The Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP), a Novel Antigen of <i>Babesia bovis</i>, Participates in the Establishment of Acute Infection and Contains Neutralizing B-Cell Epitopes
<i>Babesia bovis</i> is a protozoan parasite that causes babesiosis in cattle. It has been hypothesized that in apicomplexan parasites, translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) interferes with the host immune response by inhibiting B cell proliferation. The aim of this study was t...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/5/502 |
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| Summary: | <i>Babesia bovis</i> is a protozoan parasite that causes babesiosis in cattle. It has been hypothesized that in apicomplexan parasites, translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) interferes with the host immune response by inhibiting B cell proliferation. The aim of this study was the characterization of <i>B. bovis</i> TCTP (BboTCTP) and the evaluation of its expression, immunogenicity and role in infection. The <i>tctp</i> gene was identified and sequenced from <i>B. bovis</i> isolates and revealed a high conservation. Expression was confirmed in intraerythrocytic stages by Western blot and confocal microscopy. Synthetic peptides containing predicted B cell epitopes were used to immunize cattle, followed by a challenge with a virulent <i>B. bovis</i> strain. Immunized animals showed milder clinical signs and faster recovery compared to controls. Sera from non-immunized animals exhibited lower total IgG levels after challenge (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while sera from immunized animals induced significant in vitro invasion inhibition (32–33%). These results suggest that BboTCTP is immunogenic and may play a role in modulating the host immune response. The results provide novel insights into <i>B. bovis</i> biology and support BboTCTP as a promising candidate for further evaluation as a vaccine antigen. Future studies should explore its immunomodulatory mechanisms and potential use in combined vaccine formulations. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |