Helminth C-type lectins and host-parasite interactions.
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.
Loukas
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A
Molecular Parasitology Unit, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane 4029, Queensland, Australia. alexl@qimr.edu.au
Maizels
R M
RM
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
D037102:Lectins; D037181:Lectins, C-Type