Cestode modulation of host networks in the human brain

Neurocysticercosis is caused by brain infection with pig tapeworm larvae. It is the most common cause of adult-acquired epilepsy worldwide. In this research we will use a new experimental system that makes use of otherwise discarded human brain tissue from brain surgery operations. This will be combined with some of the latest techniques in neuroscience to explore how neurocysticercosis affects the brain. Our first aim will determine how tapeworm larvae affect inflammation and cell death. Our second aim will explore how tapeworm larvae affect networks of nerve cells to cause seizures. Our third aim will use powerful new genetic techniques to measure changes in the expression of genes in individual brain cells following exposure to tapeworm larvae. By combining the information we will have gained studying inflammation, nerve cell networks and genes in the human brain, we expect to improve our understanding of what causes seizures in neurocysticercosis.