A conserved protein of Babesia microti elicits partial protection against Babesia and Plasmodium infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The protozoan parasite Babesia microti that causes the zoonotic disease babesiosis resides in the erythrocytes of its mammalian host during its life-cycle. No effective vaccines are currently available to prevent Babesia microti infections.

Methods

We previously identified a highly seroactive antigen, named Bm8, as a B. microti conserved erythrocyte membrane-associated antigen, by high-throughput protein chip screening. Bioinformatic and phylogenetic analysis showed that this membrane-associated protein is conserved among apicomplexan hemoprotozoa, such as members of genera Babesia, Plasmodium and Theileria. We obtained the recombinant protein Bm8 (rBm8) by prokaryotic expression and purification.

Results

Immunofluorescence assays confirmed that Bm8 and its

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10469411 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature