Schistosoma japonicum: the design and experimental evaluation of a multivalent DNA vaccine

Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2006;11(4):449-60. doi: 10.2478/s11658-006-0036-0.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to construct and evaluate the immunity efficacy of the DNA multivalent vaccine pVIVO(2)SjFABP-23. The vaccine was constructed and produced as follows. Forty BALB/c mice were divided into four groups designated pVIVO(2), pVIVO(2)Sj23, pVIVO(2)SjFABP and pVIVO(2)SjFABP-23. Each mouse was immunized with 100 mug of the corresponding plasmid DNA by intramuscular injection. 28 days post-vaccination, the mice were challenged with S. japonicum cercariae, and the worm and egg burdens were determined 42 days post-challenge. Serum samples were collected from all the mice before and after vaccination and at the end of the experiment, and used for antibody detection. The IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels were quantified in the supernatants of specifically stimulated spleen cells. The number of worms was reduced by 52%, 40% and 42% in mice respectively immunized with pVIVO(2)SjFABP-23, pVIVO(2)Sj23 or pVIVO(2)SjFABP. A respective 61%, 38% and 39% egg reduction was determined relative to those mice that only received the empty pVIVO2 plasmid. pVIVO(2)SjFABP-23 immunization increased IgG levels against SWAP and SEA. Increased IFN-gamma levels were detected in the supernatant of specific stimulated spleen cells from mice immunized with the 3 different constructs. The multivalent DNA vaccine developed induced higher levels of protection than the two monovalent tested vaccines.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drug Design*
  • Female
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Random Allocation
  • Schistosoma japonicum / immunology*
  • Schistosomiasis japonica / immunology
  • Schistosomiasis japonica / prevention & control*
  • Vaccines, DNA / administration & dosage
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology*

Substances

  • Vaccines, DNA