Onchocerca volvulus retinol-binding protein-like 2 (Ov-RAL-2) (Ov-RAL-2)

Onchocerca volvulus retinol-binding protein-like 2 (Ov-RAL-2) is a protein from the parasitic nematode Onchocerca volvulus, the causative agent of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness (UniProt: P36990). It belongs to the RAL-2 family of proteins, which are structurally related to retinol-binding proteins and are thought to play a role in lipid transport or sequestration necessary for parasite development (PubMed: 8137014). Ov-RAL-2 is highly immunogenic and is expressed primarily in the infective third-stage larvae (L3), where it is localized to the hypodermis and cuticle (PubMed: 26053138). It is a primary candidate for the development of a prophylactic vaccine against onchocerciasis; experimental studies have shown that a fusion or co-administration of Ov-RAL-2 with the antigen Ov-103 can significantly reduce parasite burden in animal models (PubMed: 25514367, PubMed: 30114073). Additionally, the protein is used as a diagnostic marker in serological tests to detect exposure to the parasite and monitor the success of elimination programs (PubMed: 28355213).

Other names

RAL-2Retinol-binding protein-like 2Ov-RAL2Onchocerca volvulus antigen RAL-2

Induction of protective humoral and cellular immune responses against infective larvae (L3) of Onchocerca volvulus.