Cysteine proteases as potential antigens in antiparasitic DNA vaccines

Cysteine proteases in parasites are potent inducers of vertebrate host immune responses and may under certain circumstances take part in the pathogen's immune evasion strategies. These capacities place these parasite molecules as interesting candidate antigens in antiparasitic vaccines for use in vertebrates. Parasite cysteine proteases are able to skew the Th1/Th2 profile in mammals towards a response which allows sustainable parasite burdens in the host. DNA vaccines are also able to skew the Th1/Th2 profile by different administration techniques and the use of cysteine proteases in these genetic immunizations open perspectives for manipulation of the host immune response towards higher protection.

► This review describes parasite cysteine proteases as potential DNA vaccine candidates.
► Cysteine proteases from parasites are important immunogenic antigens.
► Parasite cysteine proteases can skew the host Th1/Th2 profile.
► Use of cysteine proteases might improve antiparasitic DNA vaccines.