Recombinant OV-16 antigen protein (His tag)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

The OV-16 antigen also known as Onchocerca volvulus antigen plays an important role in immune response detection. This protein has a mass of about 16 kDa and is explicitly expressed by the filarial helminth Onchocerca volvulus the parasite responsible for onchocerciasis. Researchers commonly study OV-16 because of its immunogenic properties which help in the development of diagnostic tests. OV-16 antigen is not present in humans but is recognized by the host's immune system producing a quantifiable antibody response aiding detection.

Biological function summary

The host immune system's response to OV-16 antigen involves the specific binding with IgG4 antibodies. The presence of these antibodies indicates exposure to the Onchocerca volvulus infection. OV-16 does not form part of a larger protein complex but serves as a standalone marker to signal infection. By adhering to antibodies in vitro OV-16 helps in the evaluation of filariasis transmission critical for managing and monitoring control programs aiming to eliminate the spread of the disease.

Pathways

OV-16 antigen connects with immune response pathways that activate the production of specific antibodies. Notably the adaptive immune pathway plays a significant role where IgG4 antibodies get produced as a result of parasite exposure. This specific antibody response serves as a biomarker for diagnosing onchocerciasis therefore OV-16 interacts indirectly with immune signaling proteins responsible for antibody isotype switching during infection.

OV-16 antigen is closely linked to onchocerciasis also called river blindness. This neglected tropical disease leads to visual impairment and skin diseases caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus. Through the disease the target associates with other antigens like O. volvulus recombinant antigens important for serological tests. Detecting OV-16-specific antibodies allows health care programs to assess infection rates and effectiveness of treatment initiatives especially in endemic regions.