Infectious Disease
Research Topic
Cell and molecular biology of Plasmodium infection
Malaria is a serious tropical disease caused by infection with Plasmodium parasite that is transmitted via Anopheles mosquito. Even under the malaria control programs, billions of people mainly in the tropical countries and travelers are at risk for this infectious disease. Research on parasite biology together with drugs and vaccine development would be benefit for malaria control and elimination.
- Scopes of the research:
– Biology of Plasmodium sexual/mosquito stage and transmission-blocking drug and vaccine development
– Biology of Plasmodium liver stage infection, development of pre-erythrocytic stage parasites, and hypnozoite formation
– Cellular defects of malaria parasites by herbal extracts and synthetic compounds
– Study of Plasmodium molecular mechanism by genetic manipulation
Niwat Kangwanrangsan, PhD
Head of Department
Yaowarin Nakornpakdee, PhD
Lecturer
Research Topic
Innovative Strategies for Vaccine Development Against Leptospirosis
Exploration and application of novel strategies, methodologies, and technologies aimed at creating effective vaccines to prevent leptospirosis. This includes a comprehensive range of activities that enhance the understanding of the disease and improve immunization outcomes.
- Scopes of the research:
– Vaccine Formulation: Exploring novel vaccine candidates, including live attenuated, inactivated, mRNA, and subunit vaccines, to enhance immunogenicity and safety.
– Target Identification: Investigating specific leptospiral antigens that can elicit strong immune responses to be used as vaccine components, ensuring that the vaccine provides broad protection against various serovars of Leptospira.
– Adjuvant Discovery: Investigating new adjuvants that can improve the immune response to leptospiral antigens.
– Immunological Studies: Conducting in-depth studies to understand the immune response elicited by potential vaccines, including humoral and cellular immunity.
– Clinical Trials: Designing and implementing clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaccine candidates in human populations.
Research Topic
Integrative Structural and Functional Studies of Virulence-Related Proteins in Pathogens
Our research focuses on proteins central to biological processes, particularly those from pathogenic organisms. We specialize in structural and functional characterization using X-ray crystallography, SAXS, enzymatic assays, and interaction studies. Currently, we investigate proteins involved in siderophore biosynthesis in Aspergillus fumigatus. These iron-chelating molecules are critical for pathogen survival and virulence. Understanding their biosynthesis may inform strategies for antifungal development and disease management.
- Scopes of the research:
– Structural Characterization of Pathogen-Associated Proteins
– Protein Mechanistic and Functional Studies
– Protein Interactions and Complex Formation
– Drug Target Identification and Inhibitor Development
Thanalai Poonsiri, PhD
Lecturer