[Localization and characterization of partial immunodominant antigen epitopes of Trichinella spiralis].

Objective: To screen and characterize immunodominant antigen epitopes on the soluble antigens of Trichinella spiralis (T.s.).
Methods: 15 monoclonal antibodies (McAbs) against T.s. muscle larva(ML) soluble antigens were obtained by using hybridoma technique. The reactivity of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies were tested by ELISA, Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence assay(IFA).
Results: The Western blotting result showed that of the 15 McAbs, 6 could bind to the T.s. ML antigens displaying molecular weights of 40-70 kDa. Polyclonal sera could react with more than 10 bands having molecular weights of 20-200 kDa. Among the 6 McAbs, 4 could recognize epitopes on the cuticle surface and the other two could recognize epitopes on both the cuticle surface and the stichosome.
Conclusion: The antigen epitopes of T.s. recognized by 6 McAbs had been characterized.