Identification and characterization of a novel protective antigen, SeseC_00396 of Streptococcus equi ssp. Zooepidemicus

Abstract

Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) is responsible for a wide variety of infections in many animal species. Studies aimed at developing safe and effective vaccines against SEZ infections are thus of great interest. SeseC_00396 was a novel protein identified in the previous study. In this study, recombinant SeseC_00396 of SEZ was expressed and showed a strong immunoreactivity with mini-pig convalescent sera. Studies in mice have revealed that the recombinant protein induced a marked antibody response which was associated with protection against SEZ infection. The hyperimmune sera against SeseC_00396 could efficiently kill the bacteria. In addition, it was also found that antiSeseC_00396 antibodies can significantly inhibit the formation of SEZ biofilm. Data from this study suggests that SeseC_00396 identified in SEZ may represent immunogens of interest for vaccine development.