Characteristics and function of cathepsin L3 from Schistosoma japonicum

Schistosomiasis is still prevalent and seriously endangering the health of people and livestock in many countries. There have been great efforts to develop vaccines against schistosomiasis for prolonged protection in epidemic areas. Molecules from lung-stage schistosomula have been regarded as potential vaccine candidates against schistosomiasis. Our previous work has shown that cathepsin L3 from Schistosoma japonicum (SjCL3) is expressed in lung-stage schistosomula, but its role is not well known. In the present study, we characterized SjCL3 and detected its effect as a possible vaccine in vivo and in vitro. From the results of quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot, SjCL3 was present throughout the lifecycle of the worm, and its relative expressed level was higher in the liver eggs and adult worms than other stages. Additionally, immunofluorescence assay showed that SjCL3 was mainly concentrated in the eggshell, alimentary canal, and musculature of worms. Compared with the adjuvant group, the immunization of SjCL3 in mice resulted in a 28.9% decrease in worm burden and a 29.2% reduction in egg number in the host liver. In antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) insecticidal experiments in vitro, the existence of SjCL3 could in part suppress adherence between macrophages and worm. The above results indicated that the immunization of SjCL3 could induce limited immune protection against S. japonicum infection in mice, and this protease played a role in breaking the process of ADCC, which was beneficial to the survival of worms.