Induction of protection in murine experimental models againstTrichinella spiralis: an up-to-date review

Abstract

AbstractThe parasitic nematodeTrichinella spiralis, an aetiological agent of the disease known as trichinellosis, infects wild and domestic animals through contaminated pig meat, which is the major source forTrichinellatransmission. Prevention of this disease by interrupting parasite transmission includes vaccine development for livestock; however, major challenges to this strategy are the complexity of theT. spiralislife cycle, diversity of stage-specific antigens, immune-evasion strategies and the modulatory effect of host responses. Different approaches have been taken to induce protective immune responses byT. spiralisimmunogens. These include the use of whole extracts or excretory–secretory antigens, as well as recombinant proteins or synthesized epitopes, using murine experimental models for trichinellosis. Here these schemes are reviewed and discussed, and new proposals envisioned to block the zoonotic transmission of this parasite.