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Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Immunization with outer membrane vesicles drived Proteus mirabilis protects mice against bacteria-induced lethality
Wei Fan1, Yilu Zhai1, Xinyu Zhang2
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agricultural, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.
Introduction:
Proteus mirabilis (Pm) has emerged as a significant and widespread opportunistic pathogen affecting both humans and animals, resulting in substantial economic losses within the agricultural sector. While most conventional antibiotics remain effective against Pm infections, the rise of multidrug-resistant strains has considerably complicated disease management. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which are vesicular structures secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, have been identified in numerous studies as potential antigenic components or immune adjuvants for the development of novel vaccines.
Methods:
In this study, Proteus mirabilis outer membrane vesicles (Pm_OMVs) were employed to immunize mice, followed by the execution of Pm infection assays. The immune responses elicited by Pm_OMVs and their protective effects in the Pm infection mice were evaluated using quantitative PCR, ELISA, and Western blot analyses.
Results:
Our findings demonstrated that Pm_OMVs stimulated B cells to produce specific antibodies and induced Th1/Th17-mediated immune responses. Following 24 hours of Pm infection, Th1 and Th17 cells in the Pm_OMVs-infected group were activated, releasing substantial levels of cytokines that facilitated rapid bactericidal activity. After 72hours of Pm infection, Th2 and Treg cells in this group were activated to suppress excessive inflammatory response and achieve tissue repair. Pm_OMVs also specificall increased the survival rate of mice infected with Pm, up to 80%.
Discussion:
These results suggest that Pm_OMVs can be used as an effective material to prevent Pm infection.
Insights
Proteus mirabilis outer membrane vesicles (Pm_OMVs) show promise as a vaccine candidate. Immunizing mice with Pm_OMVs stimulated protective immune responses and increased survival rates against Pm infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Proteus mirabilis (Pm) is an opportunistic pathogen causing significant economic losses.
- Multidrug-resistant Pm strains complicate infection management.
- Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are explored as vaccine components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Pm_OMVs.
- To assess the immune responses induced by Pm_OMVs in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Mice were immunized with Pm_OMVs.
- Infection assays were performed using Pm.
- Immune responses were analyzed via qPCR, ELISA, and Western blot.
Main Results:
- Pm_OMVs induced specific antibody production and Th1/Th17 immune responses.
- Activated Th1/Th17 cells promoted rapid bacterial clearance.
- Th2/Treg cells aided in inflammation control and tissue repair.
- Pm_OMVs vaccination increased mouse survival rates by 80%.
Conclusions:
- Pm_OMVs are effective in preventing Pm infection.
- Pm_OMVs hold potential as a novel vaccine strategy against Proteus mirabilis.
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