A diagnostically useful 200-kDa protein is secreted through the surface pores of the filarial parasite Setaria digitata.

The excretory/secretory (ES) materials from filarial parasites form an important tool for immunodiagnosis of filariasis. We have raised monoclonal antibodies against ES proteins isolated from the medium incubated with live adult bovine filarial parasite Setaria digitata. The hybridoma were cloned and characterised with respect to the individual proteins of the ES materials.

Setaria digitata secreted filarial lipids modulate IL-12 signaling through JAK-STAT pathway leading to the development of Th1 response.

Filariasis is a debilitating parasitic disease in many tropical countries. Despite the highly evolved immune system, the filarial parasites successfully evade host immunity to persist for a sustained period of time. Earlier studies have shown that the filarial parasites achieve this long-term survival through release of immunosuppressive materials in the host.