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. 1997 Jun;65(6):2260–2264. doi: 10.1128/iai.65.6.2260-2264.1997

Two antigens on zygotes and ookinetes of Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei that are distinct targets of transmission-blocking immunity.

T Tsuboi 1, Y M Cao 1, Y Hitsumoto 1, T Yanagi 1, H Kanbara 1, M Torii 1
PMCID: PMC175313  PMID: 9169761

Abstract

We have developed transmission-blocking monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Plasmodium yoelii 21-kDa (Pys21) and 28-kDa (Pys25) ookinete surface proteins. These MAbs block infectivity of P. yoelii to Anopheles stephensi. One MAb, 14, cross-reacted by Western blotting with a 28-kDa surface protein (Pbs25) of P. berghei ookinetes and blocked oocyst development, as assayed by direct mosquito feeds on passively immunized P. berghei-infected mice. In total, we have identified two ookinete surface proteins in P. yoelii, one of which is also present in P. berghei. The transmission-blocking activity of the anti-Pys25 MAb 4 was complete and more potent than that of the anti-Pys21 MAb 2. Moreover, Fab fragments of MAb 4 had transmission-blocking activity in mice. In comparison, Fab fragments of MAb 2 did not have detectable transmission-blocking effect, although F(ab')2 did. Furthermore, MAb 2 and MAb 4 appeared to block the in vitro formation and development of zygotes as well.

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Selected References

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