The sheep antibody response to repeated infection with Lucilia cuprina

Int J Parasitol. 1992 Dec;22(8):1169-74. doi: 10.1016/0020-7519(92)90037-l.

Abstract

The specific serum antibody responses of sheep exposed to 10 consecutive infections of L. cuprina have been analysed by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay and immunoblotting using monoclonal antibodies specific for sheep immunoglobulin isotypes. Recognition of a number of larval excretory-secretory products by IgM antibodies appeared to be non-specific. IgG1 was the major antibody class stimulated by the infection protocol and marked increases in antibody to specific excretory-secretory antigens were observed. Three molecules of 35, 30 and 25 kDa were particularly recognized although the extent of recognition of these molecules varied considerably between individual sheep serum. A pooled serum composed of sera collected after five to seven infections significantly inhibited larval growth in in vitro cultures when compared to a sera pool consisting of sera collected both prior to infection and after infections 1 and 2. The degree of inhibition was greater when serum with high specific antibody titre was used.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Diptera / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Male
  • Myiasis / immunology
  • Myiasis / veterinary*
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin G