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MAT-SLF-Matprogr.:Prosj.fullfin.av SLF

Novel approach to identify vaccine candidates in the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and molecular investigations of mite

Awarded: NOK 3.3 mill.

An expanded post-doc project is proposed, that will investigate the genetic signatures of mite from a range of Norwegian poultry production facilities. Additional samples from nordic and european locations will be included. Using new genetic markers, such as sequences from Cytochrome Oxidase 1 (CO1), we hope that information on the dissemination of DG between farm and within farms will be available after this project. Additionally, a novel approach to vaccine candidate assessments will be carried out in the project. Recently an Expression Library Immunisation (ELI) technique has been used for screening of vaccine antigens in a range of infectious disease agents of mouse, pigs, salmon and other organisms. We want to try this approach on DG feeding on hens . The ELI-approach enables a simultaneous screening of all expressed proteins present in the cDNA library using a whole genome approach. The technique uses plasmids from a cDNA library constructed from DG material, coupled with a eucaryotic promotor (i.e CMV-promotor). These plasmids will be injected into a host, and the immune reaction to expressed mite proteins will be initiated. By isolating antibodies from the yolk in eggs layed by these inoculated hens (IgY), subsequent in vitro experiments using blo od saturated with these will be carried out. Any inhibition of the growth and viability of the mite observed after two weeks, may indicate the presence of effective vaccine antigens in the plasmid-fraction used in the experiments. Further subdivision of t he plasmids used in the first screen, would enable a lower number of constructs in the experiments, which would enable further narrowing down of the target molecules. For the duration of the project, four levels of these screens are planned. Additional ex periments will be carried out if time permits. Results from these screens would document the presence of suitable antigens that may be further developed towards vaccines.

Funding scheme:

MAT-SLF-Matprogr.:Prosj.fullfin.av SLF