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Active immunization of mice with Schistosoma mansoni worm membrane antigens enhances efficacy of praziquantel
Author(s) -
FALLON PADRAIC G.,
DOENHOFF MICHAEL J.
Publication year - 1995
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 - 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1995.tb01024.x
Subject(s) - praziquantel , antigen , schistosoma mansoni , biology , antibody , immunology , schistosomiasis , immunization , schistosoma , anthelmintic , helminthiasis , virology , microbiology and biotechnology , helminths , ecology
SUMMARY The efficacy of praziquantel treatment was significantly enhanced ( P < 0.01) in CBA/Ca mice that had been immunized prior to Schistosoma mansoni infection with a crude extract of worm membrane antigens. In Western immunoblots sera from the worm antigen‐immunized animals had a poly specific antibody response, with a 25–27 kDa antigen being reacted against with particular intensity. A molecule of similar size was also recognized by rabbit antisera raised against an antigen with esterase activity that has been previously identified as a sensitive target for drug‐antibody synergy. The increase in efficacy of subcurative doses of praziquantel in immunized animals is attributed to drug‐induced tegumental damage causing antigens to become exposed on the worm surface. Thus, specific antigens, including the 25–27kDa antigen, become accessible to circulating schistosomicidal antibodies. The role of antibodies that can synergize with praziquantel to kill schistosome worms is discussed.,