[Expression and characterization of 21.7 kDa membrane protein of Schistosoma japonicum].
OBJECTIVE
To express, purify and characterize the 21.7 kDa membrane protein of Chinese strain S. japonicum (SjC21.7).


METHODS
The gene of SjC21.7 was subcloned into the expression vector pGEX-4T-3 to form recombinant plasmid. The recombinant plasmids were transformed into E. coli BL21 and the GST-SjC21.7 fusion protein was expressed by IPTG induction. The recombinant SjC21.7 molecule was prepared by affinity chromatography and digested by thrombin. The Kunming strain mice were immunized with the recombinant SjC21.7 molecule to produce anti-SjC21.7 antibody. The purified SjC21.7 was recognized by the immunized mouse serum and the sera of rabbits infected by S. japonicum.


RESULTS
The SjC21.7 gene was subcloned into expression vector pGEX-4T-3, then transformed into E. coli BL21 to express the GST-SjC21.7 fusion protein. The recombinant SjC21.7 molecule obtained from the fusion protein could stimulate the mice to produce a high titer of specific antibody and could be recognized by sera of both the immunized and infected rabbits. The sera of immunized mice could also recognize the 21.7 kDa protein molecule of the adult worm antigen (AWA).


CONCLUSIONS
The recombinant and purified SjC21.7 was prepared and showed similar immunological characteristics to the natural SjC21.7 molecule, providing a basis for further investigation of the immunological protection of the recombinant SjC21.7.
Liu
Jian-fa
JF
Department of Pathology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo 315211.
D000818:Animals; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D015801:Helminth Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D011817:Rabbits; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D012549:Schistosoma japonicum / Q000276:immunology*
D015801:Helminth Proteins; D007106:Immune Sera; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D005982:Glutathione Transferase