C-type lectins from the nematode parasites Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

The C-type lectin superfamily is highly represented in all metazoan phyla so far studied. Many members of this superfamily are important in innate immune defences against infection, while others serve key developmental and structural roles. Within the superfamily, many proteins contain multiple canonical carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs), together with additional non-lectin domains.

Renal and vascular glutathione S-transferase mu is not affected by pharmacological intervention to reduce systolic blood pressure.

Background: Our previous studies demonstrated reduced rat glutathione S-transferase mu type 1 (Gstm1) expression in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs), when compared with the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rat.

Methods: This study investigated the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic/vasodilator combination on the expression levels of rat Gstm1 and other Gstm isoforms.

Results: Antihypertensive treatments of young and mature SHRSPs with an ARB and a diuretic/vasodilator combination improved SBP but did not affect the expression levels of Gstm1.

Praziquantel treatment of individuals exposed to Schistosoma haematobium enhances serological recognition of defined parasite antigens.

Background: Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease affecting >200 million people in the developing world, and 400 million people are at risk for infection. This study aimed to identify and compare proteins recognized by serum samples from schistosome-exposed individuals before and after curative praziquantel treatment.

Methods: Proteins recognized by pooled serum samples from Schistosoma haematobium-exposed Zimbabweans were determined by 2-dimensional Western blotting and identified by mass spectrometry.

Ganglioside GD3 expression on target cells can modulate NK cell cytotoxicity via siglec-7-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Siglec-7 is a sialic acid binding receptor with inhibitory potential, expressed on human NK cells and monocytes. It has an unusual binding preference for alpha2,8-linked disialic acids, such as those displayed by ganglioside GD3. Here we have investigated whether siglec-7-GD3 interactions are able to modulate NK cell cytotoxicity.