Immunogenicity of recombinant outer membrane porin protein and protective efficacy against lethal challenge with Bordetella bronchiseptica in rabbits.

Abstract

The outer membrane porin protein (OMPP) of Bordetella bronchiseptica is an important adhesion factor and protective immunogen. The aim of this study was to verify the immunogenicity of recombinant OMPP and its protective efficacy against a lethal challenge with B. bronchiseptica in rabbits. Soluble rOMPP was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, and the purified recombinant protein was mixed with the ISA 201 VG adjuvant to prepare a subunit vaccine for B. bronchiseptica. Rabbits were immunized with the rOMPP subunit vaccine and then infected with the virulent B. bronchiseptica strain QDBb01. Rabbits immunized with the subunit vaccine were completely protected compared to the control group, and the protective effect was obviously better than that ofthe inactivated whole-cell vaccine. Moreover, analysis of the immunization duration showed that the rOMPP subunit vaccine provided immune protection for at least 4months after the second immunization. The rOMPP subunit vaccine completely protected rabbits from a subsequent B. bronchiseptica challenge. The results will provide key information for the development of a safe and effective recombinant subunit vaccine against B. bronchiseptica in rabbits.