Isolation and purification of the 38 kDa adult worm antigen of Schistosoma japonicum and its immuno protection

To investigate the immunoprotection of the 38 kDa soluble antigen of adult worm of Schistosoma japonicum(SjAWA38kDa) and to evaluate its feasibility of being used as a molecular vaccine antigen,this protein antigen was prepared through SDS-PAGE electrophoresis,protein band resection,electro-elusion and ultrafiltration,and the isolated product of protein was used as antigen to immunize Kunmin strain of mice.After 3 courses of immunization,mice were challenged with cercariae of S.japonicum,and the reduction rates of worms and eggs were compared with those of the control group with inoculation of PBS.It was found that the mono-specific antibody response against SjAWA38kda protein could be induced in mice immunized with this protein.The reduction rates of worms and eggs of the experimental groups of mice were 33.8% and 51.7% respectively,with a significant difference.It is concluded that the 38 kDa adult worm antigen of S.japonicum can protect the Kunmin strain of mice from the infection with this parasite,and it can be regarded as the target antigen for the preparation of vaccine against S.japonicum infection.