Therapeutic vaccine comprising Mycobacterium HSP70

Area of Science:

• Veterinary immunology
• Bacteriology
• Livestock disease management

Background:

• Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a significant global livestock industry problem.
• Disease transmission occurs through various routes including fecal, intrauterine, colostrum, and milk, complicating eradication efforts.
• Current control strategies, including vaccines and therapies, are largely ineffective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patent WO08040691 concerning therapeutic applications of recombinant heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70).
• To assess the efficacy of MAP-derived recombinant HSP70 in managing Johne's disease in cattle.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of a patented method involving recombinant MAP HSP70 administration.
• Assessment of bacterial shedding reduction in infected cattle.
• Analysis of the impact on diagnostic assay performance.

Main Results:

• Recombinant MAP HSP70, when combined with an adjuvant, significantly reduces bacterial shedding in MAP-infected cattle.
• The administration of recombinant MAP HSP70 does not interfere with diagnostic assays.
• This allows for continued clinical diagnosis of Johne's disease.

Conclusions:

• The patented use of recombinant MAP HSP70 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for Johne's disease.
• This approach effectively reduces bacterial shedding without compromising diagnostic capabilities.
• It represents a potential advancement in managing MAP infections in cattle.