The sheep antibody response to repeated infection with Lucilia cuprina.
The specific serum antibody responses of sheep exposed to 10 consecutive infections of L. cuprina have been analysed by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay and immunoblotting using monoclonal antibodies specific for sheep immunoglobulin isotypes. Recognition of a number of larval excretory-secretory products by IgM antibodies appeared to be non-specific. IgG1 was the major antibody class stimulated by the infection protocol and marked increases in antibody to specific excretory-secretory antigens were observed. Three molecules of 35, 30 and 25 kDa were particularly recognized although the extent of recognition of these molecules varied considerably between individual sheep serum. A pooled serum composed of sera collected after five to seven infections significantly inhibited larval growth in in vitro cultures when compared to a sera pool consisting of sera collected both prior to infection and after infections 1 and 2. The degree of inhibition was greater when serum with high specific antibody titre was used.
Seaton
D S
DS
School of Agriculture, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
O'Meara
T J
TJ
Chandler
R A
RA
Sandeman
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D004175:Diptera / Q000276:immunology*; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D009198:Myiasis / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000276:immunology*
D000941:Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G