Method for the commercial production of helminths antigens

• US 4,568,639 A
• Filed: 02/21/1985
• Issued: 02/04/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vetgen LLC
• Original Assignee: Kenneth K. Lew
• Inventors: Lew, Kenneth K.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/703,759
• Time in Patent Office: 348 Days
• Field of Search: 435/172.1, 435/68, 119/1, 424/88, 424/95, 436/543
• US Class Current: 800/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 39/00 Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies materials for immunoassay G01N33/53
• CPC Class Codes: C07K 14/4354 from nematodes
• CPC Class Codes: C07K 16/18 against material from animals or humans
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 530/806 Antigenic peptides or proteins

Abstract

An easily cultured worm is genetically modified such that its surface antigens on its modified form are immunologically identical to the surface antigens of a parasitic worm. Specifically, C. elegans is genetically modified to produce antigens corresponding to the antigens of D. immitis which causes heartworm infection. The antigens derived from the easily cultured worm are used to form a vaccine and/or diagnostic.

Claims

1. A method for the production of parasitic helminth antigens which comprises:

identifying the antigens of D. immitis;

modifying genetically C. elegans until mutants are formed which mutants are characterized by antigens possessing immunological identity to the antigens of D. immitis;

isolating at least one of the mutants so modified and

cultivating at least one of said mutants.

2. The method of claim 1 which includes:

isolating the antigens of said mutants.

3. The method of claim 1 which includes:

identifying the mutants which have the immunological identity with the antigens of the D. immitis by;

isolating those mutants which bind to antibodies generated by a host immunized with D. immitis antigens.

4. A method for the production of parasitic helminth antigens which comprises:

identifying the antigens of A. canium;

modifying genetically C. elegans until mutants are formed which mutants are characterized by antigens possessing immunological identity to the antigens of A. canium;

isolating at least one of the mutants so modified and

cultivating at least one of said mutants.

5. The method of claim 4 which includes:

isolating the antigens of said mutants.

6. The method of claim 4 which includes:

identifying the mutants which have the immunological identity with the antigens of the A. canium by;

isolating those mutants which bind to antibodies generated by a host immunized with A. canium antigens.

7. A method for the production of parasitic helminth antigens which comprises:

identifying the antigens of D. immitis;

modifying genetically C. briggsae until mutants are formed which mutants are characterized by antigens possessing immunological identity to the antigens of D. immitis;

isolating at least one of the mutants so modified and

cultivating at least one of said mutants.

8. The method of claim 7 which includes:

isolating the antigens of said mutants.

9. The method of claim 7 which includes:

identifying the mutants which have the immunological identity with the antigens of the D. immitis by;

isolating those mutants which bind to antibodies generated by a host immunized with D. immitis antigens.