Immunization with recombinant LD1 antigens protects against experimental leishmaniasis

The genes, ORFF and BT1 (previously ORFG), are part of the multigenic LD1 locus on chromosome 35 which is frequently amplified in Leishmania. BT1 encodes a biopterin transporter, while the function of the ORFF gene product is unknown, but it is localized to the nucleus. We show here that immunization of mice with recombinant ORFF and BT1 proteins, individually, or in combination, conferred partial protection against challenge with Leishmania donovani. Protection correlated with the production of antigen-specific antibodies and in vitro splenocyte proliferation. Thus, these antigens can be potential vaccine candidates against visceral leishmaniasis.