In vitro immunoregulatory role of recombinant Ancylostoma ceylanicum calreticulin

Ancylostoma ceylanicum is a zoonotic soil -derived nematode that parasitizes the intestines of humans and animals (dogs and cats), leading to malnutrition and iron -deficiency anemia. Helminth parasites secrete calreticulin (CRT), which regulates or blocks the host's immune response. However, no data on A. ceylanicum calreticulin (Ace -CRT) are available. We investigated the biological function of recombinant Ace -CRT (rAce-CRT). rAce-CRT showed reliable antigenicity and stimulated the proliferation of mouse splenocytes and canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Quantitative reverse -transcription PCR assays revealed that rAce-CRT primarily promoted the expression of T helper 2 cytokines, particularly IL -13, in canine peripheral blood lymphocytes. rAce-CRT inhibited complement -mediated sheep erythrocyte hemolysis in vitro. Our findings indicate that Ace -CRT plays an immunomodulatory role and may be a promising candidate molecule for a hookworm vaccine.