Identification of stage-specific antigens of Toxoplasma gondii.

An immunologic evaluation of the surface antigens of the three major life-cycle stages of Toxoplasma gondii was performed. Mouse antisera were raised against these stages, which included the oocyst-sporozoite (feline-excreted stage), bradyzoite (chronic tissue cyst stage), and tachyzoite (invasive stage). The antisera were used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis to demonstrate the presence of stage-specific antigens. These antigens were of various molecular weights and were specific to each stage investigated. Cross-reaction studies showed that the mouse antisera recognized commonly shared antigens to at least two of the three stages. A panel of monoclonal antibodies identified specific immune epitopes unique to each of the stages investigated. These studies further support the hypothesis that stage-specific antigens are present in T. gondii.