title: Development of Paramyosin as a Vaccine Candidate for Schistosomiasis.
abstract: Schistosomiasis, caused by three principal species of diecious trematodes (flatworms), currently afflicts over 250 million individuals, results in an estimated 2-15% chronic disability, and contributes to poor health and economic stagnation in endemic areas. Although schistosomiasis is effectively treated with praziquantel, rapid reinfection with rebound morbidity precludes effective control based on chemotherapy alone and justifies current efforts to develop vaccines for these parasites. Paramyosin (Pmy), an invertebrate muscle-associated protein, has emerged as a promising vaccine candidate for both Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum. Herein, we discuss the discovery of Pmy, its development as a vaccine candidate in rodents and bovines, as well as studies of naturally occurring immune responses to Pmy in prospective, observational human studies. We conclude with a proposed developmental plan to move Pmy toward Phase I clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine , Manila , Philippines.
authors.forename: Mario A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Jiz
authors.affiliation: Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School , Providence, RI , USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School , Providence, RI , USA.
authors.forename: Haiwei
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine , Manila , Philippines.
authors.forename: Remigio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Olveda
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine , Manila , Philippines.
authors.forename: Blanca
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jarilla
authors.affiliation: Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School , Providence, RI , USA ; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School , Providence, RI , USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kurtis
keywords: Schistosoma japonicum; paramyosin; preclincal; vaccines; zoonoses