Biochemical analysis and identification of linear B-cell epitopes from recombinant Sm21.7 antigen from Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosoma mansoni tegument is a dynamic host-interactive layer that is an essential source of parasite antigens and a relevant field for schistosome vaccine research. Sm21.7 is a cytoskeleton antigen found in S.

A Study of a Cohort of X-Linked Myotubular Myopathy at the Clinical, Histologic, and Genetic Levels.

Background: Myotubular myopathy is a rare X-linked congenital myopathy characterized by marked neonatal hypotonia and respiratory insufficiency, facial and ocular involvement, and muscle biopsy with prominent central nuclei in the majority of muscle fibers. It is caused by mutations in MTM1, which codes for the phosphoinositides phosphatase myotubularin. In this work, we established and detailed a new cohort of six patients at the clinical, histologic, and genetic levels.

A new strategy based on SmRho protein loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a candidate oral vaccine against schistosomiasis.

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases and an effective control is unlikely in the absence of improved sanitation and vaccination. A new approach of oral vaccination with alginate coated chitosan nanoparticles appears interesting because their great stability and the ease of target accessibility, besides of chitosan and alginate immunostimulatory properties. Here we propose a candidate vaccine based on the combination of chitosan-based nanoparticles containing the antigen SmRho and coated with sodium alginate.

Oral vaccination based on DNA-chitosan nanoparticles against Schistosoma mansoni infection.

The development of a vaccine would be essential for the control of schistosomiasis, which is recognized as the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and mortality. A new approach of oral vaccination with DNA-chitosan nanoparticles appears interesting because of their great stability and the ease of target accessibility, besides chitosan immunostimulatory properties. Here we described that chitosan nanoparticles loaded with plasmid DNA encoding Rho1-GTPase protein of Schistosoma mansoni, prepared at different molar ratios of primary amines to DNA phosphate anion (N/P), were able to complex electrostatically with DNA and condense it into positively charged nanostructures.

Immunization with rP22 induces protective immunity against Schistosoma mansoni: effects on granuloma down-modulation and cytokine production.

Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health problem in tropical countries and it is recognized as the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and mortality. Although the existing antischistosomal drugs are highly effective, they do not prevent against reinfection or granuloma formation. Therefore, vaccine strategies are essential for the control of schistosomiasis.