ISSN:
1574-695X
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
In order to identify protective immunogens against Microsporum canis infection, a purified recombinant keratinolytic metalloprotease (r-MEP3) was tested as a subunit vaccine in experimentally infected guinea pigs. Both humoral and cellular specific immune responses developing towards r-MEP3 were evaluated, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by in vitro lymphocyte transformation tests respectively. Vaccination induced a strong antibody response, and a significant but transient lymphoproliferative response against the protein. However, the protocol failed to prevent fungal invasion or development of dermatophytic lesions. These results show that under the present experimental conditions, r-MEP3 specific antibodies are not protective against a challenge exposure. They also suggest that in the same model, the induction of cell-mediated immunity towards r-MEP3 is not sufficient, indicating the need for further research in the field of specific immune mechanisms involved in M. canis dermatophytosis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0928-8244(03)00296-7
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