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Identification of antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi which induce antibodies during experimental Chagas' disease
Abstract:
Experiments were conducted to identify antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi (Brazil strain) to which antibodies are directed during the course of experimental Chagas' disease in C3H(He) (susceptible) and C57BL/6J (resistant) female mice. An extract of culture forms of the parasite was subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, transferred to a solid phase matrix of nitrocellulose and used as antigens to detect antibodies in the sera of infected mice. Reactive antibodies were detected using an avidin-biotin peroxidase test. Two antigens were consistently detected with sera of normal, uninfected C57BL/6 and C3H(He) mice (51,000 and 44,000; and 53,000 and 46,000 daltons, respectively). A total of 32 antigens with m.w. of 230,000 to 25,000 daltons reacted with antibodies in sera of C3H mice infected for 25 days. Both the number of antigens detected and intensity of reactions increased with time of infection in C3H mice. An early (day 5), rapid, although weak response was observed to antigens of 85,000, 56,000, 53,000, 46,000 and 41,000 daltons. Throughout infection intense responses to antigens of 75,000, 67,000, 45,000, 41,000 and 36,000 daltons were detected. A similar number of components (a total of 34) with m.w. of 210,000 to 20,000 daltons were detected as being antigenic during the course of T. cruzi infection of C57BL/6 mice. A high number of antigens (25) was observed early in infection of C57BL/6 mice by day 10, including components with m.w. of 90,000, 85,000 and 70,000 daltons. Only minor changes were detected, however, after day 20 until day 120, when increases in the number of antigens and the intensity of certain reactions (e.g., antigens of 75,000, 46,000 and 26,000 daltons) were detected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insights
This study identifies Trypanosoma cruzi antigens recognized by antibodies during experimental Chagas' disease in mice. Differences in antigen recognition were observed between susceptible and resistant mouse strains, offering insights into host-parasite interactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chagas' disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, presents variable outcomes in different host genetic backgrounds.
- Understanding the host immune response, specifically antibody recognition of parasite antigens, is crucial for disease pathogenesis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Trypanosoma cruzi antigens targeted by antibodies during experimental Chagas' disease in susceptible (C3H) and resistant (C57BL/6) mice.
- To compare the antibody-antigen reactivity profiles between the two mouse strains over the course of infection.
Main Methods:
- Culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi were analyzed using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
- Separated antigens were transferred to nitrocellulose and probed with sera from infected mice.
- Antibody detection was performed using an avidin-biotin peroxidase assay.
Main Results:
- Both susceptible and resistant mice recognized common parasite antigens, including those around 51-53 kDa and 44-46 kDa, even in uninfected states.
- In susceptible C3H mice, the number and intensity of recognized antigens increased with infection time, with early responses to antigens like 85 kDa and sustained responses to 75 kDa and 41 kDa.
- Resistant C57BL/6 mice showed a high number of recognized antigens early in infection (day 10), with fewer changes later, though some antigen responses (e.g., 75 kDa, 46 kDa) intensified by day 120.
Conclusions:
- Host genetic background significantly influences the dynamics of antibody recognition of Trypanosoma cruzi antigens during infection.
- Distinct temporal patterns of antigen recognition exist between susceptible and resistant mouse strains, potentially correlating with disease progression and outcome.
- The identified antigens provide targets for further investigation into immune evasion strategies and potential diagnostic markers for Chagas' disease.
