Molecular cloning and characterization ofEchinostoma caproniheat shock protein-70 and differential expression in the parasite derived from low- and high-compatible hosts

SUMMARYWe cloned and expressedEchinostoma caproniHSP70 inEscherichia coli. This molecule presents an open reading frame (ORF) of 655 amino acids, and a theoretical molecular weight of 71 kDa.E. caproniHSP70 protein showed a high homology to other helminth molecules, major differences being located in the C-terminal region of the molecule, with a hydrophobic portion. Studies of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression revealed a distinct pattern, depending on the host (low- or high-compatible). Specific polyclonal antisera raised against the recombinant protein expressed inEscherichia colidemonstrated its selective presence in excretory/secretory products (ESP) of adult parasites obtained…