重组抗原应用于SPG-ELISA检测华支睾吸虫循环抗体的效果评价

目的评价重组抗原用于SPG-ELISA诊断华支睾吸虫感染的价值。方法分别使用重组华支睾吸虫半胱氨酸蛋白酶（Cs-CysB）与华支睾吸虫成虫可溶性抗原（CAA）,以SPG-ELISA检测华支睾吸虫病患者血清特异性IgG,比较两种抗原包被SPG-ELISA方法的敏感性与特异性。结果检测50份华支睾吸虫感染者血清,重组Cs-CysB与CAA包被的SPG-ELISA阳性率均为94.00%,健康人血清50例均为阴性;检测日本血吸虫病血清20份、并殖吸虫病血清20份、囊虫病血清10份,交叉反应率分别为5.00%、10.00%、20.00%和5.00%、0、20.00%。结论以重组Cs-CysB为包被抗原用SPG-ELISA检测血清华支睾吸虫抗体具有较高的敏感性及特异性,检测效果与CAA包被的SPG-ELISA相当。     

华支睾吸虫特异性富甘氨酸2a类抗原基因的克隆、表达和免疫学诊断价值评价

目的采取免疫学方法筛选华支睾吸虫成虫cDNA表达文库,寻找新的抗原基因。方法使用华支睾吸虫病人混合血清以及华支睾吸虫排泄分泌抗原的免疫小鼠血清,分别免疫学筛选华支睾吸虫成虫λ ZAP cDNA表达文库;将阳性噬菌体克隆、测序以及核苷酸序列比对分析;将目的基因的编码区克隆至原核表达质粒pET28a(+)中,采用制备不带N端融合标签的天然蛋白的策略表达融合蛋白,使用组氨酸标签亲和纯化柱（Ni NTA树脂）纯化融合蛋白;采用间接ELISA法,检测血清中的特异性抗体,共检测35例华支睾吸虫虫卵粪检阳性血清,36例正常人血清,15例日本血吸虫、15例卫氏并殖吸虫和13例猪囊尾蚴病人血清,评价重组蛋白的免疫学诊断价值。结果发现华支睾吸虫特异性富甘氨酸2a（GRA2a）类抗原基因家族,将其中的Cs4抗原基因植入重组表达质粒pET28a(+)的NcoI位点,成功实现融合蛋白的表达,并进一步纯化得到可溶性重组蛋白。采用间接ELISA法检测血清中的特异性抗体,该ELISA法的敏感性为80.0%,特异性为97.2%,总符合率为88.7%;日本血吸虫、卫氏并殖吸虫和猪囊尾蚴病人血清的假阳性率分别为6.7%、6.7%和7.7%。经核苷酸序列同源性比较,华支睾吸虫GRA2a类抗原是迄今为止尚未进行功能研究的华支睾吸虫特异性抗原。结论发现华支睾吸虫GRA2a类抗原基因家族;成功构建重组表达质粒,并表达、纯化出可溶性重组蛋白;该抗原具有较高的免疫学诊断价值。     

广西146例华支睾吸虫疑似感染者粪样虫卵和血清IgG抗体的检测分析

检测广西华支睾吸虫疑似感染者粪样华支睾吸虫/扇棘单睾吸虫虫卵和血清华支睾吸虫IgG抗体,分析二者的相关性,为华支睾吸虫感染的监测和诊断提供参考。收集2017年3-9月于广西疾病预防控制中心预防性健康体检科就诊的疑似华支睾吸虫感染者粪样,采用改良加藤厚涂片法(一粪三检)检查华支睾吸虫/扇棘单睾吸虫虫卵并计算每克粪样虫卵数(EPG)。同步收集粪检阳性患者的血液标本,采用间接ELISA法检测血清华支睾吸虫IgG抗体。分析EPG值与IgG抗体A_(450)值的相关性,并根据华支睾吸虫感染度分类标准,分析轻度、中度和重度感染者EPG值与血清IgG抗体阳性率以及IgG抗体定性结果与EPG值的关系。在146份华支睾吸虫/扇棘单睾吸虫虫卵阳性粪样中,EPG最大值为21 502,最小值为8。血清华支睾吸虫IgG抗体阳性率为84.9%(124/146),男、女性IgG抗体阳性率分别为86.0%(111/129)和13/17,差异无统计学意义(P 0.05)。感染者EPG值和IgG抗体A_(450)值呈正相关性(r_s=0.436, P 0.01)。轻度、中度和重度感染者IgG抗体阳性率分别为78.4%(69/88)、 96.0%(48/50)和7/8,差异有统计学意义(P 0.05)。华支睾吸虫血清IgG抗体阳性组和阴性组粪样几何均数(GM EPG)值分别为736和204,差异有统计学意义(P 0.01)。提示在华支睾吸虫和扇棘单睾吸虫共感染的广西,粪样虫卵镜检和血清华支睾吸虫IgG抗体检测结果呈正相关;但单独粪便虫卵检查用于华支睾吸虫监测和诊断会存在误判,应辅助IgG抗体等血清学检测。     

华支睾吸虫磷脂酶A2基因生物学特性的初步研究

目的对新发现的华支睾吸虫磷脂酶A2（CsPLA2）基因进行生克隆、原核表达,确定该蛋白是否为成虫分泌/排泄蛋白（excretory-secretory protein,ESP）。方法利用多种生物信息学分析软件,从华支睾吸虫全长cDNA质粒文库中识别出CsPLA2样基因,分析该基因表达蛋白的生物学功能特征;将CsPLA2克隆入原核表达质粒pET28a（＋）,并在大肠埃希菌BL21/DE3中诱导表达,蛋白表达产物经十二烷基硫酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳（SDS-PAGE）进行鉴定;应用Western blot确定CsPLA2是否为ESP;应用免疫荧光方法观察CsPLA2在成虫的组织定位。结果该基因编码307个氨基酸,含有信号肽序列,具有PLA2功能域和活化位点,与谷蛀虫同源蛋白相比,一致性为45%,相似性为52%。PCR、双酶切及DNA测序结果表明pET28a-CsPLA2重组质粒构建成功,SDS-PAGE显示目的基因在大肠埃希菌BL21/DE3中高效表达,表达产物为包涵体。Western blot结果表明CsPLA2是华支睾吸虫的ESP组分之一。虫体免疫组织化学定位显示CsPLA2定位于虫体的腹吸盘、肠支、睾丸处。结论新发现一个CsPLA2基因,其表达的蛋白定位于虫体的腹吸盘、肠支、睾丸处,为华支睾吸虫成虫ESP组分之一。该基因可在原核表达系统中高效表达。     

华支睾吸虫病金标诊断试剂盒的研制和现场初步实验

目的 研制华支睾吸虫病金标快速免疫诊断试剂盒，评价其敏感性、特异性和现场试用效果。方法 以华支睾吸虫成虫水溶性抗原、分泌排泄抗原和重组抗原磷酸甘油酸激酶(PGK)作为诊断试剂，制备胶体金免疫层析检测(Immunochromatography test，ICT)试剂盒，检测患者血清和唾液中抗华支睾吸虫IgG，并与常规ELISA血清学检测方法和粪便虫卵检查法相比较。结果 实验室检测临床确诊的华支睾吸虫病人血清中特异的IgG，3种抗原的敏感性均为100％。天然抗原除与慢性血吸虫病人血清有较强的交叉反应外，与囊虫、包虫、弓形虫病人血清没有交叉反应。重组PGK抗原同慢性血吸虫病人血清也没有交叉反应。用分泌排泄抗原制备的ICT检测试剂盒在流行区现场检测被调查者的血清和唾液，总符合率为92．31％；ICT与ELISA血清检测的总符合率为81．54％。现场获取了9人的粪便样本，其中4人检出华支睾吸虫卵，其血清ICT和ELISA检测均呈强阳性，另外未检出虫卵的5人中，1人血清ICT和ELISA均呈阳性，另1人仅血清ELISA呈弱阳性。结论 诊断华支睾吸虫感染的ICT抗体检测技术，尤其是无创性唾液检测技术，简便、快速、准确、安全，优于血清ELISA检测和粪便虫卵检测，适用于临床检验和现场大规模流行病学调查。     

