"Capturing the CAP4": a new class of diagnostics fro Trypanosomatidae infections.

Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp. belong to the Trypanosomatidae family and cause human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) and leishmaniasis (LEI), respectively. Diagnosis of both diseases is still based on microscopy and better diagnostics that are applicable at the point-of-care are highly needed. An unusual biological aspect fo the Trypanosomatidae is that every mRNA in the cell contains a conserved 39 bp RNA sequence at the 5' prime, the spliced leader RNA (SL RNA). In addition, the 5' CAP contains unique methylations of the first four nucleosides (CAP4). In this project, an innovative molecular point-of-care test will be developed based on specific detection of the SL RNA via aptamers targeting the CAP4 and peptide nucleic acid probes directed towards the SL RNA. Following the proof-of-principle on experimentally prepared specimens, the new tests will be ectensively validated in phase I, II and III evaluation studies. Via the unique approach and the multidisciplinary and international collaborations, the project aims at delivering the first molecular point-of-care test for diagnosis of HAT and LEI.

Keywords:Aptamers, Diagnosis, Peptide nucleic acids, RNA, Leishmaniasis, Human African sickness, Infectious diseases

Disciplines:Diagnostics, Laboratory medicine, Medicinal products, Tropical medicine