A subunit vaccine based on Brucella rBP26 induces Th1 immune responses and M1 macrophage activation

• Published in: Acta biochimica et biophysica Sinica Vol. 56; no. 6; pp. 879 - 891
• Main Authors: Wen, Jia, Li, Zihua, Lv, Yongxue, Ding, Shuqin, Zhu, Yazhou, Yang, Jihui, Tang, Jing, Zhu, Mingxing, Zhao, Yinqi, Zhao, Wei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: China China Science Publishing & Media Ltd 25.06.2024
• Subjects: Adjuvants, Immunologic - pharmacology; Animals; Bacterial Proteins - genetics; Bacterial Proteins - immunology; BP26; Brucella - immunology; Brucella Vaccine - immunology; Brucellosis - immunology; Brucellosis - prevention & control; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Cytokines - immunology; Cytokines - metabolism; Female; immunogenicity; M1 macrophage; Macrophage Activation - drug effects; Macrophage Activation - immunology; Macrophages - immunology; Membrane Proteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides - immunology; recombinant protein vaccine; Th1 Cells - immunology; Th1 immune responses; Vaccines, Subunit - immunology; Th1 immune responses; recombinant protein vaccine; M1 macrophage; BP26; immunogenicity
• ISSN: 1672-9145; 1745-7270; 1745-7270
• DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024023

Brucellosis is a global zoonotic infection caused by bacteria, which poses a significant burden on society. While transmission prevention is currently the most effective method, the absence of a licenced vaccine for humans necessitates the urgent development of a safe and effective vaccine. Recombinant protein-based subunit vaccines are considered promising options, and in this study, the BP26 protein is expressed using prokaryotic expression systems. The immune responses are evaluated using the well-established adjuvant CpG-ODN. The results demonstrate that rBP26 supplemented with a CpG adjuvant induces M1 macrophage polarization and stimulates cellular immune responses mediated by Th1 cells and CD8 T cells. Additionally, it generates high levels of rBP26-specific antibodies in immunized mice. Furthermore, rBP26 immunization activates, proliferates, and produces cytokines in T lymphocytes while also maintaining immune memory for an extended period of time. These findings shed light on the potential biological function of rBP26, which is crucial for understanding brucellosis pathogenesis. Moreover, rBP26 holds promise as an effective subunit vaccine candidate for use in endemic areas.