Genetic diversity of Bm86 sequences in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks from Mexico: analysis of haplotype distribution patterns

Genetic diversity and haplotype distribution patterns analysis of cytb and RAG2 sequences in Rana hanluica from southern China

Rana hanluica: an endemic amphibian of China, is found in the hills and mountains south of the Yangtze River. In this comprehensive study, we collected 162 samples from 14 different localities to delve into the genetic diversity of Rana hanluica using mitochondrial Cytb and nuclear RAG2 as genetic markers. Our findings reveal that the Nanling Mountains, specifically regions like Jiuyi Shan, Jinggang Shan, Mang Shan, and Qiyun Shan, are genetic hotspots harboring remarkable diversity. The research results also indicate that there is gene flow among the various populations of the species, and no distinct population structure has formed, which may be due to migration. Moreover, populations in some regions, as well as the overall population, show signs of a possible genetic bottleneck, which we speculate may have been caused by climate change. However, given the exploratory nature of our study, further investigations are warranted to confirm these observations. Through phylogenetic analyses, we uncovered indications that R. hanluica might have originated within the Nanling region, dispersing along the east-west mountain ranges, with a significant contribution originating from Jiuyi Shan. The genetic distributions uncovered through our research reflect historical migratory patterns, evident in the distinct haplotypes of the RAG2 gene between the western and eastern parts of the studied area. Moreover, Heng Shan and Yangming Shan exhibited unique genetic signatures, possibly influenced by geographic isolation, which has shaped their distinct genotypes. The insights gained from this study hold profound implications for conservation efforts. By identifying regions rich in genetic diversity and crucial gene flow corridors, we can develop more effective conservation strategies. Preserving these genetically diverse areas, especially within the Nanling Mountains, is vital for maintaining the evolutionary potential of R. hanluica. In conclusion, our research has laid a solid foundation for understanding the genetic landscape of R. hanluica, shedding light on its origins, population structures, and evolutionary trajectories. This knowledge will undoubtedly guide future research endeavors and inform conservation strategies for this endemic amphibian.

Testing Efficacy of a Conserved Polypeptide from the Bm86 Protein against Rhipicephalus microplus in the Mexican Tropics

Rhipicephalus microplus economically impacts cattle production in tropical and subtropical countries. Application of acaricides constitutes the major control method; however, inadequate use has increased resistant tick populations, resulting in environmental and cattle product contamination. Anti-tick vaccines based on the Bm86 antigen are an environmentally friendly, safe, and economically sustainable alternative for controlling R. microplus infestations. Nevertheless, variable efficacy has been experienced against different geographic tick strains. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy of a conserved polypeptide Bm86 derived from a Mexican R. microplus strain previously characterized. Twelve cows were assigned to three experimental groups and immunized with three doses of the polypeptide Bm86 (pBm86), adjuvant/saline alone, and Bm86 antigen (control +), respectively. Specific IgG antibody levels were measured by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. In addition, the reproductive performance of naturally infested R. microplus was also determined. The more affected parameter was the adult female tick number, with a reduction of 44% by the pBm86 compared to the controls (p < 0.05), showing a vaccine efficacy of 58%. Anti-pBm86 IgG antibodies were immunogenic and capable of recognizing the native Bm86 protein in the eggs, larvae, and guts of R. microplus. The negative correlation between antibody levels and the reduction of naturally tick-infested cattle suggested that the effect of the polypeptide Bm86 was attributed to the antibody response in immunized cattle. In conclusion, the polypeptide Bm86 showed a specific immune response in cattle and conferred protection against R. microplus in a Mexican tropical region. These findings support further experiments with this antigen to demonstrate its effectiveness as a regional vaccine.

Low Genetic Polymorphism in the Immunogenic Sequences of Rhipicephalus microplus Clade C

Rhipicephalus microplus tick highly affects the veterinary sector throughout the world. Different tick control methods have been adopted, and the identification of tick-derived highly immunogenic sequences for the development of an anti-tick vaccine has emerged as a successful alternate. This study aimed to characterize immunogenic sequences from R. microplus ticks prevalent in Pakistan. Ticks collected in the field were morphologically identified and subjected to DNA and RNA extraction. Ticks were molecularly identified based on the partial mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit (cox) sequence and screened for piroplasms (Theileria/Babesia spp.), Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp. PCR-based pathogens-free R. microplus-derived cDNA was used for the amplification of full-length cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin 2b), cathepsin L-like cysteine proteinase (cathepsin-L), glutathione S-transferase (GST), ferritin 1, 60S acidic ribosomal protein (P0), aquaporin 2, ATAQ, and R. microplus 05 antigen (Rm05Uy) coding sequences. The cox sequence revealed 100% identity with the nucleotide sequences of Pakistan's formerly reported R. microplus, and full-length immunogenic sequences revealed maximum identities to the most similar sequences reported from India, China, Cuba, USA, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, Israel, and Uruguay. Low nonsynonymous polymorphisms were observed in ATAQ (1.5%), cathepsin-L (0.6%), and aquaporin 2 (0.4%) sequences compared to the homologous sequences from Mexico, India, and the USA, respectively. Based on the cox sequence, R. microplus was phylogenetically assembled in clade C, which includes R. microplus from Pakistan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. In the phylogenetic trees, the cystatin 2b, cathepsin-L, ferritin 1, and aquaporin 2 sequences were clustered with the most similar available sequences of R. microplus, P0 with R. microplus, R. sanguineus and R. haemaphysaloides, and GST, ATAQ, and Rm05Uy with R. microplus and R. annulatus. This is the first report on the molecular characterization of clade C R. microplus-derived immunogenic sequences.

