Protection against Escherichia coli O157:H7 challenge by immunization of mice with purified Tir proteins

Mol Biol Rep. 2012 Feb;39(2):989-97. doi: 10.1007/s11033-011-0824-0. Epub 2011 May 13.

Abstract

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 infections cause serious public health problems worldwide. The translocation intimin receptor (Tir) is responsible for adhesion and attaching and effacing lesions. In the current study, we used a mitomycin-treated mouse model to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous vs intranasal administration of the recombinant Tir as vaccine. Following immunization, mice were infected with E. coli O157:H7 and faces were monitored for shedding. Mice immunized intrasally with purified Tir proteins produced higher IgG and IgA titers in serum and feces, resulting in significant reductions in fecal shedding of EHEC O157 and higher a survival rate (92.9%), compared with subcutaneous or control immunizations. These results demonstrate the potential for the use of Tir proteins in mucosal vaccine formulations to prevent colonization and shedding of E. coli O157:H7. Therefore, purified Tir protects mice against EHEC challenge after intranasal immunization and is worth further clinical development as a vaccine candidate.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal / methods*
  • Animals
  • Bacterial Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • Escherichia coli Infections / prevention & control*
  • Escherichia coli O157 / immunology*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Escherichia coli Proteins / immunology*
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Feces / microbiology
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin A / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Injections, Subcutaneous / methods*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / administration & dosage
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Recombinant Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology*
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Bacterial Vaccines
  • DNA Primers
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Tir protein, E coli