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Characterization of IgE responses in a rodent model of filariasis and the allergenic potential of filarial antigens using an in vitro assay
Author(s) -
Hartmann Susanne,
Sollwedel Andre,
Hoffmann Andreas,
Sonnenburg Bettina,
Lucius Richard
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
parasite immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1365-3024
pISSN - 0141-9838
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-3024.2003.00496.x
Subject(s) - antigen , immunology , immunoglobulin e , biology , degranulation , antibody , allergen , filariasis , allergy , brugia pahangi , helminths , biochemistry , receptor
SUMMARY Filarial infections are characterized by high IgE antibody responses. So far, it is not clear whether IgE antibodies are involved in protection, pathology or both. We established a bioassay to detect reactive IgE antibodies in jirds infected with the filaria Acanthocheilonema viteae . Sera of A. viteae ‐infected jirds were used to sensitize rat basophil leukaemia (RBL) cells and degranulation was stimulated by addition of antigens of A. viteae . Reactive IgE responses were detected from 2 weeks post infection (p.i.) and throughout the A. viteae infection. Male antigen triggered the strongest mediator release, followed by female worms, infective larvae (L3) and microfilariae. Separation of male and female antigen indicated that several antigens of both genders are potent allergens. In particular, one male specific allergen of about 550 kDa induced strongest degranulation of RBL cells. In addition, mediator release stimulated by antigen fractions of about 15 kDa was due to filarial cystatin. In conclusion, we describe a convenient in vitro assay to examine IgE mediated responses in jirds. A sex specific filarial protein with high allergenic potential is identified and cystatin is established as a potent allergen of A. viteae.