Immunological properties and potential vaccine of a recombinant peptide derived from the Streptococcus mutans P1 protein produced in Bacillus

• Grant number: 10/51280-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2011
• End date: February 28, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Rita de Cássia Café Ferreira
• Grantee: Rita de Cássia Café Ferreira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims the generation of a recombinant Bacillus subtilis strain expressing the recombinant P139-512protein derived from the Streptococcus mutans associated with adhesion to the tooth surface, the PI protein. With the recombinant protein we will determine its immunological properties and its vaccine potential in formulations prepared with different adjuvants. The effectiveness of the expression system and vaccine formulations will be determined by: (i) expression and purification of recombinant protein; (ii) preservation of the antigenic and immunogenic determinants; (iii) production of systemic (IgG) responses; (iv) and characterization of cellular immune responses elicited in mice following the subcutaneous administration of the protein; (v) characterization of the major mechanisms involved in the elimination of the pathogen; and (vi) blockage of the bacterial aggregation and adhesion to abiotic surfaces. This unprecedented study will contribute to the use recombinant B. subtilis strains as potential tools for the expression of S. mutans antigens as well as for the characterization of a new vaccine formulations antigen that may prevent or control tooth decay. (AU)