Introduction: High percentages of structural identity and cross-immunoreactivity have been reported between potato apyrase and Schistosoma mansoni ATP diphosphohydrolase (SmATPDases) isoforms, showing the existence of particular epitopes shared between these proteins.
Methods: Potato apyrase was employed using ELISA, western blot, and mouse immunization methods to verify IgE reactivity.
Results: Most of the schistosomiasis patient's (75%) serum was seropositive for potato apyrase and this protein was recognized using western blotting, suggesting that parasite and plant proteins share IgE-binding epitopes. C57BL/6 mice immunized with potato apyrase showed increased IgE antibody production.
Conclusions: Potato apyrase and SmATPDases have IgE-binding epitopes.