Phylogenetic Analysis of Cystatins — Potential Immunoregulators from Secretomes (Excretory-Secretory Products) and Transcriptomes of the Diphyllobothriidae Family Parasites

Currently, there is increased interest in the use of parasite immunoregulators for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The article considers separately cystatins as potential immunoregulators of cestodes in the gull-tapeworm Dibothriocephalus dendriticus (plerocercoid and adult stages), broad tapeworm D. latus and tapeworm Ligula interrupta. As a result, we have identified cystatins in the transcriptomes and secretomes of the Diphyllobothriidae family cestodes. The study involves searching for homologs in secretomes and transcriptomes and constructing a phylogenetic tree. It is expected that diphyllobothriid cystatins will form distinct clades, exhibiting species-specific features, and preserving key amino acid residues responsible for inhibiting host cysteine proteinases. The results will provide insights into the evolutionary adaptation of these molecules and their potential as targets for therapy or immunoregulation.