Differential expression of TgMIC1 in isolates of Chinese 1 Toxoplasma with different virulence

Abstract

Background The predominant genotype of Toxoplasma in China is the Chinese 1 (ToxoDB#9) lineage. TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 are two representative strains of Chinese 1, exhibiting high and low virulence to mice, respectively. Little is known regarding the virulence mechanism of this non-classical genotype. Our previous RNA sequencing data revealed differential mRNA levels of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6. We aim to further confirm the differential expression of TgMIC1 and its significance in this atypical genotype. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was used to verify the RNA sequencing data; then, polyclonal antibodies against TgMIC1 were prepared and identified. Moreover, the invasion and proliferation of the parasite in HFF cells were observed after treatment with TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody or not. Results The data showed that the protein level of TgMIC1 was significantly higher in high-virulence strain TgCtwh3 than in low-virulence strain TgCtwh6 and that the invasion and proliferation of TgCtwh3 were inhibited by TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody. Conclusion Differential expression of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 may explain, at least partly, the virulence mechanism of this atypical genotype.

Mineralization Reduces the Toxicity and Improves Stability and Protective Immune Response Induced by Toxoplasma gondii

“…Vaccination is one of the most significant achievements for controlling and preventing infectious diseases; it is also an ideal strategy for toxoplasmosis [ 6 , 7 ]. Current studies on the T. gondii vaccine mainly focused on killed vaccines, live attenuated vaccines [ 8 ], specific component vaccines [ 9 , 10 ], subunit vaccines [ 11 ] and nucleic acid vaccines [ 12 ].…”