Horn fly protein as active antigen in anti-horn fly vaccine for protection of bovines against horn fly infestations
Inventors
Guerrero, Felicito • DOMINGUES, LUISA N.
Assignees
US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-11654187-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-23
Expiration Date
2041-02-03
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Abstract
Antigenic polypeptides derived from a naturally occurring horn fly protein, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, are described. The polypeptides elicit an immune response which, in turn, produces detrimental effects in horn flies feeding on vaccinated cattle. Thus, the present disclosure provides a novel horn fly vaccine.
Core Innovation
The invention provides antigenic polypeptides derived from a naturally occurring horn fly protein, along with nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides. These polypeptides elicit an immune response in vaccinated cattle, producing detrimental effects in horn flies that feed on them, thereby offering a novel horn fly vaccine.
The problem addressed is the significant production losses caused by the horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans, to the cattle industry. Current control relies on insecticides, but issues such as rapid development of resistance by the flies to insecticides and environmental pressures necessitate alternative methods like vaccines. There is no commercially available anti-horn fly vaccine, and previous research with crude antigens or recombinant salivary proteins had limited efficacy.
The innovation includes the identification and production of a synthetic polypeptide (BI-HS009) with sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2, recombinant expression of this antigen, and development of immunogenic compositions and methods to elicit immune responses in subjects. The vaccine demonstrated significant reduction in horn fly reproductive stages and a durable IgG response in vaccinated cattle, addressing the need for eco-friendly and effective horn fly control.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two main independent claims covering a synthetic polypeptide and a method of eliciting an immune response against horn flies. The inventive features focus on the specific polypeptide sequences and immunization methods involving these polypeptides.
Synthetic polypeptide comprising horn fly protein sequences
A synthetic polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2.
Method of eliciting an immune response against horn flies
Administering to a subject a composition comprising the synthetic polypeptide (at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2) to elicit an immune response against horn flies.
The claims cover the novel synthetic horn fly protein polypeptides and methods using these polypeptides in compositions to immunize subjects, thereby providing protective immune responses against horn fly infestations.
Stated Advantages
Provides a long-lasting immune response in vaccinated cattle, maintaining significant IgG levels over two months after vaccination.
Reduces horn fly pupae and emerging adult numbers by affecting different life stages of the horn fly.
Offers an alternative to insecticides with eco-friendly benefits, no residues in animal products or environment, and low risk of selecting resistant fly populations.
Documented Applications
Vaccine for immunizing bovines against horn fly infestations to reduce blood loss, annoyance, and economic losses associated with the pest.
Control of horn fly populations in cattle by inducing detrimental effects on horn flies that feed on vaccinated animals, including reductions in egg laying, pupae, and adult emergence.
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