Abstract
Biotinyl-enzymes are conservative molecules present in helminths, as well as in other animals, bacteria and plants. They have recently been found to be antigenic in mice, and a potential source of cross-reactivityamonghelminths. This study investigated the presence in human sera of antibodies reactive with biotinyl-enzymes from the nematodes Anisakis simplex, Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum. Biotinyl-enzymes from all these nematodes were recognized by IgG1 antibodies in sera from healthy subjects and from Anisakis-free patients infected with other parasites. Interestingly, IgE antibodies reactive with Anisakis simplex biotinyl-enzymes were present in about one third of the sera from Anisakis-free patients infected with other parasites. Our results also demonstrate that the anti-BE IgG1 and IgE antibodies present in the sera of Anisakis-free subjects are cross-reactive among helminths. We conclude that biotinyl-enzymes from nematodes are recognized by natural human antibodies, although Anisakis biotinyl-enzymes do not seem to be the cause of sensitization. Since sera from the Anisakis-free population also present these antibodies, as-yet unidentified factors (dietary components, intestinal inflammation and/or the presence of parasites) may contribute to the induction of anti-BE antibody background.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Electronic Publication
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lorenzo, S., Iglesias, R., Paniagua, E. et al. Natural antibodies to nematode biotinyl-enzymes in human sera. Med Microbiol Immunol 189, 177–183 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004300100065
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004300100065