IgE antibodies from schistosomiasis patients to recognize epitopes in potato apyrase.

INTRODUCTION

High percentages of structural identity and cross-immunoreactivity have been reported between potato apyrase and Schistosoma mansoni ATP diphosphohydrolase (SmATPDases) isoforms, showing the existence of particular epitopes shared between these proteins.

METHODS

Potato apyrase was employed using ELISA, western blot, and mouse immunization methods to verify IgE reactivity.

RESULTS

Most of the schistosomiasis patient's (75%) serum was seropositive for potato apyrase and this protein was recognized using western blotting, suggesting that parasite and plant proteins share IgE-binding epitopes. C57BL/6 mice immunized with potato apyrase showed increased IgE antibody production.

CONCLUSIONS

Potato apyrase and SmATPDases have IgE-binding epitopes.