The immunogenicity of hookworm (Necator americanus) acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in man

Parasite Immunol. 1993 Apr;15(4):195-203. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1993.tb00600.x.

Abstract

A number of different but complementary approaches have been used to demonstrate the immunogenicity of Necator americanus acetylcholinesterase to infected individuals. Western blotting of parasite somatic extracts with human post-infection sera and a specific rabbit antiserum to AChE resulted in the development of almost identical antigen-recognition profiles. AChE-containing fractions produced by preparative iso-electric focusing were subsequently shown to be antigenic in ELISA using post-infection sera. This preliminary data was reinforced by the affinity purification of AChE by immobilized post-infection IgG, and the immunoprecipitation of AChE activity from ES by post-infection IgG. Finally, AChE purified by affinity chromatography on edrophonium chloride was shown to be antigenic by Western blotting, and in ELISA, against post-infection sera, although a degree of re-activity was also seen with normal human sera. This data is discussed in the context of the host-parasite relationship.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholinesterase / immunology*
  • Acetylcholinesterase / isolation & purification
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / immunology
  • Antigens, Helminth / immunology
  • Antigens, Helminth / isolation & purification
  • Blotting, Western
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Isoelectric Focusing
  • Necator americanus / enzymology*
  • Necatoriasis / immunology
  • Precipitin Tests

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Antigens, Helminth
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Acetylcholinesterase