Passive protection against fasciolosis in mice by immunization with a monoclonal antibody (ES-78 MoAb).
Recently, we reported a partial characterization of the epitope recognized by the ES-78 monoclonal antibody (MoAb). This monoclonal antibody was obtained from spleen lymphocytes of a mouse immunized with excretory-secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica adult worms. In the present study, we report the results obtained in experiments of passive protection using this MoAb in BALB/c mice infected with 15 Fasciola hepatica metacercariae. The monoclonal antibody was able to reduce the parasite burden when administered 24 h before challenge but not when delivered 7 days after challenge. The antibody recognition of digestive tract structures in 3-week-old parasites was demonstrated by immune histochemical techniques. The antigens purified by affinity chromatography using this antibody had molecular weights of 14-20, 25-29 and 36-45 kDa and demonstrated proteinase activity similar to cathepsin L. These results suggest that the antigens carrying the epitope recognized by the ES-78 MoAb may be used as target in the protection against fasciolosis.
Marcet
Ricardo
R
Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical 'Pedro Kourí', Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba. marcet@ipk.sld.cu
Díaz
Ailen
A
Arteaga
Ernesto
E
Finlay
Carlos M
CM
Sarracent
Jorge
J
D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000737:chemistry; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D005210:Fasciola hepatica / Q000276:immunology*; D005211:Fascioliasis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007116:Immunization, Passive; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D003546:Cysteine Endopeptidases