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Molecular Characterization and Expression Pattern of Paramyosin in Larvae and Adults of Yesso Scallop. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030453. [PMID: 35336826 PMCID: PMC8945602 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Paramyosin is an important myofibrillar protein in smooth muscle in molluscs that is not present in vertebrate muscles. This study characterized its sequence feature and expression patterns in Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis and revealed the unique phosphorylation sites in scallops. The mRNA and protein expression of paramyosin was mainly found in foot and smooth adductor muscle. At late larval stages, strong paramyosin mRNA signals were detected in the symmetric positions of anterior and posterior adductor muscles. The present findings support that paramyosin may serve as the most important component of smooth muscle assembly during muscle development and catch regulation in scallops. Abstract Paramyosin is an important myofibrillar protein in molluscan smooth muscle. The full-length cDNA encoding paramyosin has been identified from Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis. The length of paramyosin molecule has been found to be 3715 bp, which contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 2805 bp for 934 amino acid residues. Characterization of P. yessoensis paramyosin reveals the typical structural feature of coiled-coil protein, including six α-helix (α1-α6) and one coil (η) structures. Multiple phosphorylation sites have been predicted at the N-terminus of paramyosin, representing the unique phosphorylation sites in scallops. The highest levels of mRNA and protein expression of paramyosin have been found in foot and the smooth adductor muscle. According to whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH), strong paramyosin mRNA signals were detected in the symmetric positions of anterior and posterior adductor muscles at late larval stages. These findings support that paramyosin may serve as the most important components for myogenesis and catch regulation in scallops. The present findings will not only help uncover the potential function of myofibrillar proteins in molluscs but also provide molecular evidence to infer evolutionary relationships among invertebrates.
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Reynoso-Ducoing O, Valverde-Islas L, Paredes-Salomon C, Pérez-Reyes A, Landa A, Robert L, Mendoza G, Ambrosio JR. Analysis of the expression of cytoskeletal proteins of Taenia crassiceps ORF strain cysticerci (Cestoda). Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1955-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3846-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Martínez-Ibeas A, González-Lanza C, Manga-González M. Proteomic analysis of the tegument and excretory–secretory products of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Digenea) adult worms. Exp Parasitol 2013; 133:411-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Moghadam ZK, Ghaffarifar F, Khalilpour A, Abdul Aziz F, Saadatnia G, Noordin R. IgG4 detection of Echinococcus granulosus paramyosin is a useful diagnostic test for human hydatidosis. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2013; 20:501-5. [PMID: 23365208 PMCID: PMC3623400 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00019-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hydatidosis is a public health problem in many parts of the world, and improvement in diagnosis of the disease is still being pursued. Protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus were isolated from hydatid cysts collected from naturally infected sheep slaughtered in abattoirs in Iran. Sonicated extract of protoscolex was subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. Primary antibodies were from serum samples from 130 hydatidosis patients, 38 individuals infected with other parasitic infections, and 30 healthy people, whereas peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated anti-human IgG and IgG4 were used as secondary antibodies. The recombinant form of the identified protein was produced and tested for its sensitivity and specificity for the detection of human hydatidosis. An antigenic band of ∼60 kDa was found to be sensitive (82%) and specific (100%) for the detection of hydatidosis when probed with anti-human IgG4-HRP, while the sensitivity and specificity were 33 and 100%, respectively, with anti-human IgG-HRP. By mass spectrometry, the band was identified as protoscolex tegument paramyosin. The sensitivity and specificity of full-length paramyosin-recombinant protein in IgG4 blots were found to be 86 and 98%, respectively. In conclusion, IgG4 detection of Echinococcus granulosus paramyosin was found to be useful for the diagnosis of human hydatidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Kazemi Moghadam
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akbar Khalilpour
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Farhanah Abdul Aziz
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Geita Saadatnia
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Tran MH, Freitas TC, Cooper L, Gaze S, Gatton ML, Jones MK, Lovas E, Pearce EJ, Loukas A. Suppression of mRNAs encoding tegument tetraspanins from Schistosoma mansoni results in impaired tegument turnover. