Solution structure of a repeated unit of the ABA-1 nematode polyprotein allergen of ascaris reveals a novel fold and two discrete lipid-binding sites

Meenan, N.A.G., Ball, G., Bromek, K., Uhrín, D., Cooper, A., Kennedy, M.W. and Smith, B.O. (2011) Solution structure of a repeated unit of the ABA-1 nematode polyprotein allergen of ascaris reveals a novel fold and two discrete lipid-binding sites. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 5(4), e1040. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001040)

Abstract

Parasitic nematode worms cause serious health problems in humans and other animals. They can induce allergic-type immune responses, which can be harmful but may at the same time protect against the infections. Allergens are proteins that trigger allergic reactions and these parasites produce a type that is confined to nematodes, the nematode polyprotein allergens (NPAs). These are synthesized as large precursor proteins comprising repeating units of similar amino acid sequence that are subsequently cleaved into multiple copies of the allergen protein. NPAs bind small lipids such as fatty acids and retinol (Vitamin A) and probably transport these sensitive and insoluble compounds between the tissues of the worms. Nematodes cannot synthesize these lipids, so NPAs may also be crucial for extracting nutrients from their hosts. They may also be involved in altering immune responses by controlling the lipids by which the immune and inflammatory cells communicate. We describe the molecular structure of one unit of an NPA, the well-known ABA-1 allergen of Ascaris and find its structure to be of a type not previously found for lipid-binding proteins, and we describe the unusual sites where lipids bind within this structure

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kennedy, Professor Malcolm and Smith, Dr Brian and Cooper, Professor Alan
• Authors: Meenan, N.A.G., Ball, G., Bromek, K., Uhrín, D., Cooper, A., Kennedy, M.W., and Smith, B.O.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences; College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Journal Name: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Publisher: Public Library of Science
• ISSN: 1935-2727
• ISSN (Online): 1935-2735
• Published Online: 19 April 2011
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2011 The Authors
• First Published: First published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 5(4):e1040
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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