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Characterization of proteinases in extracts of adult Haemonchus contortus, the ovine abomasal nematode

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

D. P. Knox ,
D. L. Redmond  and
D. G. Jones
D. P. Knox
Affiliation:
Moredun Research Institute, 408 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh EH17 7JH
D. L. Redmond
Affiliation:
Moredun Research Institute, 408 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh EH17 7JH
D. G. Jones
Affiliation:
Moredun Research Institute, 408 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh EH17 7JH
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Summary

The degradation of several protein substrates, including the blood proteins haemoglobin, albumin and fibrinogen, by proteinases present in extracts of adult Haemonchus contortus was examined over a broad pH range. These proteinases were further characterized on the basis of substrate specificity, inhibitor sensitivity and molecular size by spectrophotometric and substrate gel analysis. The majority of the proteinases capable of degrading the blood proteins tested were active at acidic pH and could be ascribed to the cysteine proteinase class. In addition, evidence is presented that these proteinases are differentially recognized and inhibited by immune sera and that parasites capable of withstanding protective host immune responses exhibit modified expression of proteinases.

Keywords

Haemonchus contortusproteinasesbiochemical characterization
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 106 , Issue 4 , May 1993 , pp. 395 - 404
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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