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Zhang Y, Lu M, Zhang Z, Huang X, Huang J, Liu J, Huang J, Song X, Xu L, Yan R, Li X. The microneme adhesive repeat domain of MIC3 protein determined the site specificity of Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria maxima, and Eimeria mitis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1291379. [PMID: 38022512 PMCID: PMC10663340 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1291379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the determinants of host and tissue tropisms among parasites of veterinary and medical importance has long posed a substantial challenge. Among the seven species of Eimeria known to parasitize the chicken intestine, a wide variation in tissue tropisms has been observed. Prior research suggested that microneme protein (MIC) composed of microneme adhesive repeat (MAR) domain responsible for initial host cell recognition and attachment likely dictated the tissue tropism of Eimeria parasites. This study aimed to explore the roles of MICs and their associated MARs in conferring site-specific development of E. acervuline, E. maxima, and E. mitis within the host. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that MIC3 of E. acervuline (EaMIC3), MIC3 of E. maxima (EmMIC3), MIC3 of E. mitis (EmiMIC3), MAR3 of EaMIC3 (EaMIC3-MAR3), MAR2 of EmMIC3 (EmMIC3-MAR2), and MAR4 of EmiMIC3 (EmiMIC3-MAR4), exhibited binding capabilities to the specific intestinal tract where these parasites infect. In contrast, the invasion of sporozoites into host intestinal cells could be significantly inhibited by antibodies targeting EaMIC3, EmMIC3, EmiMIC3, EaMIC3-MAR3, EmMIC3-MAR2, and EmiMIC3-MAR4. Substitution experiments involving MAR domains highlighted the crucial roles of EaMIC3-MAR3, EmMIC3-MAR2, and EmiMIC3-MAR4 in governing interactions with host ligands. Furthermore, animal experiments substantiated the significant contribution of EmiMIC3, EmiMIC3-MAR4, and their polyclonal antibodies in conferring protective immunity to Eimeria-affiliated birds. In summary, EaMIC3, EmMIC3, and EmiMIC3 are the underlying factors behind the diverse tissue tropisms exhibited by E. acervuline, E. maxima, and E. mitis, and EaMIC3-MAR3, EmMIC3-MAR2, and EmiMIC3-MAR4 are the major determinants of MIC-mediated tissue tropism of each parasite. The results illuminated the molecular basis of the modes of action of Eimeria MICs, thereby facilitating an understanding and rationalization of the marked differences in tissue tropisms among E. acervuline, E. maxima, and E. mitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiangrui Li
- The Ministry of Education Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Britez JD, Rodriguez AE, Di Ciaccio L, Marugán-Hernandez V, Tomazic ML. What Do We Know about Surface Proteins of Chicken Parasites Eimeria? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1295. [PMID: 37374079 DOI: 10.3390/life13061295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Poultry is the first source of animal protein for human consumption. In a changing world, this sector is facing new challenges, such as a projected increase in demand, higher standards of food quality and safety, and reduction of environmental impact. Chicken coccidiosis is a highly widespread enteric disease caused by Eimeria spp. which causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide; however, the impact on family poultry holders or backyard production-which plays a key role in food security in small communities and involves mainly rural women-has been little explored. Coccidiosis disease is controlled by good husbandry measures, chemoprophylaxis, and/or live vaccination. The first live vaccines against chicken coccidiosis were developed in the 1950s; however, after more than seven decades, none has reached the market. Current limitations on their use have led to research in next-generation vaccines based on recombinant or live-vectored vaccines. Next-generation vaccines are required to control this complex parasitic disease, and for this purpose, protective antigens need to be identified. In this review, we have scrutinised surface proteins identified so far in Eimeria spp. affecting chickens. Most of these surface proteins are anchored to the parasite membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) molecule. The biosynthesis of GPIs, as well as the role of currently identified surface proteins and interest as vaccine candidates has been summarised. The potential role of surface proteins in drug resistance and immune escape and how these could limit the efficacy of control strategies was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica Daiana Britez
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
| | - Anabel Elisa Rodriguez
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
| | - Lucía Di Ciaccio
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
| | | | - Mariela Luján Tomazic
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina
