Role of glycosylation in the immunogenicity of the nematode specific activation-associated secreted proteins (ASPs) and its implication in vaccine efficacy

The first chapter of this doctoral thesis provides an introduction to Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora, two gastrointestinal nematodes that hold significant economic importance in the cattle industry. Nearly every animal is either infected or at risk of being infected and thus these parasites pose a risk to animal health, welfare, and, in the case of farm animals, productivity. The primary approach to control these nematode infections involves a regular administration of anthelmintic drugs. However, a control strategy that depends solely on anthelmintics for the long term is unsustainable, given the growing global concern of anthelmintic resistance. Considering sustainability and cost-effectiveness, vaccination offers a promising alternative for the control of nematode infections. Unfortunately, advancement in vaccine development have been limited. In the case of O. ostertagi and C. oncophora, immunisation of calves with activation-associated secreted proteins (ASP) obtained from adult worms, Oo-ASP-1 and Co-dd-ASP respectively, resulted in protection against the respective parasites. However, recombinant versions of these ASP antigens have been unsuccessful in eliciting a protective immune response. Prior research hypothesised on the importance of glycosylation in achieving a protective immune response with these antigens. Consequently, this introduction will explore the nature of glycans, their potential impact on the immune response, and the existing knowledge regarding the glycosylation of the Oo-ASP-1 and Co-dd-ASP vaccine antigens. In essence, the primary aim of this thesis was to examine the role of N-glycans in the immunogenicity of O. ostertagi and C. oncophora ASPs as vaccine antigens and to use this information to steer the production of new recombinant vaccine antigens.

Jaar van publicatie:2024

Toegankelijkheid:Closed