title: Natural antibodies to nematode biotinyl-enzymes in human sera.
abstract: Biotinyl-enzymes are conservative molecules present in helminths, as well as in other animals, bacteria and plants. They have recently been found to be antigenic in mice, and a potential source of cross-reactivity among helminths. This study investigated the presence in human sera of antibodies reactive with biotinyl-enzymes from the nematodes Anisakis simplex, Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum. Biotinyl-enzymes from all these nematodes were recognized by IgG1 antibodies in sera from healthy subjects and from Anisakis-free patients infected with other parasites. Interestingly, IgE antibodies reactive with Anisakis simplex biotinyl-enzymes were present in about one third of the sera from Anisakis-free patients infected with other parasites. Our results also demonstrate that the anti-BE IgG1 and IgE antibodies present in the sera of Anisakis-free subjects are cross-reactive among helminths. We conclude that biotinyl-enzymes from nematodes are recognized by natural human antibodies, although Anisakis biotinyl-enzymes do not seem to be the cause of sensitization. Since sera from the Anisakis-free population also present these antibodies, as-yet unidentified factors (dietary components, intestinal inflammation and/or the presence of parasites) may contribute to the induction of anti-BE antibody background.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lorenzo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Iglesias
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Paniagua
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ansotegui
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Alonso
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Ubeira
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D017191:Ascaridida Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology; D001199:Ascaridoidea / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000276:immunology*; D001710:Biotin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant
chemical_list: D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D001710:Biotin