Host-Specific Serum Factors Control the Development and Survival of Schistosoma mansoni.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by blood-dwelling flatworms which develop from skin-penetrating cercariae, the freely swimming water-borne infective stage of Schistosoma mansoni, into adult worms. This natural course of infection can be mimicked in experimental mouse models of schistosomiasis. However, only a maximum of 20-30% of penetrated cercariae mature into fecund adults. The reasons for this are unknown but could potentially involve soluble factors of the innate immune system, such as complement factors and preexisting, natural antibodies.

Materials and methods

Using our recently developed novel serum- and cell-free in vitro culture system for newly transformed schistosomula (NTS), which supports long-term larval

SUBMITTER: Anisuzzaman 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8103320 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature