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Antigens of Entamoeba histolytica recognized by immune sera from liver abscess patients
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville.
Abstract:
Immune sera from 11 patients cured of amebic liver abscess was used to identify antigens of Entamoeba histolytica. Strain HM1-IMSS, among the most virulent in axenic culture, was used. The 37 and 90 Kd antigens were surface glycoproteins as indicated by lactoperoxidase iodination and by Concanavalin A blotting; the 59 Kd antigen was a mannose containing glycoprotein that did not appear to be on the cell surface. Western blots of 11 different immune sera revealed specific binding of immune IgG to 9 amebic proteins. Most frequently recognized proteins were of molecular weight 37, 59, and 90 Kd. The immunoblot pattern in 5 patients was unchanged for up to 30 months post-treatment for liver abscess.
Insights
Researchers identified key Entamoeba histolytica antigens (37, 59, and 90 Kd) in patients cured of amebic liver abscess. These immune responses remained stable for up to 30 months post-treatment, aiding in understanding parasitic infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Amebic liver abscess, caused by Entamoeba histolytica, is a significant global health concern.
- Identifying specific Entamoeba histolytica antigens is crucial for understanding host immune responses and developing diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Entamoeba histolytica antigens recognized by immune sera from patients successfully treated for amebic liver abscess.
- To characterize the nature and cell surface localization of these antigens.
Main Methods:
- Immune sera from 11 patients cured of amebic liver abscess were used.
- Western blotting and Concanavalin A blotting were employed to analyze antigens from Entamoeba histolytica strain HM1-IMSS.
- Lactoperoxidase iodination was used to determine surface antigen localization.
Main Results:
- Eleven distinct amebic proteins were recognized by immune IgG via Western blot.
- The 37 and 90 Kd antigens were identified as surface glycoproteins.
- The 59 Kd antigen was a mannose-containing glycoprotein not localized on the cell surface.
- The most frequently recognized antigens were of molecular weights 37, 59, and 90 Kd.
Conclusions:
- Specific Entamoeba histolytica antigens, particularly 37, 59, and 90 Kd proteins, are recognized by the immune system following amebic liver abscess treatment.
- The identified antigens, including surface glycoproteins, are potential targets for serological diagnosis and understanding immune evasion strategies.
- Immunoblot patterns remained stable for up to 30 months post-treatment, suggesting persistent immune memory.