HOST-PARASITE INTERACTION IN HUMAN ONCHOCERCIASIS - IDENTIFICATION AND SEQUENCE-ANALYSIS OF A NOVEL HUMAN CALGRANULIN

A novel S100 Ca2+-binding protein, termed calgranulin-related protein (CGRP), was purified to homogeneity from extracts of adult Onchocerca volvulus, a human tissue-dwelling parasite. Its complete amino acid se quence was determined using microanalytical techniques. The primary st ructure of CGRP consists of 91 residues and displays identity with the recently reported partial sequence of an S100 protein present in huma n neutrophils. The human origin of CGRP is supported by the occurrence in O. volvulus extracts of additional human neutrophil proteins, incl uding migration inhibitory factor-related protein 8 and defensins. The results suggest that these proteins interact with me worm surface fol lowing their release by activated neutrophils in the course of inflamm atory reactions caused by O. volvulus infection. (C) 1996 Academic Pre ss, Inc.