Cloning and expression of complementary DNA encoding an antigen of Trichinella spiralis

Complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding a 49-kDa antigen of Trichinella spiralis was cloned, characterized, and expressed in Escherichia coli by recombinant DNA methods. As a first step, 29 residues of N-terminal amino acid sequence were determined by direct analysis of highly purified antigen. Mixed-sequence primers based on the amino acid sequence were then synthesized and used as primers to generate a partial cDNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A nearly full-length cDNA was then obtained by PCR using a specific 5'-end primer and a non-specific 3'-end primer. Complete sequence of the 1133-bp cDNA was determined. Translation of this sequence predicts an N-glycosylated polypeptide of 322 amino acids. The cDNA was expressed as a fusion protein in bacteria which could be recognized in Western blots both by sera from mice immunized with purified native 49-kDa antigen and by sera from swine infected with the parasite. These findings suggest that recombinant P49 is a potentially valuable antigen both for vaccine development and immunodiagnosis.