Open AccessMycobacterial codon optimization of the gene encoding the Sm14 antigen of Schistosoma mansoni in recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette‐Guérin enhances protein expression but not protection against cercarial challenge in mice
Author(s) -
Varaldo Paula B.,
Miyaji Eliane N.,
Vilar Monica M.,
Campos Adriano S.,
Dias Waldely O.,
Armôa Geraldo R. G.,
Tendler Miriam,
Leite Luciana C. C.,
McIntosh Douglas
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2006.00133.x
Subject(s) - biology , recombinant dna , mycobacterium bovis , antigen , gene , expression vector , schistosoma mansoni , microbiology and biotechnology , escherichia coli , virology , immunology , genetics , mycobacterium tuberculosis , schistosomiasis , tuberculosis , medicine , pathology , helminths
A mycobacterial codon‐optimized gene encoding the Sm14 antigen of Schistosoma mansoni was generated using oligonucleotide assembly. This synthetic gene enhanced approximately fourfold the protein expression level in recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (rBCG) when compared to that obtained using the native gene in the same expression vector. Immunization of mice with rBCG expressing Sm14 via the synthetic gene induced specific cellular Th1‐predominant immune responses, as determined by interferon‐γ production of Sm14‐stimulated splenocytes, which were comparable to those recorded in animals immunized with an rBCG strain expressing the native gene. Administration of a single dose of the rBCG‐Sm14 construct carrying the synthetic gene conferred protection against cercarial challenge in outbred Swiss mice, at a level equivalent to those provided by either a single dose of rBCG expressing the native gene or three doses of Escherichia coli ‐derived recombinant Sm14. Our data demonstrated that despite improving the level of antigen expression, the codon optimization strategy did not result in enhanced immunity or protection against cercarial S. mansoni challenge.