Cloning, expression and characterisation of a type II cystatin from Schistosoma japonicum, which could regulate macrophage activation.

Cystatin play an important role in parasite immune evasion. It is involved in many immune responses processes regulations such as inhibiting antigen presentation, modifying cytokines production and macrophage polarization. In recent years, more and more cystatins were used in treating some inflammatory diseases such as asthma and inflammation bowel diseases; however, cystatins from Schistosoma japonicum were rarely studied. In the present study, we have cloned a cystatin from the adult stage of Schistosoma japonicum, named as SjCystatin, and its sequence shares conserved domains with other type II family cystatins. It was further verified by enzyme inhibition assays. SjCystatin retained its inhibitory activity under a wide range of pH values and temperatures, can maintain its inhibitory activity at pH 6.5-7.5 and 37 °C, respectively. Then, we investigated the effects of SjCystatin on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activated RAW264.7. Results showed that SjCystatin inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 production began to be inhibited at least 6 h after SjCystatin stimulation. SjCystatin significantly increased IL-10 production at 6 h after stimulation and its effect on IL-10 production diminished quickly. These results imply that SjCystatin can induce M2 macrophage polarization and can be expected to serve as a potential drug source for the medication of inflammatory disorders like other cystatins.