Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta After Immunization of Mice With in vivo prepared Toxoplasma gondii Excretory/Secretory Proteins

BACKGROUND: Zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a high prevalence in human populations. A suitable vaccine for animals can stop the transmission of infection between animal and human. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo prepared excretory/secretory antigens (E/SA) as a potential candidate for immunization against the parasite and its effect on the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites were inoculated in the peritoneal cavity of mice and E/SA was harvested and used in animal immunization with and without adjuvant. Serum levels of anti-E/SA antibodies and TGF-β were measured in days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 after immunization using ELISA technique. The measurements were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Our results showed that the serum levels of anti-E/SA immunoglobulins significantly increased in all of the immunized groups. The differences of the serum levels of TGF-β between the groups were statistically significant at days 28 and 56 after immunization with E/SA. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, in vivo prepared E/SA may be considered as a good candidate for animal immunization.