Onchocerca volvulus: expression and immunolocalization of a nematode cathepsin D-loike lysosomal aspartic protease
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
The N-terminal region of the cathepsin D-like aspartic protease from the human filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus was expressed as His-tag fusion protein. Light and electron microscopic immunohistology using antibodies against the recombinant protein showed labeling of lysosomes in the hypodermis and epithelia of the intestine and the reproductive organs of Onchocerca. While developing oocytes were negative, mature oocytes and early morulae showed strong labeling. In older embryos and mature microfilariae, stained lysosomes were only found in a few cells. Cell death in degenerating microfilariae of patients untreated and treated with microfilaricidal drugs was associated with strong expression of aspartic protease. IgG1, IgG4, and IgE antibodies reactive with the recombinant protein were demonstrated in sera from onchocerciasis patients indicating exposure and recognition of the enzyme by the host’s defence system. The aspartic protease of O. volvulus appears to function in intestinal digestion and tissue degradation of the filaria.
Journal
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
Publication Name
N/A
Volume
107
ISBN/ISSN
1090-2449
Edition
N/A
Issue
3-4
Pages Count
12
Location
N/A
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Url
N/A
Publisher Location
San Diego, USA -CA
Publish Date
N/A
Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1016/j.exppara.2004.06.006