Novel approach for treating major depressive disorder (MDD)

Novel approach for treating major depressive disorder (MDD)

Advisor/s

A/Prof Zoltan Sarnyai

College or Research Centre

College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science

Summary of Project

The treatment of MDD is a major unsolved medical and public health problem. Convergent findings from several lines of evidence have revealed a robust association between MDD and inflammation and immune activation. Targeting inflammatory pathways as a therapeutic tool for MDD has been recently suggested and initial clinical trials using anti-inflammatory agents are promising. Hookworm proteins exert an immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. We know that these proteins have no major adverse effects as they have co-evolved through the millions of years of worm-human interaction. Therefore, we hypothesise that hookworm proteins may serve as revolutionary, mechanistically novel and safe therapeutic agents in the treatment of MDD.

Key Words

major depression; inflammation; immune response; behaviour; hookworm

Would suit an applicant who

Has a background in any of the following (and related) disciplines: immunology, parasitology, neuroscience, experimental psychology.

Updated: 03 Apr 2020