Recombinant M. bovis BCG expressing the PLD protein promotes survival in mice challenged with a C. pseudotuberculosis...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary immunology
• Vaccine development
• Bacterial pathogenesis

Background:

• * Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection poses a significant threat to animal health.
• * Current treatments for C. pseudotuberculosis are limited, necessitating novel vaccination strategies.
• * Mycobacterium bovis BCG is a well-established vaccine vector, but its efficacy can be enhanced.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To assess the protective efficacy of a novel recombinant M. bovis BCG Pasteur vaccine expressing the PLD protein against C. pseudotuberculosis.
• * To evaluate the immune response, including cytokine production, elicited by the recombinant vaccine.
• * To determine the optimal vaccination strategy, including booster doses, for enhanced protection.

Main Methods:

• * Mice were vaccinated with M. bovis BCG Pasteur, a recombinant BCG expressing PLD (BCG/pld), or BCG/pld with a booster of recombinant PLD (rPLD).
• * Vaccinated mice were challenged with a virulent strain of C. pseudotuberculosis.
• * Survival rates and levels of key cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) were measured.

Main Results:

• * The highest survival rate (88%) was observed in mice receiving the BCG/pld vaccine with an rPLD booster.
• * Significant improvements in survival were noted for all vaccinated groups compared to the control.
• * Vaccinated groups (G3 and G4) showed statistically significant differences in IFN-γ and IL-10 levels compared to controls (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• * The recombinant M. bovis BCG/pld vaccine, particularly with an rPLD booster, offers promising protection against C. pseudotuberculosis challenge.
• * The vaccine elicits a cellular immune response, indicated by elevated IFN-γ and IL-10 levels.
• * This recombinant vaccine strategy represents a potential advancement in controlling C. pseudotuberculosis infections in animals.