Schistosoma mansoni 14 kDa fatty acid-binding protein (Sm14)

Schistosoma mansoni 14 kDa fatty acid-binding protein (Sm14) is a cytosolic protein belonging to the intracellular lipid-binding protein family [PubMed: 15244457, PMC: 6135448]. It is essential for the survival of the Schistosoma parasite because the organism lacks the metabolic pathways to synthesize fatty acids de novo and must acquire them from the host's blood [PubMed: 15244457, PubMed: 8552619]. Sm14 facilitates the uptake and intracellular transport of these lipids, including arachidonic acid, which is a precursor for prostaglandins used by the parasite to evade the host's immune system [PubMed: 15244457, PMC: 7120341]. Due to its critical physiological role and its localization in the parasite's tegument and gut epithelium, Sm14 has been developed as a leading recombinant vaccine candidate (Sm14/GLA-SE) for human schistosomiasis [PMC: 6135448, PMC: 9572341]. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic, inducing robust Th1-type immune responses and specific IgG antibodies [PMC: 9572341, PMC: 11631448]. Furthermore, Sm14 provides cross-protection against Fasciola hepatica, making it a potential bivalent vaccine for both human and veterinary use [PubMed: 8552619, PMC: 9572341]. Beyond vaccination, Sm14 is considered a promising target for small-molecule drug discovery aimed at disrupting the parasite's lipid metabolism [PubMed: 15244457, PMC: 7120341].

Other names

Sm1414 kDa fatty acid-binding proteinrSm14Schistosoma mansoni 14 kDa protein

The Sm14 vaccine induces a protective Th1-mediated immune response, characterized by the production of specific IgG antibodies and cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, which target the parasite's fatty acid-binding protein to interfere with essential lipid acquisition and block transmission [PMC: 6135448, PMC: 9572341, PMC: 11631448].