Omics tools enabling vaccine discovery against fasciolosis

In the past decade significant advances in our understanding of liver fluke biology have been made through in-depth interrogation and analysis of evolving Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica omics datasets. This information is crucial for developing novel control strategies, particularly vaccines necessitated by the global spread of anthelmintic resistance. Distilling them down to a manageable number of testable vaccines requires combined rational, empirical, and collaborative approaches. Despite a lack of clear outstanding vaccine candidate(s), we must continue to identify salient parasite–host interacting molecules, likely in the secretory products, tegument, or extracellular vesicles, and perform robust trials especially in livestock, using present and emerging vaccinology technologies to discover that elusive liver fluke vaccine. Omics tools are bringing this prospect ever closer. The generation of extensive omics datasets for Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica has expedited the investigation of key molecules involved in liver fluke biology, pathogenicity, and virulence that can be targeted for vaccine development.Vaccines are urgent to counteract the spread of anthelminthic resistance; however, very few molecules have been brought forward into large animal vaccine trials, particularly on the field.Discovery of effective vaccine antigen cocktails from the large number of genes/proteins within publicly available omics datasets will require a strategy combining both rational, empirical, and collaborative approaches.A multiantigen approach, based on molecules important for key processes in the early-stage parasites, may form a key strategy for the development of a fasciolosis vaccine, aimed at preventing the extensive damage caused by the migrating parasite.