Onchocerca volvulus 103 antigen (Ov-103) (Ov-103)

Onchocerca volvulus 103 antigen (Ov-103) is a 15-kDa surface-associated protein found in the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of human onchocerciasis (river blindness). It is expressed in the hypodermis and the basal layer of the cuticle across multiple life stages of the parasite, including microfilariae, infective third-stage larvae (L3), and adult female worms [1, 5]. Ov-103 is a lead candidate for the development of a prophylactic vaccine by the Onchocerciasis Vaccine for Africa (TOVA) initiative, often utilized in combination with the Ov-RAL-2 antigen as a bivalent or fusion protein formulation [11, 24]. The target functions by inducing a robust immune response, specifically the production of cytophilic IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies that facilitate the killing of larvae via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) involving neutrophils and monocytes [6, 22]. As a vaccine target, Ov-103 is intended to provide a complementary tool to mass drug administration programs, particularly for protecting children in endemic regions and overcoming challenges such as emerging ivermectin resistance [5, 29].

Other names

Ov10315 kDa surface-associated antigenOnchocerca volvulus antigen 103

Induction of protective immunity through the production of cytophilic antibodies (IgG1 and IgG3) that mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against the parasite larvae.