Characterization and Immunogenicity of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis Secreted and Cellular Proteins
Authors: Bercovier Herve , Barletta Raul , Sela Shlomo 
Published: December 2021

Our long-term goal is to develop an efficient acellular vaccine against paratuberculosis based on protein antigen(s). A prerequisite to achieve this goal is to analyze and characterize Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (Mpt) secreted and cellular proteins eliciting a protective immune response. In the context of this general objective, we proposed to identify, clone, produce, and characterize: the Mpt 85B antigen and other Mpt immunoreactive secreted proteins, the Mpt L7/L12 ribosomal protein and other immunoreactive cellular proteins, Mpt protein determinants involved in invasion of epithelial cells, and Mpt protein antigens specifically expressed in macrophages. Paratuberculosis is still a very serious problem in Israel and in the USA. In the USA, a recent survey evaluated that 21.6% of the dairy herd were infected with Mpt resulting in 200-250 million dollars in annual losses. Very little is known on the virulence factors and on protective antigens of Mpt. At present, the only means of controlling this disease are culling or vaccination. The current vaccines do not allow a clear differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals. Our long-term goal is to develop an efficient acellular paratuberculosis vaccine based on Mpt protein antigen(s) compatible with diagnostic tests. To achieve this goal it is necessary to analyze and characterize secreted and cellular proteins candidate for such a vaccine. Representative Mpt libraries (shuttle plasmid and phage) were constructed and used to study Mpt genes and gene products described below and will be made available to other research groups. In addition, two approaches were performed which did not yield the expected results. Mav or Mpt DNA genes that confer upon Msg or E. coli the ability to invade and/or survive within HEp-2 cells were not identified. Likewise, we were unable to characterize the 34-39 kDa induced secreted proteins induced by stress factors due to technical difficulties inherent to the complexity of the media needed to support substantial M. pt growth. We identified, isolated, sequenced five Mpt proteins and expressed four of them as recombinant proteins that allowed the study of their immunological properties in sensitized mice. The AphC protein, found to be up regulated by low iron environment, and the SOD protein are both involved in protecting mycobacteria against damage and killing by reactive oxygen (Sod) and nitrogen (AhpC) intermediates, the main bactericidal mechanisms of phagocytic cells. SOD and L7/L12 ribosomal proteins are structural proteins constitutively expressed. 85B and CFP20 are both secreted proteins. SOD, L7/L12, 85B and CFP20 were shown to induce a Th1 response in immunized mice whereas AphC was shown by others to have a similar activity. These proteins did not interfere with the DTH reaction of naturally infected cows. Cellular immunity provides protection in mycobacterial infections, therefore molecules inducing cellular immunity and preferentially a Th1 pathway will be the best candidate for the development of an acellular vaccine. The proteins characterized in this grant that induce a cell-mediated immunity and seem compatible with diagnostic tests, are good candidates for the construction of a future acellular vaccine.