title: DNA vaccination with a gene encoding Toxoplasma gondii Deoxyribose Phosphate Aldolase (TgDPA) induces partial protective immunity against lethal challenge in mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes a pathological status known as toxoplasmosis, which has a huge impact on human and animal health. Currently, the main control strategy depends on the usage of drugs that target the acute stage of the infection, however, drawbacks were encountered while applying this method; therefore, development of an alternative effective method would be important progress. Deoxyribose Phosphate Aldolase (TgDPA) plays an important role supporting cell invasion and providing energy for the parasite.
  
  
  METHODS
  TgDPA was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified recombinant protein was used to immunize rats. The antibodies obtained were used to verify in vitro expression of TgDPA. The vector pVAX1 was utilized to formulate a DNA vaccine designated as pTgDPA, which was used to evaluate the immunological changes and the level of protection against challenge with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DNA vaccine, TgDPA revealed that it can induce a strong humoral as well as cellular mediated response in mice. These responses were a contribution of TH1, TH2 and TH17 type of responses. Following challenge, mice immunized with TgDPA showed longer survival rates than did those in control groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further investigation regarding TgDPA is required to shed more light on its immunogenicity and its possible selection as a vaccine candidate.
authors.forename: Ibrahim A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Hassan
authors.forename: Shuai
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: LiXin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: RuoFeng
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: XiaoKai
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China. lixiangrui@njau.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Xiangrui
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000446:Aldehyde-Lyases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D051379:Mice; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines / Q000276:immunology*; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000201:enzymology*; D014124:Toxoplasmosis, Animal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D016207:Cytokines; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D000446:Aldehyde-Lyases