Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein 6 (SmVAL6) maintains tegumental barrier function.

Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein 6 (SmVAL6) maintains tegumental barrier function. Int J Parasitol. 2020 Nov 27;: Authors: Perally S, Geyer KK, Farani PSG, Chalmers IW, Fernandez-Fuentes N, Maskell DR, Hulme BJ, Forde-Thomas J, Phillips D, Farias LP, Collins JJ, Hoffmann KF Abstract The Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein (SmVAL) superfamily is a collection of at least 29 molecules that have been classified into two distinctive groups (Group 1 and Group 2 SmVALs). The fundamental basis for SmVAL segregation relates to signal peptide and conserved cysteine retention (present in all Group 1 SmVALs, but absent in all Group 2 SmVALs). These structural differences have led to the hypothesis that most Group 1 SmVALs, found as components of schistosome excretory/secretory (E/S) products, predominantly interact with their environment (intermediate or definitive hosts) whereas the Group 2 SmVALs are retained within the schistosome to fulfil parasite-related functions. While experimental evidence to support Group 1 SmVAL/host interactions is growing, similar support for identification of parasite-related Group 2 SmVAL functions is currently lacking. By applying a combination of approaches to the study of SmVAL6, we provide the first known evidence for an essential function of a Group 2 SmVAL in schistosome biology. After whole mount in situ hybridisation (WISH) localised Smval6 to the anterior region of the oesophage...
Source: International Journal for Parasitology - Category: Parasitology Authors: Tags: Int J Parasitol Source Type: research