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Dr Jeremy Sternberg

Senior Lecturer in Zoology

Personal Details

Telephone:

+44 (0)1224 272272

E-mail:

j.sternberg@abdn.ac.uk


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Research Interests

Immunology and Pathogenesis in African trypanosome infections.

African trypanosmes are parasitic protozoans which cause sleeping sickness in man and ngana in domestic animals. These parasites are exquisite manipulators of the host immune-system. Current research is focussed on understanding the interface between the parasite and the host-immune system at a range of levels from the laboratory to the field. This includes studies of macrophage activation by trypanosome molecules, studies of the immunological response to infections in patients in Malawi and Uganda, and research into novel diagnostic methods using immunological markers.

Novel Diagnostics in African trypanosomiasis

Effective treatment of African trypanosome infections requires us to know whether the parasites have entered the CNS of the patient of not; this is known as staging. Presently staging requires a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, and thus an invasive and often painful spinal tap. Our work on neuroinflammatory activation in the CNS stage of the disease suggests that it may be possible to diagnose the stage of the disease using blood samples only. This is presently being investigated in a programme funded by FIND (see FIND sleeping sickness pages)

Virulence in African trypanosomiasis and trypanosome genetics

Immunological and pathology data from Human African trypanosomiasis outbreaks in Uganda and Malawi suggests that the considerable variation in virulence observed in the field is associated with distinct parasite genotypes. In collaboration with the Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology in Glasgow we a currently characterising the precise relationship between parasite genotype, disease severity and the inflmmatory response which we suspect as being the primary driver of pathology.

Neuroinflammatory regulation and neurological disease in Human African trypanosomiasis

Our interest in the role of inflammatory pathology in trypanosomiasis led us to investigate its role in the CNS stage of the disease. In this collaboration with Prof. Peter Kennedy at the Dept. of Neurology at the University of Glasgow we demonstrated that progression of the CNS disease was regulated by the balance of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators in the brain. In particular, evidence suggested that the cytokine IL-10 plays a major neuroprotective role in the disease. We are continuing this work using experimental models to test the effects of using IL-10 as a treatment in trypanosomiasis, and using conditional knock out models in which astrocytes do not respond to IL-10 to determine the significance of this cytokine. Additionally we are continuing a survey of sleeping sickness patients in Uganda which we will use to test the hypothesis that the inflammatory/antiinflammatory cytokine ratio in the CSF is a predictor of neurological dysfunction.

Genetics of Tapeworms

Despite their enormous global medical and veterinary significance, little is known of the genetic systems of cestodes. We are using Schistocephalus solidus, which is readily obtained from sticklebacks and can be grown to the adult stage in vitro as model system. Our present goal is to describe the population genetics of this species, using RAPD techniques and newly developed microsatellite probes.

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Collaborations

University of Glasgow, Dept of Neurology: Prof. Peter Kennedy: Models of CNS pathogenesis in trypanosomiasis

University of Glasgow, Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology: Dr Annette MacLeod and Prof. Andy Tait: Molecular epidemiology of protozoan parasites

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VIB Department of Molecular and Cellular Interactions: Prof. Stefan Magez: Immune responses to tsetse fly saliva

Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda: Dr Enock Matovu. Clinical epidemiology and immunology in African trypanosomiasis




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Research Grants

Haematological Dysfunction in African trypanosomiasis. Wellcome Trust. 2000-2003.

Nitric oxide in African Trypanosome infections. Wellcome Trust. (With Dr. JM Ndung'u, Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute). 2000-2002.

Immunomodulators in Tick Saliva. Cunningahm Trust. 2001-2003 (With Dr AS Bowman and Dr J. Liversidge)  

Wellcome Trust.The role of IL-10 in preventing meningoencephalopathy in late stage
African trypanosomiasis. 2003-2006

CNS diagnostic markers in human African trypanosomiasis 2007-2008 FIND

Defining the therapeutic role of IL-10 in African Trypanosomiasis. Wellcome Trust 2008-2011

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Teaching Responsibilities

BSc Zoology Degree Coordinator and honours convener

Course leader for BI4007, ZO4025, ZO4802, BI2007, Wildlife Parasitology Field Course

Contributor on BI1507, BI25Z1, ZO3810, IM3802, IM4001

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External Responsibilities

Editorial Board, Parasite Immunology 2003-

Editorial Board, Infection and Immunity 2000-2003 

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Positions Available

No positions available presently but please keep looking! Contact Jeremy Sternberg on 01224 272272 or j.sternberg@abdn.ac.uk

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Publications

  • Sternberg, JM. & MacLean, L. A spectrum of disease in Human African trypanosomiasis, Scientific review, 2010, Parasitology, 137, 14, pp2007 - 2015, ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1820
  • MacLean, LM., Odiit, M., Chisi, J., Kennedy, P. & Sternberg, JM. Focus specific clinical profiles in human African trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Article, 2010, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 4, 12, ISSN/ISBN: 1935-2735
  • Schwarz, A., Medrano-Mercado, N., Billingsley, PF., Schaub, GA. & Sternberg, JM. IgM-antibody responses of chickens to salivary antigens of Triatoma infestans as early biomarkers for low-level infestation of triatomines, Article, 2010, International Journal for Parasitology, 40, 11, pp1295 - 1302, ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7519
  • Schwarz, A., Helling, S., Collin, N., Teixeira, CR., Medrano-Mercado, N., Hume, JCC., Assumpcao, TC., Marcus, K., Stephan, C., Meyer, HE., Ribeiro, JMC., Billingsley, PF., Valenzuela, JG., Sternberg, JM. & Schaub, GA. Immunogenic Salivary Proteins of Triatoma infestans, Article, 2009, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 3, 10, ISSN/ISBN: 1935-2735
  • MacLean, LM., Odiit, M., MacLeod, A., Morrison, L., Sweeney, L., Cooper, A., Kennedy, PGE. & Sternberg, JM. Spatially and Genetically Distinct African Trypanosome Virulence Variants Defined by Host Interferon-¿ Response, Article, 2007, Journal of Infectious Diseases, 196, 11, pp1620 - 1628, ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1899
  • MacLean, LM., Odiit, M. & Sternberg, JM. Intrathecal cytokine responses in Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness patients, Article, 2006, Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 100, 3, pp270 - 275, ISSN/ISBN: 0035-9203
  • Caljon, G., Van Den Abbele, J., Sternberg, JM., Coosemans, M., De Baetselier, P. & Magez, S. Tsetse fly saliva biases the immune response to Th2 and induces anti-vector antibodies that are a useful tool for exposure asessment, Article, 2006, International Journal for Parasitology, 36, pp1025 - 1035, ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7519
  • Sternberg, JM., Rodgers, J., Bradley, B., MacLean, LM., Murray, M. & Kennedy, PGE. Meningoencephalitic African trypanosomiasis: Brain IL-10 and IL-6 are associated with protection from neuro-inflammatory pathology, Article, 2005, Journal of Neuroimmunology, 167, 1-2, pp81 - 89, ISSN/ISBN: 0165-5728
  • Hannier, S., Liversidge, JM., Sternberg, JM. & Bowman, AS. Characterisation of the B-cell inhibitory protein factor in Ixodes ricinus tick saliva:a potential role in enhanced Borrelia burgdoferi transmission, Article, 2004, Immunology, 113, 3, pp401 - 408, ISSN/ISBN: 0019-2805
  • Sternberg, JM. Human African Trypanosomiasis: Clinical Presentation and Immune Response, Article, 2004, Parasite Immunology, 26, pp469 - 476, ISSN/ISBN: 0141-9838
  • Maina, N., Ngotho, JM., Were, T., Thuita, JK., Mwangangi, DM., Kagira, JM., Ndung'u, JM. & Sternberg, JM. Proinflammatory cytokine expression in the early phase of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infection in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), Article, 2004, Infection and Immunity, 72, 5, pp3063 - 3065, ISSN/ISBN: 0019-9567
  • MacLean, LM., Chisi, JE., Odiit, M., Gibson, WC., Ferris, V., Picozzi, K. & Sternberg, JM. Severity of Human African Trypanosomiasis in East Africa Is Associated with Geographic Location, Parasite Genotype and Host Inflammatory Cytokine Response Profile, Article, 2004, Infection and Immunity, 72, 12, pp7040 - 7044, ISSN/ISBN: 0019-9567
  • Hannier, S., Liversidge, JM., Sternberg, JM. & Bowman, AS. Ixodes ricinus tick salivary gland extract inhibits IL-10 secretion and CD69 expression by mitogen-stimulated murine splenocytes and induces hyporesponsiveness in B lymphocytes, Article, 2003, Parasite Immunology, 25, 1, pp27 - 37, ISSN/ISBN: 0141-9838
