Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL)
The Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT) founded in 1902 is a unit of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) and has been at the forefront of research on tropical diseases, often within networks and partnership projects. IHMT-NOVA hosts research and development programs of global health and tropical medicine, tackling neglected and emerging diseases under a multidisciplinary integrated approach ranging from the molecular level to global health systems. The research work is closely linked to 6 MSc (https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/course-type/mestrados/) and 6 PhD (https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/course-type/doutoramentos/) programs. IHMT-NOVA aims to contribute to eliminating extreme poverty, defending the principles of human dignity, equality, and equity, reducing the burden of diseases of poverty and promoting sustainable development.
Main roles in project
IHMT-NOVA is responsible for the preclinical studies performed in T. cruzi-dog model. Dogs which are T. cruzi hosts can develop Chagas disease when naturally infected. IHMT-NOVA will investigate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of CDA-adjuvanted Traspain as a prophylactic vaccine against Chagas disease in dogs, and the therapeutic effectiveness of Traspain in controlling T. cruz infection. Infection progress and immunopathology will be evaluated in vaccinated and treated dogs, including the characterization of innate, humoral, and cellular immune response developed by T. cruzi-infected, Traspain immunized, and Traspain treated dogs.
Contact: Prof. Gabriela Santos-Gomes
