Assessment of Babesia bovis 6cys A and 6cys B as components of transmission blocking vaccines for babesiosis

Abstract Background Babesia bovis reproduces sexually in the gut of its tick vector Rhipicephalus microplus , which involves expression 6cys A and B proteins. Members widely conserved superfamily are candidates for transmission blocking vaccines (TBV), but intricacies immunogenicity proteins related Plasmodium parasites required identification domains these molecules vaccine design. Hereby, immunogenic efficacy recombinant (r) B. as a TBV formulation was studied. Methods The r6cys expressed eukaryotic system evaluated cattle immunization trial (3 immunized 3 control calves). sexual stage induction vitro inhibition assay to assess ability antibodies block production forms by parasite developed. Results Immunized generated against that were unable reproduction ticks. Additionally, also failed recognizing native peptides representing functional inhibiting development an system. In contrast, rabbit synthetic predicted B-cell epitopes recognized both well able neutralize . Conclusions These data, combined with similar work performed on proteins, indicate effective protein-based will require identifying targeting selected regions containing reduce transmission. Graphical abstract