Molecular characterization of a cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor from Schistosoma japonicum

Cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor (CIAP) is a novel antiapoptotic molecule, which is different to inhibitor of apoptosis protein or B-cell lymphoma 2. CIAP was originally identified as a molecule that conferred resistance to apoptosis induced by growth factor starvation. However, it remains to be undercharacterized in schistosomes. Here, we molecularly characterize a novel cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor from Schistosoma japonicum (SjCIAP). The transcription of the SjCIAP occurred at all of developmental stages investigated including eggs, cercariae, schistosomula, and adult schistosomes. Functional assay indicated that the SjCIAP could inhibit caspase activity in either human cell lines or schistosome lysates. Our preliminary results suggest that the SjCIAP may play important roles in parasitic living and development by regulating apoptosis, and drug target of SjCIAP might be a potential for schistosomiasis control.