Secretion and Immunogenicity of Dwarf Tapeworm Esterases

THE tapeworm, Hymenolepis nana , produces several exoantigens while infecting the mouse host 1 , and as a result immune globulins are formed which become available to the parasite in situ 2 . Present investigations indicate that three of these antigens possess β-naphthyl acetate esterase activity. They appear to be rapidly formed and released by adult worms and to be shared by immature forms as well. This investigation suggests that anti-enzymes are formed locally, as well as systemically, by immunologically competent cells of the mouse ileum. Antibodies engendered do not react against the active sites of the enzymes noted.