Bioactive molecules of Taenia solium metacestode, a causative agent of neurocysticercosis.
Neurocysticercosis (NC), an infection of the CNS with Taenia solium metacestode, exemplifies formidable public health concerns associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The disease is a complex phenomenon involving molecular cell biological cross-talks between the parasite and human host. To effectively combat NC, specific diagnosis and proper management are prerequisites. Bioactive molecules implicated in host-parasite interactions and parasitic homeostasis should be elucidated. This article provides an overview of currently available serological biomarkers, especially those comprising low-molecular-weight proteins, and discusses available immunoproteomics for identification of such molecules. T. solium metacestode bioactive molecules, which might be critically implicated in the progression of NC disease, are summarized. Comprehensive understanding of the biochemical properties and biological functions of bioactive molecules may contribute to the development of novel intervention strategies against NC.
Department of Molecular Parasitology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Suwon 440-746, Korea.
Young-An
YA
Bae
Yanping
Y
Xue
Eung-Goo
EG
Lee
Seon-Hee
SH
Kim
Yoon
Y
Kong
D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D006801:Humans; D020019:Neurocysticercosis / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D041201:Taenia solium / Q000472:pathogenicity*
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D015801:Helminth Proteins