Molecular cloning of a 16-kilodalton Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase from Schistosoma mansoni.

The importance of the IgE response in protection against infection by schistosomes has been demonstrated in both animal models and in man [1,2]. Among the targets of this response [3], the potential role of a protein of 22 kDa has been emphasized [4] and molecules of 20-22 kDa are widely recognized by IgE in human infection sera (manuscript in preparation). We therefore developed a cloning strategy directed specifically at low molecular weight molecules that might be targets of the protective IgE response. Here we describe the molecular cloning of a Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) distinct from the schistosome enzyme previously characterized and