Phlebotomus papatasi SP15: mRNA expression variability and amino acid sequence polymorphisms of field populations.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The Phlebotomus papatasi salivary protein PpSP15 was shown to protect mice against Leishmania major, suggesting that incorporation of salivary molecules in multi-component vaccines may be a viable strategy for anti-Leishmania vaccines.

Methods

Here, we investigated PpSP15 predicted amino acid sequence variability and mRNA profile of P. papatasi field populations from the Middle East. In addition, predicted MHC class II T-cell epitopes were obtained and compared to areas of amino acid sequence variability within the secreted protein.

Results

The analysis of PpSP15 expression from field populations revealed significant intra- and interpopulation variation.. In spite of the variability detected for P. papatasi populations, common epitopes for MHC class II bind

SUBMITTER: Ramalho-Ortigao M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4472253 | biostudies-literature | 2015 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature