Evaluation of glycoproteins purified from adult and larval camel ticks (Hyalomma dromedarii) as a candidate vaccine

Abstract

In order to identify antigens that can help prevent camel tick infestations, three major glycoproteins (GLPs) about 97, 66 and 40 kDa in size were purified from adult and larval Egyptian ticks, Hyalomma (H.) dromedarii, using a single-step purification method with Con-A sepharose. The purified GLPs were evaluated as vaccines against camel tick infestation in rabbits. The rabbits received three intramuscular inoculations of GLPs (20 µg/animal) on days 0, 14, and 28. In the immunoblot analysis, Sera from the immunized rabbits recognized the native GLPs and other proteins from larval and adult H. dromedarii ticks along with those from other tick species such as Rhipicephalus sanguineus but not Ornithodoros moubata. The effects of immunity induced by these GLPs were determined by exposing rabbits to adult H. dromedarii ticks. These results demonstrated that GLP immunization led to a slightly decreased reproductive index and significantly reduced rates of egg hatchability. These results demonstrated that immunization with the purified GLPs can provide protection against infestation by H. dromedarii and some other tick species. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of immunization with GLPs against other tick species.

Seasonal distribution and faunistic of ticks in the Alashtar county (Lorestan Province), Iran

“…dromedarii can behave as a one-, two- or three-host species but two-host is the most common in its life cycle. It represents nearly 90% of ticks infesting camels [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Transmission-Blocking Vaccines: Focus on Anti-Vector Vaccines against Tick-Borne Diseases

“…Vaccination with truncated construct of cement protein (64TRPs) derived from R. appendiculatus showed significant cross protection against R. sanguineus (Trimnell et al 2005 ). Recently, three major glycoproteins (GLPs) of sizes about 90, 66 and 40 kDa have been purified from adult and larval Hyalomma dromedarii (camel ticks) (El Hakim et al 2011 ). Immunization with GLPs protected animals from H. dromedarii infestations (El Hakim et al 2011 ).…”

“…Recently, three major glycoproteins (GLPs) of sizes about 90, 66 and 40 kDa have been purified from adult and larval Hyalomma dromedarii (camel ticks) (El Hakim et al 2011 ). Immunization with GLPs protected animals from H. dromedarii infestations (El Hakim et al 2011 ). Immune sera raised against H. dromedarii GLPs were able to recognize proteins from R. sanguineus , suggesting its efficacy as a potent vaccine candidate against other ticks species (El Hakim et al 2011 ).…”

“…Immunization with GLPs protected animals from H. dromedarii infestations (El Hakim et al 2011 ). Immune sera raised against H. dromedarii GLPs were able to recognize proteins from R. sanguineus , suggesting its efficacy as a potent vaccine candidate against other ticks species (El Hakim et al 2011 ). Sialotranscriptome of R. sanguineus has now been determined that could aid in the additional discovery of candidate molecules important for the development of anti- Rhipicephalus vaccines (Anatriello et al 2010 ).…”

A review on Hyalomma species infestations on human and animals and progress on management strategies

“…In the same year, Singh and Ghosh (2003) isolated 34 and 29 kDa glycoprotein from unfed larvae of H. anatolicum and R. microplus , respectively, and reported the direct effect of immunization (DT %) of 69 % and 52 % against larvae and adults of H. anatolicum and 60 % against R. microplus adults. Hakim et al. (2011) evaluated three major glycoproteins (97, 66 and 40 kDa) purified from H. dromedarii adults and larvae and demonstrated 63–67 % reduction in egg hatchability of ticks fed on immunized animals in comparison to ticks fed on control animals.…”