Objectif - To isolate and characterise the genes encoding surface antigens and invasion associated organelle proteins from two stages of the parasite (sporozoite and merozoite);- To define the epitopes on these molecules which elicit an immune response from cattle and to test whether these antigens can elicit a protective immune response;- To define the level of parasite diversity within an endemic area (Tunisia) and examine its relevance to immunisation with candidate protective antigens.Expected Outcome- The work undertaken will lead to an evaluation of the use of recombinant surface antigens to generate a protective immune response and as reagents for development of diagnostic reagents. The epidemiological studies will define the levels of parasite diversity within a region and generate date on the level of diversity in the candidate vaccine antigens. These studies will lay the groundwork for the potential development of a sub-unit vaccine and generate the reagents for future epidemiological and imumnological studies of the disease.- The mapping of bovine T & B cell epitopes on the recombinant sporozoite surface antigen SPAG-1 and the isolation and characterisation of further sporozoite surface antigens;- The characterisation of the surface and rhoptry polypeptides of the merozoite and the cloning and sequencing of the genes encoding them;- The development of an in vitro red blood cell merozoite invasion assay and the assessment of the invasion blocking activity of antibodies raised against recombinant merozoite antigen genes;- The immunisation of calves with such recombinant antigens and the testing of their role in protection to parasite challenge;- The collection of parasite samples from different regions of Tunisia and the assessment of the level of parasite diversity with particular reference to sporozoite and merozoite surface antigens;- The study will focus on the collection of parasites from Tunisia, the isolation and characterisation of the merozoite and sporozoite surface antigens and the assessment of their diversity in the endemic area. The antigen genes will be sequenced and expressed in bacterial systems, sera to the recombinant antigens will be developed and used to test their activity in blocking assays ant the recombinant antigens used to immunise calves. Champ scientifique medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyimmunisationmedical and health scienceshealth sciencespublic healthepidemiologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsvaccinesagricultural sciencesanimal and dairy sciencedomestic animalsanimal husbandry Programme(s) FP3-STD 3 - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of the life sciences and technologies for developing countries, 1990-1994 Thème(s) Data not available Appel à propositions Data not available Régime de financement CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinateur University of Glasgow Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Bearsden Road G61 1QH Glasgow Royaume-Uni Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Participants (3) Trier par ordre alphabétique Trier par contribution de l’UE Tout développer Tout réduire INSTITUT PASTEUR DE TUNIS Tunisie Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 13,Place Pasteur 13 1002 TUNIS Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée Rijksuniversiteit Utrecht Pays-Bas Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse 1,Yalelaan 1 3508 TD Utrecht Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée University of York Royaume-Uni Contribution de l’UE Aucune donnée Adresse Heslington - YO1 5DD York Voir sur la carte Coût total Aucune donnée
