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Isolation of antigen from the circulating immune complex in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei
Y Kusuhara1, Y Maeno, K Nagase
1Department of Virology and Parasitology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan. kusuhara@fujita-hu.ac.jp
Abstract:
Circulating immune complex (CIC) is known to play a role in pathological glomerular alterations in malaria. However, the nature of the antigens comprising the CIC is still not fully understood. We report here the isolation of the antigen in CIC and its localisation in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65. The antigen was successfully isolated from CIC extracted from the blood of mice infected with P. berghei, by using C1q-coated microplates. The molecular mass of the antigen separated from CIC bound to C1q was found to be 78 kDa. Furthermore, localisation of the antigen was examined by the fluorescent antibody technique and immunoelectron microscopy. The antigen was detected in the parasitised erythrocyte and the mesangial matrix by both methods. These results suggest that the 78 kDa protein might be associated with the glomerular alterations in malaria infection.
Insights
Researchers identified a 78 kDa protein in circulating immune complexes (CIC) from malaria-infected mice. This protein was found in infected red blood cells and kidney mesangial matrix, suggesting its role in malaria-associated kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Malariology
Background:
- Circulating immune complexes (CIC) are implicated in malaria-induced kidney damage.
- The specific antigens forming these CICs in malaria are not fully characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify antigens within CICs from Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.
- To determine the localization of these antigens within the host during infection.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of CICs using C1q-coated microplates.
- Determination of antigen molecular mass via SDS-PAGE.
- Localization studies using fluorescent antibody technique and immunoelectron microscopy.
Main Results:
- A 78 kDa antigen was successfully isolated from CICs.
- The 78 kDa antigen was detected in parasitized erythrocytes.
- The antigen was also localized to the mesangial matrix of the kidney.
Conclusions:
- The identified 78 kDa protein is a component of CICs in P. berghei infection.
- Its presence in parasitized erythrocytes and the kidney suggests a role in malaria-associated glomerular pathology.