Workshop on a detailed characterization of Trichinella spiralis antigens: a platform for future studies on antigens and antibodies to this parasite

Abstract

In order to characterize immunodominant components of T. spiralis a workshop was organized. In this the reactivity of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, provided by different research groups, towards total extracts from adult, new born larvae and muscle larvae as well as to excretory/secretory components of muscle larvae were tested by ELISA, Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays. As a result of this workshop T. spiralis ML antigens have been classified into eight groups (TSL-1-TSL-8) according to their recognition by monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Among them, TSL-1 antigens have been the most extensively characterized both biochemically and immunologically. These antigens are stage specific, originate in the muscle stichosome and are abundant in both E/S and on the larval cuticular surface. The TSL-1 antigens share an immunodominant carbohydrate epitope (tyvelose), which is unique for Trichinella and is not associated with phosphorylcholine. The data collected in this workshop has allowed both the unification of the nomenclature for T. spiralis antigens and their biochemical characterization. It also has provided a platform for further studies on the characterization of other T. spiralis antigens and indeed for other Trichinella species.

Evaluation ofTrichinella spiralisLarva Group 1 Antigens for Serodiagnosis of Human Trichinellosis

“…In the present study we attempted to resolve this question by comparing serum antibody responses of four groups of individuals (healthy, affected by noninfectious pathologies, infected with parasites other than Trichinella, and infected with Trichinella) against selected Trichinella antigens. TSL-1 antigens (tested in indirect ELISA and capture ELISA) were chosen since they bear immunodominant tyvelose epitopes, which are the only epitopes so far identified as being specific for Trichinella (1,32), and although they are the most abundant components of ESA preparations, to our knowledge they have never been used for serodiagnosis of human infections. CLE antigens (both native and O deglycosylated) were also included for comparative purposes.…”

Validation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Human Trichinellosis

“…Trichinella spiralis muscle larva antigens have been classified into eight groups (TSL-1 to TSL-8) based on their recognition by different monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (29). Given that the antigenic pattern of all of the currently recognized Trichinella species and genotypes is quite similar, the antigens prepared with one species or genotype can be used to detect specific antibodies in persons infected with a different species (19).…”

Possible presence of common tyvelose-containing glycans inTrichinellaL1 larvae and embryonated eggs of several nematodes

“…Positive reaction was present in antigen preparations from L1 larvae of T. spiralis and T. muris and from embryonated eggs of T. muris, A. suum (Ortega-Pierres et al, 1996). They prima rily locate at the cuticle surface and in the alpha-and beta-stichocyte granules of the muscle larvae of Trichinella spiralis (Ellis et al, 1994) …”