Immunoinformatic Analysis to Identify Proteins to Be Used as Potential Targets to Control Bovine Anaplasmosis

Abstract

Omics sciences and new technologies to sequence full genomes provide valuable data that are revealed only after detailed bioinformatic analysis is performed. In this work, we analyzed the genomes of seven Mexican Anaplasma marginale strains and the data from a transcriptome analysis of the tick Rhipicephalus microplus. The aim of this analysis was to identify protein sequences with predicted features to be used as potential targets to control the bacteria or tick-vector transmission. We chose three amino acid sequences different to all proteins previously reported in A. marginale that have been used as potential vaccine candidates, and also, we report, for the first time, the presence of a peroxinectin protein sequence in the transcriptome of R. microplus, a protein associated with the immune response of ticks. The bioinformatics analyses revealed the presence of B-cell epitopes in all the amino acid sequences chosen, which opens the way for their likely use as single or arranged peptides to develop new strategies for the control and prevention of bovine anaplasmosis transmitted by ticks.

Bovine Anaplasmosis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Control Strategies

“…bovis, B. bigemina and A. centrale). There are 23 complete genome sequences of A. marginale available at NCBI which can be used to design a vaccine that can be applied in animals of all ages and protect against many strains that have been reported yet (Rodríguez-Camarillo et al 2020). Attenuation of naturally pathogenic strains was one of the first efforts to generate immunity, but some of these strains were passed into "unnatural" hosts such as deer or sheep with variable results (Zaraza and Kuttler, 1971;Kuttler and Zaugg, 1988).…”

Anti‐tick and pathogen transmission blocking vaccines

“…Genome, transcriptome and proteome analyses have been performed on multiple tick species and are providing new insight into excreted salivary proteins. [25][26][27] Salivation in the tick has an important function in iron and water metabolism in the tick. While attached to the host, the tick will alternate between feeding and salivation and uses haemocoel to return water and electrolytes to the host, while retaining the meal in the midgut.…”

“…Genomic, proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of ticks during feeding cycles and of blood from challenged hosts have elucidated more of the biologic function of tick saliva proteins and are providing new insight into potential candidates for anti‐tick vaccines. Genome, transcriptome and proteome analyses have been performed on multiple tick species and are providing new insight into excreted salivary proteins 25‐27 . Salivation in the tick has an important function in iron and water metabolism in the tick.…”

Advances in the Study of the Tick Cattle Microbiota and the Influence on Vectorial Capacity

“…Finally, the search for new vaccine targets should encompass those proteins of the tick immune response involved in the tolerance of microbial populations (tick microbiota), like different proteins identified by immunoinformatic analysis (64).…”