This paper presents a review of the Trichinella
antigens within the context of species variation. As with other parasites, Trichinella
antigens can be classified according to their localisation as surface, excretory/secretory (ES) and somatic components.
Surface antigens are mainly constituents of the outer cuticle although secretions from inner parts of the body wall as well as from the oesophagus can temporarily accumulate in the surface. ES
antigens come mainly from the excretory granules of the stichosome, whereas somatic constitutive
antigens come from the internal parts of the worms. ES products are considered very important from an immunological point of view as they are easily targeted by the immune system, whereas parasite death is required for exposure of somatic products. Some of the antigenic components have been characterised chemically.
Phosphorylcholine is an important
hapten that modulates the immune responses in Trichinella
infections.
Glycoproteins are the major components of surface and excretory/secretory products. A 43-kDa
glycoprotein has been regarded as a good candidate for diagnosis and vaccination purposes. Recently some
glycans have received special attention either as relevant
epitopes or as parasite evasion strategies.