Immunological identification of fasciola hepatica antigens containing major human T - cell and B - cell epitapes

ABSTRACT

Fasciola hepatica whole worm homogenate [Fhwwh] separated fractions were used in enzyme linked immunoelectro-transfer blot [EITB] to identify the antigen[s] which induce antibody formation in human fascioliasis. The immuno-reactive antigens recognized by the infected patients were 25-29 kDa and 12 kDa. The antigens were biochemically purified by model 491-prep cell fraction [BIO-RAD]. The capability of the purified antigens to induce humoral and cellular responses with cells and sera of infected patients was investigated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and lymphoproliferative responses techniques. The 25-29 kDa cluster of the antigen[s] were found to be more efficient in inducing lymphoproliferative response than 12 kDa; thus, it was considered as the target antigens used in the generation of human monospecific polyclonal immunopurified antibody probes [IPAb]. The specificity and immuno-reactivity of the IPAb with Fhwwh, F. hepatica excretory secretory products [FhESP] and S. mansoni adult worm antigen [SAWA] were evaluated by using EITB. The results showed that IPAb was immuno-reactive with 25-29 and 12 kDa antigens of both Fhwwh and FhESP