Antigens Expressed in Feline Enteroepithelial-Stages Parasites of Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract

In an investigation aimed to identify Toxoplasma gondii antigens expressed in feline enteroepithelial−stages parasites, a cDNA library was constructed and fourteen positive clones were isolated by immunoscreening using sera from cats immunized with feline enteroepithelial−stages parasites.By DNA sequence homology analysis, these fourteen isolated clones were classified into four groups:hypoxanthine−guanine phosphoribosyl transferase(HGPRT)cDNA, heat shock protein 70(HSP70)cDNA, 14−3−3 protein homologue cDNA, and cDNA encoding an unknown product.In an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test, sera from mice immunized with the recombinant protein encoded by the cDNA for HGPRT, HSP70, 14−3−3 protein, or the unknown product each showed a relatively high level of immunoreactivity with feline enteroepithelial−stages parasites.