Multi-epitope DNA vaccine linked to the A2/B subunit of cholera toxin protect mice against Toxoplasma gondii

The search for an effective vaccine against toxoplasmosis remains a challenging and elusive goal. Combination of epitopes from different stages of Toxoplasma gondii life cycle is an optimal strategy to overcome the antigen complexity of the parasite. Based on published epitope derived from several promising candidate vaccine antigens, we construct a DNA vaccine encoding multi-epitope of T gondii and CpG motif, with or without the A(2)/B subunit of cholera toxin as a genetic adjuvant. The immunity induced by this vaccine in BALB/c mice and the protection afforded against challenge with the highly virulent RH strain of T gondii is assessed. This vaccine was able to elicit a significant humoral and cellular immune response in vaccinated mice. Furthermore, CTXA(2)/B as a genetic adjuvant could enhance the magnitude of immune responses as well as increased survival rate in mice infected with the lethal RH tachyzoites. This study is the first report of a multi-epitope DNA construct strategy as a potential DNA vaccine against toxoplasmosis. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.