The role of mucins in host-parasite interactions: Part II - helminth parasites

Some parasites express mucin-like molecules, These have possible roles in a ttachment and invasion of host cells and in the avoidance of host immune pr ocesses, Enzymes of parasite origin might also facilitate infection, either by degrading host mucus barriers or by generating binding sites on host ce lls. Host mucins have roles in preventing parasite establishment or in para site expulsion. They, in turn, might be exploited by parasites, either as s ources of fuel or binding sites, or as host-finding targets. Here, we descr ibe the biochemical properties of mucins and mucin-like molecules in relati on to interactions (established and putative) between helminth parasites an d their hosts.