Antigenic and immunogenic evaluation of Helicobacter pylori FlaA epitopes

OBJECTIVES Helicobacter pylori are among most common human pathogens affecting at least half of the world's population. Mobility is one of the important primary factors in bacterial colonization and invasion. The purpose of this research is cloning, expression, and purification of FlaA protein specific epitopes in order to evaluate their antigenicity and immunogenicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS The antigenic region of the flaA gene was bioinformatically predicted using Epitope mapping software's and the predicted epitopes were expressed in a prokaryotic expression vector. The antigen was injected into the animal model (mice BALB/c) and some indicators including IgG1, IgG2a, IgA, IFN-γ, and IL 5 were measured. RESULTS The immunogenicity studies in animal models by measuring serum antibodies (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA) and cytokines (IFN-γ and IL5) revealed that the rFlaA induces a proper immune response in animal models. CONCLUSION The recombinant FlaA protein is antigenic and immunogenic. Therefore, it might be used in order to design of specific diagnostic kits and recombinant vaccines against H. pylori.