Multi-Omics analysis of the fluke parasite Opisthorchis felinus

The parasite fluke Opisthorchis felinus belongs to the Opisthorchiidae family which also includes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis. Millions of people in Asia and Eastern Europe, where these flukes are endemic, are already infected or at risk. The parasites success in infection is often linked with surface oligosaccharides presented to the host. This protein linked glyconjugates also called N- and O-linked glycans play a role either in binding and parasitic infection, or on the immune-host response they trigger in humans. Unfortunately, to date very little is known about the glycoconjugate structures of liver flukes and especially O. felinus glycans. Considering the disease severity caused by the parasite, which can even induce cancers such as cholangiocarcinoma, there is a great need to expand the knowledge on the glycoconjugates structures and their interaction with the immune system. In this project we aim to combine modern and powerful analytical tools such as metabolomics, glycomics, transcriptomics, microbiome, and glycoproteome analysis with coupled online and offline liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry approaches on proteins from (i) adult worms, eggs and excretory products and from (ii) bile juice and faeces from infected patients. The purified glycans will be subject to detailed epitope identification and in vitro cell based assays for a better understanding of the host immune response after parasite infection.