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
Este estudio aisló y caracterizó un nuevo neuropéptido Y (Neuropeptide Y-HS) de 36 aminoácidos a partir de las glándulas salivales de la sanguijuela hematófaga Haemadipsa sylvestris, determinó su secuencia y su extremo C amidado, y demostró efectos inhibidores sobre la producción de TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 y MCP-1 en un ensayo basado en ELISA, con ensayos MTT para proliferación/viabilidad. Para la ASH, esto es relevante como caracterización de un componente inmunomodulador de una glándula salival de sanguijuela, potencialmente relevante para cómo las sanguijuelas suprimen la inflamación del hospedero mientras se alimentan. La salvedad es que H. sylvestris no es una sanguijuela medicinal estándar utilizada en hirudoterapia, y los efectos antiinflamatorios se demuestran solo in vitro sin validación en animales completos, in vivo, ni clínica; la justificación de la ingesta de sangre del hospedero postulada es interpretativa, no demostrada directamente.
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: 18 de junio de 2026