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1000840. [PMID: 20419145 PMCID: PMC2855321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes express a family of integral membrane proteins, called tetraspanins (TSPs), in the outer surface membranes of the tegument. Two of these tetraspanins, Sm-TSP-1 and Sm-TSP-2, confer protection as vaccines in mice, and individuals who are naturally resistant to S. mansoni infection mount a strong IgG response to Sm-TSP-2. To determine their functions in the tegument of S. mansoni we used RNA interference to silence expression of Sm-tsp-1 and Sm-tsp-2 mRNAs. Soaking of parasites in Sm-tsp dsRNAs resulted in 61% (p = 0.009) and 74% (p = 0.009) reductions in Sm-tsp-1 and Sm-tsp-2 transcription levels, respectively, in adult worms, and 67%–75% (p = 0.011) and 69%–89% (p = 0.004) reductions in Sm-tsp-1 and Sm-tsp-2 transcription levels, respectively, in schistosomula compared to worms treated with irrelevant control (luciferase) dsRNA. Ultrastructural morphology of adult worms treated in vitro with Sm-tsp-2 dsRNA displayed a distinctly vacuolated and thinner tegument compared with controls. Schistosomula exposed in vitro to Sm-tsp-2 dsRNA had a significantly thinner and more vacuolated tegument, and morphology consistent with a failure of tegumentary invaginations to close. Injection of mice with schistosomula that had been electroporated with Sm-tsp-1 and Sm-tsp-2 dsRNAs resulted in 61% (p = 0.005) and 83% (p = 0.002) reductions in the numbers of parasites recovered from the mesenteries four weeks later when compared to dsRNA-treated controls. These results imply that tetraspanins play important structural roles impacting tegument development, maturation or stability. Schistosomes, or blood flukes, reside in the blood vessels surrounding the liver and bowel of their human hosts. They infect 200 million people and kill many thousands each year in developing countries. The parasites cover themselves in a unique series of cell membranes called the tegument. Molecules in the tegument membranes are a major target for the development of new drugs and vaccines against the parasite. Here we show that at least one member of a family of tegument membrane proteins called tetraspanins, Sm-TSP-2, is integral to the proper formation of the tegument and subsequent survival of the parasite in its human host, providing a potential mechanism by which a vaccine based on Sm-TSP-2 protects immunized hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai H. Tran
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Tori C. Freitas
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Leanne Cooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Soraya Gaze
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle L. Gatton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Erica Lovas
- School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Edward J. Pearce
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alex Loukas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Park TJ, Kang JM, Na BK, Sohn WM. Molecular cloning and characterization of a paramyosin from Clonorchis sinensis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2009; 47:359-67. [PMID: 19967083 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2009.47.4.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 08/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Paramyosin is a myofibrillar protein present in helminth parasites and plays multifunctional roles in host-parasite interactions. In this study, we identified the gene encoding paramyosin of Clonorchis sinensis (CsPmy) and characterized biochemical and immunological properties of its recombinant protein. CsPmy showed a high level of sequence identity with paramyosin from other helminth parasites. Recombinant CsPmy (rCsPmy) expressed in bacteria had an approximate molecular weight of 100 kDa and bound both human collagen and complement 9. The protein was constitutively expressed in various developmental stages of the parasite. Imunofluorescence analysis revealed that CsPmy was mainly localized in the tegument, subtegumental muscles, and the muscle layer surrounding the intestine of the parasite. The rCsPmy showed high levels of positive reactions (74.6%, 56/75) against sera from patients with clonorchiasis. Immunization of experimental rats with rCsPmy evoked high levels of IgG production. These results collectively suggest that CsPmy is a multifunctional protein that not only contributes to the muscle layer structure but also to non-muscular functions in host-parasite interactions. Successful induction of host IgG production also suggests that CsPmy can be applied as a diagnostic antigen and/or vaccine candidate for clonorchiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Joon Park
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Center for Brain Korea 21 and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju 660-751, Korea
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Strube C, Buschbaum S, von Samson-Himmelstjerna G, Schnieder T. Stage-dependent transcriptional changes and characterization of paramyosin of the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus. Parasitol Int 2009; 58:334-40. [PMID: 19604498 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2009] [Revised: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 07/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus is of major economic importance in cattle farming in the temperate zones. The invertebrate protein paramyosin is one of the main components of muscle thick filaments but can also exhibit immunomodulatory functions. It represents a promising vaccine candidate in parasitic helminths. In this study, D. viviparus paramyosin (DvPmy) was characterized on the transcriptional as well as genomic level. The identified genomic sequence comprises 19 introns compared to only 10 introns in the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue. Quantitative real time PCR transcriptional analysis revealed paramyosin transcription throughout the whole parasite's life cycle with the highest transcription rate in the agile moving first-stage larvae and the lowest in motionless hypobiosis induced third stage larvae. Recombinantly expressed DvPmy was found to bind collagen and IgG. Thereby the present study is the first showing that nematode paramyosin has the capability for immunomodulation and thus may be involved in host immune defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Strube
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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8
