Molecular Design and Immunogenicity of a Multiple-epitope FMDV Antigen and DNA Vaccination

This article reports the design and construction of a multiple-epitope foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) antigen, designated as OAAT. This recombinant antigen consists of the structural protein VP1 genes from serotypes A and O FMDV, five major VP1 immunodominant epitopes from two genotypes of Asia1 serotype, and three Th2 epitopes originating from the nonstructural protein, three ABC gene and structural protein VP4 gene. Expressions of target gene from these plasmids in HeLa cells were verified by Western-blot. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with the DNA vaccines thrice every two weeks. We found that pA could induce simultaneously specific antibodies against serotypes A, Asia1, and O FMDV. Compared to those of the controls, the spots of FMDV-specific IFN-γ and cytotoxic activity from mice immunized with pA were significantly increased. pA provided full protection in 2/4 guinea pigs from challenge with FMDV O/NY00 and Asia1/YNBS/58, respectively. The results show that although pA did not give full protection in 100% immunized guinea pigs from challenge with type O and Asia1 FMDV, respectively, OAAT may be potential immunogen against FMDV and pA may be potential DNA vaccines against FMDV.