Links below for more information on key helminth immune modulators from the Maizels Lab and our collaborators.
TGM : TGF-β Mimics
A family of TGF-β mimics which act as agonists or antagonists of this pivotal cytokine in immune cell biology
VAL : Venom Allergen-Like Proteins
Highly expressed by most helminth parasites, yet elusive in function
Cystatins
Cysteine Protease Inhibitors acting on Antigen-Presenting Cells
MIF : Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor
An ancient cytokine (dubbed IL-0) that is widely expressed in helminths
ShK
Originally NC6 (nematode 6-Cysteine) and SXC, now part of broad family defined by the ShK toxin
ALT
Abundant Larval Transcript, vaccine antigen for filarial parasites, suppress macrophage response
APY
Apyrases
NSPs and LSPs
A diverse group of Novel Secreted Proteins and Larval Secreted Proteins from H. polygyrus
C-Type Lectins (CTLs)
Most prominent in Toxocara canis
Toxocara glycans
Galectins
Toxocara glycans
ARI and BARI
Henry McSorley identified these IL-33/IL-33 receptor interacting proteins from H. polygyrus
Mucins
From Toxocara canis
TGH, homologues of the TGF-β gene family
Distinct from the TGFβ Mimics which are convergently evolved novel ligands
Serpins
From Brugia malayi