Genetic mapping identifies novel highly protective antigens for an apicomplexan parasite.

ABSTRACT: Apicomplexan parasites are responsible for a myriad of diseases in humans and livestock; yet despite intensive effort, development of effective sub-unit vaccines remains a long-term goal. Antigenic complexity and our inability to identify protective antigens from the pool that induce response are serious challenges in the development of new vaccines. Using a combination of parasite genetics and selective barriers with population-based genetic fingerprinting, we have identified that immunity against the most important apicomplexan parasite of livestock (Eimeria spp.) was targeted against a few discrete regions of the genome. Herein we report the identification of six genomic regions and, within two of those loci, the identification of true protective antigens that confer immunity as sub-uni

SUBMITTER: Blake DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3037358 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature