Open AccessRecombinant expression and antigenic properties of a 31.5‐kDa keratinolytic subtilisin‐like serine protease from Microsporum canis
Author(s) -
Descamps Frédéric,
Brouta Frédéric,
Vermout Sandy,
Monod Michel,
Losson Bertrand,
Mig Bernard
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/s0928-8244(03)00101-9
Subject(s) - biology , microbiology and biotechnology , serine protease , recombinant dna , subtilisin , keratinase , protease , microsporum canis , immunogenicity , virulence factor , pichia pastoris , immune system , virology , virulence , immunology , enzyme , biochemistry , antifungal , gene
A secreted 31.5‐kDa keratinolytic subtilase (SUB3; AJ431180) is thought to be a Microsporum canis virulence factor and represents a candidate for vaccination trials. In this study, the recombinant keratinase (r‐SUB3) was produced by the Pichia pastoris expression system and purified to homogeneity. Recombinant SUB3 displayed identical biochemical properties with the native protease. Experimentally cutaneously infected guinea pigs showed specific lymphoproliferative response towards r‐SUB3, while no specific humoral immune response was induced except for one animal. The heterologous expression of SUB3 provides a valuable tool for addressing further investigations on the role of this keratinase in the specific cellular immune response and on its use in vaccination trials in the cat.