Trypanosoma cruzi: protection in mice immunized with 8-methoxypsoralen-inactivated trypomastigotes

Trypomastigote forms from the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi were inactivated by treatment with 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet radiation (365 nm). The parasite population maintained normal morphology, mobility, and mammalian cell invasion capacity, being incapable of intracellular differentiation and reproduction. A strong protection of inbred A/Snell mice against challenges with virulent T. cruzi forms was obtained through three inoculations of the inactivated trypomastigotes. All immunized mice survived, with negative parasitemias and absence of tissue lesions. Several antibody-mediated reactions were performed with sera from the protected mice at distinct stages of the experiment. The levels of agglutinating, lytic (complement-mediated), and protein A binding antibodies increased progressively with each immunizing booster. The trypomastigote surface proteins recognized by antibodies present in these sera were identified after immunoprecipitation and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.