华支睾吸虫NOSIP基因的克隆表达及免疫学鉴定

目的对华支睾吸虫一氧化氮合酶相互作用蛋白(CsNOSIP)进行克隆和原核表达,初步了解其重组产物的免疫学功能。方法从华支睾吸虫基因文库中获得CsNOSIP的全长cDNA并克隆至原核表达质粒pET-30a(+)中,诱导表达后用亲和层析柱进行纯化,用纯化的rCsNOSIP及rCsNOSIP蛋白免疫BALB/c小鼠以获得rCsNOSIP免疫血清,采用Western blot鉴定重组蛋白CsNOSIP的表达及其反应原性;采用ELISA检测rCsNOSIP免疫小鼠血清特异性抗体亚类水平。结果 CsNOSIP基因的开放阅读框(ORF)包含867 bp,编码288个氨基酸,PCR、双酶切及DNA测序表明pET-30a(+)-CsNOSIP重组质粒构建成功。SDS-PAGE检测目的蛋白在大肠埃希菌BL21/DE3中获得高效表达,表达产物相对分子质量为35×10~3;经亲和层析法获得高纯度的重组蛋白,该蛋白可被His单抗、CsNOSIP免疫小鼠血清、感染华支睾吸虫小鼠血清及ESP免疫血清识别,重组蛋白免疫血清能识别CsESP;ELISA检测显示rCsNOSIP免疫小鼠血清特异抗体滴度为1∶25 600,以IgG1水平较高。结论 CsNOSIP可在原核表达系统中呈现高效可溶性表达,且具有抗原性,是华支睾吸虫分泌排泄抗原(CsESP)之一,免疫小鼠后可获得高滴度的特异性抗体,抗体亚类以IgG1为主,为该蛋白的功能研究奠定了基础。     

华支睾吸虫19kDa分泌型蛋白(CsSP19)基因的克隆、表达与免疫学功能研究

目的对一个新发现的华支睾吸虫分泌型蛋白的未知基因,进行克隆表达和重组产物的免疫学鉴定,确定其免疫学功能。方法利用生物信息学方法从华支睾吸虫成虫全长cDNA质粒文库中发现一个编码分泌型蛋白的新基因（克隆号Cs004f03）,将去除信号肽序列的编码序列克隆到原核表达质粒pET-28a（＋）中,IPTG诱导表达,产物经亲和层析纯化,并制备大鼠免疫血清,Western-blot方法分析其抗原性和分泌性。结果CsSP19开放阅读框（ORF）有564bp,编码188个氨基酸,理论分子量为21.2kDa,成熟肽的理论分子量为19kDa。该基因的成熟肽编码区在大肠杆菌中可获得高表达,重组蛋白能被华支睾吸虫病人血清所识别,同时,重组蛋白免疫血清也能识别华支睾吸虫分泌排泄抗原中分子量约19kDa的蛋白条带。结论CsSP19蛋白是华支睾吸虫分泌排泄抗原中一个有潜在诊断价值的分泌蛋白。     

