Protection against Leptospira interrogans sensu lato challenge by DNA immunization with the gene encoding hemolysin-associated protein 1.
The use of DNA constructs encoding leptospiral proteins is a promising new approach for vaccination against leptospirosis. In previous work we determined that immunization with hemolysis-associated protein 1 (Hap1) (LipL32) expressed by adenovirus induced significant protection against a virulent Leptospira challenge in gerbils. To avoid the use of the adenovirus vector, we checked for clinical protection against lethal challenge by DNA vaccination. A DNA vaccine expressing Hap1 was designed to enhance the direct gene transfer of this protein into gerbils. A challenge was performed 3 weeks after the last immunization with a virulent strain of serovar canicola. Our results show that the cross-protective effect with pathogenic strains of Leptospira, shared by Hap1, could be mediated by the DNA plasmid vector. This finding should facilitate the design and development of a new generation of vaccines against bacteria, particularly Leptospira interrogans sensu lato.
Leptospira Medical and Molecular Bacteriology Unit, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Nantes, France.
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C
Branger
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B
Chatrenet
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A
Gauvrit
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Aviat
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Aubert
J M
JM
Bach
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André-Fontaine
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D005849:Gerbillinae; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D007114:Immunization; D007921:Leptospira interrogans / Q000276:immunology*; D010957:Plasmids; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; C439630:hemolysis-associated protein 1