Identification of stage-specific antigens of Toxoplasma gondii

Infect Immun. 1989 Mar;57(3):668-72. doi: 10.1128/iai.57.3.668-672.1989.

Abstract

An immunologic evaluation of the surface antigens of the three major life-cycle stages of Toxoplasma gondii was performed. Mouse antisera were raised against these stages, which included the oocyst-sporozoite (feline-excreted stage), bradyzoite (chronic tissue cyst stage), and tachyzoite (invasive stage). The antisera were used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis to demonstrate the presence of stage-specific antigens. These antigens were of various molecular weights and were specific to each stage investigated. Cross-reaction studies showed that the mouse antisera recognized commonly shared antigens to at least two of the three stages. A panel of monoclonal antibodies identified specific immune epitopes unique to each of the stages investigated. These studies further support the hypothesis that stage-specific antigens are present in T. gondii.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology*
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / immunology
  • Antibody Specificity
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Antigens, Surface / immunology
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Membrane / immunology
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Molecular Weight
  • Toxoplasma / growth & development
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Surface