On the three-finger protein domain fold and CD59-like proteins in Schistosoma mansoni.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is believed that schistosomes evade complement-mediated killing by expressing regulatory proteins on their surface. Recently, six homologues of human CD59, an important inhibitor of the complement system membrane attack complex, were identified in the schistosome genome. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether these molecules could act as CD59-like complement inhibitors in schistosomes as part of an immune evasion strategy.

Methodology/principal findings

Herein, we describe the molecular characterization of seven putative SmCD59-like genes and attempt to address the putative biological function of two isoforms. Superimposition analysis of the 3D structure of hCD59 and schistosome sequences revealed that they contain the three-fingered protein domain (

SUBMITTER: Farias LP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3812095 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature