Introduction
Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic protozoan, exhibits a complex life cycle with two distinct phases. The sexual phase exclusively occurs in feline species (Felidae), the definitive hosts, while the asexual phase can manifest in a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including mammals and birds, serving as intermediate hosts. In these intermediate hosts, the parasite invades host cells, establishing intracellular compartments known as parasitophorous vacuoles. Within these vacuoles reside bradyzoites, the slowly replicating form of Toxoplasma. These vacuoles often coalesce to form tissue cysts, primarily in muscle and brain tissues, evading the host's immune system due to their intracellular location. While the efficacy of antibiotic treatment varies, complete eradication of these cysts remains challenging. Inside the vacuoles, Toxoplasma multiplies through binary fission. Eventually, the infected cell ruptures, releasing tachyzoites, the motile and rapidly replicating forms. Unlike the concealed bradyzoites, tachyzoites are typically targeted by the host's immune response, although some may succeed in infecting new cells and transforming into bradyzoites, perpetuating the infection.
Description
This recombinant protein, derived from Escherichia coli, encompasses the immunodominant regions of the MIC3 protein from Toxoplasma gondii, specifically amino acids 234 to 306. It is engineered with a 26 kDa Glutathione S-transferase (GST) tag.
Purity
The purity of the Toxoplasma protein exceeds 95%, as assessed by 10% SDS-PAGE followed by Coomassie blue staining.
Formulation
The protein is supplied in a buffer containing 50mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 1mM EDTA, and 8M urea.
Stability
For optimal stability, the Toxoplasma protein should be stored at or below -18°C. While it remains stable at 4°C for up to one week, repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
Applications
This Toxoplasma antigen is a valuable tool for various immunological assays. It exhibits excellent performance in ELISA and Western blot applications, enabling the sensitive and specific detection of Toxoplasma gondii with minimal cross-reactivity.
Purification Method
Toxoplasama protein was purified by GS-4B Sepharose-Affinity Purification.
Specificity
Immunoreactive with sera of Toxoplasma gondii-infected individuals.
