Characterization of Aedes communis, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi mosquito saliva antigens by immunoblotting.
BACKGROUND
Mosquito bites cause immediate wheals and delayed bite papules in sensitized subjects having saliva-specific IgE and IgG4 antibodies. At present, mosquito saliva antigens are not well characterized.


METHODS
To identify immunogenic proteins in mosquito saliva and study their cross-reactivity we immunized mice with Aedes communis, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi bites. Immune sera were used in immunoblotting and immunoblot inhibition experiments.


RESULTS
The main A. communis saliva antigens were 22-, 30-, and 36-kD, A. aegypti saliva antigens 31-, 36-, 46- and 64- to 66-kD, and A. stephensi saliva antigen 46-kD proteins. Most of the saliva antigens appeared to be species-specific and only weak cross-reactivity was observed with heterologous immune sera. Distinct cross-reactivity was observed only between saliva proteins of A. communis and Aedes punctor, two taxonomically closely related species. Human IgE and IgG4 antibodies from mosquito-bite-sensitive children bound to the same saliva proteins as antibodies from the immunized animals.


CONCLUSIONS
This study disclosed several immunogenic proteins in Aedes and Anopheles mosquito saliva and suggests that these proteins can also be allergenic in man.
Brummer-Korvenkontio
H
H
National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.
Palosuo
T
T
François
G
G
Reunala
T
T
D000330:Aedes / Q000276:immunology*; D000485:Allergens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D000852:Anopheles / Q000276:immunology*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000941:Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D003429:Cross Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*
D000485:Allergens; D000941:Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011506:Proteins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E