华支睾吸虫PPMP型抗原基因的克隆、表达与免疫原性鉴定

目的筛选华支睾吸虫成虫cDNA表达文库,寻找和鉴别新颖的抗原基因,并分析其重组蛋白的免疫原性方法以华支睾吸虫病患者混合血清免疫筛选华支睾吸虫成虫λZAP cDNA表达文库,将阳性噬菌体克隆、测序,对获得的核苷酸序列进行生物信息学分析。将目的基因成熟肽的编码区克隆至原核表达质粒pET28b(+),转化至大肠埃希菌BLR(DE3),异丙基-β-D硫代半乳糖苷(IPTG)诱导表达。用组氨酸标签亲和纯化柱(Ni-NTA树脂)纯化表达产物,蛋白质印迹(Western blotting)分析其免疫原性。以纯化的重组蛋白pET28b-Cs2免疫BALB/c小鼠,制备免疫血清,ELISA检测抗体水平。结果共获得44个阳性克隆,其中3个克隆的氨基酸序列中均含有PPMP重复序列,将其命名为华支睾吸虫PPMP型抗原,将其中含有KPPMPGDRDA、QPPMPGGRDA串联重复多肽序列的抗原分别称为PPMPⅠ型和PPMPⅡ型抗原。经核苷酸序列同源性比较,PPMP型抗原是一个新的华支睾吸虫特异性抗原家族。PPMPⅠ型的Cs2基因和PPMPⅡ型的Cs3基因的成熟肽编码区在大肠埃希菌BLR(DE3)或BLR(DE3)pLysS中表达,并获得可溶性重组蛋白,2个重组蛋白的相对分子质量分别为M_r 22 000和M_r 39 000。重组蛋白可被华支睾吸虫病患者血清所识别。ELISA结果显示,免疫小鼠可产生高滴度(1:64000)特异性IgG抗体。结论发现华支睾吸虫PPMP型抗原基因家族,其重组蛋白具有较强的免疫原性。     

华支睾吸虫半胱氨酸蛋白酶基因克隆表达和血清学诊断效果

目的克隆、表达华支睾吸虫半胱氨酸蛋白酶（CSCP）,并评价其免疫学诊断效果。方法根据已知的CSCP（Gen Bank序列号：AF093242）基因序列设计引物,从华支睾吸虫成虫总cDNA中扩增该目的片段,克隆入真核表达载体pPIC9K,转化至巴斯德毕赤酵母（Pichia pastoris）GS115中,甲醇诱导表达、纯化;采用Westernblot技术鉴定该重组蛋白;用纯化的重组CSCP（rCSCP）免疫小鼠,ELISA法检测抗体效价;应用DotELISA法和Western blot法评估该重组蛋白的诊断效果。结果从华支睾吸虫成虫cDNA中扩增获得长度为927bp的CSCP基因,并成功进行了真核表达、纯化,纯化的rCSCP免疫小鼠后的血清能被华支睾吸虫成虫可溶性抗原识别,其血清抗体效价达1∶64000;采用该重组蛋白建立的DotELISA法检测华支睾吸虫病人的敏感性为91.7%（55/60）,检测正常人的特异性为97.6%（82/84）;Western blot分析显示,rCSCP与日本血吸虫病人血清无交叉反应,与卫氏并殖吸虫病人交叉反应率为20.0%（2/10）。结论 rCSCP具有较好的诊断效果,是华支睾吸虫重组蛋白中一个有潜在诊断价值的抗原。     

华支睾吸虫病金标诊断试剂盒的研制和现场初步实验

目的　研制华支睾吸虫病金标快速免疫诊断试剂盒 ,评价其敏感性、特异性和现场试用效果。　方法　以华支睾吸虫成虫水溶性抗原、分泌排泄抗原和重组抗原磷酸甘油酸激酶 (PGK)作为诊断试剂 ,制备胶体金免疫层析检测 (Im-munochromatography test,ICT)试剂盒 ,检测患者血清和唾液中抗华支睾吸虫 Ig G,并与常规 EL ISA血清学检测方法和粪便虫卵检查法相比较。　结果　实验室检测临床确诊的华支睾吸虫病人血清中特异的 Ig G,3种抗原的敏感性均为10 0 %。天然抗原除与慢性血吸虫病人血清有较强的交叉反应外 ,与囊虫、包虫、弓形虫病人血清没有交叉反应。重组PGK抗原同慢性血吸虫病人血清也没有交叉反应。用分泌排泄抗原制备的 ICT检测试剂盒在流行区现场检测被调查者的血清和唾液 ,总符合率为 92 .31% ;ICT与 EL ISA血清检测的总符合率为 81.5 4 %。现场获取了 9人的粪便样本 ,其中 4人检出华支睾吸虫卵 ,其血清 ICT和 EL ISA检测均呈强阳性 ,另外未检出虫卵的 5人中 ,1人血清 ICT和 EL ISA均呈阳性 ,另 1人仅血清 EL ISA呈弱阳性。　结论　诊断华支睾吸虫感染的 ICT抗体检测技术 ,尤其是无创性唾液检测技术 ,简便、快速、准确、安全 ,优于血清 EL ISA检测和粪便虫卵检测 ,适用于临床检验和现场大规模流行病     