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Zhao QP, Moon SU, Na BK, Kim SH, Cho SH, Lee HW, Kong Y, Sohn WM, Jiang MS, Kim TS. Paragonimus westermani: Biochemical and immunological characterizations of paramyosin. Exp Parasitol 2007; 115:9-18. [PMID: 16814286 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2006.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2006] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Paramyosin of the helminth parasite is a muscle protein that plays multifunctional roles in host-parasite relationships. In this study, we have cloned a gene encoding Paragonimus westermani paramyosin (PwPmy) and characterized biochemical and immunological properties of the recombinant protein. The recombinant PwPmy (rPwPmy) was shown to bind both human immunoglobulin G (IgG) and collagen. The protein was constitutively expressed in various developmental stages of the parasite and its expression level increased progressively as the parasite matured. Immunohistological analysis revealed that PwPmy was mainly localized in subtegumental muscle, tegument and cells surrounding the oral sucker, intestine, and ovary of the parasite. Sera from patients with paragonimiasis showed antibody reactivity against rPwPmy, and IgG1 and IgG4 were predominant. Immunization of mice with rPwPmy also induced high IgG responses. Biochemical and immunological characterization of PwPmy may provide valuable information for the further study to develop a vaccine or a chemotherapeutic agent for paragonimiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Ping Zhao
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Seoul 122-701, Republic of Korea
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9
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Abstract
The syncytial cytoplasmic layer, termed the tegument, which covers the entire surface of adult schistosomes, is a major interface between the parasite and its host. Since schistosomes can survive for decades within the host bloodstream, they are clearly able to evade host immune responses, and their ability is dependent on the properties of the tegument surface. We review here the molecular organization and biochemical functions of the tegument, combining the extensive literature over the last three decades with recent proteomic studies. We have interpreted the organization of the tegument surface as bounded by a conventional plasma membrane overlain by a membrane-like secretion, the membranocalyx, with which host molecules can associate. The range of parasite proteins, glycans and lipids found in the surface complex is evaluated, together with the host molecules detected. We consider the way in which the tegument surface is formed after cercarial penetration into the skin, and changes that occur as parasites develop to maturity. Lastly, we review the evidence on surface dynamics and turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Skelly
- Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, 20 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA
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10
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Thors C, Jokiranta TS, Meri T, Kairemo K, Meri S, Linder E. Immunoglobulin uptake and processing by Schistosoma mansoni. Parasite Immunol 2006; 28:421-8. [PMID: 16916365 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2006.00839.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intravascular Schistosoma mansoni worms seem to take up immunoglobulins from blood by surface Fc-receptors, but the process whereby bound immunoglobulins are processed by the parasite is poorly understood. We here present morphological data suggesting that two distinct main processes are involved: Host immunoglobulins were seen at two distinct locations in the parasite: in the frontal part of the enteric tube, the oesophagus, and as a fine granular staining at the surface and in the subtegumental region. The latter staining pattern corresponds to host immunoglobulin localization in discrete organelle-like aggregates tentatively identified as 'discoid or elongate bodies' at the ultrastructural level using immunogold staining. Immunoglobulin uptake by intravascular worms was also demonstrated in vivo after passive administration of 125I-labelled rabbit and mouse immunoglobulins. Radiolabelled immunoglobulins were taken up by the worms and shown to localize as fine strands running perpendicular to the parasite surface. Our results suggest that intravascular schistosomes take up host immunoglobulins both as part of their enteric digestion and by a surface Fc-receptor-mediated mechanism, involving transport and processing within organelles, 'elongate bodies'. Immunoglobulins taken up by intravascular schistosomes form a distinct organelle-like granules, which seem to be processed within the excretory system of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Thors
- Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (SMI), Solna, Sweden
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Abstract
This is the first of a projected series of canonic reviews covering all invertebrate muscle literature prior to 2005 and covers muscle genes and proteins except those involved in excitation-contraction coupling (e.g., the ryanodine receptor) and those forming ligand- and voltage-dependent channels. Two themes are of primary importance. The first is the evolutionary antiquity of muscle proteins. Actin, myosin, and tropomyosin (at least, the presence of other muscle proteins in these organisms has not been examined) exist in muscle-like cells in Radiata, and almost all muscle proteins are present across Bilateria, implying that the first Bilaterian had a complete, or near-complete, complement of present-day muscle proteins. The second is the extraordinary diversity of protein isoforms and genetic mechanisms for producing them. This rich diversity suggests that studying invertebrate muscle proteins and genes can be usefully applied to resolve phylogenetic relationships and to understand protein assembly coevolution. Fully achieving these goals, however, will require examination of a much broader range of species than has been heretofore performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott L Hooper
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Irvine Hall, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701, USA.