Experimental vaccination in rabbits using the peptide RmS-17 antigen reduces the performance of a Mexican Rhipicephalus microplus tick strain

The tick vector Rhipicephalus microplus is considered one of the main problems in cattle production in tropical and subtropical regions. Anti-tick vaccines may form an alternative tick control method to the use of acaricides, and tick salivary proteins, such as Serpins, may be valuable as target antigens for developing anti-tick vaccines. In this study, we synthesized a recombinant peptide derived from Serpin RmS-17 protein using an Escherichia coli expression system and characterized the efficacy of the peptide RmS-17 for the control of R. microplus females infesting rabbits. Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to three experimental groups and vaccinated with three subcutaneous doses of the peptide RmS-17, recombinant R. microplus Bm86 antigen, and adjuvant/saline alone. The tick challenge was conducted with 120 R. microplus adults (60 females and 60 males) per animal, with the ticks placed inside a cotton sleeve glued to the back of the rabbit. Serum antibody levels (IgG) were assessed by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot; also, the reproductive performance of R. microplus was determined. The results showed that experimental vaccination in rabbits using the peptide RmS-17 antigen had a vaccine efficacy of 79% based on reductions in adult tick number, oviposition, and egg fertility compared to control animals. The peptide RmS-17 vaccinated rabbits developed a strong humoral immune response expressed by high anti-pRmS-17 IgG levels, and the Western blot analysis confirmed that it is immunogenic. The efficacy for the Bm86 vaccine was 62%, which is within the range of efficacy reported previously for Bm86 vaccine. The negative correlation between antibody levels and reduction in tick number strongly suggests that the effect of the vaccine was the result of the antibody response in vaccinated rabbits. In conclusion, this is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of the peptide RmS-17 against R. microplus tick infestation and show it to be immunogenic and protective in a rabbit model.

Immunization of guinea pigs with cement extract induces resistance against Ixodes scapularis ticks

As hematophagous parasites, many tick species are important vectors of medical and veterinary disease agents. Proteins found in tick saliva and midgut have been used with some success in immunizations of animal hosts against feeding ticks, and whole saliva has been used effectively in this capacity against Ixodes scapularis, the primary vector of tickborne pathogens in the United States. Tick saliva is a complex substance containing hundreds of proteins, and the identification of specific protective antigens is ongoing. We performed a series of experiments immunizing guinea pigs with extracts prepared from midgut or attachment cement collected from adult female I. scapularis followed by challenge with nymphs of the same species. Midgut extract did not induce protective immunity, while immunization with cement extract resulted in partial protection of hosts as evidenced by premature tick detachment and 34-41% reduction in tick engorgement weights. Proteomic characterization of I. scapularis cement was performed, demonstrating that the cement extract was compositionally different from tick saliva, and vitellogenin-like lipoproteins were the most abundant proteins in cement extract (>40%). Cement was also heavily enriched with lysozymes and defensins, including those originating from both the mammalian host as well as ticks. These results demonstrate that I. scapularis cement contains immunogenic components capable of stimulating host resistance against tick feeding. Because the cement is present at the tick-host interface for an extended period of time during the feeding process, these antigens present auspicious candidates for further evaluation and potential inclusion in an anti-tick vaccine.

