Mapping the epitopes of Schistosoma japonicum esophageal gland proteins for incorporation into vaccine constructs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The development of a schistosome vaccine has proved challenging but we have suggested that characterisation of the self-cure mechanism in rhesus macaques might provide a route to an effective product. The schistosome esophagus is a complex structure where blood processing is initiated by secretions from anterior and posterior glands, achieved by a mixture of ~40 unique proteins. The mechanism of self-cure in macaques involves cessation of feeding, after which worms slowly starve to death. Antibody coats the esophagus lumen and disrupts the secretory processes from the glands, potentially making their secretions ideal vaccine targets.

Methodology/principal findings

We have designed three peptide arrays comprising overlapping 15-mer peptides encompassing 32 esophage

SUBMITTER: Li XH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7046203 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature