How Schistosome Parasites Invade Human Skin
Author Information
Author(s): Ingram Jessica, Knudsen Giselle, Lim K. C., Hansell Elizabeth, Sakanari Judy, McKerrow James
Primary Institution: University of California San Francisco
Hypothesis
The primary invasive peptidase differs between schistosome species, with S. mansoni utilizing cercarial elastase and S. japonicum utilizing cathepsin B2.
Conclusion
The study shows that both S. mansoni cercarial elastase and cathepsin B2 can degrade skin proteins, but cathepsin B2 may be more effective due to its broader range of substrates.
Supporting Evidence
- Both S. mansoni cercarial elastase and cathepsin B2 can cleave skin proteins.
- Cathepsin B2 cleaves a broader range of substrates compared to cercarial elastase.
- Different schistosome species have evolved distinct peptidases for skin invasion.
Takeaway
Schistosome parasites have special proteins that help them get into human skin. Different types of these parasites use different proteins to do this.
Methodology
Comparative proteomic analysis of human skin treated with purified cercarial elastase and cathepsin B2 to identify substrates.
Limitations
The study used a model peptidase from S. mansoni for S. japonicum due to the unavailability of active recombinant SjCB2.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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