Fasciola antigens as vaccines against fascioliasis and schistosomiasis.
Fascioliasis is an important trematode infection of herbivores worldwide with increasing evidence of prevalence as a disease of humans. Vaccination studies with purified native and recombinant Fasciola antigens suggest that this approach to diminished morbidity and mortality and reduced transmission is a realistic goal. Among the major potential vaccine candidates are fatty acid binding protein (FABP), cysteine (cathepsin) proteases, haemoglobulin, leucine aminopeptidase, and a saposin-like protein. In the case of Fasciola hepatica FABP, cross-reaction and cross-protection against Schistosoma mansoni is an important feature. In addition to protective effects with significant worm burden reductions, some vaccine candidates also have anti-fecundity (smaller flukes), anti-pathology (less liver lesions), and anti-embryonation effects. Optimism is tempered by the fact that fascioliasis in humans is an orphan disease and in need of governmental and foundation support.
Hillyer
G V
GV
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan PR 00936-5067, Puerto Rico. ghillyer@rcm.upr.edu
D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000276:immunology; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D049231:Saposins / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D050556:Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; D049231:Saposins; D014612:Vaccines; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D002403:Cathepsins