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A Rapid Automated Protocol for Muscle Fiber Population Analysis in Rat Muscle Cross Sections Using Myosin Heavy Chain Immunohistochemistry
Published on: March 28, 2017
Immunohistological studies on Onchocerca volvulus paramyosin
Klaus D Erttmann1, Dietrich W Büttner
1Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. Erttmann@bni-hamburg.de
Parasitology Research
|July 25, 2009
Summary
Onchocerca volvulus paramyosin (OvPmy) is found in the muscle tissue of the parasite and is recognized by immune cells from onchocerciasis patients. This finding supports OvPmy as a potential vaccine candidate for treating parasitic infections.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Paramyosin is a muscle protein in invertebrates, explored as a vaccine target for Schistosoma mansoni and Brugia malayi.
- Onchocerca volvulus causes onchocerciasis, a significant human parasitic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of Onchocerca volvulus paramyosin (OvPmy) in different life stages of the parasite.
- To assess the human humoral immune response to OvPmy in individuals from an onchocerciasis-endemic region.
Main Methods:
- Recombinant OvPmy was expressed in Escherichia coli.
- Rabbit antibodies against OvPmy were generated.
- Immunohistochemistry and immunoblot assays were performed using antibodies and patient sera.
Main Results:
- Paramyosin was localized exclusively to the muscle tissue of Onchocerca volvulus and Onchocerca ochengi.
- No labeling was observed in extracellular compartments like the cuticle or pseudocoeloma.
- Microfilarial fragments within host immune cells showed labeling.
- Sera from onchocerciasis patients recognized OvPmy.
Conclusions:
- OvPmy is a muscle-specific protein in O. volvulus.
- The human immune system recognizes OvPmy, indicating its potential as a vaccine candidate for onchocerciasis.
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