Date: June 30, 2025
Format: Online
Organizer: IRC – Impact Research Communications
The Global Virtual Symposium on Schistosomiasis opened with a compelling keynote by Dr. Akram Da’darah from Tufts University, who introduced a promising molecular target for new schistosomiasis treatments: a non-neuronal acetylcholinesterase (SmTAChE) anchored to the parasite’s tegument. His team’s functional studies demonstrated that silencing SmTAChE significantly impaired parasite infectivity in mice. Structural modeling revealed distinct differences between parasite and human AChE, paving the way for selective inhibition. High-throughput screening of chemical libraries yielded dozens of potent inhibitors, with 23 showing strong selectivity and IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.4 to 29 µM—marking a major step toward novel anti-schistosome therapies.
Following this, Dr. Parisa Kalantari from Penn State University took the virtual stage to discuss immune modulation strategies. Her research focused on the STING pathway’s role in schistosomiasis immunopathology. In high-pathology mouse models, STING deficiency led to exacerbated liver inflammation and elevated Th1/Th17 cytokines. Treatment with the STING agonist diABZI-3 restored IFNβ production and suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, offering a promising therapeutic avenue to temper immune-mediated damage in schistosomiasis.
Building on the theme of immune responses, Dr. Camila Oliveira Silva Souza from NIAID, NIH, presented striking findings on the role of neutrophils in driving pathogenic type 2 immunity. Her comparative studies between resistant C57BL/6 and susceptible BALB/c mice revealed that the latter exhibited pronounced splenic neutrophil hematopoiesis and large neutrophilic granulomas in the liver. Anti-GM-CSF and anti-Ly6G treatments reduced pathology and improved survival. Notably, liver neutrophils expressed ST2 and were recruited via IL-33 signaling. These findings were echoed in human patients, where elevated neutrophil counts correlated with liver damage markers, highlighting neutrophils as key contributors to disease severity.
As the symposium progressed, Dr. Emmitt R. Jolly from Case Western Reserve University introduced a fascinating genetic perspective on schistosome development. His team identified and characterized a previously unknown class of Sox transcription factors unique to flatworms. Among these, SmSOXS1 stood out as a developmentally regulated activator expressed in embryonic sporocysts, cercariae, and early schistosomula. Using molecular and immunohistochemical techniques, Dr. Jolly demonstrated that SmSOXS1 binds Sox-specific DNA sequences and localizes to the anterior and posterior ends of the schistosomula. Beyond SmSOXS1, six additional Sox genes were discovered—two Sox B, one Sox C, and three novel variants—suggesting the existence of a flatworm-specific Sox class distinct from mammalian lineages. This discovery not only expands our understanding of transcriptional regulation in schistosomes but also offers new insights into the evolution of developmental pathways in parasitic flatworms.
Next, Dr. Patrick Skelly from Tufts University shifted the focus to host-parasite interactions, specifically how schistosomes evade coagulation within host blood vessels. Using thromboelastography, his team showed that schistosomes act as local anticoagulants. Tegumental enzymes like SmATPDase1, SmNPP5, and SmAP degrade pro-thrombotic molecules, while proteases such as SmCalps cleave coagulation proteins like HMWK and fibronectin. Additionally, SmEno and SmPGM bind plasminogen to promote fibrinolysis. These mechanisms allow schistosomes to navigate the vasculature without triggering clot formation, ensuring their survival and mobility.
Adding a molecular depth to the symposium, Dr. Sergio Verjovski-Almeida from the University of São Paulo captivated attendees with his pioneering work on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Schistosoma mansoni. His team has identified thousands of lncRNAs expressed across different tissues and life cycle stages of the parasite, revealing their potential regulatory roles in development, reproduction, and drug resistance. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing and co-expression network analysis, they mapped lncRNAs that are differentially expressed between paired and unpaired adult worms, as well as in their gonads. Functional studies showed that silencing specific lncRNAs disrupted worm pairing, reduced cell proliferation in reproductive tissues, and impaired egg production. Remarkably, in vivo knockdown of these lncRNAs led to a significant reduction in worm burden in infected mice. These findings position lncRNAs as key regulators of parasite homeostasis and fertility, and highlight their promise as novel therapeutic targets in schistosomiasis control.
Diagnostics took center stage with Dr. Flavio Isopo from the University of Lyon, who introduced the DetectSchisto initiative. His team is screening secreted proteins from cercariae, schistosomula, and juvenile worms to identify early-stage biomarkers. Focusing on the MEG and VAL protein families, they aim to develop a rapid blood-based diagnostic test suitable for both endemic and non-endemic regions. Preliminary validation of select candidates shows promise for capturing circulating antigens in a single droplet of blood—an innovation that could revolutionize early detection.
>Dr. Thiago De Almeida Pereira from Stanford University expanded on the diagnostic theme, emphasizing the global spread of schistosomiasis due to climate change and the urgent need for early detection tools. His lab is also investigating MEG and VAL proteins for biomarker development, reinforcing the importance of accessible diagnostics in meeting WHO’s RoadMap2030 goals. His talk underscored the synergy between diagnostic innovation and global health strategy.
Later in the symposium, Dr. Manu Prakash from Stanford University brought a refreshing perspective rooted in frugal innovation and field-based diagnostics. Building on his earlier work with the Foldscope—a $1 origami microscope—Dr. Prakash shared exciting updates on its application in schistosomiasis surveillance. His team has now incorporated *Mensanoy* into their molecular test, and thanks to a new partnership in Nigeria, they have access to large-scale sample collections. This has enabled them to refine both molecular and microscopy-based diagnostics.
He emphasized the dual approach: a molecular assay costing roughly $1 per test, and a microscopy method using Foldscopes and improved urine filtration techniques that cost as little as 2–5 cents per slide. These tools are being deployed in schools to expand screening capacity, especially in resource-limited settings. Dr. Prakash highlighted the importance of frugal tools in democratizing access to science and healthcare, noting that their fieldwork now allows them to link cercarial morphology to host-specific biophysical traits—an exciting step toward understanding parasite-host dynamics.
Dr. Prakash’s talk underscored the power of combining low-cost innovation with deep biological insight, offering scalable solutions for diagnostics, surveillance, and transmission control.
Climate-linked transmission dynamics were explored by Dr. Jason Rohr and Emily Selland from the University of Notre Dame. They presented data on how temperature and niclosamide dosing interact to influence snail and parasite traits in the Bulinus truncatus–S. haematobium system. Their findings revealed that sublethal niclosamide exposure at varying temperatures can enable snail population rebound and affect parasite transmission. These insights are critical for designing ecologically adaptive snail control policies in the face of global warming.
Closing the symposium,Dr. Sevan N. Alwan from the University of Texas Health showcased the preclinical development of reengineered Oxamniquine derivatives. His compound, CIDD-150303, demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy against juvenile, adult, and PZQ-resistant Schistosoma species. In vitro and in vivo studies showed >80% worm burden reduction and complete juvenile parasite kill. These results address key limitations of current therapies and position CIDD-150303 as a strong candidate for clinical trials.
The symposium concluded with a shared sense of urgency and optimism. From molecular targets and immune modulation to diagnostics and climate-informed interventions, the presentations reflected a vibrant and interdisciplinary effort to combat schistosomiasis. Impact Research Communications thanks all contributors for their invaluable insights and looks forward to continued collaboration in the global fight against this neglected tropical disease.
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