Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Using Eggs from Schistosoma mansoni as an In vivo Model of Helminth-induced Lung Inflammation
Published on: June 5, 2012
Molecular characterisation of kappa-5, a major antigenic glycoprotein from Schistosoma mansoni eggs
G Schramm1, J V Hamilton, C I A Balog
1Research Center Borstel, Borstel, Germany. gschramm@fz-borstel.de
Abstract:
The major immunopathological consequences of infection with Schistosoma mansoni, a T helper type 2 response and granuloma formation leading to fibrotic tissue damage, are caused by the egg stage of the parasite. Three antigens of S. mansoni eggs, termed IPSE/alpha-1, omega-1 and kappa-5, have been found to be the primary targets of the egg-directed antibody response of the host. Here, we report on the isolation, cloning and characterisation of kappa-5. Apart from an uncharacterised mRNA sequence in S. japonicum, no significant similarities of kappa-5 to known sequences from other species were found. In contrast to IPSE/alpha-1 and omega-1, which have been found only in eggs, kappa-5 was present in miracidia as well as in eggs at the mRNA and protein levels. In eggs, isoforms of kappa-5 were observed with both three and four fully occupied N-glycosylation sites, while in miracidia only one isoform with four N-glycans could be detected. Interestingly, in Western blots sera from S. mansoni-infected Africans were reactive against kappa-5 with IgE and IgG isotype antibodies, but against IPSE/alpha-1 and omega-1 only with IgG antibodies. The further characterisation of kappa-5 as one of the three major egg antigens should help to better understand the immunology and immunopathology of schistosomiasis.
Insights
Researchers characterized kappa-5, a Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen. This antigen is present in both eggs and miracidia, and elicits IgE and IgG responses in infected individuals, aiding schistosomiasis immunology research.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection causes immunopathological damage primarily through its egg stage.
- Key egg antigens like IPSE/alpha-1, omega-1, and kappa-5 are targets of host antibody responses.
- Understanding these antigens is crucial for comprehending schistosomiasis immunology and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate, clone, and characterize the Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen kappa-5.
- To investigate the distribution and forms of kappa-5 in different parasite stages.
- To analyze the host antibody response against kappa-5.
Main Methods:
- Gene cloning and sequencing to characterize kappa-5.
- mRNA and protein expression analysis in eggs and miracidia.
- Western blot analysis using sera from infected individuals.
Main Results:
- Kappa-5 showed no significant sequence similarity to known species, except for an uncharacterized S. japonicum mRNA.
- Kappa-5 was detected at both mRNA and protein levels in S. mansoni eggs and miracidia, unlike IPSE/alpha-1 and omega-1.
- Kappa-5 exists in isoforms with varying N-glycosylation sites in eggs and miracidia.
- Sera from infected individuals showed IgE and IgG reactivity against kappa-5, but only IgG against IPSE/alpha-1 and omega-1.
Conclusions:
- Kappa-5 is a significant Schistosoma mansoni egg antigen with a broader expression profile than previously studied antigens.
- The distinct antibody isotype response to kappa-5 provides insights into schistosomiasis immunopathology.
- Further characterization of kappa-5 will enhance understanding of schistosomiasis immunology.