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Evaluation of the immune protective effects of rEmMIC2 and rEmMIC3 from Eimeria magna in rabbits. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:661-669. [PMID: 36572833 PMCID: PMC9792316 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07774-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria magna is a common pathogen in rabbits, which results in lethargy, weight loss, diarrhea, and even death in severe cases after infection. The current method for preventing rabbit coccidiosis is to add anticoccidial drugs to the diet. However, there are many concerns about drug resistance and drug residues. In our study, the rEmMIC2 and rEmMIC3 proteins were cloned and expressed to evaluate potential as recombinant subunit vaccine candidate antigens. The protective effects of rEmMIC2 and rEmMIC3 were evaluated by the relative weight gain ratio, oocyst decrease rate, anticoccidial index, feed conversion ratio, pathological alterations, clinical symptoms, specific IgG antibody, and cytokine levels in rabbits. The molecular weights of rEmMIC2 and rEmMIC3 were 18.69 kDa and 17.47 kDa, respectively. After the coccidia challenge, the control groups showed anorexia and soft poop, whereas the experimental group showed few anorexia symptoms. Significantly different from the control group, the relative weight gain ratios of the immunized rEmMIC2 and rEmMIC3 groups were 78.37% and 75.29%, respectively, and the oocyst reduction was 77.95% and 76.09%, respectively, and the anticoccidial index was 171.12 and 169.29, respectively. IgG antibody, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-17 levels were significantly increased in the experimental group. The results showed that rEmMIC2 and rEmMIC3 have potential as vaccine candidate antigens.
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Nasri T, Sangmaneedet S, Nam NH, Worawong K, Taweenan W, Sukon P. Protective efficacy of new-generation anticoccidial vaccine candidates against Eimeria infection in chickens: A meta-analysis of challenge trials. Vet Parasitol 2022; 306:109724. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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Abstract
Apicomplexans are important pathogens that cause severe infections in humans and animals. The biology and pathogeneses of these parasites have shown that proteins are intrinsically modulated during developmental transitions, physiological processes and disease progression. Also, proteins are integral components of parasite structural elements and organelles. Among apicomplexan parasites, Eimeria species are an important disease aetiology for economically important animals wherein identification and characterisation of proteins have been long-winded. Nonetheless, this review seeks to give a comprehensive overview of constitutively expressed Eimeria proteins. These molecules are discussed across developmental stages, organelles and sub-cellular components vis-à-vis their biological functions. In addition, hindsight and suggestions are offered with intention to summarise the existing trend of eimerian protein characterisation and to provide a baseline for future studies.
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Evaluation of immunoprotective effects of recombinant proteins and DNA vaccines derived from Eimeria tenella surface antigen 6 and 15 in vivo. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:235-243. [PMID: 34816300 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07364-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic disease that causes huge economic losses to the poultry industry globally. Eimeria tenella belonging to protozoon is the causative agent of cecal coccidiosis in chicken, and it causes enormous damage to poultry industry. The surface antigens (SAGs) of apicomplexan parasites have functions of attachment and invasion in host-parasite interaction. As a result of parasitic invasion, host immune response is triggered. However, the immunogenicity and potency of E. tenella surface antigen 6 and 15 (EtSAG 6 and 15), as vaccinal candidate antigen, remain largely unknown. Therefore, gene fragments of E. tenella EtSAG 6 and 15 were amplified and transformed to pET28a prokaryotic vector for recombinant protein expression. The pEGFP-N1 eukaryotic vectors with EtSAG 6 and 15 amplification fragments (pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 5 and 16) were transformed into 293 T cell line. The results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analysis revealed successful expressions of EtSAG 6 and 15 in Escherichia coli and 293 T cells. Subsequently, animal experiments of 49 cobb broilers were performed to evaluate immunoprotection of recombinant proteins and DNA vaccines derived from E. tenella EtSAG 5 and 16 with an immunizing dose of 100 μg, respectively. Chickens vaccinated with rEtSAG 6 protein, rEtSAG 15 protein, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 plasmid, or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 15 plasmid showed no significant increase in IFN-γor interleukin-4 (IL-4) level compared with control groups. Chickens vaccinated with protein rEtSAG 6, protein rEtSAG 15, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 plasmid, or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG 15 exhibited higher weight gains, lower oocyst output, and lower mean lesion scores, compared with infection control group. Among the four immunized groups, plasmid EGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 (100 μg) group exhibited the highest anticoccidial index (ACI) value (150.20). Overall, plasmids EGFP-N1-EtSAG 6 and 15, as DNA vaccines, provided a more effective immunoprotection for chickens against E. tenella than protein rEtSAG 6 and protein rEtSAG 15 as subunit vaccines. EtSAG 6 and 15 are promising candidate antigen genes for developing coccidiosis vaccine.
