails as an intermediate host, where it undergoes sexual reproduction before infecting mammals. Understanding the dynamics of schistosomiasis is vital as it has been correlated with reduced vaccine efficacy in endemic regions, posing a challenge for public health initiatives. The research on this parasite plays a crucial role in developing strategies to enhance vaccine effectiveness amidst widespread parasitic infections.
Impact of Helminth Infections on Vaccination
Helminth infections have been demonstrated to negatively influence the immune response to vaccines, especially in children born to infected mothers. Epidemiological data shows that maternal schistosomiasis is linked to reduced efficacy in early childhood vaccinations, such as measles and BCG vaccines. This finding prompted research into the immunological mechanisms driving this reduced vaccine response, revealing that infected offspring may struggle to generate adequate T cell responses. The studies underscore the importance of addressing parasitic infections to improve vaccination outcomes in affected regions.
Mechanisms of Immune Dysfunction
Recent findings indicate that offspring born to mothers with schistosomiasis exhibit impaired IL-4 production, which is contrary to previous assumptions that such infections would enhance IL-4 levels. This impairment is reflected in a diminished capacity for germinal center reactions, essential for effective antibody responses post-vaccination. Researchers have identified downregulation of key transcription factors in B cells, leading to further insights into the disruptions in hematopoiesis and immune development. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial in framing public health responses and tailoring vaccination strategies in helminth-endemic regions.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM
Dr. Kiki Fairfax emphasizes the importance of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within STEM fields, particularly in light of her own experiences. She advocates for creating support networks for underrepresented minorities and improving their retention in academia through mentorship programs. Dr. Fairfax’s work focuses on not only advancing scientific research but also ensuring that diverse perspectives are valued and included in scientific discourse. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive environment, her initiatives aim to revolutionize representation in science and academia.
Advancements in Immunotherapy
Current research advancements are exploring the potential of innovative immunotherapy methods, including mRNA vaccination to combat tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease. By leveraging mRNA technology, researchers are investigating vaccines that induce immune responses against tick saliva proteins, thereby preventing the transmission of pathogens like Borrelia burgdorferi. Successful animal trials have shown promising results, leading to further exploration of mRNA platforms in addressing vector-borne diseases. This pioneering approach could hold significant promise for public health, particularly in areas experiencing high incidence rates of tick-related infections.
Dr. Keke Fairfax is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Utah. Her lab uses helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni as a tool to understand the consequences of IL-4 induced immuno-modulation. She explains how helminth infections can reduce the efficacy of childhood vaccinations, and how mentorship and networking can help minority scientists thrive in Utah.
Neoepitopes in Melanoma – Researchers found that adoptive cell therapy success is associated with an expansion of neoepitope-specific CD8+ T cells.
Immunotherapy for Peanut Allergy – Scientists showed that patients’ responses to an oral immunotherapy for peanut allergy depends on both pre-existing CD4+ T cells and a subset of T helper cells.
