Evaluation of immune response toBacillus subtilisspores expressingClonorchis sinensisserpin3

Abstract

AbstractClonorchis sinensis(C. sinensis) is one of the most serious food-borne parasites, which can lead to liver fibrosis or cholangiocarcinoma. Effective measures for clonorchiasis prevention are still urgently needed.Bacillus subtilis(B. subtilis) is an effective antigen delivery platform for oral vaccines.Chonorchis sinensisserpin (CsSerpin) was proved to be potential vaccine candidates. In this study, CsSerpin3 was displayed on the surface ofB. subtilisspore and recombinant spores were orally administrated to BALB/C mice. CsSerpin3-specific IgA levels in faecal, bile and intestinal mucous increased at 4–8 weeks after the first administration compared with those in control groups. The mucus production and the number of goblet cells in intestinal mucosa elevated inB.s-CotC-CsSerpin3 (CotC, coat protein ofB. subtilisspore) spores treated group compared to those in blank control. No significant difference in the activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase/ alanine aminotransferase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase were observed between groups. There was no side effect inflammation and observable pathological damage in the liver tissue of mice after administration. Moreover, collagen deposition and Ishak score were statistically reduced inB.s-CotC-CsSerpin3 spores treated mice. In conclusion,B. subtilisspores displaying CsSerpin3 could be investigated further as an oral vaccine against clonorchiasis.