Expression of Taenia taeniaeformis antigens in Escherichia coli

Two important features of infection of mice with larvae of Taenia taeniaeformis are the ready demonstration of host protective antibodies and the ability to immunize susceptible strains of mice against first infection using crude parasite preparations. Candidate immunogens in established larvae and the invasive oncosphere have been identified by immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled parasite proteins with host-protective antibodies. To overcome the difficulties associated with purification of these antigens from parasite material, the alternative strategy of expressing parasite proteins in Escherichia coli has been adopted. Double stranded DNA complementary to mRNA from 28 day old liver larvae was inserted into the beta-galactosidase gene of the bacteriophage lambda Amp 3. Some recombinants express a fusion protein with additional parasite-encoded epitopes located at the C-terminal end of the beta-galactosidase protein. Four clones that reacted with antibodies in an E. coli colony immunoassay were selected for detailed characterization. Analysis of lysates of the selected clones by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting revealed that each clone produced an abundant fusion protein that reacted specifically with a hyperimmune anti-oncosphere serum. Sibling analysis revealed that the four antiserum-positive clones encoded three immunologically-distinct parasite antigens. The identity of the native protein of larvae encoded by one clone (designated TA10) was an abundant antigen of Mr 70,000. This approach allows the assessment of antigens expressed in E. coli as vaccines in susceptible strains of mice by direct immunization and challenge and thus the development of a model defined-antigen vaccine against a larval cestode parasite.