Cell-mediated immune response to epitopic MAP (multiple antigen peptide) construct of LcrV antigen of Yersinia pestis in murine model

Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague. Cellular immunity seems to play an important role in defense against this disease. The subunit vaccine based on V (Lcr V) antigen has been proved to be immunogenic in animals and in humans. The multiple antigen peptide (MAP), incorporating all the relevant B and T cell epitopes is highly immunogenic in mice through intranasal route of immunization in PLGA particles containing CpG-ODN as an immunoadjuvant inducing humoral and mucosal immune response. In the present study, cell-mediated immune response using same MAP was studied in murine model. Primary and memory T cell responses were studied in outbred and inbred mice immunized intranasally with MAP in the presence of two immunoadjuvants (Murabutide and CpG-ODN). All the three compartments (Spleen, Lamina propria and Peyer’s patches) of the lymphoid system showed increased lymphoproliferative response. Highest lymphoproliferative response was observed especially with CpG-ODN. Cytokine profile in the culture supernatant showed highest Th1 and Th17 levels. FACS analysis showed expansion of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing gamma-interferon, perforin and granzyme-B with major contribution from CD4+ T cells.

► F1 and V antigens are putative plague vaccine candidates. ► Subunit/peptide based vaccines can be made after identifying protective B and T cell epitopes of proteins. ► Multiple Antigen Peptide (MAP) was synthesized consisting of B and T cell epitopes of V antigen of Yersinia pestis. ► Cellular immune responses and cytokine profile were studied in vitro in murine model using intranasal immunization. ► FACS analysis proved expansion of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells with IFN-γ, perforin and granzyme were studied.