DNA vaccine pCD-Sj32 and its efficacy of protective immunity against infection of Schistosoma japonicum.

OBJECTIVE

To study protective immunity afforded by murine immunization with DNA vaccine of Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) as measured by reduction in worm burden and host antibody, cytokines.

METHODS

DNA vaccine pCD-Sj32 was constructed, identified and expressed. pCD-Sj32 could induce substantial protective immunity against infection of S. japonicum in BALB/c mice. The best efficacy can be produced with one injection of 100 micrograms DNA into the quadriceps muscle, combined with challenge for 8 weeks after immunization. T lymphocyte subsets of CD8+, IL-2. TNF and IFN-gamma of experimental animal could play important roles in regulating immune functions of schistosomiasis.

RESULTS

High titre of specific antibody IgG could be induced by vaccinated with pCD-Sj32, and antibody can mediate macrophage to produce ADCC effects in vitro.

CONCLUSION

pCD-Sj32 may represent a new approach to developing subunit vaccine.