Human serum antibodies against shared antigens of different stages of Trichinella spiralis: relevance of glycan and protein epitopes.
Taking into account that antibodies against the surface antigens of newborn larvae (anti-NBL Abs) present in sera from individuals with chronic trichinellosis recognize antigenic determinants of the excretory-secretory muscle larva products (ML-ESP), and that these products are mainly glycoproteins, the aim of this work was to assess the frequency of anti-NBL Abs in sera from individuals with acute and chronic trichinellosis, to analyse the relevance of glycan and protein epitopes of the ML-ESP in the cross-reactivity phenomenon, and its correlation with the host's serum response towards these products. Anti-NBL surface Abs were determined in sera by indirect immunofluorescence. The degree of recognition by serum and purified anti-NBL Abs was evaluated comparatively before and after chemical deglycosylation of ML-ESP by immunoelectrotransfer blot assay. Results showed that 64% of the sera from individuals with acute trichinellosis and 35% of those belonging to the chronic phase had anti-NBL Abs, and also that the protein epitopes are the major ones responsible for the cross-reactivity phenomenon involving the ML-ESP and the NBL surface during both phases of the infection, while glycan epitopes are immunodominant in the stimulation of the host's immune system. A modulatory phenomenon in the immune response generated towards Trichinella spiralis NBL driven by the ML-ESP is postulated.
Malmassari
S L
SL
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Junín 956, (1113), Argentina.
Costantino
S N
SN
Iacono
R F
RF
Venturiello
S M
SM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D000939:Epitopes / Q000276:immunology; D006031:Glycosylation; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007814:Larva / Q000276:immunology; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000276:immunology; D017160:Trichinella spiralis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology*; D014235:Trichinellosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000469:parasitology
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D000939:Epitopes; D015801:Helminth Proteins; D011134:Polysaccharides