Cysteine peptidase inhibitors of helminths
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Investigating the functions of various bioactive molecules produced by parasites expands our understanding of the principles of host-parasite interaction. Several of these compounds were proven to play a key role in a manipulation of the host immune system and thus maximizing the parasite success; among them also the cysteine peptidase inhibitors (CPI) were recorded. Our work is focused on characterization of the properties of CPI expressed by four helminth model species representing four big taxonomic groups – Monogenea, Cestoda, Trematoda and Nematoda. Prior to the functional analysis we searched the transcriptomic and/or genomic data of Eudiplozoon nipponicum, Hymenolepis diminuta, Fascioloides magna and Trichinella spiralis for the presence of conserved cystatin domains. We identified distinct families of CPI (stefins, cystatins and kininogens) and observed differences among the studied species. We designed specific/degenerate primers; amplified, cloned and sequenced the selected genes. The recombinant forms of particular CPI will be prepared and characterized in detail to reveal their function. |
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