Sm-p80-based DNA vaccine formulation induces potent protective immunity against Schistosoma mansoni |
| |
| Authors: | G. AHMAD,W. TORBEN,W. ZHANG,M. WYATT,& A. A. SIDDIQUI |
| |
| Affiliation: | Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA;, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | No effective vaccine exists for the human parasitic disease, schistosomiasis. We have targeted a functionally important antigen, Sm-p80 as a vaccine candidate because of its consistent immunogenicity, protective potential and important role in the immune evasion process. In this study we report that a Sm-p80-based DNA vaccine formulation confers 59% reduction in worm burden in mice. Animals immunized with Sm-p80-pcDNA3 exhibited a decrease in egg production by 84%. Sm-p80 DNA elicited strong immune responses that include IgG2A and IgG2B antibody isotypes in vaccinated animals. Splenocytes proliferated in response to Sm-p80 produced appreciably more Th1 response enhancing cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ) than Th2 response enhancing cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). These data reinforce the potential of Sm-p80 as an excellent vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis. |
| |
| Keywords: | calpain DNA vaccination schistosomiasis Schistosoma Sm-p80 |
|
|
