[Cloning and sequencing of cathepsin L1 (FheCL1) gene cDNA of Fasciola hepatica].

OBJECTIVE

To search for a candidate DNA vaccine of Fasciola hepatica.

METHODS

Using RT-PCR and digestion with Hind III and BamHI, Fasciola hepatica secreted cathepsin L1 (FheCL1) cDNA was cloned into the expression vector pcDNA3.1.

RESULTS

The cloning was successful, the cDNA sequence and its deduced amino acid sequence were analyzed. There was much difference between the cloned FheCL1 and the published one. But the first 20 residues of their amino acid sequences were the same.

CONCLUSION

The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-FheCL1 may be a new type of candidate DNA vaccine candidate for Fasciola hepatica. It is possible that Fasciola hepatica presents different sub-species but their amino acid residues (1 to 20) encoded by FheCL1 might build up membrane spanning helix.