genomic sequencing of Acanthocheilonema viteae

Acanthocheilonema viteae is a filarial nematode parasite of rodents. It is widely used as a model for human filariases. Importantly, A. viteae lacks the Wolbachia bacterial endosymbiont found in most human-infective filarial nematodes. Thus this species has become central in efforts to understand the role of the Wolbachia in the nematode-bacterial symbiosis, and in particular its possible role in immune evasion. The Wolbachia is also a drug target in nematodes that carry this symbiont, so work on A. viteae can also help to disentangle anti-nematode and anti-symbiont effects. The genome sequence of A. viteae will assist in these efforts by offering a reference platform against which responses to drugs and the immune stystem can be measured, and a complete catalogue of the genes (and thus proteins) of the parasite. This catalogue can be screened and investigated using computer tools, enhancing the specificity of directed research, and ensuring that the whole of the parasites' capacities are considered.