Structural and functional analysis of the TGF-β mimic, TGM-2: an immunomodulatory helminth protein.

ABSTRACT: The extraordinary prevalence of helminths is attributable to secretion of molecules that manipulate the host immune system, facilitating their survival. Among the secretory products of the murine intestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus are 10 mimic proteins with functional resemblance to the mammalian immunosuppressive cytokine, TGF-β, but structurally distinct with five Complement Control Protein (CCP) domains, designated TGM-1 to -10. Here we dissect the structure and function of the mimic TGM-2 and its domains. We generated eight protein truncations lacking N- or C-terminal domains, for testing through pulldowns, mass spectrometric analysis and isothermal titration calorimetry, confirming affinity for TGFBR1 (ALK5), TGFBR2, and the co-receptor CD44. We observed that domains 1-3 bi

SUBMITTER: Ntang EY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12923355 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature