Molecular characterization and protective efficacy of the microneme 2 protein from Eimeria tenella

Autor: Yan Ming, Cui Xiaoxia, Zhao Qiping, Zhu Shunhai, Huang Bing, Wang Lu, Zhao Huanzhi, Liu Guiling, Li Zhihang, Han Hongyu, Dong Hui
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2018
Předmět:
Zdroj: Parasite, Vol 25, p 60 (2018)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1776-1042
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018061
Popis: Microneme proteins play an important role in the adherence of apicomplexan parasites to host cells during the invasion process. In this study, the microneme 2 protein from the protozoan parasite Eimeria tenella (EtMIC2) was cloned, characterized, and its protective efficacy as a DNA vaccine investigated. The EtMIC2 gene, which codes for a 35.07 kDa protein in E. tenella sporulated oocysts, was cloned and recombinant EtMIC2 protein (rEtMIC2) was produced in an Escherichia coli expression system. Immunostaining with an anti-rEtMIC2 antibody showed that the EtMIC2 protein mainly localized in the anterior region and membrane of sporozoites, in the cytoplasm of first- and second-generation merozoites, and was strongly expressed during first-stage schizogony. In addition, incubation with specific antibodies against EtMIC2 was found to efficiently reduce the ability of E. tenella sporozoites to invade host cells. Furthermore, animal-challenge experiments demonstrated that immunization with pcDNA3.1(+)-EtMIC2 significantly increased average body weight gain, while decreasing the mean lesion score and oocyst output in chickens. Taken together, these results suggest that EtMIC2 plays an important role in parasite cell invasion and may be a viable candidate for the development of new vaccines against E. tenella infection in chickens.
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