Immunoproteomically identified GBAA _0345, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase subunit C is a potential target for multivalent anthrax vaccine

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Abstract
Anthrax is caused by the spore‐forming bacterium B acillus anthracis , which has been used as a weapon for bioterrorism. Although current vaccines are effective, they involve prolonged dose regimens and often cause adverse reactions. High rates of mortality associated with anthrax have made the development of an improved vaccine a top priority. To identify novel vaccine candidates, we applied an immunoproteomics approach. Using sera from convalescent guinea pigs or from human patients with anthrax, we identified 34 immunogenic proteins from the virulent B . anthracis H 9401. To evaluate vaccine candidates, six were expressed as recombinant proteins and tested in vivo. Two proteins, r GBAA _0345 (alkyl hydroperoxide reductase subunit C ) and r GBAA _3990 (malonyl C o A ‐acyl carrier protein transacylase), have afforded guinea pigs partial protection from a subsequent virulent‐spore challenge. Moreover, combined vaccination with r GBAA _0345 and r PA (protective antigen) exhibited an enhanced ability to protect against anthrax mortality. Finally, we demonstrated that GBAA _0345 localizes to anthrax spores and bacilli. Our results indicate that r GBAA _0345 may be a potential component of a multivalent anthrax vaccine, as it enhances the efficacy of r PA vaccination. This is the first time that sera from patients with anthrax have been used to interrogate the proteome of virulent B . anthracis vegetative cells.
Funding Information
  • Korea National Institute of Health (4840-300-210-13)

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