Species-specific monoclonal antibodies for a membrane antigen(s) in all developmental forms of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Two monoclonal antibodies (designated as TCF48 and TCF87 were raised against Trypanosoma cruzi, strain Tulahuen, Both antibodies reacted with all developmental forms of several different strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. The antibodies showed no detectable cross-reactivity with other species of Trypanosomatidae, so far examined. TCF48 and TCF87 were classified as immunoglobulin subclasses IgG1 and IgG2b, respectively. Apparent molecular weight of the corresponding antigen(s) to these monoclonal antibodies was 25,000 in amastigotes and epimastigotes, and 25,000 and 24,000 in trypomastigotes, as determined by the Western immunoblotting analysis. This antigen appeared to be located at the plasma membrane and the flagellum ofT. cruzi. However, no evidence supported the localization of the epitope(s) at the external surface of the live cell. Since this antigen reacted with the sera from the chronically infected mice, these monoclonal antibodies may be useful in the study of Chagas' disease.