Echinococcus granulosus antigen B structure: subunit composition and oligomeric states.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Antigen B (AgB) is the major protein secreted by the Echinococcus granulosus metacestode and is involved in key host-parasite interactions during infection. The full comprehension of AgB functions depends on the elucidation of several structural aspects that remain unknown, such as its subunit composition and oligomeric states.

Methodology/principal findings

The subunit composition of E. granulosus AgB oligomers from individual bovine and human cysts was assessed by mass spectrometry associated with electrophoretic analysis. AgB8/1, AgB8/2, AgB8/3 and AgB8/4 subunits were identified in all samples analyzed, and an AgB8/2 variant (AgB8/2v8) was found in one bovine sample. The exponentially modified protein abundance index (emPAI) was used to estimate the relative a

SUBMITTER: Monteiro KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3295803 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature