Glutathione S-transferase (Schistosoma haematobium) (Sh28GST)

Glutathione S-transferase from Schistosoma haematobium (Sh28GST) is a 28 kDa enzyme that plays a critical role in the parasite's defense against host-induced oxidative stress and the detoxification of xenobiotics (UniProt P12273). Beyond its metabolic functions, Sh28GST acts as a prostaglandin D2 synthase, producing lipids that modulate the host's immune response to favor parasite survival and egg production (PubMed: 11007741). Due to its essential role in parasite physiology and its exposure to the host immune system, it has been a primary candidate for vaccine development, most notably the Bilharvax vaccine (PubMed: 25653150). Targeting this enzyme aims to reduce the parasite burden, decrease egg viability, and limit the pathological consequences of urogenital schistosomiasis, such as bladder wall pathology and increased risk of bladder cancer (PubMed: 22475457). While Praziquantel remains the gold standard for treatment, Sh28GST inhibitors and vaccines represent a strategy for long-term control and prevention of reinfection (PubMed: 15932744).

Other names

28 kDa glutathione S-transferaseShGSTP28 antigenGlutathione S-transferase P28P28-GST

Induction of neutralizing antibodies to inhibit enzymatic activity and parasite fecundity (vaccine); competitive or non-competitive inhibition of the glutathione binding site to disrupt detoxification (inhibitors).