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Zhao H, Zhu S, Zhao Q, Huang B, Liu G, Li Z, Wang L, Dong H, Han H. Molecular characterization and protective efficacy of a new conserved hypothetical protein of Eimeria tenella. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:40. [PMID: 33944773 PMCID: PMC8095096 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is an obligate intracellular parasite that actively invades cecal epithelial cells of chickens. This parasite encodes a genome of more than 8000 genes. However, more than 70% of the gene models for this species are currently annotated as hypothetical proteins. In this study, a conserved hypothetical protein gene of E. tenella, designated EtCHP18905, was cloned and identified, and its immune protective effects were evaluated. The open reading frame of EtCHP18905 was 1053bp and encoded a protein of 350 amino acids with a molecular weight of 38.7kDa. The recombinant EtCHP18905 protein (rEtCHP18905) was expressed in E. coli. Using western blot, the recombinant protein was successfully recognized by anti GST-Tag monoclonal antibody and anti-sporozoites protein rabbit serum. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the EtCHP18905 mRNA levels were higher in sporozoites than in unsporulated oocysts, sporulated oocysts and second-generation merozoites. Western blot analysis showed that EtCHP18905 protein expression levels were lower in sporozoites than in other stages. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that the EtCHP18905 protein was located on the surface of sporozoites and second-generation merozoites. Inhibition experiments showed that the ability of sporozoites to invade host cells was significantly decreased after treatment with the anti-rEtCHP18905 polyclonal antibody. Vaccination with rEtCHP18905 protein was able to significantly decrease mean lesion scores and oocyst outputs as compared to non-vaccinated controls. The results suggest that the rEtCHP18905 protein can induce partial immune protection against infection with E. tenella and could be an effective candidate for the development of new vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanzhi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Shunhai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qiping Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Bing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Guiling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China - College of Life and Environment Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 200234 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhihang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China - College of Life and Environment Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 200234 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hongyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, 200241 Shanghai, PR China
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Zhao P, Wang C, Ding J, Zhao C, Xia Y, Hu Y, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Fang R. Evaluation of immunoprotective effects of recombinant protein and DNA vaccine based on Eimeria tenella surface antigen 16 and 22 in vivo. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:1861-1871. [PMID: 33689009 PMCID: PMC7943400 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07105-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis triggered by Eimeria tenella is accompanied by haemorrhagic caecum and high morbidity. Vaccines are preferable choices to replace chemical drugs against coccidiosis. Surface antigens of apicomplexan parasites can adhere to host cells during the infection process. Therefore, truncated fragments coding E. tenella surface antigen 16 (EtSAG16) and 22 (EtSAG22) were cloned into pET-28a prokaryotic vector to express recombinant protein 16 (rEtSAG16) and 22 (rEtSAG22), respectively. Likewise, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG16 and pEGFP-N1-EtSAG22 plasmids were constructed using pEGFP-N1 eukaryotic vector. Further, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4-16-22 multiple gene plasmid carrying EtSAG4, 16 and 22 were designed as cocktail vaccines to study integral immunoprotective effects. Western blot and RT-PCR (reverse transcription) assay were performed to verify expressions of EtSAG16 and 22 genes. Immunoprotective effects of recombinant protein or DNA vaccine were evaluated using different doses (50 or 100 μg) in vivo. All chickens in the vaccination group showed higher cytokine concentration (IFN-γ and IL-17), raised IgY antibody level, increased weight gain, lower caecum lesion score and reduced oocyst shedding compared with infection control groups (p < 0.05). The highest anticoccidial index (ACI) value 173.11 was from the pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4-16-22 plasmid (50 μg) group. In conclusion, EtSAG16 and 22 might be alternative candidate genes for generating vaccines against E. tenella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Chaofei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Jun Ding
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Jingshan, 431800 Hubei China
| | - Chengfeng Zhao
- Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Anlu, 432600 Hubei China
| | - Yingjun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Yanli Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Yanqin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070 Hubei China
