Identification of Brucella Melitensis Antigens by T Lymphocytes and Oral Immunization Potential of the Antigens.

Abstract

Acquired immunity against intracellular bacteria is T cell dependent. T cells play a major role in protection against intracellular bacteria, but bacterial antigens recognized by T cells have been studied less extensively than bacterial antigens recognized by B cells. Using T lymphocytes from Brucella abortus immunized animals, we have screened a bacterial genomic library for genes encoding antigens recognized by T cells. Lymphocytes that proliferated to B. abortus proteins were characterized for phenotype and cytokine activity. Lymphocytes recognizing bacterial antigens possessed type 1 cytokine profiles, i.e., IFN-gamma and IL-2 but not IL-4 production. Lymphocytes necesssary for In vivo protection were examined using gene knockout mice. MHC class I and class II gene knockout animals infected with B. abortus demonstrated that protection to B. abortus is especially dependent on CD8+ T cells. Knowing the cells required for protection, vaccines can be designed to elicit the protective subset of lymphocytes. Several recombinant B. abortus proteins were tested using different immunization strategies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA317023

Entities

People

  • Gary Splitter

Organizations

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antigens
  • Bacteria
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Genetic Structures
  • Genetics
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphocytes
  • Medical Personnel
  • Microbiology
  • Proteins
  • Rodents
  • Vaccines

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Genetics

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech