Identification of stage-specific antigens of Toxoplasma gondii.
An immunologic evaluation of the surface antigens of the three major life-cycle stages of Toxoplasma gondii was performed. Mouse antisera were raised against these stages, which included the oocyst-sporozoite (feline-excreted stage), bradyzoite (chronic tissue cyst stage), and tachyzoite (invasive stage). The antisera were used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis to demonstrate the presence of stage-specific antigens. These antigens were of various molecular weights and were specific to each stage investigated. Cross-reaction studies showed that the mouse antisera recognized commonly shared antigens to at least two of the three stages. A panel of monoclonal antibodies identified specific immune epitopes unique to each of the stages investigated. These studies further support the hypothesis that stage-specific antigens are present in T. gondii.
Kasper
L H
LH
Department of Medicine, Neurology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire 03756.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000276:immunology; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000276:immunology*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D008970:Molecular Weight; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D000954:Antigens, Surface