Fatty acid-binding protein Sm14 (Sm14)

Fatty acid-binding protein Sm14 is a 14.8 kDa protein from the helminth parasite Schistosoma mansoni that plays a critical role in the uptake and transport of host-derived fatty acids, which the parasite cannot synthesize de novo (UniProt P29248). Due to its essential role in parasite metabolism and its high degree of conservation across different trematode species, Sm14 has been developed as a leading bivalent vaccine candidate against both schistosomiasis and fascioliasis (Tendler et al., 1996). The protein belongs to the calycin superfamily and exhibits a characteristic beta-barrel structure that encapsulates hydrophobic ligands. In clinical trials, recombinant Sm14 (rSm14) formulated with GLA-AF adjuvant has demonstrated strong immunogenicity and a favorable safety profile, making it the first anti-parasite vaccine to reach Phase II clinical trials under the WHO's guidance (Santini-Oliveira et al., 2016; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01154478).

Other names

Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid-binding proteinSm14 antigen14 kDa Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid-binding proteinrSm14

As a vaccine antigen, Sm14 induces a protective immune response characterized by the production of specific antibodies and a balanced Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, which prevents the establishment of adult worms and reduces egg production in the host (Tendler et al., 2015; Santini-Oliveira et al., 2016).