Schistosoma japonicum calpain large subunit (Sj-p80) (Sj-p80)

Sj-p80 is the 80 kDa large subunit of the calcium-activated neutral protease, calpain, expressed in the parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum (Siddiqui et al., 2011, Vaccine). This protein is essential for the parasite's survival as it facilitates the repair and remodeling of the tegument, the protective outer surface of the worm, which is constantly under attack by the host's immune system (Zhang et al., 2018, Frontiers in Immunology). Sj-p80 has been identified as a premier vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis because it is expressed across all life stages of the parasite within the human host. When administered as a vaccine (e.g., SchistoShield), Sj-p80 is processed by antigen-presenting cells and presented to the host immune system to elicit a robust Th1/Th17-biased response (Siddiqui et al., 2018, Expert Review of Vaccines). This immune activation results in a significant reduction in adult worm burden and a decrease in parasite egg production, thereby mitigating the inflammatory damage and fibrosis associated with chronic schistosomiasis (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05203354).

Other names

Sj-p80Schistosoma japonicum calpainp80 subunit of calpainLarge subunit of calpain

Induction of host immune response through antigen presentation, leading to the production of protective antibodies and activation of T-cell mediated immunity against Schistosoma japonicum.