Dr.Adebayo Molehin, Ph.D., M.S.

My research is primarily focused on two areas: host-schistosome interactions and the control of human and veterinary schistosomiasis through systematic development of effective vaccines. Using various conventional and novel technologies including systems biology approaches, we seek to functionally characterize key parasite factors involved in host-schistosome interactions thereby increasing our understanding of the disease pathology with a view of identifying key targets for therapy. Candidate antigens (key factors) identified are tested both in vitro and in vivo in various animal models of schistosome infection and disease to assess their vaccine efficacy. Using systems vaccinology approaches, we utilize immunization as a way to probe the host immune system in a synchronized fashion and the effects on the immune system studied at various time points afterward. This approach provides the platform to identify "signatures" associated with vaccine-mediated protection, separate vaccinees into responders and non-responders, with the potential to reveal important mechanistic insights through translational human vaccine trials to aid in the expedited design of future vaccines.

We are also working to answer key biological questions related to schistosome developmental biology through investigating epigenetic modifications in schistosomes. I am interested in further expanding my research into identifying novel epigenetic targets for drug discovery for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Schistosomiasis vaccine development and efficacy testing
Host-parasite interactions
Schistosome epigenetics