Antibody responses in schistosomiasis haematobium in Somalia. Relation to age and infection intensity

Antibody responses in schistosomiasis haematobium were studied in relation to age and infection intensity in Somalia. The area is highly endemic for Schistosoma haematobium but free of S. mansoni. Antibodies of the IgG class against particulate antigens of S. mansoni adult worms were investigated by immunofluorescence (gut and somatic associated antigens) and against soluble egg and adult worm antigens by ELISA. Total IgE levels were examined by Pharmacia IgE RIA, and specific IgE against soluble adult worm antigen by enzyme immunoassay. The IgG antibody response showed a characteristic pattern with highest reactivity against both gut associated and soluble egg antigens in the age group 10-14 years, when both prevalence and intensity of the infection were highest. Reactivity against somatic associated antigen was also high in this age group, but it increased slightly and remained at high level in the older ages. It is thought that such antigen is exposed mainly after the death of the parasite and that the antigenic stimulation may remain throughout most of the life of infected individuals. On the other hand, the IgG antibody reactivity against soluble adult worm antigen was low during childhood, but it increased significantly with age. It is suggested that repeated booster effects are needed for more potent response against these antigenic components. The finding of high levels of total IgE already in the youngest age groups, together with low specific IgE response, indicates that mainly other antigens are involved in the IgE production. The specific IgE response against soluble adult worm antigen was low but increased significantly with age.     

Nutrition, immunity and helminth infection: effect of dietary protein on the dynamics of the primary antibody response to Trichuris muris (Nematoda) in CBA/Ca mice

The effect of dietary protein on the specific antibody responses (total immunoglobulins, IgG1 and IgA) to the intestinal nematode Trichuris muris was studied in CBA/Ca mice fed isocaloric diets containing 16% or 4% protein. Mice fed the 16% diet and given a high infection dose of 650 eggs expelled almost their entire primary infection by day 21 post infection. In similarly infected animals fed the 4% protein diet, there was prolonged survival of adult worms. At a low infection dose of 10 eggs, there was no evidence of an expulsion response in either dietary group. The primary antibody response to parasite excretory/secretory (E/S) antigen was time-dependent, regardless of dietary protein or infection dose, and was predominantly an IgG1 response. Within each dietary group, antibody production and antigen recognition occurred earlier and the antibody responses were more intense in mice given the higher infection dose. The principal finding was that the specific antibody response was more vigorous, both quantitatively (serum titres) and qualitatively (antigen recognition by IgG1), in mice on a low protein diet, even though worm expulsion did not occur in these hosts. This result suggests that serum antibody level or antigen recognition is not related simply to protective immunity against T. muris in CBA/Ca mice.     

Immune Responses to Antigens of in vitro Reared Echinococcus granulosus Adult Worms in Balb/c Mice

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as echinococcosis/hydatidosis, is one of the most important parasitic diseases in the world. It enhances both humoral and cellular (Th1 and Th2) responses in infected host. Different antigens of the worm may favor the Th1 or Th2 immune responses in CE patients. Objective: To evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses of Balb/c mice against the crude and excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens of in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms. Methods: A total of 20 Balb/c mice divided into 5 groups of 4 mice each. Three groups of mice (n=4) were immunized with crude, E/S and an immunodominant antigen of in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms on day 1 and 28. The fourth and the fifth groups were negative control groups and received PBS plus adjuvant, or nothing, respectively. Two weeks after the second injection, the mice were killed and their blood was collected for determining antibody responses, and their spleens were employed for proliferation assay. Total IgG was measured by indirect ELISA. Spleen cells of immunized mice were cultivated and exposed to different antigens of adult worms including E/S and crude antigens. Levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured in the recovered cell culture supernatants by capture ELISA. Results: Total IgG assay showed the highest level of antibody produced in mice immunized with crude antigens. Proliferation assay showed a statistically significant production of cytokines in the mice immunized with crude antigens (p<0.05). The highest levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-4 were produced in mice immunized with crude antigen of the in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms followed by E/S antigens. Immunodomonant antigen induced the lowest levels of cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10) in immunized mice. Conclusion: Significant levels of Th1 related cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-12) were produced in Balb/c mice immunized with crude antigen of the in vitro reared Echinococcus granulosus adult worms.     

Enzyme immunoassay of the level of parasite-specific IgE antibodies in schistosomiasis using the monoclonal antibody BL-IgE 9

Sera from patients with chronic schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni or Schistosoma haematobium) were examined for the presence of parasite specific IgE antibodies by means of ELISA technique using tegument antigen prepared from adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni and using the monoclonal antibody BL-IgE 9. Individuals from tropical countries who had no schistosomiasis and blood donors from GDR were studied for comparison. Significantly higher levels of specific IgE antibody were given by sera from patients with schistosomiasis than by the controls. These differential responses serologically differentiated between patients with chronic schistosome infections and noninfected individuals.     

Antibody isotype responses, infection and re-infection for Schistosoma japonicum in a marshland area of China.

Antibody isotype responses to adult worm antigen (AWA) of Schistosoma japonicum and two recombinant proteins (paramyosin (PMY) and a 22 kDa tegumental membrane-associated antigen (TEG)) were analyzed in 137 individuals from an area moderately endemic for schistosomiasis in the Dongting Lake region, Hunan Province, China. The prevalence and geometric mean (GM) intensity of infection before the implementation of curative chemotherapy were 28.5% and 234.4 epg, respectively, but 9 months after treatment the prevalence (6.6%) and intensity (38.3 epg) had decreased. There was no significant difference in either the prevalence or intensity of infection between males and females. Specific IgG (total), IgG4, IgG2, IgA and IgE responses to AWA, PMY and TEG were measured by ELISA. Males produced significantly (P < 0.05) more anti-AWA total IgG, IgE, IgA, IgG4 and IgG2 antibodies, and anti-TEG IgG2 antibody than their female counterparts. The OD450 levels of anti-AWA, PMY and TEG antibody isotypes did not present clear age-dependent trends except for peak levels of anti-AWA IgG4 antibodies evident among subjects 20-29 years of age. The total IgG and IgG4 antibody profiles against AWA correlated well with current S. japonicum infections while anti-AWA IgG2, IgA and IgE antibodies did not show such an association. Anti-AWA-specific IgE antibody levels were positively correlated (r = 0.55) with anti-AWA specific IgG4 antibody levels. In addition, the overall percentage of responders (using a cut-off value obtained from normal controls) to all isotypes to AWA were higher than those observed for both the recombinant antigens. Only 18.2%, 16.8% and 7.3% of the study population were IgE responders to AWA, PMY and TEG. A longer follow-up period is required before we can more fully understand the role of IgE, if any, in protective immunity against schistosomiasis japonica.     

Humoral immune responses in human infection with the whipworm Trichuris trichiura

The humoral immune response to infection with Trichuris trichirua was investigated by ELISA and immunoblotting using human sera from the Caribbean island of St Lucia. Immunoblot analysis of the degree of cross-reactivity with the related trichuroid Trichinella spiralis and with the other commonly co-existent nematodes, Ascaris lumbricoides and Toxocara canis, was carried out using selected sera. The IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgG subclass antibody levels were measured in ELISA using a detergent solubilized extract of adult T. trichiura. The IgG and IgE responses were highly Trichuris specific. Anti-T. trichiura IgM responses were totally cross-reactive with A. lumbricoides and were completely ablated by pre-incubation of sera with Ascaris antigen. The IgG response was predominantly of the IgG1 subclass with a minimal IgG3 response. Only 1 person out of 130 tested had a detectable IgG3 response. The IgG2 response appeared to be directed primarily against carbohydrate or polysaccharide antigens as pre-treatment of the ELISA plates with poly-L-lysine was necessary before a response could be detected. These data are the first demonstration of human isotypic responses to infection with T. trichiura.     

