Schistosoma japonicum leishmanolysin SjLLPi1 facilitates the invasion of cercariae into the host skin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Schistosomiasis is an important neglected tropical disease necessitating focus. Cercarial proteases are essential for schistosome invasion. Leishmanolysin has been identified as the most predominant protease in Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) cercariae, but the role and mechanism of leishmanolysin in host skin invasion by S. japonicum cercariae remain unclear.

Methodology/principal findings

Our bioinformatic analysis revealed the classification of S. japonicum leishmanolysin within the M8 matrix metalloprotease family. We then expressed recombinant S. japonicum leishmanolysin-like peptidase isoform 1 (SjLLPi1) and verified its hydrolytic enzyme activity. Western blotting analysis confirmed high level of SjLLPi1 protein in S. japonicum cercariae. Immunofluores

SUBMITTER: Chen F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12410865 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature