Approaches of Inducing Tolerance to Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni applying Biomphalaria and Bulinus Proteins

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Mossalem H.S.; Nasr S.M.; Fahmy A.M.; Atta S.; Abuelenain G.L.

Journal: Acta Parasitologica

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH

Publication Date: 24 January 2025

Volume / Issue: Volume 70 / Issue 1

Article No.: 41

ISSN: 12302821

DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-00988-2

Scopus: View on Scopus

PubMed: 39853639

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Green Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access


Authors and Affiliations

Mossalem H.S., Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Nasr S.M., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt, School of Biotechnology, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo, Badr City, 11829, Egypt; Fahmy A.M., Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Atta S., Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Abuelenain G.L., Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt


Abstract

Background: The freshwater snails Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus trancatus are key contributors to the transmission of S. mansoni and S.haematobium, respectively, for being their intermediate hosts. Objectives: This research study aimed to investigate the potency of the nucleoproteins (NPs) extracted from both snail species on the host immune reactions as an approach to developing a potential vaccine. Methods: Three groups of six-week-old Swiss-Webster mice (n = 18; 15–20 g each) were injected intraperitoneally for three consecutive weeks with single doses (once a week) of B. alexandrina, B. truncatus, or a mixture of their nucleoproteins (50 µg each). On day 21st, the nucleoprotein-treated mice altogether, with six more mice, received subcutaneously S. mansoni cercariae (60/mouse). Eight weeks later, the experimental mice were sacrificed for evaluation of certain parasitological, molecular and immunological responses. Results: The data of mice immunized with the various types of nucleoproteins showed a significant increase of FAS/R gene expressions in hepatic tissues and anti-IgG antibody levels in sera on the one hand and a significant decrease of worm loads and β-actin/R gene expression levels on the other hand when compared to the infected control mice. Conclusion: These findings highlight the role of snails in immunomodulation and shed light on the possibility of antagonizing effects that might occur when the nucleoproteins of different species are mixed. Moreover, this research study might promote the literature spotting the importance of snail proteins against schistosomiasis. © The Author(s) 2025.


Keywords

Biomphalaria alexandrina; Bulinus truncatuse; Nucleoprotein; Schistosoma haematobium; Schistosomiasis; Shistosoma mansoni; Snail proteins; Animals; Biomphalaria; Bulinus; Female; Immune Tolerance; Mice; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni; animal; immunological tolerance; immunology; mouse; parasitology; prevention and control


Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 0


For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.

The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.

English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/

Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/

Prepared and Uploaded by:

Abdalla F. Abdalla

Electronic Portal Unit

Electronic Portal Unit

Popular Posts

A cost-performance index for nano-optical biosensor evaluation: Systematic evaluation of europium–salicylate luminescent platforms for GPC3-targeted early HCC diagnosis

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies

Holothuria arenicola Extract-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Attenuate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Mytilus edulis-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial and molluscicidal applications

Microbial levan potentiates hepatic retention and antitumor activity of a PEGylated benzimidazole–curcumin nanocomplex through TLR2–FXR/FGF15-associated immunometabolic remodeling in experimental liver cancer

Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region

Corrigendum to ‘Eco-friendly approach for the removal and simultaneous detection of cyanide toxins from drinking and wastewater sources’ [Environ. Pollut. 385 (2025) 127094]