Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against ES antigens of Trichinella spiralis

Hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against excretory-secretory (ES) antigen of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae were produced. The 12 monoclones (designated 3A11, 7D9, 7F6, 5A7, 6H7, 39F3, 38H2, 37E7, 35B9, 29A11, 39C9 and 39A6) secreted IgM, IgG3 and IgG2b, respectively. Western blot using T. spiralis ES antigens showed that ten of 12 MAbs recognized the bands between 119.8 − 19.3kDa (mainly 68.4 − 28.7kDa) and two MAbs (3A11, 37E7) did not recognize any protein constituents of ES antigens. Nine of 12 MAbs also recognized the larval antigens of T. nativa, T. pseudospiralis and T. nelsoni at 40 days post-infection (dpi). No cross-reactions were found with the somatic antigens of adult worms of P. westermani, C. sinensis, and T. solium cysticercus. However, three (3A11, 6H7 and 39A6) were cross-reacted with the somatic antigens of adult worms of S. japonicum. Immunofluorescent location showed that the nine MAbs reacted with the cuticle and internal organs of T. spiralis larvae. Additionally, five and eight MAbs generated in this study can recognize the early antigens of pre-encapsulated T. spiralis larvae at 11 dpi and 13 dpi, respectively. The generation and characterization of the MAbs against T. spiralis ES antigens provide foundation for the development of specific early serodiagnostic techniques for trichinellosis.