Characterisation of the gene encoding a candidate vaccine antigen of Theileria parva sporozoites

Mol Biochem Parasitol. 1992 Mar;51(1):17-27. doi: 10.1016/0166-6851(92)90196-q.

Abstract

We have cloned and characterised the gene encoding the 67-kilodalton stage-specific surface antigen, p67, of Theileria parva (Muguga) sporozoites. The gene which is present in a single copy, is divided into 2 exons by an intron 29 bp long and is transcribed into mRNA of about 2500 nucleotides. The gene is present in all stocks of T. parva and there is a related gene in Theileria annulata. The deduced amino acid sequence of 709 residues predicts that p67 is a membrane protein and that it lacks tandemly repeated sequences. Recombinant p67 has been expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with Sj-26, a glutathione-S-transferase of Schistosoma japonicum. Antibodies to purified recombinant proteins containing residues 9-316 or 397-709 of p67 bind to p67 in immunoblots and neutralise sporozoite infectivity in vitro. Recombinant p67 is, therefore, a candidate antigen for development of an anti-sporozoite vaccine for East Coast fever in cattle.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology
  • Base Sequence
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Protozoan / chemistry
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Protozoan Proteins / immunology
  • Protozoan Vaccines / immunology*
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Theileria parva / genetics*
  • Theileria parva / immunology
  • Vaccines, Synthetic / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Protozoan Vaccines
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Vaccines, Synthetic
  • p67 antigen, Theileria

Associated data

  • GENBANK/M67476