Expression of a recombinant protein, A2 family, from Leishmania infantum (Jaboticabal strain) and its evaluation in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis serological test

Author(s)

Gomes Jusi, Marcia Mariza ; Ferreira de Sousa Oliveira, Tricia Maria ; Higa Nakaghi, Andrea Cristina ; Andre, Marcos Rogerio ; Machado, Rosangela Zacarias

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA; v. 24, n. 3, p. 8-pg., 2015-07-01.

Abstract

This study aimed to: express a recombinant A2 family protein of Leishmania chagasi, Jaboticabal strain; test this protein as an antigen in serological assays; and investigate its antigenicity and immunogenicity. A protein coded by an allele of the A2 gene isolated from L. chagasi was expressed in three different strains of Escherichia coli. We used 29 sera samples from Leishmune-vaccinated dogs, 482 sera samples from dogs from endemic areas (positive controls), and 170 sera samples from dogs from non-endemic areas (negative controls) in ELISA tests using soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) and His-A2 as antigen. Expressed proteins showed, by western blotting, the expression of an 11 KDa protein. Sixty-three percent (303/482) of the samples from endemic areas were positive by ELISA His-A2, whereas 93.1% (27/29) of Leishmune-vaccinated animals were negative by His-A2-ELISA. Anti-A2 antibodies from mice inoculated with the A2 protein were detected in slides containing amastigote forms, but not in slides containing promastigote forms. The A2 recombinant protein from L. chagasi may be a useful tool in the diagnosis of CVL, and further tests regarding the infection stage and the specie of parasite at which the dogs are sampled should provide a better understanding of our results. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/17594-5 - Immunization of BALB/c with A2 recombinant protein of Leishmania chagasi and study of the cellular and humoral immune response
• Grantee: Rosangela Zacarias Machado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/01961-9 - Immunization of BALB / c mice with A2 recombinant protein of Leishmania chagasi and study of cellular and humoral immune response
• Grantee: Márcia Mariza Gomes Jusi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate