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Clonal and geographic distribution of a surface antigen of Tritrichomonas foetus
1Department of Veterinary Science, Montana State University, Bozeman 59717.
Abstract:
Geographically diverse strains and clones of Tritrichomonas foetus have been examined with respect to their expression of a major surface antigen of approximately 150,000 relative molecular weight (Mr), designated the 150 Ag. Radioiodination and 35S-methionine labeling of T. foetus followed by immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), separation of polypeptides by SDS-PAGE, and autoradiography or fluorography confirmed the parasite origin of the 150 Ag. The results of flow cytometry analysis employing a panel of MAbs against live T. foetus parasites revealed that from 5 to 84% of individuals in a given population of T. foetus expressed a particular epitope of the 150 Ag. All strains and clones were positive for surface expression of epitopes of this antigen. These results show that the 150 Ag is widely distributed in populations of T. foetus, confirm the surface location of this antigen, and suggest its importance as a target for protective immune responses.
Insights
Tritrichomonas foetus expresses a major surface antigen (150 Ag) across diverse strains. This antigen is crucial for immune responses against the parasite.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoan parasite.
- Surface antigens are critical for host-parasite interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of a major surface antigen (150 Ag) in Tritrichomonas foetus.
- To determine the distribution and location of the 150 Ag in T. foetus populations.
Main Methods:
- Radioiodination and 35S-methionine labeling of T. foetus.
- Immunoprecipitation using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs).
- SDS-PAGE, autoradiography, fluorography, and flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- The 150 Ag was confirmed to be of parasite origin and located on the surface.
- Expression of 150 Ag epitopes varied from 5% to 84% among T. foetus individuals.
- All examined strains and clones expressed surface epitopes of the 150 Ag.
Conclusions:
- The 150 Ag is widely distributed in T. foetus populations.
- The surface location of the 150 Ag suggests its role in immune evasion or interaction.
- The 150 Ag is a potential target for protective immune responses against T. foetus.