ANTIGENIC CHARACTERIZATION OF PLASMODIUM-VIVAX WITH MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES

Monoclonal antibodies were produced against Plasmodium vivax obtained from patients living in southeastern Mexico, where P. vivax malaria is endemic. Nine hybridomas specific for this parasite were obtained. By an indirect immunofluorescence assay, seven antibodies were found to react with epitopes present in the cytoplasm of the infected erythrocy te and two with the parasite itself. By immunoblotting, five monoclona l antibodies reacted with a 17-kD protein band, three with an 85-kD ba nd, and two with one of 45 kD. By immunogold electron microscopy, two antibodies that: reacted with the cytoplasm of infected erythrocytes b y immunofluorescence also labeled cytoplasmic clefts, and one, in addi tion, recognized caveola-vesicle complexes and the parasite matrix. Th ese results demonstrate the value of monoclonal antibodies in identify ing P. vivax antigens and disclosing their subcellular distribution.