Vaccination with plasmid DNA expressing antigen from genomic or cDNA gene forms induces equivalent humoral immune responses

Abstract

The antibody response to DNA vaccines containing either cDNA or genomic gene forms of the host protective antigen, 45W from Taenia ovis was compared in vaccinated Balb/c mice and outbred sheep by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Plasmid DNA vaccines containing cDNA or genomic forms of the Taenia ovis host protective antigen 45W were constructed. In vitro transfection of Cos7 cell monolayers with the DNA vaccines revealed expression of full length, highly glycosylated 45W antigen of 40-65 kDa molecular weight. Glycosylation was confirmed using tunicamycin, where tunicamycin-treated transfected cells expressed a 45W protein of 28 kDa. Immunisation of Balb/c mice by intramuscular inje..