Identification of Protective Peptides of Fasciola Hepatica-Derived Cathepsin L1 (FhCL1) in Vaccinated Sheep by a Linear B-cell Epitope Mapping Approach

Abstract

Background Fasciolosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of livestock. The need for better control strategies gave rise to the identification of various vaccine candidates. The recombinant form of a member of the cysteine protease family, cathepsin L1 of Fasciola hepatica (FhCL1) has been a vaccine target for the past few decades since it has been shown to behave as an immunodominant antigen. However, when FhCL1 was used as vaccine, it has been observed to elicit significant protection in some trials, whereas no protection was provided in others.Methods In order to improve vaccine development strategy, we conducted a linear B-cell epitope mapping of FhCL1 in vaccinated-protected, vaccinated but not protected, and unvaccinated-infected sheep.Results Our study showed that the pattern and dynamic of peptide recognition varied noticeably between protected and non-protected animals, and that the regions 55–63 and 77–84, which are within the propeptide, and regions 102–114 and 265–273 of FhCL1 were specifically recognised only by vaccinated-protected animals with significant decrease in fluke burden. In addition, these animals also showed significant production of specific IgG2, whereas none was observed in non-protected and infected animals.Conclusions We have identified forty-two residues of FhCL1 that contributed to protective immunity against infection with F. hepatica in sheep. Our results provide indications in relation to key aspects of the immune response. Given the variable outcomes of vaccination trials conducted in ruminants to date, this study adds new insights to improve strategies of vaccine development.