A Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid-binding protein, Sm14, is the potential basis of a dual-purpose anti-helminth vaccine.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.93.1.269
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T14:35:50Z
• Authors: M Tendler; C A Brito; M M Vilar; N Serra-Freire; C M Diogo; M S Almeida; A C Delbem; J F Da Silva; W Savino; R C Garratt; N Katz; A S Simpson
• Keywords: Hepatica; Schistosoma

Molecular cloning of components protective antigenic preparations has suggested that related parasite fatty acid-binding proteins could form the basis immune crossreactivity between parasitic trematode worms Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma mansoni. models two showed both molecules adopt same basic three-dimensional structure, consisting a barrel-shaped molecule formed by 10 antiparallel beta-pleated strands joined short loops, revealed likely presence crossreactive, discontinuous epitopes principally derived from amino acids in C-terminal portions molecules. A recombinant S. mansoni antigen, rSm14, protected outbred Swiss mice up to 67% against challenge with cercariae absence adjuvant without provoking any observable autoimmune response. The antigen also provided complete protection F. metacercariae animal model. results suggest it may be possible produce single vaccine would effective at least parasites, mansoni, veterinary human importance, respectively.