IgE antibody during infection with the ovine abomasal nematode, Teladorsagia circumcincta: primary and secondary responses in serum and gastric lymph of sheep

A monoclonal antibody to ovine IgE was employed in an ELISA to investigate the IgE antibody responses in serum and gastric lymph to a primary infection of Teladorsagia circumcincta, and following challenge in previously infected sheep. During a primary response, IgE antibody to antigens derived from the infective third stage (L3) and adult (L5) worms were negligable, with low levels of IgE antibody detected in serum and lymph. In contrast, there was a pronounced IgE antibody response in 2/4 sheep to L3 antigens during 2–8 days after challenge of previously infected animals but low levels of IgE antibody to L5 antigens. This response was confirmed in a second but similar experiment, where relatively high levels of IgE antibody was detected to antigens from L3. Antibody levels were higher in lymph than in serum from the same animals, and Western blots of L3 antigen following SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions revealed several bands of MW26–96KD which reacted with the IgE antibody from gastric lymph. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that these IgE antibodies may be reacting with allergens associated with the surface cuticle of the worms.     

Serum immunoglobulin E response in calves infected with the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus and its correlation with protection

Protection of a primary Dictyocaulus viviparus infection was measured against a homologueous challenge infection in two independent experiments and this was correlated with serum immunoglobulin IgE responses. A primary infection of 30 third stage larvae (L3) of D. viviparus on day 0 protects calves for 70% against a challenge infection of 2000 L3 on day 35 compared to calves with no primary infection. The variation in post mortem worm counts within this group (n = 6) was very large with mean worm counts of 145 (range 3-446) lungworms. Parasite specific IgA, IgE, IgG1 and IgG2 and total IgE levels in serum were measured by ELISA. Parasite specific IgA, IgG1 and IgG2 were elevated after infection, but correlation with protection was only found with IgG1 levels on day 42 and with IgG2 levels on day 70. IgE was measured in a sandwich ELISA using antisheep IgE that cross-reacts with cattle IgE. No parasite specific IgE could be detected. However, total serum IgE was elevated after infection and total serum IgE levels before and on the day of challenge correlated with protection (P < 0.05). Total serum IgE also correlates with peripheral eosinophil counts between days 14 and 28 after primary infection. Western blots with three different parasite antigen preparations, L1, excretory/secretory products and crude worm adult antigens, were used to detect parasite specific IgE in sera depleted of IgG and IgM. These depleted sera from protected calves contained parasite specific IgE, while sera from nonprotected calves were negative. A band of approximately 100 kDa was recognized in all three antigens. In a second experiment, primary doses of 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 and 960 L3 of D. viviparus were used and necropsy was 11 days after challenge. This experiment confirmed the correlation between protection and total IgE levels before and on the day of challenge. The rapid and strong IgE responses in protected animals after such a low infection might be caused by the specific characteristics of the lungworm antigens or by the somatic migration of the worm and might be involved in the rapid development of protection against lungworm reinfections in cattle.     

Structural and molecular specificity of antibody responses in mice immune to third stage larvae of Onchocerca volvulus