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12
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Jones MK, Gobert GN, Zhang L, Sunderland P, McManus DP. The cytoskeleton and motor proteins of human schistosomes and their roles in surface maintenance and host-parasite interactions. Bioessays 2004; 26:752-65. [PMID: 15221857 DOI: 10.1002/bies.20058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomes are parasitic blood flukes, responsible for significant human disease in tropical and developing nations. Here we review information on the organization of the cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins of schistosomes, with particular reference to the organization of the syncytial tegument, a unique cellular adaptation of these and other neodermatan flatworms. Extensive EST databases show that the molecular constituents of the cytoskeleton and associated molecular systems are likely to be similar to those of other eukaryotes, although there are potentially some molecules unique to schistosomes and platyhelminths. The biology of some components, particular those contributing to host-parasite interactions as well as chemotherapy and immunotherapy are discussed. Unresolved questions in relation to the structure and function of the tegument relate to dynamic organization of the syncytial layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm K Jones
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
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13
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Abstract
Schistosomes are exposed to a variety of immunological effectors, such as host complement, in the bloodstream of their definitive hosts. The parasites are reported to possess a plethora of regulatory proteins, including molecules acquired from the host, which impede the complement cascade. Evidence for the presence of a surface C2-binding protein, a C3-binding protein and a C8- and C9-binding protein has been reported. In addition, a surface Fc receptor might bind immunoglobulin and limit its ability to fix complement. However, the actual protective role of these proteins in vivo remains unresolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Skelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Road, Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
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14
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Abstract
Professor Akira Fujinami demonstrated for the first time in the world that acquired immunity might be induced against macroparasites such as schistosomes. Since then, vaccination models have been developed using various species of animals, among which the attenuated vaccine model in the mouse has been utilized mostly to clarify immune effector mechanisms and define candidate vaccine molecules. However, further studies are necessary on immune responses to defined parasite molecules in humans, because some discrepancies in immune responses still exist between animals and humans, and apparently genetic influence should be taken into consideration in such studies on defined molecules. Despite of some limitations, vaccine trials in livestock against Schistosoma japonicum may provide useful information for development of vaccines against the other human infections caused by S. mansoni or S. haematobium. In this overview, studies carried out mainly by Japanese investigators towards vaccine development will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somei Kojima
- JICA-Mahidol University ACIPAC Project, Mahidol University, 3rd Floor Administration Bdg, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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15
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Kumar D, McGeown JG, Reynoso-Ducoing O, Ambrosio JR, Fairweather I. Observations on the musculature and isolated muscle fibres of the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. Parasitology 2004; 127:457-73. [PMID: 14653535 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182003003925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica relies on a well-developed muscular system, not only for attachment, but for many aspects of its biology. Despite this, little is known about the system beyond the gross organization of the main somatic muscle layers. In the present study, a range of techniques have been applied to F. hepatica in order to understand more about various aspects of muscle organization, biochemistry (in terms of muscle proteins) and identity of isolated muscle fibres. Scanning electron microscopy has provided a direct visualization in situ of the somatic muscle layers and the organization of the muscle fibres within the ventral sucker. The muscle bundles contributing to the main somatic muscle layers are made up of up to 10 individual muscle fibres. Phalloidin staining for actin, in conjunction with confocal microscopy, confirmed the presence of 2 main somatic muscle layers (outer circular, inner longitudinal), beneath which lies a third layer of oblique muscle fibres. The use of propidium iodide in combination with phalloidin staining for actin demonstrated that the cell bodies associated with the 2 main somatic muscle layers are situated beneath the longitudinal muscle layer and are connected to their respective muscle fibres by short cytoplasmic processes. Myosin immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the somatic muscle layers and in the muscle layers surrounding various organ systems within the fluke. Double labelling for actin and myosin confirmed the co-localization of the 2 muscle proteins in the muscle fibres of the ventral sucker. Muscle fibres from the somatic muscle layers and the ventral sucker have been isolated and images obtained with phase-contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The muscle fibres contain actin and myosin, but lack a nucleus, the connection with the cell body having been broken during the isolation procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kumar