Protective efficacy of the peptide Subolesin antigen against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus under natural infestation

The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus affect animal health, welfare, and cattle production in tropical and subtropical zones of the world. Anti-tick vaccines have been an effective alternative for cattle tick control instead of traditional chemical products. To date, Subolesin antigen has shown efficacy for the control of tick infestation in cattle, and previous studies showed that one peptide derived from this protein has demonstrated to elicit a strong and specific humoral immune response. Based on these findings, herein we characterized the efficacy of the peptide Subolesin for the control of cattle tick, R. microplus infestation under field conditions. Twenty-four female calves were assigned to four experimental groups and immunized with three subcutaneous doses of the peptide Subolesin, Bm86, both antigens (dual vaccine) and adjuvant/saline alone, respectively. Serum antibody levels (IgG) were assessed by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot; also, reproductive performance of naturally infested R. microplus was determined. The results showed that immunizations with the experimental antigens reduced tick infestations with vaccine's efficacy of 67 % (peptide Subolesin), 56 % (Bm86), and 49 % (dual vaccine) based on adult tick numbers, oviposition, and egg fertility between vaccinated and control animals. Peptide Subolesin-immunized calves developed a strong humoral immune response expressed by high anti-pSubolesin IgG levels, and the Western blot analysis confirmed that it is immunogenic. Cattle receiving Bm86 and dual vaccine showed less protection, although Bm86 was within the range reported previously. The negative correlation between antibody levels and reduction of naturally infested R. microplus strongly suggested that the effect of the vaccine was the result of the antibody response in immunized cattle. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the peptide Subolesin induced a specific immune response in cattle under field conditions, resulting in reduced R. microplus populations in subsequent generations. Finally, integrated tick control must consider anti-tick vaccines as a cost-effective, sustainable, and successful tool for controlling cattle tick infestations.

Bovine immunisation with a recombinant peptide derived from synthetic SBm7462® (Bm86 epitope construct) immunogen for Rhipicephalus microplus control

RHIPICEPHALUS MICROPLUS: is the most important ectoparasite of livestock in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. Research focused on developing an efficient vaccine for cattle tick control is a high priority. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rSBm7462® peptide (Bm86-B and T cell epitopes) regarding its properties of immunogenicity, protective effect in cattle and efficacy against R. microplus. This peptide was produced by a fermentative process in the yeast culture system of Komagataella (Pichia) pastoris strain Km 71. The vaccination assay was conducted in a tick-free area using non-splenectomised Holstein Friesian calves, separated into immunisation and control groups. These animals individually received the recombinant peptide and the inoculum without peptide using saponin as an adjuvant at three time points. The calves were challenged 21 days after the last immunisation using 4500 larvae per animal. An indirect ELISA was used to identify the IgG kinetics of serum samples from the calves studied. The qPCR was performed to determine the cytokine gene expression from the total RNA of the cultured PBMCs. Histomorphometry of the germinal centres (GCs) was performed measuring slides with haematoxylin-eosin staining of surgically removed lymph nodes from immunised calves. The antibody response showed a significant induction of high-affinity IgGs in calves immunised with the recombinant peptide in comparison to the controls. The kinetics of antibodies in immunised calves showed a significant increase during the experiment. This increase in high-affinity IgGs correlated with a gradual increase of the GC diameter following each peptide vaccination. Cytokine expression profiles demonstrating an adaptive immune response in calves immunised with rSBm7462® confirmed the T-dependent response. Vaccine efficacy was calculated at 72.4 % following the analysis and fecundity of collected adult female ticks, compared between control and vaccinated groups. These findings demonstrate that this new recombinant peptide is an option for control of R. microplus infestations.

Vaccine efficacy of recombinant BmVDAC on Rhipicephalus microplus fed on Babesia bigemina-infected and uninfected cattle

Rhipicephalus microplus is the most widely distributed tick worldwide and causes significant economic losses in the livestock industry. It directly affects hosts (especially in large infestations) by feeding on blood and piercing the skin and indirectly affects hosts as a vector of pathogens that cause infectious diseases, such as bovine babesiosis. Current research on the control of ticks is focused on integrated tick control programmes, including vaccination treatment with acaricides and completely blocking pathogen transmission. Our previous studies showed that R. microplus VDAC (BmVDAC) expression is modulated by Babesia bigemina infection. VDAC is a mitochondrial protein with multiple functions in addition to its primary role as a central component of the apoptotic machinery. In this paper, we evaluated BmVDAC as an anti-tick vaccine and its capacity to block the infection of Babesia bigemina in ticks. Our results demonstrate that rBmVDAC is immunogenic and that antibodies specifically recognize the native protein from midguts of R. microplus. Immunization with rBmVDAC afforded an 82% efficacy against R. microplus infestation in the group of vaccinated cattle compared with the control group. In contrast, rBmVDAC showed a lower efficacy of 34% against tick infestation in cattle vaccinated with rBmVDAC, infested with R. microplus and infected with B. bigemina. The main effect on ticks fed in vaccinated and infected cattle was a 34% reduction in egg fertility (DF) compared to ticks fed on the control group. There was no reduction in the B. bigemina parasite levels of ticks fed on rBmVDAC-vaccinated cattle. These results suggest that the rBmVDAC protein could be tested as a vaccine for the control of tick infestation.