Schistosoma mansoni: genetic non-response to p40, the major protein antigen of the egg, reveals a novel mechanism enhancing IgM production during infection.

p40 is the major protein antigen in eggs and miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni. Immunization with recombinant p40 produced in bacteria and with p40 from miracidia reveals a conventional immune response gene effect in which H-2b mice fail to produce antibody against p40. This is true when either denatured recombinant p40 and non-denatured miracidial p40 are used as immunogens. In contrast, during infection all strains of mice produce antibodies to p40. However, non-responder H-2b mice produce only IgM to p40 and never any IgG. Thus, H-2b mice appear to be producing specific IgM to p40 in the absence of MHC-restricted T-cell help. The mechanism revealed in these non-responder mice might play an important role in stimulating the production of IgM 'blocking' antibodies to antigens from schistosomula which cross-react with egg antigens.