1
|
Tomazic ML, Marugan-Hernandez V, Rodriguez AE. Next-Generation Technologies and Systems Biology for the Design of Novel Vaccines Against Apicomplexan Parasites. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:800361. [PMID: 35071390 PMCID: PMC8777213 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.800361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa are the causative agents of important diseases such as malaria, toxoplasmosis or cryptosporidiosis in humans, and babesiosis and coccidiosis in animals. Whereas the first human recombinant vaccine against malaria has been approved and recently recommended for wide administration by the WHO, most other zoonotic parasitic diseases lack of appropriate immunoprophylaxis. Sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, and statistics, have opened the "omics" era into apicomplexan parasites, which has led to the development of systems biology, a recent field that can significantly contribute to more rational design for new vaccines. The discovery of novel antigens by classical approaches is slow and limited to very few antigens identified and analyzed by each study. High throughput approaches based on the expansion of the "omics", mainly genomics and transcriptomics have facilitated the functional annotation of the genome for many of these parasites, improving significantly the understanding of the parasite biology, interactions with the host, as well as virulence and host immune response. Developments in genetic manipulation in apicomplexan parasites have also contributed to the discovery of new potential vaccine targets. The present minireview does a comprehensive summary of advances in "omics", CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, and in systems biology approaches applied to apicomplexan parasites of economic and zoonotic importance, highlighting their potential of the holistic view in vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Luján Tomazic
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVET), INTA-CONICET, Hurlingham, Argentina.,Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Catedra de Biotecnología, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tuvshintulga B, Nugraha AB, Mizutani T, Liu M, Ishizaki T, Sivakumar T, Xuan X, Yokoyama N, Igarashi I. Development of a stable transgenic Theileria equi parasite expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein/blasticidin S deaminase. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9107. [PMID: 33907262 PMCID: PMC8079379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88594-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Theileria equi, an intraerythrocytic protozoan parasite, causes equine piroplasmosis, a disease which negatively impacts the global horse industry. Genetic manipulation is one of the research tools under development as a control method for protozoan parasites, but this technique needs to be established for T. equi. Herein, we report on the first development of a stable transgenic T. equi line expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein/blasticidin S deaminase (eGFP/BSD). To express the exogenous fusion gene in T. equi, regulatory regions of the elongation factor-1 alpha (ef-1α) gene were identified in T. equi. An eGFP/BSD-expression cassette containing the ef-1α gene promoter and terminator regions was constructed and integrated into the T. equi genome. On day 9 post-transfection, blasticidin-resistant T. equi emerged. In the clonal line of T. equi obtained by limiting dilution, integration of the eGFP/BSD-expression cassette was confirmed in the designated B-locus of the ef-1α gene via PCR and Southern blot analyses. Parasitaemia dynamics between the transgenic and parental T. equi lines were comparable in vitro. The eGFP/BSD-expressing transgenic T. equi and the methodology used to generate it offer new opportunities for better understanding of T. equi biology, with the add-on possibility of discovering effective control methods against equine piroplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bumduuren Tuvshintulga
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Zaisan, Ulaanbaatar, 17024, Mongolia
| | - Arifin Budiman Nugraha
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.,Department of Animal Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Jl. Agatis, Kampus IPB Dramaga, Bogor, Jawa Barat, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Tomoka Mizutani
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ishizaki
- Department of Protozoology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Thillaiampalam Sivakumar
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Production of potential vaccine against Dermatobia hominis for cattle. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2012; 167:412-24. [PMID: 22555498 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-012-9683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to detect and characterize antigenic proteins and to assess their activity as preventive vaccines against dermatobiosis. Polyclonal antibodies were produced against three larval instars (L(1), L(2), L(3)), and their antigenic proteins were assessed for reactivity. Polyclonal antibodies produced in animals immunized with extracts were analyzed, and L(3)-derived antibodies showed proteins with better antigenic responses. The study of reactivity using immunodetection showed that the 50-kDa protein had the highest antigenicity. This protein was purified and subjected to mass spectrometry, and the sequences obtained were compared with those in the databases available. No similarities were found with existing sequences. Subsequently, large quantities of purified protein were used to immunize cattle. Vaccine effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the number of cutaneous nodules formed in the control group and immunized animals. The antigen produced proved a promising candidate for vaccine production, with 90.67 % efficacy. Immunohistochemistry of antigen-antibody reaction in larval sections showed epitopes all over larval tissues.
