Reciprocal cross‐protection induced by sporozoite antigens SPAG‐1 from Theileria annulata and p67 from Theileria parva

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Theileria annulata and Theileria parva both possess a major surface antigen on the sporozoite stage of the life-cycle, called SPAG-1 and p67, respectively. In each case, these antigens are vaccine candidates and have been shown to induce a degree of homologous protection in earlier work. These antigens share sequence homology and are serologically cross-reactive. Here, we confirm that these antigens confer protection against homologous species challenge. More importantly, they mutually confer a degree of cross-species protection raising the prospect of a common vaccine in the future.