- Parasite Proteomics and Therapeutics Research Group, School of Biology, and Biochemistry, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
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Deng J, Gold D, LoVerde PT, Fishelson Z. Inhibition of the complement membrane attack complex by Schistosoma mansoni paramyosin. Infect Immun 2003; 71:6402-10. [PMID: 14573661 PMCID: PMC219572 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.11.6402-6410.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Larvae and adults of the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni are resistant to killing by human complement. An earlier search by Parizade et al. for a schistosome complement inhibitor identified a 94-kDa surface protein which was named SCIP-1 (M. Parizade, R. Arnon, P. J. Lachmann, and Z. Fishelson, J. Exp. Med. 179:1625-1636, 1994). Following partial purification and analysis by mass spectrometry, we have determined SCIP-1 to be a surface-exposed form of the muscle protein paramyosin. As shown by immunofluorescence, anti-paramyosin antibodies label the surface of live schistosomula and adult worms. Like SCIP-1, purified native paramyosin reacts with a polyclonal rabbit anti-human CD59 antiserum, as shown by Western blot analysis. Also, the human complement components C8 and C9 bind to recombinant and native paramyosin. Analysis of paramyosin binding to fragments of C9 generated by thrombin or trypsin has demonstrated that paramyosin binds to C9 at a position located between Gly245 and Arg391. Paramyosin inhibited Zn(2+)-induced C9 polymerization and poly-C9 deposition onto rabbit erythrocytes (E(R)). In addition, paramyosin inhibited lysis of E(R) and of sensitized sheep erythrocytes by human complement. Finally, anti-paramyosin antibodies enhanced in vitro killing of schistosomula by normal and C4-depleted human complement. Taken together, these findings suggest that an exogenous form of S. mansoni paramyosin inhibits activation of the terminal pathway of complement and thus has an important immunomodulatory role in schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiusheng Deng
- Departments of Human Microbiology. Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Abstract
This review discusses some of the recent advances in the characterization of potential vaccine molecules against Schistosoma japonicum, utilizing microscopy and immunocytochemistry methods. Microscopy has demonstrated the stage-specific expression of the muscle protein paramyosin onto the parasite surface, an important consideration as a vaccine target. Other potential vaccine component proteins examined include glutathione S-transferase (GST) and fatty acid binding protein (FABP); although not associated with the adult parasite surface, their localization to internal structures such as lipid droplets and regions of the female reproductive system have provided valuable insights into the biology of the parasite. Localization of the transport protein SGTP (schistosome glucose transporter protein) has demonstrated that the protein is more prevalent in the juvenile stages of the parasite development. This further highlights the diversity of the parasite life cycle. Using both light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, the localization of a number of schistosome proteins has demonstrated the functions and significance of these proteins within the parasite. Molecular localization studies are crucial in understanding how and when a vaccine may work against the organism and may provide insights into which can be used in the design of future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- G N Gobert
- Analytical Electron Microscopy Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
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Gobert GN. The Role of Microscopy in the Investigation of Paramyosin as a Vaccine Candidate against Schistosoma japonicum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1998; 14:115-8. [PMID: 17040718 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-4758(97)01205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There has been growing interest in paramyosin as a vaccine component to combat schistosomiasis. Immunological and molecular techniques have been used in the past to investigate the effectiveness of a paramyosin vaccine as an anti-schistosomal treatment. However, recent localization studies at ultrastructural and morphological levels have highlighted a number of questions concerning the role of paramyosin within schistosome parasites. Debates about how a non-surface protein such as paramyosin might provide protection against schistosome infections have recently been addressed by microscopy results. Immunolocalization studies have indicated multiple functions of paramyosin within the parasite and provided insights into how a vaccine may target the parasite, as discussed here by Geoffrey Gobert.
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Kalinna BH, McManus DP. A vaccine against the Asian schistosome, Schistosoma japonicum: an update on paramyosin as a target of protective immunity. Int J Parasitol 1997; 27:1213-9. [PMID: 9394192 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(97)00119-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Paramyosin from parasitic worms of the genus Schistosoma has shown promise as a vaccine target and it is one of the candidates selected by WHO for the development of a vaccine against schistosomiasis. Here we discuss the literature of the past decade and report on different recombinant paramyosin constructs we are using in our laboratory to develop a vaccine against the Asian schistosoma, Schistosoma japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H Kalinna
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Bancroft Centre, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Australia.
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