title: Active immunization of mice with Schistosoma mansoni worm membrane antigens enhances efficacy of praziquantel.
abstract: The efficacy of praziquantel treatment was significantly enhanced (P < 0.01) in CBA/Ca mice that had been immunized prior to Schistosoma mansoni infection with a crude extract of worm membrane antigens. In Western immunoblots sera from the worm antigen-immunized animals had a polyspecific antibody response, with a 25-27 kDa antigen being reacted against with particular intensity. A molecule of similar size was also recognized by rabbit antisera raised against an antigen with esterase activity that has been previously identified as a sensitive target for drug-antibody synergy. The increase in efficacy of subcurative doses of praziquantel in immunized animals is attributed to drug-induced tegumental damage causing antigens to become exposed on the worm surface. Thus, specific antigens, including the 25-27 kDa antigen, become accessible to circulating schistosomicidal antibodies. The role of antibodies that can synergize with praziquantel to kill schistosome worms is discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, UK.
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Fallon
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Doenhoff
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002462:Cell Membrane; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011223:Praziquantel / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D012555:Schistosomiasis mansoni / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D011223:Praziquantel