Cathepsin B proteases of flukes: the key to facilitating parasite control? - PubMed (original) (raw)
Review
. 2010 Oct;26(10):506-14.
doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.06.001. Epub 2010 Jun 30.
Affiliations
- PMID: 20580610
- DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2010.06.001
Review
Cathepsin B proteases of flukes: the key to facilitating parasite control?
Peter M Smooker et al. Trends Parasitol. 2010 Oct.
Abstract
Cysteine proteases are important virulence factors for parasites. This review will focus on the cathepsin B proteases of trematodes (also known as flukes) which are abundant in juvenile and immature flukes. Recent research, primarily in Fasciola, using inhibitors, RNA interference (RNAi) and vaccination studies indicates that cathepsin Bs play a key role in the biology of trematodes. As these proteases are largely expressed by infective parasite stages, their inactivation by chemotherapy or vaccination will greatly reduce the damage wrought by flukes as they invade host tissues. This validates cathepsin Bs as key strategic targets for fluke control.
Crown Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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