Immunomodulatory molecules of Fasciola hepatica: candidates for both vaccine and immunotherapeutic development

Vet Parasitol. 2013 Aug 1;195(3-4):272-85. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.04.008. Epub 2013 Apr 6.

Abstract

The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, causes fascioliasis in domestic animals (sheep, cattle), a global disease that is also an important infection of humans. As soon as the parasite invades the gut wall its interaction with various host immune cells (e.g. dendritic cells, macrophages and mast cells) is complex. The parasite secretes a myriad of molecules that direct the immune response towards a favourable non-protective Th2-mediate/regulatory environment. These immunomodulatory molecules, such as cathepsin L peptidase (FhCL1), are under development as the first generation of fluke vaccines. However, this peptidase and other molecules, such as peroxiredoxin (FhPrx) and helminth defence molecule (FhHDM-1), exhibit various immunomodulatory properties that could be harnessed to help treat immune-related conditions in humans and animals.

Keywords: Cathepsin L; Fasciola hepatica; Helminth defence molecules; Immunomodulation; Immunotherapeutics; Peroxiredoxin; Secretory proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cathepsin L / immunology
  • Cathepsin L / metabolism
  • Cathepsin L / therapeutic use
  • Cattle
  • Cattle Diseases / immunology
  • Cattle Diseases / parasitology
  • Cattle Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Fasciola hepatica / enzymology
  • Fasciola hepatica / immunology*
  • Fascioliasis / immunology
  • Fascioliasis / parasitology
  • Fascioliasis / prevention & control
  • Fascioliasis / veterinary*
  • Helminth Proteins / immunology*
  • Helminth Proteins / metabolism
  • Helminth Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Peroxiredoxins / immunology
  • Peroxiredoxins / metabolism
  • Peroxiredoxins / therapeutic use
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / immunology
  • Sheep Diseases / parasitology
  • Sheep Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Vaccines

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Vaccines
  • Peroxiredoxins
  • Cathepsin L