Collapse
|
4
|
Patarroyo JH, Portela RW, De Castro RO, Pimentel JC, Guzman F, Patarroyo ME, Vargas MI, Prates AA, Mendes MAD. Immunization of cattle with synthetic peptides derived from the Boophilus microplus gut protein (Bm86). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2002; 88:163-72. [PMID: 12127414 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2427(02)00154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Three synthetic peptides (SBm4912, SBm7462 and SBm19733), derived from the Bm86 glycoprotein from Boophilus microplus gut, were constructed and used to immunize cattle from a tick-free area. The immunized animals received three subcutaneous doses of the peptides, with saponin as adjuvant, at 30-day intervals. The immune response was evaluated by IgG elicited against the peptides by the detection of anti-Bm86 specific antibodies in situ and by Western blotting analysis. After tick challenge, reduction in the number, weight and oviposition capacity of engorged females was observed in the tick population that had fed on immunized animals. The results pointed a high efficacy (81.05%) for the SBm7462 synthetic peptide in relation to the others (p<0.01), demonstrating the efficiency of the immune response elicited by synthetic peptides to control the cattle tick B. microplus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J H Patarroyo
- Laboratory of Biology and Control of Haematozoa, BIOAGRO/Veterinary Department, Federal University of Viçosa, 36571-000, Viçosa, MG Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jittapalapong S, Stich RW, Gordon JC, Bremer CA, Barriga OO. Humoral immune response of dogs immunized with salivary gland, midgut, or repeated infestations with Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 916:283-8. [PMID: 11193634 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb05302.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The antibody (Ab) responses of dogs immunized with adult tick salivary gland (TSG), midgut (TMG), or repeated infestations of Rhipicephalus sanguineus were monitored to determine if there is an association between Ab production and R. sanguineus performance. Tick-naïve dogs were immunized with TSG or TMG and subjected to two challenge infestations. The control group was infested five times at 21-day intervals. The ELISA technique was used to measure Ab levels in sera from these dogs, which expressed different forms of resistance against R. sanguineus. In dogs immunized with TSG or TMG, similar Ab levels were detected against TMG, TSG, muscle, synganglion, and reproductive organs. However, these sera had different Ab levels against egg mass, unfed larvae, fed larvae, and nymph antigens. Ab levels to muscle, nerve, and reproductive antigens were lower than those observed when TMG or TSG antigens were used. Sera from dogs immunized with TMG or TSG responded to most tick stages or tissue antigens, whereas repeated infestation sera showed the lowest response among the three groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Jittapalapong
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saville WJ, Reed SM, Morley PS, Granstrom DE, Kohn CW, Hinchcliff KW, Wittum TE. Analysis of risk factors for the development of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000; 217:1174-80. [PMID: 11043688 DOI: 10.2460/javma.2000.217.1174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate risk factors for development of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses. DESIGN Case-control study. ANIMALS 251 horses admitted to The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1992 to 1995. PROCEDURE On the basis of clinical signs of neurologic disease and detection of antibody to Sarcocystis neurona or S neurona DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, a diagnosis of EPM was made for 251 horses. Two contemporaneous series of control horses were selected from horses admitted to the hospital. One control series (n = 225) consisted of horses with diseases of the neurologic system other than EPM (neurologic control horses), and the other consisted of 251 horses admitted for reasons other than nervous system diseases (nonneurologic control horses). Data were obtained from hospital records and telephone conversations. Risk factors associated with disease status were analyzed, using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Horses ranged from 1 day to 30 years old (mean +/- SD, 5.7 +/- 5.2 years). Risk factors associated with an increased risk of developing EPM included age, season of admission, prior diagnosis of EPM on the premises, opossums on premises, health events prior to admission, and racing or showing as a primary use. Factors associated with a reduced risk of developing EPM included protection of feed from wildlife and proximity of a creek or river to the premises where the horse resided. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Development of EPM was associated with a number of management-related factors that can be altered to decrease the risk for the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W J Saville
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging, tick-transmitted, zoonotic disease caused by hematotropic parasites of the genus Babesia. Babesial parasites (and those of the closely related genus Theileria) are some of the most ubiquitous and widespread blood parasites in the world, second only to the trypanosomes, and consequently have considerable worldwide economic, medical, and veterinary impact. The parasites are intraerythrocytic and are commonly called piroplasms due to the pear-shaped forms found within infected red blood cells. The piroplasms are transmitted by ixodid ticks and are capable of infecting a wide variety of vertebrate hosts which are competent in maintaining the transmission cycle. Studies involving animal hosts other than humans have contributed significantly to our understanding of the disease process, including possible pathogenic mechanisms of the parasite and immunological responses of the host. To date, there are several species of Babesia that can infect humans, Babesia microti being the most prevalent. Infections with Babesia species generally follow regional distributions; cases in the United States are caused primarily by B. microti, whereas cases in Europe are usually caused by Babesia divergens. The spectrum of disease manifestation is broad, ranging from a silent infection to a fulminant, malaria-like disease, resulting in severe hemolysis and occasionally in death. Recent advances have resulted in the development of several diagnostic tests which have increased the level of sensitivity in detection, thereby facilitating diagnosis, expediting appropriate patient management, and resulting in a more accurate epidemiological description.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Babesiosis is an emerging, tick-transmitted, zoonotic disease caused by hematotropic parasites of the genus Babesia. Babesial parasites (and those of the closely related genus Theileria) are some of the most ubiquitous and widespread blood parasites in the world, second only to the trypanosomes, and consequently have considerable worldwide economic, medical, and veterinary impact. The parasites are intraerythrocytic and are commonly called piroplasms due to the pear-shaped forms found within infected red blood cells. The piroplasms are transmitted by ixodid ticks and are capable of infecting a wide variety of vertebrate hosts which are competent in maintaining the transmission cycle. Studies involving animal hosts other than humans have contributed significantly to our understanding of the disease process, including possible pathogenic mechanisms of the parasite and immunological responses of the host. To date, there are several species of Babesia that can infect humans, Babesia microti being the most prevalent. Infections with Babesia species generally follow regional distributions; cases in the United States are caused primarily by B. microti, whereas cases in Europe are usually caused by Babesia divergens. The spectrum of disease manifestation is broad, ranging from a silent infection to a fulminant, malaria-like disease, resulting in severe hemolysis and occasionally in death. Recent advances have resulted in the development of several diagnostic tests which have increased the level of sensitivity in detection, thereby facilitating diagnosis, expediting appropriate patient management, and resulting in a more accurate epidemiological description.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Homer
- Corixa Corporation and The Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mattioli RC, Pandey VS, Murray M, Fitzpatrick JL. Immunogenetic influences on tick resistance in African cattle with particular reference to trypanotolerant N'Dama (Bos taurus) and trypanosusceptible Gobra zebu (Bos indicus) cattle. Acta Trop 2000; 75:263-77. [PMID: 10838210 DOI: 10.1016/s0001-706x(00)00063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, tick infestation and tick-borne infections together with tsetse-transmitted trypanosomosis arguably constitute the main parasitological disease complex constraining livestock production. Resistance to tick attack and tick-borne micro-organisms (TBMs) varies among different breeds of cattle. The magnitude of losses due to these parasites is related to an extent to the degree of breed resistance. Generally, zebu (Bos indicus) cattle possess a higher resistance to ticks and TBMs than European (Bos taurus) cattle. The host's immune system would appear to be the single most important factor that regulates this resistance. This paper reports on the main effector immune mechanisms governing resistance against ticks and TBMs. The cellular immune response appears more effective and stable than humoral immunity in modulating resistance to ticks and TBMs. Similarities between the immune mechanisms employed by trypanotolerant N'Dama (B. taurus) cattle, when infected with trypanosomes, and those elicited by tick bites and TBMs seem to exist, particularly at the skin level in the early phases of parasitic invasion. Moreover, there is evidence that in the N'Dama