Introduction of epigenetic variation contribute to resistance against the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni

Using epilines and epigenetic recombinant inbred lines (epiRILs), we propagated DNA methylation variants across three generations. EpiRILs showed reduced susceptibility to Schistosoma mansoni (68% vs. 84% in controls) and a 12% increase in fertility, with heritability estimated at 0.55.

Modeling suggested that introducing even a small proportion of resistant epimutants could shift populations from susceptibility to resistance within 100 generations.

This approach highlights the potential of environmental management through epigenetically modified organisms to limit parasite transmission to humans.