Detection and identification of highly antigenic proteins from cytoskeleton of Toxoplasma gondii by immune-proteomics

Abstract

Research on the immunogenic molecules of Toxoplasma is a key priority in the development of protective vaccines against the parasite. In the present study, we analyzed the profile of immunorecognized proteins from the Toxoplasma cytoskeleton using sera from patients with both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. The immunorecognized spots were analyzed by mass spectrometry and characterized by bioinformatic methods, leading to the identification of a total of 313 proteins. Sixty-three antigenic proteins were recognized by IgM antibodies and 250 antigenic proteins were recognized by IgG antibodies. About 10 proteins specifically reported as cytoskeletal proteins were identified with the IgG antibodies while 9 cytoskeletal proteins were detected by IgM antibodies. Bioinformatic analyses of the identified antigenic proteins were performed to determine their immunogenic potential, including the number of epitopes recognized by B lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+), and helper T lymphocytes (CD4+) receptors. This analysis enabled the selection of highly immunogenic proteins, which could serve as potential candidates for the design of a future vaccine against toxoplasmosis.

Significance

The study of immunogenic molecules from Toxoplasma gondii is a key priority in the search for protective vaccines. Despite partial success in previous strategies, identifying immunogenic proteins from the T. gondii cytoskeleton using immune-proteomics and bioinformatic approaches is crucial for vaccine development. This study provides valuable data that could serve as the foundation for designing novel immunogenic and immunoprotective molecules against toxoplasmosis.