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Schistosoma mansoni antigens differentially recognized by resistant WEHI 129/J mice
M D Wright1, M V Rogers, K M Davern
1Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Mice of the strain WEHI 129/J are genetically resistant to chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection. Resistance is expressed in at least 50% of mice, with the remaining mice showing normal susceptibility to infection. The serum antibody specificities in the resistant proportion of WEHI 129/J were analyzed at various times after exposure to cercariae by using both Western blotting and immunoprecipitation. Comparisons with the susceptible proportion of WEHI 129/J and other permissive mouse strains revealed four antigens that were differentially recognized by resistant mice at various times of infection: Sm25, an Mr 25,000 integral membrane protein of adult worms that was better recognized by resistant mice 40 to 50 days after exposure; Sm67, an Mr 67,000 water-soluble antigen of adult worms that was better recognized by resistant mice at days 30 to 40; Sm120, an Mr 120,000 antigen expressed by cercariae and adult worms that was differentially recognized, although inconsistently, at days 20 to 40 postexposure; and Sm26, an Mr 26,000 glutathione S-transferase that was uniquely recognized by resistant mice at day 20 in two of three experiments. Analysis of antibody specificities in (BALB/c x WEHI 129/J)F1 x WEHI 129/J backcross mice indicated that high responsiveness to Sm25 at days 40 to 50 correlated with resistance. The candidacy of these four molecules as vaccines for schistosomiasis mansoni is discussed.
Insights
WEHI 129/J mice show genetic resistance to Schistosoma mansoni infection. Resistant mice developed specific antibodies against four antigens (Sm25, Sm67, Sm120, Sm26), with Sm25 antibody response correlating with resistance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Genetics
Background:
- The WEHI 129/J mouse strain exhibits genetic resistance to chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection in approximately 50% of individuals.
- Understanding the immunological basis of this resistance is crucial for developing effective schistosomiasis control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific antigens recognized by antibodies in resistant WEHI 129/J mice during Schistosoma mansoni infection.
- To investigate the correlation between antibody specificities and the genetic resistance phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Serum antibody specificities were analyzed using Western blotting and immunoprecipitation at various time points post-infection.
- Comparisons were made between resistant and susceptible WEHI 129/J mice, as well as other mouse strains.
- Antibody responses in backcross mice were analyzed to correlate specific antigen recognition with resistance.
Main Results:
- Four antigens (Sm25, Sm67, Sm120, Sm26) were differentially recognized by resistant mice.
- Sm25, an integral membrane protein, showed higher recognition by resistant mice at 40-50 days post-exposure.
- High antibody responsiveness to Sm25 at 40-50 days post-infection correlated significantly with resistance in backcross analysis.
Conclusions:
- The study identified key antigens involved in the immune response of genetically resistant mice to Schistosoma mansoni.
- Sm25 emerges as a potential vaccine candidate, given its strong correlation with resistance.
- Further research into these antigens could lead to novel vaccine development for schistosomiasis mansoni.