Immunization of mice with irradiated Onchocerca volvulus infective stage larvae (L3) has been demonstrated to confer protection against challenge infections with these larvae. Additionally, cytokine level measurements and cytokine depletion studies have shown that both IL-4 and IL-5 are important in generating a protective immune response against O. volvulus challenge infections, thus suggesting a dependency of protective immunity on IgG1, IgE and/or eosinophils. In the present study, we examined the humoral responses of immunized mice to O. volvulus L3 antigens. ELISA measurements of total serum antibody levels indicated that IgE was the only antibody isotype elevated in mice immunized with O. volvulus L3. IgM from immunized mice was the only isotype that recognized surface antigens on intact O. volvulus L3. IgG1, IgG3, IgE and IgA recognized internal parasite antigens on O. volvulus L3 frozen sections. Western blot analysis of L3 proteins showed that in serum from mice immunized with O. volvulus L3 IgG1, IgG2a/2b, IgA, and IgE, as well as IgM, recognized unique L3 proteins. Antibodies in serum from L3 immunized mice were able to detect O. volvulus adult antigens in a pattern similar to the recognition found in O. volvulus L3. Some L3 antigens were shared by adults, while other antigens were L3 specific. The ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot findings thus demonstrate a complex pattern of antigen recognition of parasite antigens by antibodies found in mice immune to the L3 of O. volvulus     

华支睾吸虫富甘氨酸2a类抗原Cs4重组蛋白的免疫学特性与定位

目的 对华支睾吸虫富甘氨酸2a(glycine rich antigen 2a,GRA2a)类抗原Cs4重组蛋白(rCs4)进行免疫学特性分析,并对GKA2a类抗原进行组织定位.方法 使用蛋白质印迹(Western印迹)分析rCs4与华支睾吸虫病患者混合血清的免疫反应性,并分析GRA2a类抗原的分泌性.应用ELISA法检测rCs4免疫小鼠血清中抗rCs4特异性IgG水平,并动态检测华支睾吸虫感染兔0～44周的血清中抗rCs4特异性IgG水平.通过免疫荧光实验(immunofluorescence assay,IFA)对华支睾吸虫GRA2a类抗原进行组织定位.结果 纯化的rCsd可被华支睾吸虫病患者混合血清识别.rCs4单抗(mAb Cs4-31)与华支睾吸虫排泄分泌抗原和可溶性抗原在相对分子质量(Mr)26 000与55 000之间分别有13、15个反应条带,均呈阶梯状分布.ELISA检测rCs4免疫小鼠抗rCs4和ESA的IgG效价均达1:64 000,感染兔的抗rCs4特异性抗体平均水平自感染第4周开始上升,于第6周达到高峰,此后逐步递减,至第20周已呈较低水平.IFA检测发现GRA2a类抗原定位于华支睾吸虫成虫的表皮.结论 Cs4蛋白是华支睾吸虫在感染早期的分泌型蛋白,具较好的抗原性.GRA2a类抗原定位于华支睾吸虫成虫表皮.

Abstract：

Objective To study immunological characteristics of Cs4 recombinant protein(rCs4)of Clonorchis sinensis,one of the glycine rich antigen 2a(GRA2a)gene family member,and the histolocalization of GRA2a antigens. Methods The immunological reactivity of Clonorcihs sinensis Cs4 protein to pooled sera from clonorchiasis patients was investigated by using purified rCs4 in Western blotting.The secretory property of GRA2a antigens was also analyzed by Western blotting.The level of specific antibodies against rCs4 in the sera from mice immunized with rCs4,and the dynamic change of antibodies against rCs4 in the sera of C. sinensisinfected New Zealand rabbits(O-44 w post infection)were examined by ELISA.Immunofluorescence assay (IFA)was performed using the anti-rCs4 monoclonal antibody Cs4-31(mAb Cs4-31)to determine the localization of GRA2a antigens in C. sinensis adult worm.Results The purified rCs4 was recognized by pooled sera from clonorchiasis patients.13 and 15 bands appeared at the sites between M,26 000 and 55 000 after mAb Cs4-31 reacting with excretory-secretory antigen(ESA)and soluble adult worm antigen(AWA),respectively.The anti-rCs4 and anti-ESA serum antibody titers in mice immunized with rCs4 were 1:64 000.In C. sinensis infected rabbits,antibody level began to elevate at 4 w after infection,peaked at 6 w,and declined rapidly to a lower level at 20 w.IFA revealed that GRA2a antigens were localized in the tegument of C.sinensis adult worm.Conclusion The Cs4 protein was a secretory antigen appeared in the early stage of infection,and exhibited high antigenieity.GRA2a antigens were localized in tIle tegument of C. sinensis adult worm.