Abstract
BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto), is a life-threatening but neglected zoonosis. Glycolytic enzymes are crucial molecules for the survival and development of E. granulosus. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular characterization, immunogenicity, tissue distribution and serodiagnostic potential of E. granulosus hexokinase (EgHK), the first key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway.MethodsEgHK was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Specific serum antibodies were evaluated in mice immunized with recombinant EgHK (rEgHK). The location of EgHK in the larval stage of E. granulosus was determined using fluorescence immunohistochemistry, and the potential of rEgHK as a diagnostic antigen was investigated in patients with CE using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsRecombinant EgHK could be identified in the sera of patients with CE and in mouse anti-rEgHK sera. High titers of specific immunoglobulin G were induced in mice after immunization with rEgHK. EgHK was mainly located in the tegument, suckers and hooklets of protoscoleces and in the germinal layer and laminated layer of the cyst wall. The sensitivity and specificity of the rEgHK-ELISA reached 91.3% (42/46) and 87.8% (43/49), respectively.ConclusionsWe have characterized the sequence, structure and location of EgHK and investigated the immunoreactivity, immunogenicity and serodiagnostic potential of rEgHK. Our results suggest that EgHK may be a promising candidate for the development of vaccines against E. granulosus and an effective antigen for the diagnosis of human CE.Graphical
Highlights
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, is a life-threatening but neglected zoonosis
Xin et al Parasites Vectors (2021) 14:105 demonstrated that E. granulosus have complete pathways for both glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle during infection [5], while glycolysis is the main pathway for E. granulosus to generate energy and the vital intermediate products for physiological metabolism [6, 7]
We evaluated the serodiagnostic potential of E. granulosus hexokinase (EgHK) in CE patients
Summary
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto), is a life-threatening but neglected zoonosis. Glycolytic enzymes are crucial molecules for the survival and development of E. granulosus. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus (sensu stricto) and occurs globally in livestock husbandry areas of South America, North Africa, Australia, western, central and eastern Europe and central Asia, in western China [1]. CE is a life-threatening but neglected zoonosis, Similar to other parasites, the larval stage of E. granulosus obtains glucose from their hosts as their energy source. Glycolytic enzymes play a crucial role in E. granulosus survival. Various glycolytic enzymes of E. granulosus, such as fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, enolase [8] and triosephosphate isomerase [9], have been identified in the tegument and parenchyma tissue of the parasite; these show antigenic properties and potential multifuncionality in E. granulosus. Glycolytic enzymes represent promising targets for the development of both immune and drug intervention measures against echinococcosis
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