Helminth antioxidant enzyme

Helminth antioxidant enzymes are a group of parasite-derived enzymes—most notably glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)—that allow helminth parasites to detoxify host-generated reactive oxygen species, thus promoting their survival and persistence in mammalian hosts[1][3]. These enzymes are upregulated in adult helminths (compared to larval stages), enabling adaptation to host environments that produce oxidative stress, and have been proposed as potential vaccine targets, particularly in diseases such as schistosomiasis[1][3].

Other names

Helminth antioxidant enzymesParasite antioxidant enzymes

Enzymatic reduction or conversion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to less harmful molecules[1] Protection of parasite cells from host immune attack[3]