Monoclonal antibodies to stage-specific, species-specific, and cross-reactive antigens of the rodent malarial parasite, Plasmodium yoelii.

Eighteen hybridoma cell lines were used to study species-specific, stage-specific, and serological cross-reactive antigens of the rodent malarial parasite, Plasmodium yoelii. Specificity and location of plasmodial antigens were determined by indirect fluorescent-antibody analysis. Results showed that a minimum of 12 distinct plasmodial antigens could be distinguished by the 18 hybridomas. Antigens were found on the surface or within the cytoplasm of the parasite, but not on the surface of erythrocytes from infected animals. The majority (11 of 12) of antigens were present in all erythrocytic stages of the parasite, but one was stage-specific for merozoites. Additional studies showed that 6 of 18 of the monoclonal antibodies identified species-specific antigens, 2 of 18 recognized antigens confined to related rodent malarial parasites (Plasmodium berghei, Plasmodium vinckei, and Plasmodium chabaudi), whereas 8 of 18 detected cross-reactive antigens common to rodent, primate (Plasmodium knowlesi, Plasmodium falciparum), and avian (Plasmodium gallinaceum) malarias.