Evidence for epitope-specific thymus-independent response against a repeat sequence in a protein antigen.
We have studied the immunogenicity of a recombinant heat-shock protein-related stress protein of 70,000 MW (Pfhsp) of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum in H-2 congenic and non-congenic strains of inbred and outbred mice. Most mice of different genetic backgrounds produced antibodies to Pfhsp, indicating a lack of any apparent genetic restriction of immune response. A peptide corresponding to the GGMP repeat sequence in the C-terminal region of Pfhsp was recognized by more than 75% of sera from immunized mice. The GGMP repeat epitope-specific antibodies were largely of the IgM isotype, especially in all seven inbred strains of mice tested. The lack of significant boosting of the immune response, a predominantly IgM isotype of antibodies and generation of antibody responses in athymic nude mice suggest a thymus-independent response against the GGMP repeat epitope in the Pfhsp molecule.
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Zheng
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology*; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D007114:Immunization; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008819:Mice, Nude; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000276:immunology; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000276:immunology*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D000939:Epitopes; D018840:HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins