Anti-Paraflagellar Rodc Antibodies Inhibit the In-Vitro Growth of Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei

Authors

  • Ambrose Mukisa Department of biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
  • Claire Aguttu Department of biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
  • George W. Lubega Department of Molecular Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
  • Joseph Kyambadde Department of biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
  • Vincent Pius Alibu Department of biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
  • Peter C. Vuzi Department of biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

Keywords:

Anti-Paraflagellar rod c, antibodies, in-vitro growth, Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei.

Abstract

Paraflagellar rod (PFR), a conserved structure expressed in all lifecycle stages of the order kinetoplasida except in the amastigotes is vital for the parasites survival. In T.b.brucei, the PFR protein has two major components, PFRc and PFRa with molecular mass 73kDa and 68kDa respectively. Experimental evidences implicate the PFR protein as a highly immunogenic and protective antigen. However, its immunogenic properties underlying its suitability as vaccine candidate has not been adequately investigated in-vitro. This study aimed to demonstrate the growth inhibitory potential of PFR protein against T.b.brucei parasites in–vitro. Antibodies against a recombinant form of the PFRc protein were produced and used to generate immune response. A deoxyribonucleotide (DNA) segment of approximate 672bp encoding the PFRc protein component was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned and expressed in E.coli (BL21) cells. A 200 µg portion of the purified PFRc protein mixed with 100µl Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) was used to immunize rabbits. An antibody titre of 2.5 x 104 reciprocal dilutions was obtained following three immunisation boosts, spaced two weeks apart. Western blot analysis showed that rabbit anti-PFRc antibodies recognised specifically a 25kDa protein corresponding to the estimated size of the expressed PFRc protein. 25% of purified anti-rabbit IgG antibodies were able to inhibit ~70% T.b.brucei parasite in vitro.

This confirmed that the PFRc protein is immunogenic in rabbits and can elicit specific growth inhibitory antibodies. However, we recommend invivo studies in humans and domestic animals infected by trypanosomes to ascertain the vaccine potential of this candidate protein for trypanosomiasis.

References

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Published

2018-03-02

How to Cite

Mukisa, A., Aguttu, C., W. Lubega, G., Kyambadde, J., Alibu, V. P., & C. Vuzi, P. (2018). Anti-Paraflagellar Rodc Antibodies Inhibit the In-Vitro Growth of Trypanosoma Brucei Brucei. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 40(1), 186–197. Retrieved from https://asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/3852

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