breed, resistance against ticks per se also has a genetic basis. Therefore, the N'Dama appears to be a unique breed in that it exhibits resistance to several parasitic diseases and/or infections, including helminths, when compared to other cattle breeds in West Africa. It is concluded that the multi-parasite resistant traits of the N'Dama breed should be exploited in those areas where trypanosomosis, ticks and tick-borne diseases constrain animal production. This should be of benefit for low-input farming systems where the use of chemicals for prophylaxis and therapy is limited by their relatively high cost. Additionally, the potential contribution of multiple disease resistant N'Dama cattle should be considered in crossbreeding programmes with exotic dairy breeds for increasing milk production in West Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R C Mattioli
- International Trypanotolerance Centre, PMB 14, Banjul, Gambia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Barriga OO. Evidence and mechanisms of immunosuppression in tick infestations. GENETIC ANALYSIS : BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING 1999; 15:139-42. [PMID: 10596753 DOI: 10.1016/s1050-3862(99)00017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The abundance and ubiquity of ticks from ancient times long ago suggested that they have eluded host immunity. In the last 15 years, several authors have demonstrated suppression of the Th1 responses (cell-mediated immunity), and sometimes the Th2 responses (humoral immunity), subsequent to tick infestations in laboratory and natural models. Although the mechanisms to produce suppression are not well-defined yet, evidences for antigenic competition, lymphocyte cytotoxicity, presence of immuno-inhibiting substances in the saliva, and existence of modulators of cytokines in salivary extracts have been reported. Management of tick-induced immunosuppression is essential to replace tick control by acaricide application with more environmentally sound vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O O Barriga
- Programna de Parasitologia, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Denise H, Giroud C, Barrett MP, Baltz T. Affinity chromatography using trypanocidal arsenical drugs identifies a specific interaction between glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Trypanosoma brucei and Cymelarsan. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1999; 259:339-46. [PMID: 9914512 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A 36-kDa protein was isolated by affinity chromatography using Cymelarsan, an arsenical drug currently used in African trypanosomiasis treatment, as ligand. This protein was identified as glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Trypanosomal glycerol-3-phosphate was bound covalently, whereas its counterpart from rabbit muscle bound by ionic interaction. Arsenical drugs inhibit the enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. Oxidation of cysteine residues protects against inactivation without significantly diminishing enzymic activity. Drug concentrations giving 50% inhibition of the dehydrogenase activity were determined for the enzyme from both Trypanosoma brucei and rabbit and indicate a higher sensitivity of the trypanosomal enzyme to arsenical drugs and thiol reagents. MS was used to identify residues of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase bound by Cymelarsan; they are not conserved in the mammalian enzyme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Denise
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire des Protozoaires Parasites, UPRESA-CNRS 5016, Bordeaux cedex, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The control of arthropod ectoparasites of livestock by systemically delivered chemicals was introduced in the 1950s. Their low cost, ease of use, and high level of efficacy ensured dependence upon them for ectoparasite control. However, current societal and scientific concerns regarding dependency upon chemicals have emphasised the need for the evaluation of environmentally safe alternatives for ectoparasite control. Immunological intervention for the control of ectoparasite populations, either through the selection of animals with resistant genotypes or vaccination, is consistent with principles of sustainable agriculture. Unlike the activity of chemicals, currently available ectoparasite vaccines do not induce a rapid knockdown of the parasite population and they do not protect the individual from parasitism. However, if these vaccines are used in an integrated pest-management programme, they have the potential to reduce parasite populations over successive generations and reduce or eliminate the need for chemical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J H Pruett
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland US Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Kerrville, TX 78028-9184, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
