Salisa Chaimon: Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Orawan Phuphisut: Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Onrapak Reamtong: Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Sumate Ampawong: Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Kamonpan Fongsodsri: Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Pathanin Chantree: Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand.
Jeeraphong Thanongsaksrikul: Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
Preeyarat Malaithong: Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Suthasinee Sreesai: Central Equipment Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Wanchai Maleewong: Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
Lakkhana Sadaow: Mekong Health Science Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
Pongsakorn Martviset: Department of Preclinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand. pong_m@tu.ac.th.
Poom Adisakwattana: Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand. poom.adi@mahidol.edu.
The cytokine homologs, particularly transforming growth factor (TGF)-��, is a crucial immunomodulatory molecule and involved in growth and developmental processes in several helminths. In this study, the basic properties and functions of T. spiralis TGF-�� homolog 2 (TsTGH2) were characterized using bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that TsTGH2 belongs to the TGF-�� subfamily. Recombinant TsTGH2 (rTsTGH2) expressed in Escherichia coli was used to produce a polyclonal antibody (pAb) in mice. Western blot and immunolocalization using pAb detected native TsTGH2 in crude worm antigens from muscle larvae and adults, showing it was mainly localized in the body wall muscles and the epithelia of the ovary and uterus. To assess the interplay between TsTGH2 and the human TGF-�� signaling pathway, rTsTGH2 produced in a HEK293T cell was incubated with the SBE luciferase-HEK293 cell. The result indicated a significant increase in luciferase activity after treatment with rTsTGH2 compared to untreated control (p���<���0.05). In conclusion, these findings are the first to characterize the basic properties and functions of TGF-�� homologs in T. spiralis, demonstrating their interaction with the human TGF-�� receptor. Further investigation is required to identify and optimize an appropriate expression system or conditions for TsTGH2. Additionally, studies are needed to clarify the specific role of native TsTGH2 in parasite development and host immunomodulation.
