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Carbohydrate epitopes on Haemonchus contortus antigens
H D Schallig1, M A van Leeuwen
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Netherlands.
Parasitology Research
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This study identified key carbohydrate structures on Haemonchus contortus, a parasite affecting livestock. These findings suggest the host immune response significantly targets these parasite carbohydrate epitopes.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Haemonchus contortus is a significant gastrointestinal nematode parasite of ruminants.
- Understanding parasite surface molecules is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the carbohydrate moieties present on infective larvae and adult stages of Haemonchus contortus.
- To investigate the role of these carbohydrate epitopes in the host immune response.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of carbohydrate-binding sites using a panel of nine lectins.
- Treatment with sodium periodate to assess the impact on immunoreactivity.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting were employed.
Main Results:
- Multiple lectin-binding sites were identified on both larval and adult H. contortus.
- Alpha-D-mannose, alpha-D-glucose, and D-N-acetylglucosamine were identified as major carbohydrate epitopes.
- Sodium periodate treatment reduced antigen immunoreactivity, indicating a significant role for carbohydrates.
Conclusions:
- N-linked oligosaccharides are major components of H. contortus glycoproteins.
- A substantial portion of the host immune response against H. contortus targets these carbohydrate epitopes on parasite antigens.