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Published on: May 23, 2021
Identification of immunoreactive proteins of Brucella melitensis by immunoproteomics
Zhongpeng Zhao1, Fang Yan, Wenhui Ji
1State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
Abstract:
Infection with Brucella causes brucellosis, a chronic disease in humans, which induces abortion and sterility in livestock. Among the different Brucella species, Brucella melitensis is considered the most virulent and is the predominant species associated with outbreaks in China. To date, no safe human vaccine is available against Brucella infection. The currently used live vaccines against Brucella in livestock induce antibodies that interfere with the diagnosis of field infection in vaccinated animals, which is harmful to eradication programs. However, there is as yet no complete profile of immunogenic proteins of B. melitensis. Towards the development of a safer, equally efficacious, and field infection-distinguishable vaccine, we used immunoproteomics to identify novel candidate immunogenic proteins from B. melitensis M5. Eighty-eight immunoreactive protein spots from B. melitensis M5 were identified by Western blotting and were assigned to sixty-one proteins by mass spectrometry, including many new immunoreactive proteins such as elongation factor G, F0F1 ATP synthase subunit beta, and OMP1. These provide many candidate immunoreactive proteins for vaccine development.
Insights
Researchers identified new Brucella melitensis proteins for a safer vaccine. This could help distinguish between vaccinated animals and those with Brucella infection, aiding eradication efforts.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Brucellosis, caused by Brucella infection, is a chronic disease in humans and causes significant economic losses in livestock due to abortion and sterility.
- Brucella melitensis is the most virulent species and a major cause of outbreaks, particularly in China.
- Current Brucella vaccines for livestock interfere with disease diagnosis, hindering eradication programs, and no safe human vaccine exists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel immunogenic proteins from Brucella melitensis for the development of a safer, effective, and diagnostic-distinguishable vaccine.
- To create a comprehensive profile of immunogenic proteins for Brucella melitensis.
Main Methods:
- Immunoproteomics approach was employed to analyze Brucella melitensis M5.
- Western blotting was used to detect immunoreactive protein spots.
- Mass spectrometry was utilized to identify and characterize the immunoreactive proteins.
Main Results:
- Eighty-eight immunoreactive protein spots were identified from Brucella melitensis M5.
- Sixty-one distinct proteins were identified, including novel immunoreactive candidates.
- Key identified proteins include elongation factor G, F0F1 ATP synthase subunit beta, and OMP1.
Conclusions:
- The identified novel immunogenic proteins represent promising candidates for developing a new generation of Brucella vaccines.
- These candidates could lead to vaccines that are safe, effective, and allow for differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals.
- This research contributes to the long-term goal of controlling and eradicating brucellosis globally.
