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Genetic Analysis of LigA, LipL32, Loa22, and OmpL1 Antigens from Leptospira spp. Sejroe Serogroup: How Close We Are To a Vaccine Against Bovine Leptospirosis?

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Abstract

Bovine leptospirosis has as main causative agents Leptospira spp. from Sejroe serogroup. Vaccination is a crucial step to control this infection. The use of conserved proteins among Leptospira spp. is of great importance for a protective immune response. The aim of the present study is to genetically analyze antigens of Leptospira spp. from Sejroe serogroup strains isolated from cattle for a preliminary evaluation of vaccine candidates. Genes associated with antigenicity—LigA, LipL32, Loa22, and OmpL1—were analyzed through bioinformatic and immunoinformatic tools. Despite high diversity observed in strains, on an amino acid level, highly conserved regions were observed (> 90%), particularly in LipL32 gene. Moreover, highly conserved amino acid regions (> 30 aa) were observed in all genes, regardless of species, geographical origin or biological source of isolation. Superposed structures of protein fragments including all the predicted MHC-II and B-Cell epitopes were demonstrated. Results presented herein are preliminary, but a fundamental step towards the development of an efficient vaccine against bovine leptospirosis, a silent but enormously concerning disease.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Program for Technological Development in Tools for Health-PDTIS/FIOCRUZ for the use of its facilities for DNA sequencing, crucial for the development of the present work.

Funding

This study was funded by Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), Grant Number E-26/202.369/2018.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Fluminense Federal University, Biomedical Institute, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Maria Isabel Nogueira Di Azevedo, Ana Luiza dos Santos Baptista Borges, Juliana dos Santos Loria de Melo & Walter Lilenbaum

  2. Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

    Frederico Kremer

  3. Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa

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  1. Maria Isabel Nogueira Di Azevedo
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Correspondence to Maria Isabel Nogueira Di Azevedo.

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284_2023_3414_MOESM1_ESM.tif

Supplementary file1 (TIF 947 KB)—Supplementary Figure 1 ML-trees based on amino acid sequences of LigA (A), LipL32 (B), Loa22 (C) and OmpL1 (D) genes. Sequences from strains isolated from vaginal fluid are indicated by red arrows

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Di Azevedo, M.I.N., Borges, A.L.d., Kremer, F. et al. Genetic Analysis of LigA, LipL32, Loa22, and OmpL1 Antigens from Leptospira spp. Sejroe Serogroup: How Close We Are To a Vaccine Against Bovine Leptospirosis?. Curr Microbiol 80, 310 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-023-03414-w

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