[Immunization of mice with plasmid DNA against malaria and regulation of antigen expression by tetracycline-controlled promoter]

Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2000 Jan;16(1):13-6.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Sequence of MSP1-31 of Plasmodium falciparum was constructed into eukaryotic expression vector pTRE, which could be repressed by tetracycline (Tc) and resulted in recombinant plasmid pTRE-31. The plasmid was injected into the quadriceps muscle of BALB/c mice with Tc responsive plasmid pTet-off to measure specific antibodies. The MSP1-31 prokaryotic expressed protein was used as antigen in ELISA. Results showed that mice orally administered by Tc had a seroconversion rate of 7.1% (1/14) 4 weeks after injection, whereas the control mice had a seroconversion rate of 100% and the titers of antibody were raised continusly within 12 weeks. The study suggested that the recombinant plasmids pTRE-31/pTet-off could efficiently induce humoral response against MSP1-31 of malaria. Moreover this immune response was controlled by Tc and was reversible after withdrawal of Tc dilivery. The induction of antibody by removing Tc at the fourth week after injection indicated that DNA vaccine could remain in mice and capable of expressing antigen for at least 4 weeks.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Antigens, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Immunization
  • Malaria Vaccines / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic*
  • Tetracycline / pharmacology*
  • Vaccines, DNA / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Malaria Vaccines
  • Vaccines, DNA
  • Tetracycline