Gary Weil,
M.D.
Professor of Medicine and
Associate Professor of Molecular
Microbiology
Office: (314) 454-7012
FAX: (314) 454-5293
E-mail: gweil@im.wustl.edu
Office: 614 Yalem Building, Box 8051
This laboratory is devoted to research on filarial nematode parasites that cause disabling diseases such as elephantiasis and river blindness in the tropics. Current lab research employs molecular approaches to clone and purify parasite proteins that are useful for diagnosis of human infections and for studies of protective immunity to filariasis. We are studying human antibody responses to native and recombinant parasite antigens and using recombinant antigens and plasmid DNA constructs in vaccine research. Other studies are looking at stage-specific gene expression in filarial worms and effects of antibiotic therapy directed against intracellular bacteria present in these worms. The recent addition here of a mosquito facility for maintenance of the Brugia malayi life cycle has created new opportunities for research on infective filarial larvae. Collaborative field studies in Egypt and in Papua New Guinea are employing new diagnostic methods developed in our laboratory as tools for monitoring the success of programs designed to interrupt transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti.