Cloning, expression and evaluation of the efficacy of a recombinant Eimeria tenella sporozoite antigen in birds

Eimeria infection in poultry is of significant economic interest worldwide. Development ofa cost-effective vaccine that provides cross-protection may help reduce loss in poultry industry. One approach by many investigators is to block the parasite invasion into gut epithelium. Use of microneme to prevent parasite invasion is one of the most straightforward approaches in developing a prevaccine. Here we describe cloning and expression of microneme-1 protein of Eimeria tenella, from an outbreak sample from India. We have evaluated the ability of the recombinant protein elicit both cell mediated immune (CMI) and humoral immune responses. We also evaluated the efficacy the recombinant protein in protecting against a homologous challenge. Our data indicate recombinant is able to impart partial protection against homologous challenge in chicken. Inclusion of more proteins may improve the efficacy of prophylactic vaccine against Coccidiosis. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.