Autoantibody induced by experimental ocular Onchocerca infection: identification and characterization of autoantigens

Hartley guinea pigs were injected with Onchocerca lienalis microfilariae (Mf) as a model for human infection with Onchocerca volvulus. Subconjunctival injection of guinea pigs with O. lienalis Mf results in penetration of Mf to the central cornea, and formation of acute inflammatory reactions resembling those of human onchocerciasis around dead Mf. Sera from these animals contain IgG autoantibodies directed against at least two components of 3M KC1 extracts of guinea pig cornea and liver. Components with apparent molecular weights of 94-99 and 110-120 kilodaltons (KD) were recognized in both cornea and liver extracts, while 100, 74 and 34 kD components were recognized in liver extracts only. Components of 140 kD and 84 kD were recognized in cornea extracts only. The guinea pig liver extract cross-reacted with homogenate antigens from O. lienalis Mf, while the guinea pig cornea extract did not. Autoantibody-mediated inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to immunopathologic processes in onchocerciasis.