Immunization with recombinant schistosome adenylate kinase 1 partially protects mice against Schistosoma japonicum infection

Abstract

Highly effective and safe prophylactic vaccines are urgently needed to sustainably control schistosomiasis, one of the most serious endemic zoonoses in China. In this study, we characterized adenylate kinase 1 from Schistosoma japonicum (SjAK1), a phosphotransferase that regulates cellular energy and metabolism, and evaluated its potential as a recombinant vaccine. Based on real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunolocalization, SjAK1 is active throughout the life of the worm, although its expression is higher in 21-day-old schistosomula, adult worms, and eggs deposited in the host liver. Further, the enzyme accumulates in the eggshell, intestinal epithelium, integument of adult worms and in the vitellaria tissue in female worms. A 594-bp full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding SjAK1 was synthesized from total RNA of 3-day-old schistosomes, and immunization with recombinant SjAK1 reduced worm burden by 50%, decreased the density of eggs deposited in the host liver by 40%, and reduced the area of granulomas in the host liver by 56%. ELISA results showed that recombinant SjAK1 also stimulated Th1 cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-γ, but not IL-5 and IL-4. Collectively, a recombinant form of the enzyme SjAK1 elicits partial protective immunity against Schistosoma japonicum infection and the induction of Th1 cytokines. Thus, the enzyme has potential as a component of a multivalent vaccine against schistosomiasis.

Isobaric Tags for Relative and Absolute Quantitation Identification of Blood Proteins Relevant to Paroxetine Response in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

“…Upregulation of AK1 in the frontal cortex was associated with stages 5-6 of Parkinson's disease ( 45 ). Immunization of recombinant AK1 in mice could induce Th1-response as an immune protection ( 46 ). MDD had been associated with an activation of the immune/inflammatory system, including changes in serum acute phase protein ( 47 – 50 ) and cytokine levels ( 51 – 55 ).…”

Proteomic characterization of extracellular vesicles released by third stage larvae of the zoonotic parasite Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae)

“…It is intriguing to note that, both enzymes have also been associated with nematode infection and described as potential immunomodulators. TPI secretion by B. malayi microfilaria sustains the development and contributes to altering the host T helper (Th) cell balance ( Hewitson et al., 2014 ); while AK was shown to be a potential target for preventing Schistosoma japonicum infection ( Gao et al., 2017 ). The possible contribution of L3-EVs in modulating the microenvironment by altering the immune surveillance of the host tissues is also strongly suggested by the identification of immune-modulating molecules HSPs and galectin as protein components carried by L3-EVs.…”

Molecular docking investigation of the amantadine binding to the enzymes upregulated or downregulated in Parkinson’s disease

“…In contrast with PD, in Duchenne muscular dystrophy -an X-linked recessive disease -there is a progressive weakness mainly of the pelvic girdle and shoulder girdle, pseudohypertrophy due to the infiltration by fat and connective tissue with immobilization at young ages and cardiomyopathy [64], [65]. The role of AK1 in inflammation has been demonstrated, but its role in maintaining neuroinflammation is not yet known (Figure 19) [66]. According to the scientific literature, there is no connection between the amantadine and AKs in PD.…”