Molecular cloning of the cDNA encoding a 42 kDa antigenic polypeptide ofAnisakis simplexlarvae

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe gene encoding an antigenic polypeptide ofAnisakis simplexlarvae was studied using recombinant DNA techniques. cDNA synthesized from poly(A)-rich mRNA fromA. simplexlarvae was ligated into phage vector λ gtll DNA and packagedin vitro. The phages were propagated onEscherichia coliand a λ gtll expression library was constructed. A cDNA clone encoding a 42 kDa antigenic polypeptide was selected by immunoscreening of the library and identified by the epitope selection method. A clone containing cDNA for a 42 kDa protein was isolated. The gene encoding this 42 kDa antigenic polypeptide was characterized by DNA and RNA blot analysis using the cDNA as a probe. The gene was transcribed to mRNA with approximately 1400 nucleotides and translated to 42 kDa polypeptide. The antigenic β-galactosidase fusion protein synthesized by bacteria had no cross-reactivity with other parasite-infected sera.