Schistosoma haematobium 28 kDa glutathione S-transferase (Sh28GST) (Sh28GST)

Schistosoma haematobium 28 kDa glutathione S-transferase (Sh28GST) is a key metabolic enzyme and a major vaccine candidate for urogenital schistosomiasis. This enzyme belongs to the glutathione S-transferase family and is primarily involved in the detoxification of electrophilic compounds and the neutralization of lipid peroxidation products, which protects the parasite from host-induced oxidative stress (UniProt: P09488). Beyond its antioxidant role, Sh28GST also functions as a prostaglandin D2 synthase, contributing to the modulation of the host immune environment to favor parasite survival (PubMed: 11522238). Due to its critical role in maintaining the parasite's physiological integrity and its influence on female fecundity and egg viability, Sh28GST has been extensively studied as a therapeutic target. The most prominent intervention targeting this molecule is the Bilhvax vaccine, which aims to induce antibodies that inhibit the enzyme's activity and reduce the pathological consequences of egg deposition in the host's urinary tract (PubMed: 25603139). While current treatments like praziquantel focus on killing adult worms, targeting Sh28GST provides a strategy for reducing transmission and providing long-term immunity.

Other names

28 kDa glutathione S-transferaseShGSTP28Glutathione S-transferase P

Vaccine-induced production of specific IgG and IgA antibodies that neutralize the enzyme's catalytic site, leading to decreased parasite fecundity and reduced egg viability.