[Preparation of recombinant retrovirus pRevTRE-E77.43 and its protective effect in a mouse model of Schistosoma japonicum infection].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the biological functions of E77.43, a gene segment of Microtus fortis , in treating Schistosoma japonicum infection.

METHODS: Recombinant retroviral vectors of pRevTRE - E77.43 was constructed, and recombinant retroviral vectors were transfected into PA317 cells, and the stable cell lines were obtained by hygromycin screening, followed by the packaging, concentration and purification of recombinant retrovirus. The virus was transferred to the mice infected by S. japonicum via intravenous or intraperitoneal injection, through which the express of target gene and the treatment function in vivo were observed.

RESULTS: The experiment showed the recombinant virus injected mice could efficiently express E77.43 on the 7th day after the injection which lasted for forty - five days thereafter. A significant reduction in adult worms (31.0%) and a high reduction (35.0%) in liver eggs were induced by pRevTRE - E77.43, while the reduction in adult worms and that in liver eggs was 1.2% and 0.9% induced by pRevTRE respectively ( t = 3.524, 9.485, both P ＜0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: pRevTRE - E77.43 could be used for the treatment of S. japonicum infection, indicating that E77.43 may involve in the natural resistance of M. fortis to S. japonicum infection.