Identification and characterization of a novel neuropeptide (neuropeptide Y-HS) from leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris
Basic science published in Chin J Nat Med (2016)
Abstract
The present study was designed to identify immunomodulatory components from the leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris. The Sephadex G-50, Resource(TM) S column chromatography and reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) were used to isolate and purify the salivary gland extracts (SGE). Structural analysis of isolated compounds was based on Edman degradation and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS). The cDNA encoding the precursor of the compound was cloned from the cDNA library of the salivary gland of H. sylvestris. The levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects on cell proliferation and cell viability were observed using MTT assay. A novel neuropeptide Y (Neuropeptide Y-HS) from the leech salivary gland of H. sylvestris was purified and characterized. It was composed of 36 amino acid residues and the amino acid sequence was determined to be FLEPPERPAVFTSVEQMKSYIKALNDYYLLLGRPRF-NH2, containing an amidated C-terminus. It showed significant inhibitory effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and MCP-1. Neuropeptide Y was identified from leeches for the first time. The presence of neuropeptide Y-HS in leech salivary gland may help get blood meal from hosts and inhibit inflammation.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Novel 36-amino-acid amidated neuropeptide Y-HS from H. sylvestris salivary gland inhibits TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, and MCP-1, suggesting blood-feeding immunomodulation.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This study isolated and characterized a novel 36-amino-acid neuropeptide Y (Neuropeptide Y-HS) from salivary glands of the haematophagous leech Haemadipsa sylvestris, determined its sequence and amidated C-terminus, and showed inhibitory effects on production of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and MCP-1 in an ELISA-based assay, with MTT assays for proliferation/viability. For ASH, this is relevant as a characterization of an immunomodulatory component of a leech salivary gland, potentially relevant to how leeches suppress host inflammation while feeding. The caveat is that H. sylvestris is not a standard medicinal leech used in hirudotherapy, and the anti-inflammatory effects are shown in vitro only with no whole-animal, in-vivo, or clinical validation; the host-blood-meal rationale posited is interpretive, not directly demonstrated.
Citación
Identification and characterization of a novel neuropeptide (neuropeptide Y-HS) from leech salivary gland of Haemadipsa sylvestris.
Liu WH et al. · Chinese journal of natural medicines, 2016
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026