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Immunogenicity of recombinant Babesia microti hsp70 homologue in mice
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia 62511, USA.
Abstract:
A Babesia microti hsp70 homologue was cloned, expressed in a prokaryotic system and tested in a pilot study for protection against lethal challenge. Results showed that 30% of the mice inoculated with recombinant protein (rBm hsp70) survived challenge, while all of the controls died. Evidence of antibody response to the hsp homologue was detected by Western blot analysis, but no protection was imparted through passive transfer of convalescent serum. Passively transferred spleen cells, from mice which survived challenge, also failed to impart protection. The mechanism of partial immunity suggested by these observations remains to be elucidated.
Insights
A Babesia microti heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) vaccine candidate showed partial protection in mice. Recombinant hsp70 conferred a 30% survival rate against lethal challenge, but passive transfer failed to impart immunity.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Babesia microti is a significant tick-borne pathogen causing babesiosis.
- Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are involved in cellular stress responses and immune modulation.
- Hsp70 family members are conserved across species and can elicit immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clone and express a Babesia microti hsp70 homologue.
- To evaluate the protective efficacy of recombinant B. microti hsp70 (rBm hsp70) against lethal B. microti challenge in a murine model.
- To investigate the role of antibodies and cellular immunity in protection conferred by rBm hsp70.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and prokaryotic expression of a Babesia microti hsp70 gene.
- Intraperitoneal inoculation of mice with rBm hsp70.
- Lethal challenge with B. microti.
- Western blot analysis for antibody detection.
- Passive transfer experiments using convalescent serum and spleen cells.
Main Results:
- Recombinant B. microti hsp70 (rBm hsp70) vaccination resulted in 30% survival of mice following lethal B. microti challenge.
- All control mice succumbed to the challenge.
- Antibodies against rBm hsp70 were detected via Western blot.
- Passive transfer of convalescent serum or spleen cells from protected mice did not confer protection.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant B. microti hsp70 elicits an immune response and provides partial protection against lethal babesiosis.
- The mechanism of partial immunity induced by rBm hsp70 is not mediated by passive antibody transfer or adoptively transferred spleen cells.
- Further investigation is required to elucidate the mechanism of partial immunity conferred by B. microti hsp70.