Exploiting immunopotential PAPI-1 encoded type IVb major pilin targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) significantly contributes to nosocomial infections and necessitates research into novel treatment methods. For the first time, this research evaluated the immunoprotective potential of recombinant PAPI-1 encoded type IV pili targeting P. aeruginosa in BALB/C mice. The target sequence was identified, and a PilS2-encoding vector was constructed. The vector was then expressed and purified in E. coli BL21 (DE3). The PilS2 protein was inoculated into BALB/C mice in four groups, with or without alum, to measure total IgG, its subclasses, and cytokines. MTT and opsonophagocytosis tests were used to examine the immunological response. PilS2, especially when paired with alum, boosts the humoral immune response by enhancing IgG and IL-4 levels. However, PilS2 did not affect IL-17 or IFN-γ and only increased lymphocyte proliferation. Antibodies targeting PilS2 increased phagocytic cell death of P. aeruginosa by over 95 %, indicating possible therapies for P. aeruginosa infections. Our study on the immunopotentiation of P. aeruginosa PilS2 paves the way for pilin-based vaccines and immunotherapy targeting this pathogen.