  • Radwanska, M., Magez, S., Perry-O'Keefe, H., Stender, H., Coull, J., Sternberg, JM., Buscher, P. & Hyldig-Nielsen, JJ. Direct detection and identification of African trypanosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization with peptide nucleic acid probes, Article, 2002, Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 40, 11, pp4295 - 4297, ISSN/ISBN: 0095-1137
  • MacLean, LM., Odiit, M. & Sternberg, JM. Nitric Oxide and Cytokine Synthesis in Human African Trypanosomiasis, Article, 2001, Journal of Infectious Diseases, 184, 8, pp1086 - 1090, ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1899
  • Mabbott, NA., Coulson, PS., Smythies, LE., Wilson, R. & Sternberg, JM. African trypanosome infections in mice that lack the interferon-gamma receptor gene, Article, 1998, Immunology, 94, 4, pp476 - 480, ISSN/ISBN: 0019-2805
  • Sternberg, JM. Immunobiology of African trypanosomiasis, Scientific review, 1998, Chemical Immunology, 70, pp186 - 199, ISSN/ISBN: 1015-0145
  • Coulson, PS., Smythies, LE., Betts, C., Mabbott, NA., Sternberg, JM., Wei, XG., Liew, FY. & Wilson, RA. Nitric oxide produced in the lungs of mice immunized with the radiation-attenuate schistosome vaccine is not the major agent causing challenge parasite elimination , Article, 1998, Immunology, 93, 1, pp55 - 63, ISSN/ISBN: 0019-2805
  • Roberts, HC., Sternberg, JM. & Chappell, L. Characterization of calcineurin from Hymenolepis microstoma and H-diminuta and its interaction with cyclosporin A, Article, 1997, Parasitology, 114, 3, pp279 - 283, ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1820
  • Elevated serum nitrate in Trypanosoma brucei 'rhodesiense' infections, Article, 1996, Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 90, 4, pp395 - 395, ISSN/ISBN: 0035-9203
  • Sternberg, JM. & Mabbott, NA. Nitric oxide-mediated suppression of T cell responses during Trypanosoma brucei infection Soluble trypanosome products and interferon-gamma are synergistic inducers of nitric oxide synthase, Article, 1996, European Journal of Immunology, 26, 3, pp539 - 543, ISSN/ISBN: 0014-2980
  • Mabbott, N. & Sternberg, JM. Bone-Marrow Nitric-Oxide Production and Development of Anemia in Trypanosoma Brucei- Infected Mice, Article, 1995, Infection and Immunity, 63, 4, pp1563 - 1566, ISSN/ISBN: 0019-9567
  • Roberts, H., Sternberg, JM. & Chappell, L. Hymenolepis diminuta and H-microstoma: Uptake of cyclosporin A and drug binding to parasite cyclophilins, Article, 1995, Parasitology, 111, 5, pp591 - 597, ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1820
  • Mabbott, NA., Sutherland, IA. & Sternberg, JM. Suppressor Macrophages in Trypanosoma-Brucei Infection, Article, 1995, Parasite Immunology, 17, 3, pp143 - 150, ISSN/ISBN: 0141-9838
  • Sternberg, JM., Mabbott, N., Sutherland, I. & Liew, FY. Inhibition of Nitric-Oxide Synthesis Leads to Reduced Parasitemia in Murine Trypanosoma-Brucei Infection, Comment/debate, 1994, Infection and Immunity, 62, 5, pp2135 - 2137, ISSN/ISBN: 0019-9567
  • Sternberg, JM. & Graham, S. Molecular Parasitology in Scotland, Editorial, 1994, Parasitology Today, 10, 12, pp454 - 456, ISSN/ISBN: 0169-4758
  • Mabbott, NA., Sutherland, IA. & Sternberg, JM. Trypanosoma-Brucei is Protected from the Cytostaic Effects of Nitric Oxide Under In-Vivo Conditions, Article, 1994, Parasitology Research, 80, 8, pp687 - 690, ISSN/ISBN: 0932-0113
  • Sternberg, JM. & McGuigan, F. Trypanosoma-Brucei, Comment/debate, 1994, Experimental Parasitology, 78, 4, pp422 - 424, ISSN/ISBN: 0014-4894
  • Sternberg, JM. & McGuigan, FEA. Nitric-Oxide Mediates Suppression of T-Cell Responses in Murine Trypanosoma-Brucei Infection, Comment/debate, 1992, European Journal of Immunology, 22, 10, pp2741 - 2744, ISSN/ISBN: 0014-2980
  • Sternberg, JM. & Tait, A. Genetic Exchange in African Trypanosomes, Scientific review, 1990, Trends in Genetics, 6, 10, pp317 - 322, ISSN/ISBN: 0168-9525
  • Borowy, NK., Sternberg, JM., Schreiber, D., Nonnengasser, C. & Overath, P. Suppressive Macrophages Ocurring in Murine Trypanosoma-Brucei Infection Inhibit T-Cell Responses Invivo and Invitro, Article, 1990, Parasite Immunology, 12, 3, pp233 - 246, ISSN/ISBN: 0141-9838

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