Identification and characterization of a full-length cDNA encoding paramyosin of Trichinella spiralis

A full-length cDNA encoding Trichinella spiralis paramyosin (Ts-Pmy) was cloned by inummoscreening a cDNA library of the adult T spiralis worm. Ts-Pmy cDNA consists of 2655 bp that encode 885 amino acids. The recombinant protein (rTs-Pmy) was expressed and purified by Ni-affinity chromatography. Western blot analysis showed that rTs-Pmy could be recognized by sera from T spiralis-infected humans, swine, rabbits, and mice. Immunolocalization demonstrated that Ts-Pmy was abundant on the surface of T spiralis larvae. BALB/c mice vaccinated with rTs-Pmy demonstrated 36.2% reduction in muscle larvae burden following T spiralis larvae challenge. Vaccination of the mice with rTs-Pmy resulted in a high level of specific anti-Ts-Pmy IgG antibodies and generated a Th1/Th2 mixed type of immune response, with Th2 predominant. These studies showed that rTs-Pmy induced protective immunity in mice and could be considered as a potential vaccine candidate for trichinellosis. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.