Cloning and characterization of a beta-galactoside-binding protein (galectin) from the gut of the gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus.

A cDNA encoding a beta-galactoside-binding lectin (galectin) was identified by immunoscreening a Haemonchus contortus cDNA library with antisera from lambs vaccinated with a membrane protein complex (H-gal-GP) derived from the parasites' gut. The cDNA sequence, exhibiting a tandem repeat structure and designated Hco-gal-2, showed significant levels of similarity with galectins from several species of nematode as well as mammalian galectin type 4. Native galectin was preferentially extracted from the H-gal-GP complex and also from an insoluble membrane fraction prepared from adult worms using lactose-agarose affinity chromatography. The affinity-purified material had apparent molecular mass of around 35 kDa with 3 distinct bands visible on SDS-PAGE. All 3 bands were identified as galectins by reaction with antiserum raised to recombinant Hco-GAL-2 on Western blot. To determine whether H. contortus galectins have any protective capacity against infection lambs were vaccinated with affinity-purified galectin and subsequently given a single challenge infection. Vaccination did not confer any protection against infection with H. contortus as judged by faecal egg output or worm counts.