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In vivo immunoprotective comparison between recombinant protein and DNA vaccine of Eimeria tenella surface antigen 4. Vet Parasitol 2020; 278:109032. [PMID: 31981858 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella, belonging to protozoon, is the causative agent of cecal coccidiosis in chicken and causes enormous impacts for poultry industry. The surface antigens of apicomplexan parasites function as attachment and invasion in host-parasite interaction. Meanwhile, host immune response is triggered as a result of parasitic invasion. Immunogenicity and potency as a vaccinal candidate antigen of E. tenella surface antigen 4 (EtSAG4) have been unknown. Therefore, a gene segment of E. tenella EtSAG4 was amplified and transplanted to pET28a prokaryotic vector for recombinant protein expression. Similarly, pEGFP-N1 eukaryotic vectors with EtSAG4 gene segment (pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4) amplified in 293 T cells as DNA vaccines. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and western blot analysis were used to demonstrate successful expressions of EtSAG4 in Escherichia coli or 293 T cells. Subsequently, animal experiments (72 cobb broilers) were performed to evaluate immunoprotective between recombinant protein and DNA vaccine of E. tenella EtSAG4 using different immunizing doses (50 or 100 μg), respectively. Serum from chickens infected with E. tenella identified recombinant EtSAG4 (rEtSAG4) protein. Chickens vaccinated with either rEtSAG4 protein or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids both shown a significant increase in concentration of IFN-γ (p < 0.05) compared with control groups indicating production of cell-mediated immunity. Besides, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids motivated more intense immune responses for immunoglobulin Y (IgY) and interleukin 17 (IL-17) (p < 0.05) contrast to control groups. However, there was no increase in concentration of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) for both rEtSAG4 protein and pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids. Chickens vaccinated with rEtSAG4 protein or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids both show higher weight, lower oocyst output and mean lesion scores compared with infection control groups. The highest anticoccidial index (ACI) value of immunized groups was 168.24 from EGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids (100 μg) group. Generally, EGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids as DNA vaccines provided a more effective immunoprotective for chickens against E. tenalla than that of rEtSAG4 protein as subunit vaccines. EtSAG4 is a promising candidate antigen gene for development of coccidiosis vaccine.
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Huang X, Liu J, Tian D, Li W, Zhou Z, Huang J, Song X, Xu L, Yan R, Li X. The molecular characterization and protective efficacy of microneme 3 of Eimeria mitis in chickens. Vet Parasitol 2018; 258:114-123. [PMID: 30105971 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
E. mitis is ubiquitous in clinical coccidiosis caused by mixed infection of Eimeria species and the infection by E. mitis usually significantly impairs productivity of the infected chickens. To date, however, few protective antigens from E. mitis have been reported. In this study, the molecular characterization and protective efficacy of microneme 3 of Eimeria mitis (EmiMIC3) were analyzed. EmiMIC3 gene was cloned from sporozoites of E. mitis and its MARs (microneme adhesive repeats domain) were predicted. Recombinant EmiMIC3 (rEmiMIC3) was expressed in E. coli and purified and then was analyzed by western blot with anti-E. mitis chicken serum. Meanwhile, native EmiMIC3 from sporozoites was analyzed by anti-rEmiMIC3 rat serum. The expressions of EmiMIC3 in E. mitis sporozoites and merozoites were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The rEmiMIC3-induced changes of T lymphocytes subpopulation, serum cytokines and IgY levels and the protective efficacy of rEmiMIC3 were determined in animal experiments. The results showed that the deduced open reading frame (ORF) of EmiMIC3 was composed of 1145 amino acids, possessing 9 MARs. EmiMIC3 gene was submitted to GenBank (accession number: MG888670). EmiMIC3 could express in sporozoites and merozoites respectively and located at the apex of E. mitis sporozoite. Western blot assay revealed that the rEmiMIC3 could be recognized by serum of chicken infected by E. mitis and the native EmiMIC3 from sporozoites could also be recognized by rat serum against rEmiMIC3. Following vaccination with rEmiMIC3, higher levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, TGF-βand IL-17, higher proportions of CD4+/CD3+ and CD8+/CD3 + T lymphocytes and higher level of IgY antibody were induced compared to the controls. Vaccination with rEmiMIC3 prominently increased the weight gains and decreased oocyst output of the vaccinated chickens after challenge infection. Our result not only enriches protective candidate antigen of E. mitis, but also provides available protective antigen of E. mitis for the development of multivalent vaccines against infection caused by mixture of Eimeria species in clinical coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Huang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanjing 210014, PR China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Di Tian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Wenyu Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zhouyang Zhou
