Parasite-derived anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory protein

Abstract

A protein with anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory functions was identified and isolated from the excretory/secretions of a human parasite, Schistosoma mansoni. This protein, designated herein as Sm 16.8, is released by schistosomes upon entry into human skin. Under in vitro conditions Sm 16.8 is shown to stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in human keratinocytes and transcriptionally down regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and IL-1.

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