Research Group on Extracellular Vesicles in Interkingdom Communication - EViKingcom

In the present project, we will further investigate the usefulness of components of Fasciola hepatica extracellular vesicles (EV) for controlling fascioliasis. We will produce specific molecules (previously identified) and explore their possible application in the diagnosis of fascioliasis by developing rapid assays. For the first time, we include the study of the influence of the parasite in the production of EVs by the host gut microbiota, and explore its usefulness in the diagnosis of the disease.

We furthermore will use some of the EV components (produced as recombinant proteins and synthetic RNAs) to evaluate their protective effect (vaccination against experimental infections with the parasite) when loaded into natural vesicles derived from edible plants (PDEVs). This approach will eventually enable the scale up of the production of EV-based vaccines with no ethical or technical problems related with the use of parasite EVs. Different extracts and protocols will be analyzed (i.e. juice or waste) to develop new delivery agents, identifying new PDEV markers and ensuring a sustainable source of natural vesicles, which could be also used for other diseases.