Structural Analysis and Antibody Response to the Extracellular GlutathioneS-Transferases fromOnchocerca volvulus

Abstract

Onchocerca volvulusis a human pathogenic filarial parasite which, like other parasitic nematodes, is capable of surviving in an immunologically competent host by employing a variety of immune evasion strategies and defense mechanisms including the detoxification and repair mechanisms of the glutathioneS-transferases (GSTs). In this study we analyzed the glycosylation pattern and the immunological properties of extracellularO. volvulusGST1a and -1b (OvGST1a and -1b). The enzymes differ in only 10 amino acids, and both are glycoproteins that have cleavable signal peptides and unusual N-terminal extensions. These characteristics have not been described for other GSTs so far. Mass spectrometry analyses indicate that both enzymes carry high-mannose type oligosaccharides on at least four glycosylation sites. Glycosylation sites 1 to 3 ofOvGST1a (OvGST1b sites 2 to 4) are occupied by truncated N-glycans (Man₂GlcNAc2 to Man₅GlcNAc₂), and N glycosylation site 4 ofOvGST1a (OvGST1b site 5) carries Man₅GlcNAc2 to Man₉GlcNAc₂. To analyze the capacity of these secretory GSTs to stimulate host immune responses, we studied the antibody responses of onchocerciasis patients against the native affinity-purifiedOvGST1a and -1b. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we showed thatOvGST1a and -1b are immunodominant antigens, with less than 7% nonresponder patients. A direct comparison of the antibody responses to the glycosylated and deglycosylated forms demonstrates the high immunogenicity of the N-glycans. Analyses of the antibody responses to the unusual N-terminal extension show an enhanced recognition of this portion by patients as opposed to recognition of the recombinant protein without extension.