Small-scale Expressed Sequence Tag Analysis Of Theileria Uilenbergi: Identification Of A Gene Family Encoding Potential Antigenic Proteins

摘要

Recently, Theileria sp. (China) has been designated as T. luwenshuni [formerly Theileria sp. (China 1)] and T uilenbergi [formerly Theileria sp. (China 2)]. A cDNA library of T. uilenbergi merozoites was constructed and subjected to random sequencing. Among the obtained sequences were three highly identical cDNA clones, indicating a gene family. Bioinformatic analyses indicated these genes contain signal peptides and encode potential immunogenic proteins. The presence of tandemly arranged and additional variants of these genes was shown. Analysis of one recombinantly expressed clone revealed immunoreactivity for serum from Theileria-infected animals. No cross-reaction with serum of T. lestoquardi-, Babesia motasi-, or Anaplasma ovis-infected animals was observed, indicating a potential antigen for development of serological diagnostic tools.