da Silva Vaz I, Logullo C, Sorgine M, Velloso FF, Rosa de Lima MF, Gonzales JC, Masuda H, Oliveira PL, Masuda A. Immunization of bovines with an aspartic proteinase precursor isolated from Boophilus microplus eggs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 1998; 66:331-41. [PMID: 9880109 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-2427(98)00194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of the Boophilus Yolk pro-Cathepsin (BYC) to induce a protective immune response in cattle against Boophilus microplus infestation was tested by vaccination experiments and by inoculation of monoclonal antibody (MAb) against BYC into fully engorged tick females. In immunization experiments the measurement of various biological parameters demonstrated a partial protection against B. microplus. A continuous decrease in the levels of specific antibodies was observed over 11 months when six bovines were maintained in field conditions. The inoculation of the MAb into tick females produced a dose-dependent decrease in oviposition and survival of the ectoparasite compared to the control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, and Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Del Pino FA, Brandelli A, Gonzales JC, Henriques JA, Dewes H. Effect of antibodies against beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase on reproductive efficiency of the bovine tick Boophilus microplus. Vet Parasitol 1998; 79:247-55. [PMID: 9823065 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4017(98)00154-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
A polyclonal antibody (anti-HEX) was developed against a soluble N-acetylhexosaminidase (HEX) isolated from larval extracts of Boophilus microplus. Purified hexosaminidase was strongly inhibited by the IgG fraction of this antibody. The antibody inhibited the hexosaminidase activity of other sources, such as haemolymph and larval membranes. The antibody reacted with different antigens in the tick haemolymph, but did not recognize any antigen in saliva, as seen by immunoblot analysis. The anti-HEX was inoculated into fully engorged B. microplus females, resulting in a decrease in oviposition of approximately 26%, relative to the effect of pre-immune IgG. These data show the potential of the use of this tick enzyme as an antigen in vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F A Del Pino
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
The number of applications of molecular biology in veterinary parasitology is increasing rapidly. The techniques used with eukaryotic cells are generally applicable to the study of parasites and their hosts. The polymerase chain reaction is particularly important for identification and diagnosis of parasites, as well as for many other applications. With species and type specific probes or primers, sensitivities and specificities unheard of with conventional techniques can be achieved. The accumulation of more information on the DNA sequences of parasites will reveal many more unique sequences which can be used for identification, diagnosis, molecular epidemiology, vaccine development and for studying the evolutionary biology and the physiology of parasites and the host-parasite relationship. Similarly, the completion of genome projects on host organisms will greatly assist efforts to select for hosts that are genetically resistant to parasite infection. The study of the molecular biology of antiparasitic drug receptors, potential targets for chemotherapy, and the molecular genetics of drug resistance will allow molecular screens to be used with combinatorial chemistry in the search for new antiparasitic drugs, improvements to existing chemotherapeutic families and better diagnosis and monitoring of drug resistance. While there is a proliferation of molecular biology techniques, the availability of simple kits and of automated techniques and services for sequencing, library construction and oligonucleotide synthesis and other procedures is making it easier for non-specialists to apply many of the common techniques of molecular biology. Molecular biology and the benefits from its application are relevant for veterinary parasitologists in developing countries as well as developed countries and we should introduce aspects of molecular biology to the teaching and training of veterinary parasitologists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Prichard
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Que., Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Coombs GH, Denton H, Brown SM, Thong KW. Biochemistry of the coccidia. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 1997; 39:141-226. [PMID: 9241816 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(08)60046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- G H Coombs
- Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Affiliation(s)
- Shuja ALI
- Present address: Animal Science Institute, National Agricultural Research Center, P.O. NARC, Islamabad 45500, Pakistan
| | - Chihiro SUGIMOTO
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060, Japan
| | - Misao ONUMA
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060, Japan
| |
Collapse
|