Identification of a novel antigen from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis that protects sheep against caseous lymphadenitis.
A 40-kDa protein antigen from Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis has been identified by application of a strategy that employs locally derived antibody-secreting cells (ASC). ASC probes generated by culture of ASC obtained from the lymph node draining the site of infection showed a specificity restricted to a 40-kDa antigen. Analysis of immunoblots with sequential serum samples taken from sheep during the course of experimental primary infection with C. pseudotuberculosis also revealed the 40-kDa antigen as an early immunodominant antigen. Sheep vaccinated with two 100-micrograms doses of a 40-kDa antigen preparation in aluminium hydroxide adjuvant were protected against infection with C. pseudotuberculosis, with an 82% reduction in the proportion of infected sheep and a 98% reduction in lung lesions. Sera from vaccinated sheep exhibited a strong response only to the 40-kDa antigen on immunoblots. These results strongly suggest that the 40-kDa antigen plays a major role in immunity to caseous lymphadenitis.
Walker
J
J
Centre for Animal Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Jackson
H J
HJ
Eggleton
D G
DG
Meeusen
E N
EN
Wilson
M J
MJ
Brandon
M R
MR
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D003354:Corynebacterium Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016925:Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis / Q000276:immunology*; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000276:immunology*; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014611:Vaccination
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; C091199:corynebacterial protease 40