IgG4-reactive low molecular weight antigens from Setaria digitata adult parasites have immunodiagnostic potential in lymphatic filariasis

Development of sensitive as well as low-cost immunodiagnostics for detection of infected individuals would be an important step towards reaching the goal of lymphatic filariasis elimination by 2020. In an earlier study, using soluble antigens of adult Setaria digitata, we have shown that an antigen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current science (Bangalore) 2006-11, Vol.91 (9), p.1221-1225
Main Authors: Mohanty, B. P., Dalai, S. K., Kar, S. K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibodies
Antigens
Blood
Filarial elephantiasis
Filariasis
Gels
Isotypes
Low molecular weights
Microfilariae
Parasites
RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
Setaria digitata
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Summary:Development of sensitive as well as low-cost immunodiagnostics for detection of infected individuals would be an important step towards reaching the goal of lymphatic filariasis elimination by 2020. In an earlier study, using soluble antigens of adult Setaria digitata, we have shown that an antigen fraction in the molecular weight range 14 to 20 kDa can induce differential Th1/Th2 immune response in the PBMC of the endemic normal (EN) and asymptomatic microfilaraemic (ASM) individuals residing in bancroftian filariasis endemic areas. In the present study, using 2D immunoblot we are able to show that two antigens of 17 and 18 kDa molecular weight and pI of 5–5.5 are recognized by the IgG4 isotype antibodies, a marker for active parasite infection, present in the sera of ASM but not in that of EN individuals. Elevated antigen-specific IgG4 antibodies in the blood are the indicators of circulating parasite in infected individuals who do not have apparent clinical symptoms of filariasis. Thus, we suggest that these two antigens can be explored for the immunodiagnosis of lymphatic filariasis.
ISSN:0011-3891