Topographical localization of distinct antigenic domains ofToxoplasma gondii with the aid of monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

In the present study, a panel of six individual hybridoma derived antibodies produced against the BK strain ofToxoplasma gondii were evaluated for their reactivity in an immunofluorescence test. Each of the six monoclonal antibodies demonstrated a unique pattern of fluorescence localized to distinctive regions on the toxoplasmas. Although all of the six detected antigenic determinants which were shared by at least four differentT. gondii strains, monoclonal antibody TG-E₄A₁₇ has disclosed hitherto unrecognized population differences among the BK or RH strain parasites. The fact that some of the antigenic molecules are restricted to distinct regions of the toxoplasmas may have implications in the infections process/immune response.