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Jianmei Huang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Lixin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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Liu T, Huang J, Li Y, Ehsan M, Wang S, Zhou Z, Song X, Yan R, Xu L, Li X. Molecular characterisation and the protective immunity evaluation of Eimeria maxima surface antigen gene. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:325. [PMID: 29848353 PMCID: PMC5977735 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2906-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coccidiosis is recognised as a major parasitic disease in chickens. Eimeria maxima is considered as a highly immunoprotective species within the Eimeria spp. family that infects chickens. In the present research, the surface antigen gene of E. maxima (EmSAG) was cloned, and the ability of EmSAG to stimulate protection against E. maxima was evaluated. METHODS Prokaryotic and eukaryotic plasmids expressing EmSAG were constructed. The EmSAG transcription and expression in vivo was performed based on the RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. The expression of EmSAG in sporozoites and merozoites was detected through immunofluorescence analyses. The immune protection was assessed based on challenge experiments. Flow cytometry assays were used to determine the T cell subpopulations. The serum antibody and cytokine levels were evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS The open reading frame (ORF) of EmSAG gene contained 645 bp encoding 214 amino acid residues. The immunoblot and RT-PCR analyses indicated that the EmSAG gene were transcribed and expressed in vivo. The EmSAG proteins were expressed in sporozoite and merozoite stages of E. maxima by the immunofluorescence assay. Challenge experiments showed that both pVAX1-SAG and the recombinant EmSAG (rEmSAG) proteins were successful in alleviating jejunal lesions, decreasing loss of body weight and the oocyst ratio. Additionally, these experiments possessed anticoccidial indices (ACI) of more than 170. Higher percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected in both EmSAG-inoculated birds than those of the negative control groups (P < 0.05). The EmSAG-specific antibody concentrations of both the rEmSAG and pVAX1-EmSAG groups were much higher than those of the negative controls (P < 0.05). Higher concentrations of IL-4, IFN-γ, TGF-β1 and IL-17 were observed more in both the rEmSAG protein and pVAX1-SAG inoculated groups than those of negative controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that EmSAG is capable of eliciting a moderate immune protection and could be used as an effective vaccine candidate against E. maxima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingqi Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Ehsan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuai Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhouyang Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agriculture University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, People's Republic of China.
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Wang XQ, Wu LL, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Weng YB, Lin RQ. Evaluation of the protective effect of pVAX-EtMIC3-recombined plasmid against E. tenella in chicken. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1023-1028. [PMID: 28124135 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5383-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria has a severe economic impact on commercial production worldwide. Micronemes of Eimeria play important roles in invading intestinal cell processes. In this study, the DNA vaccine expressing Eimeria tenella microneme protein 3 (EtMIC3) was constructed to evaluate its immune protective effect against E. tenella infection in chickens. The results demonstrated that chickens immunized with pVAX-EtMIC3 produced strong immune responses in the body, as shown by significant lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine production, and antibody responses. The average body weight gains of chickens in all the vaccinated groups were higher than those of non-vaccinated and challenged groups. In general, oocyst shedding was reduced, and bloody feces and gut lesion scores decreased. In addition, the survival rate of the immunized chickens increased compared to that of the unvaccinated and challenged control chickens. In summary, this study indicated that pVAX-EtMIC3 could induce protective immune effects against coccidiosis and that EtMIC3 is a potential vaccine candidate against coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Qiu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China
- Foshan Standard Bio-Tech Co. Ltd., Foshan, 528138, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Lin Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Biao Weng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Qing Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, People's Republic of China.
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