Ascaris Mouse Model Protocols: Advancing Research on Larval Ascariasis Biology

Abstract

Ascariasis, caused by both Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum, is the most prevalent parasitic disease worldwide, affecting both human and porcine populations. However, due to the difficulties of assessing the early events of infection in humans, most studies of human ascariasis have been restricted to the chronic intestinal phase. Therefore, the Ascaris mouse model has become a fundamental tool for investigating the immunobiology and pathogenesis of the early infection stage referred to as larval ascariasis because of the model's practicality and ability to replicate the natural processes involved. The Ascaris mouse model has been widely used to explore factors such as infection resistance/susceptibility, liver inflammation, lung immune‐mediated pathology, and co‐infections and, notably, as a pivotal element in preclinical vaccine trials. Exploring the immunobiology of larval ascariasis may offer new insights into disease development and provide a substantial understanding of key components that trigger a protective immune response. This article focuses on creating a comprehensive guide for conducting Ascaris experimental infections in the laboratory as a foundation for future research efforts. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Acquisition and embryonation of Ascaris suum eggs from adult femalesAlternate Protocol: Cleaning and purification of Ascaris suum from female A. suum uteriBasic Protocol 2: Preparation of Ascaris suum eggs and murine infectionBasic Protocol 3: Measurement of larval burden and Ascaris‐larva‐induced pathogenesisBasic Protocol 4: In vitro hatching and purification of Ascaris L3 larvaeSupport Protocol: Preparation of crude antigen from Ascaris infectious stagesBasic Protocol 5: Ultrastructure‐expansion microscopy (U‐ExM) of Ascaris suum larval stages