The role of IgG antibodies from irradiated cercaria-immunized rabbits in the passive transfer of immunity to Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice.

Antibodies of the IgG subclass isolated from the sera of rabbits immunized with cercariae subjected to 50 kilorads of gamma irradiation passively provided partial immunity against Schistosoma mansoni challenge in C57B1/6J mice. These mice exhibited reductions in adult worm burdens of 43-61% compared with recipients of normal rabbit antibodies. Passively transferred IgG antibodies were most effective when given 4-7-days postchallenge; they were less effective when given just before challenge, and were totally ineffective when given 15 days postchallenge. It was also shown that the Fc portion of the IgG molecule was important for passive transfer of immunity. Finally, we observed that although some antibodies from irradiated cercaria-immunized rabbits recognized keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), these KLH cross-reacting antibodies were not necessary for successful passive transfer of immunity. Antibodies from a KLH-immunized rabbit also failed to passively protect mice.