Schistosoma researchers,
I need information on how schistosomes acquire the antigens of their
hosts, allowing them to evade immune system response. This could have
applications in cybernetics and nano-technology. Because it involves
implanting of foreign bodies, one large problem we face are immune
responses, e.g. allergic reactions, etc which can inflict damage both
upon the body and the technology. What is required is a technique that
allows the foreign bodies introduced to avoid immune attack without
harming the immune system. Schistosomes may provide the answer to this
problem. Indeed using the methods that schistosomes have evolved to
parasitize its hosts may well lead to better artificial implants,
treatments for arthritis, and safer organ transplants, just to name a
few possibilities.
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Regards,
Michael Yamashita
Simon Fraser University
http://www.sfu.ca
