Surface antigens of male worms and microfilariae of Onchocerca gibsoni

• Published in: International journal for parasitology Vol. 21; no. 1; pp. 37 - 45
• Main Authors: Garate, T., Cabrera, Z., Copeman, D.B., Harnett, W., McLaren, D.J., Patterson, M., Parkhouse, R.M.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.02.1991; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens, Helminth - analysis; Antigens, Surface - analysis; Biochemistry. Physiology. Immunology. Molecular biology; Biological and medical sciences; Cross Reactions; Diagnosis; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Invertebrates; Male; microfilariae; Microfilariae - immunology; Microscopy, Electron; Nemathelminthia. Plathelmintha; Onchocerca - immunology; Onchocerca - ultrastructure; Onchocerca gibsoni; onchocerciasis; pathology; Physiology. Development; Precipitin Tests; surface antigens; surface antigens; microfilariae; onchocerciasis; pathology; Diagnosis; Onchocerca gibsoni; Disease; Radiolabelling; Parasite; Cell surface; Immunological method; Antigen; Transmission electron microscopy; Helmintha; Electrophoresis; Nemathelminthia; Invertebrata; Localization; Nematoda
• ISSN: 0020-7519; 1879-0135
• DOI: 10.1016/0020-7519(91)90118-Q

Living adult males and microfilariae of the cattle filarial parasite Onchocerca gibsoni were externally labelled with radioactive iodine using the iodogen and Bolton-Hunter procedures. Characterization of labelled surface proteins by sodium dodecyi sulphate (SDS)-polyaerylamide gel electrophoresis revealed clear cut differences in the two life cycle stages. In addition, the two radiolabelling procedures yielded some differences in the profiles of radiolabelied surface proteins for both adults and microfilariae. Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed a number of labelled antigens recognized by antibodies in human onchocerciasis serum pools, thereby demonstrating the usefulness of O. gibsoni as a model in Onchocerca volvulus vaccine studies. The reactivity ofmicrofilarial antigens extended to antibodies from other human nematode infections, whereas male surface antigens, particularly those of low molecular weight, were Onchocerca specific. This indicates that O. gibsoni can provide a convenient source of specific diagnostic antigen.