Schistosoma mansoni anticomplementary antigens (SACA): Detection in schistosomula and adult worms

In previous studies we have shown that schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni are able to activate complement (C), in the absence of antibodies, by both the classical (CP) and the alternative C pathway (AP). In the present work we have demonstrated that certain factors present in the antigen extract of schistosomula and adult worms also showed an anticomplementary activity. These schistosome anticomplementary antigens (SACA) were found in the low molecular weight fraction (< 35,000 daltons) of the whole extract of adult schistosomes and were able to deplete C through both the CP and the AP.