AUTHOR=Wanji Samuel , Chunda Valerine Chawa , Fombad Fanny Fri , Njouendou Abdel Jélil , Gandjui Narcisse Victor T. , Ritter Manuel , Enyong Peter A. , Mackenzie Charles , Taylor Mark J. , Hoerauf Achim , Turner Joseph D. 

TITLE=Advances in Preclinical Platforms of Loa loa for Filarial Neglected Tropical Disease Drug and Diagnostics Research

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

VOLUME=2

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/tropical-diseases/articles/10.3389/fitd.2021.778724

DOI=10.3389/fitd.2021.778724

ISSN=2673-7515

ABSTRACT=<p>The tropical disease, loiasis, caused by the filarial parasite, <italic>Loa loa</italic>, has gained prominence in global public health as a cause of excess mortality and a barrier to the elimination of the related prioritized neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, within Central Africa. There are no effective drug cures or vaccines available to treat loiasis safely. Here we review recent advances in loiasis preclinical platform technologies, including novel <italic>in vitro</italic> culturing systems, animal models and innovations in experimental infections of the <italic>L. loa</italic> vector, <italic>Chrysops</italic>, that have facilitated access to all <italic>L. loa</italic> filarial life-cycle stages. We detail applications of these new model systems in anti-filarial drug screening, diagnostic development, immunology, and pathophysiology research. Finally, we provide an overview of how loiasis preclinical platforms may be further utilized in translational medicine applications to support the development of much needed new interventions against filarial NTDs.</p>