Eimeria tenella elongation factor-1 alpha recombinant immunogenic compositions which induce active protective immunity against avian coccidiosis
Inventors
Lillehoj, Hyun S. • OH, Sungtaek • PANEBRA, ALFREDO
Assignees
US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-10294483-B2
Publication Date
2019-05-21
Expiration Date
2038-02-02
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
Provided herein are immunogenic compositions containing recombinant proteins capable of presenting all, or antigenic portions of, the Eimeria tenella Elongation Factor 1 alpha, or EF-1α, protein in the development of active immunity to, and control of, coccidiosis. Also provided are methodologies of using the immunogenic compositions for administration to poultry and other animals in the control of coccidiosis. In some instances, the EF-1α protein utilized in the immunogenic composition presented herein is molecularly manipulated or combined with adjuvants to increase effectiveness.
Core Innovation
The invention provides immunogenic compositions containing recombinant proteins that present all or antigenic portions of the Eimeria tenella Elongation Factor 1 alpha (EF-1α) protein. These compositions are capable of inducing active immunity to, and controlling, avian coccidiosis. The EF-1α protein utilized may be molecularly manipulated or combined with adjuvants to increase the immunogenic effectiveness.
The problem being addressed is the economic impact of avian coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species on the poultry industry worldwide. Traditional prophylactic chemotherapy is increasingly hindered by drug resistance, drug residue concerns, and regulatory restrictions. Live vaccines have limited use due to risks of unintended infection and inconsistent immunity. Peptide vaccines have shown promising but limited protective responses due to weak immunogenicity and poor cross-protection across Eimeria species.
The invention tackles these challenges by cloning the EF-1α gene from Eimeria tenella, expressing the recombinant protein, and demonstrating its immunogenicity and protective efficacy against Eimeria tenella and Eimeria maxima in commercial broiler chickens. The recombinant EF-1α protein elicits cross-protective immunity against different Eimeria species, suggesting it as a promising vaccine candidate to enhance control of avian coccidiosis.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two main independent claims covering an immunogenic composition and a method of protecting against coccidiosis. The inventive features focus on the recombinant EF-1α protein, its expression, formulation, and administration methods.
Immunogenic composition comprising recombinant EF-1α protein
An immunogenic composition comprising a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable carrier and a recombinant protein of SEQ ID NO: 2, capable of inducing an immune response in a recipient.
Method of protecting against coccidiosis using recombinant EF-1α
A method of protecting a recipient against coccidiosis by administering an immunogenic composition containing a recombinant protein of SEQ ID NO: 2 in an amount effective to induce a protective immune response to an Eimeria species.
The independent claims cover the composition of recombinant EF-1α protein formulations capable of inducing immunity and the method of their administration to protect poultry or other recipients against coccidiosis. Key inventive features include the use of the EF-1α protein as antigen, its recombinant expression, inclusion with carriers and adjuvants, and various administration routes.
Stated Advantages
Immunization with recombinant EF-1α induces protective immunity against multiple Eimeria species, including E. tenella and E. maxima.
Use of ISA 71 adjuvant significantly enhances the IgG antibody response to EF-1α, improving immunization effectiveness.
The recombinant EF-1α protein offers a promising vaccine candidate that can reduce clinical symptoms, improve weight gain, and decrease oocyst shedding in poultry.
Documented Applications
Vaccination of poultry, including commercial broiler chickens, against avian coccidiosis caused by Eimeria species such as E. tenella, E. maxima, and E. acervulina.
Use of the recombinant EF-1α immunogenic compositions for parenteral, intramuscular, or oral administration to induce active protective immunity in poultry.
Interested in licensing this patent?