title: Helminth C-type lectins and host-parasite interactions.
abstract: C-type lectins (C-TLs) are a family of carbohydrate-binding proteins intimately involved in diverse processes including vertebrate immune cell signalling and trafficking, activation of innate immunity in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and venom-induced haemostasis. Helminth C-TLs sharing sequence and structural similarity with mammalian immune cell lectins have recently been identified from nematode parasites, suggesting clear roles for these proteins at the host-parasite interface, notably in immune evasion. Here, Alex Loukas and Rick Maizels review the status of helminth lectin research and suggest ways in which parasitic worms might utilize C-TLs during their life history.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Parasitology Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane 4029, Queensland, Australia. alexl@qimr.edu.au
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Loukas
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Maizels
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology*; D006376:Helminths / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D037102:Lectins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data
chemical_list: D037102:Lectins; D037181:Lectins, C-Type