Related Experiment Videos
The ultrastructural localization of Echinococcus granulosus antigen 5
M K Jones1, L H Zhang, G R Leggatt
1Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. m.jones@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Parasitology
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Echinococcus granulosus antigen 5's 38 kDa subunit is located on the outer surfaces of cells within hydatid cysts. This finding suggests antigen 5 may be a membrane component or associated with extracellular matrices.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Echinococcus granulosus causes cystic echinococcosis.
- Antigen 5 is a key component of hydatid cysts.
- Understanding antigen distribution is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the precise tissue localization of the 38 kDa subunit of Echinococcus granulosus antigen 5 within hydatid cysts.
- To elucidate the subcellular location of antigen 5 in protoscoleces and brood capsules.
Main Methods:
- Murine monoclonal and polyclonal antisera against the 38 kDa subunit of antigen 5.
- Indirect immunofluorescence on whole protoscoleces.
- Ultrastructural immunocytochemistry with colloidal gold labelling on unsectioned and cryosectioned brood capsules and protoscoleces.
Main Results:
- The 38 kDa subunit was localized at the interface of parenchymal cells and extracellular matrices in protoscoleces.
- Antigen 5 was found along the tegumentary syncytium interface and its basal matrix.
- In brood capsules, the antigen was associated with degenerating parenchymal cells' plasma membranes.
Conclusions:
- The 38 kDa subunit of antigen 5 is primarily located on the extracellular face of cell membranes.
- This distribution suggests antigen 5 is either a membrane component or associated with extracellular matrices.
- Findings provide insights into the structural role and potential immunogenicity of antigen 5.