The Opisthorchis felineus paramyosin: cDNA sequence and characterization of its recombinant fragment

Abstract
The cDNA sequence of Opisthorchis felineus paramyosin (PM) was determined and shown to have 66–70% homology with two schistosomes and two cestodes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed an almost equal distance between O. felineus and these distinct clades. Because of its relatively low conservation, the PM gene may be a convenient genetic marker for studying phylogenetic relationships among platyhelminthes. A 25-kDa recombinant polypeptide corresponding to the central part of the full-length PM was produced. In Western blot analysis, murine hyperimmune serum against recombinant PM (recPM) detected 100-kDa polypeptides in the O. felineus egg and somatic antigens. Interactions of recPM with polyclonal anti-parasite antibodies and anti-recPM sera in ELISA with native antigens demonstrated that recPM carries a B cell epitope identical to the O. felineus native antigen. Our sequence and immunologic data may be helpful in developing new diagnostic tools and candidate vaccines for O. felineus infection.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: