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The Molecular Characterization and Immunity Identification of Rhoptry Protein 22 of Toxoplasma gondii as a DNA Vaccine Candidate Against Toxoplasmosis
Author(s) -
Zhang Zhenchao,
Li Yuhua,
Xie Qing,
Li Pengju,
Nan Xiaoxu,
Kong Lingmin,
Zeng Dapeng,
Ding Zhifang,
Wang Shuai
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of eukaryotic microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.067
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1550-7408
pISSN - 1066-5234
DOI - 10.1111/jeu.12639
Subject(s) - biology , toxoplasma gondii , rhoptry , dna vaccination , toxoplasmosis , vaccination , immune system , immunization , immunology , immunity , virology , antibody , apicomplexa , plasmodium falciparum , malaria
Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ) rhoptry proteins (Tg ROP s) have been considered main targets and indicator molecules for immune diagnosis and prophylaxis since they initially present during the process of invasion. In this study, the effect of intramuscularly injecting the genetic vaccine pVAX ‐ ROP 22 was evaluated, made by inserting the Tg ROP 22 sequence into the eukaryotic expression vector of pVAX I, into BALB /c mice. The levels of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in pVAX ‐ ROP 22 vaccinated animals were integrally increased. It was uncovered by cytokine profile analyses that the levels of IFN ‐γ and IL ‐2 were significantly increased, while no significant changes were detected in IL ‐4 and IL ‐10 levels. In addition, we found that immunization with pVAX ‐ ROP 22 significantly prolonged the survival time (13.80 ± 1.75 d) of mice after challenge infection with the virulent T. gondii RH strain, in comparison with those of control animals (died within 10 d). Moreover, the number of brain cysts (1,406 ± 277) in the animals subjected to pVAX ‐Tg ROP 22 vaccination decreased remarkably ( P < 0.05) compared with the blank control mice (2,333 ± 473), and the size of brain cysts in pVAX ‐Tg ROP 22 group was significantly smaller than the groups of blank, PBS and pVAXI . These results suggested that Tg ROP 22 as DNA vaccine could trigger strong humoral and cellular responses and induce partial protection against toxoplasmosis.