Biology Centre: Parasitism and host–parasite relationships at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels

Biology Centre of the ASCR, v.v.i.
AV0Z60220518
Parasitism and host–parasite relationships at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels

The principal objective of the project is to obtain data on the species diversity, biology and phylogenetic relationships of selected groups of parasitic animals, especially their interactions with hosts at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels, defence mechanisms of hosts and emerging parasitic diseases of man. Conventional methods, including electron microscopy, and modern approaches of molecular biology, biochemistry and immunology will be used to study unicellular and metazoan parasites of fish, man and farm animals, as well as blood–sucking arthropods transmitting viral and bacterial diseases. The project will enable participation of students and intensive international collaboration, including organisation of international conferences and teaching courses. The data to be obtained will contribute to a better understanding of adaptations to parasitism and defence mechanisms of their hosts, which will help improve the diagnostics and control of parasitic diseases.