Immunization with a Recombinant Protein of <i>Trichinella britovi</i> 14-3-3 Triggers an Immune Response but No Protection in Mice

• Main Authors: Anna Stachyra, Sylwia Grzelak, Katarzyna Basałaj, Anna Zawistowska-Deniziak, Justyna Bień-Kalinowska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-09-01
• Series: Vaccines
• Subjects: <i>Trichinella britovi</i>; 14-3-3 protein; immune response; cytokines; immunization
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/8/3/515

14-3-3 proteins are present in all eukaryotic organisms and are ubiquitously expressed in a broad range of tissues and cellular compartments. They are regulatory adapter proteins that play key roles in a variety of signaling pathways, and have been proposed as suitable targets for the control and detection of certain parasites. <i>Trichinella britovi</i> is a widely-distributed parasitic nematode, transmitted through ingestion of meat products containing invasive larvae. The present study describes the cloning and expression of Tb14-3-3, and investigates the immunological and protective potential of the recombinant protein. Immunization of mice with rTb14-3-3 triggered an IgG response, and significant differences, in the profiles of secreted cytokines observed in vitro, between experimental groups. Nonetheless, neither specific antibodies, nor increased secretion of IFNγ, IL-4, and IL-10 cytokines, conferred greater protection against infection. No reduction in larval burden was observed during recovery at 48 dpi. Additionally, rTb14-3-3 was not recognized by sera from the infected control mice, except for one, suggesting some mismatch between native and recombinant Tb14-3-3 antigenic sites. Therefore, before 14-3-3 can be considered a potential tool for <i>Trichinella</i> detection and vaccination, more research regarding its target proteins, and actual specific function, is needed.