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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Clin Microbiol / B-Cell epitope mapping of the VapA protein of Rhodococcus eq...
Journal of clinical microbiology2001; 39(4); 1633-1637; doi: 10.1128/JCM.39.4.1633-1637.2001

B-Cell epitope mapping of the VapA protein of Rhodococcus equi: implications for early detection of R. equi disease in foals.

Abstract: Linear B-cell epitopes of the Rhodococcus equi virulence-associated protein (VapA) were mapped using a synthetic peptide bank in this study. The peptides were screened in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a total of 70 sera from foals with current R. equi disease (51 sera), as well as from foals that had either recovered from R. equi infection 10 months previously (3 sera) or that had no known history of R. equi disease (16 sera). An epitope with the sequence NLQKDEPNGRA was identified and was universally recognized by all 51 sera from foals with R. equi disease and was not recognized by any of the other sera. There was poor reactivity between all sera and peptides relating to other areas of the VapA protein. It is proposed that an ELISA based upon a defined peptide epitope may be used in an improved serological diagnostic test for R. equi infection in foals.
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Publication Date: 2001-04-03 PubMed ID: 11283104PubMed Central: PMC87987DOI: 10.1128/JCM.39.4.1633-1637.2001Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates B-cell epitopes of a protein associated with Rhodococcus equi disease in foals and proposes an enhanced diagnostic test based on a specific peptide epitope.

Research Overview

  • The objective of the study was to identify and map B-cell epitopes of the virulence-associated protein (VapA) of Rhodococcus equi. The researchers aimed at finding a more efficient method to detect the presence of R. equi disease in foals as early as possible. B-cell epitopes are the sites on an antigen that are recognized and bound by B-cell receptors. These are essential for developing specific diagnostic tests and designing vaccines.
  • To achieve these objectives, a synthetic peptide bank was used that relates to various areas of the VapA protein. Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. By creating a synthetic peptide bank, the scientists attempt to mimic the actual protein and investigate how the immune system responds.

Methodology

  • An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to screen the synthetic peptides. ELISA is a popular diagnostic tool in medicine that detects and measures antibodies in blood. It can identify disease in animals and humans, allergies, and even allows to confirm pregnancy.
  • A total of 70 sera from foals were used in the study – 51 from foals with current R. equi disease, 3 from foals that had recovered from R. equi infection 10 months ago, and 16 from foals with no known history of R. equi disease. Serum is a portion of blood that is essentially free of cells or platelets but contains many proteins and other substances.

Results and Implications

  • The study identified an epitope with the sequence NLQKDEPNGRA, which was universally recognized by all 51 sera from foals with the R. equi disease and was not recognized by any of the other sera. This means that this specific sequence may serve as a marker for the presence of the disease.
  • Other peptides relating to different areas of the VapA protein showed poor reactivity with all sera, which indicates that they are not as effective as the identified epitope for diagnostic purposes.
  • The study proposes that an ELISA based on the defined peptide epitope could serve as an improved diagnostic test for R. equi infection in foals. This research has significant implications for early and accurate detection of R. equi disease in foals, potentially leading to more effective treatments and improved animal health.

Cite This Article

APA
Vanniasinkam T, Barton MD, Heuzenroeder MW. (2001). B-Cell epitope mapping of the VapA protein of Rhodococcus equi: implications for early detection of R. equi disease in foals. J Clin Microbiol, 39(4), 1633-1637. https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.39.4.1633-1637.2001

Publication

Journal of clinical microbiology
ISSN: 0095-1137
NlmUniqueID: 7505564
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 4
Pages: 1633-1637

Researcher Affiliations

Vanniasinkam, T
  • School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
Barton, M D
    Heuzenroeder, M W

      MeSH Terms

      • Actinomycetales Infections / diagnosis
      • Actinomycetales Infections / microbiology
      • Actinomycetales Infections / veterinary
      • Animals
      • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
      • Bacterial Proteins / immunology
      • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
      • Epitope Mapping
      • Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horse Diseases / microbiology
      • Horses
      • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
      • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
      • Oligopeptides / immunology
      • Rhodococcus equi / immunology
      • Rhodococcus equi / pathogenicity
      • Virulence
      • Virulence Factors

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