CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GENE ENCODING MHP1 FROM MYCOPLASMA-HYOPNEUMONIAE AND EXAMINATION OF MHP1S VACCINE POTENTIAL

The gene encoding Mhp1, a 124 kDa protein from Mycoplasma hyopneumonia e, has been cloned sequenced and its product characterized No signific ant homology to the gene or encoded polypeptide was found ibr the Genb ank, NBRF, or PIR databases though this protein appears similar to p97 , a putative adhesin of M. hyopneumoniae described by Zhang et al. (In fect. Immun. 63, 1013-1019, 1995). Two repeated motifs were identified within the 3' end of the gene and encoded polypeptide. The mhp1 gene was fused to the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene from Schistosoma japonicum, enabling high-level expression and purification of the pro tein. Both the authentic and recombinant proteins were recognized by s era from pigs infected with M. hyopneumoniae. In an induced-disease mo del in pigs, coughing was reduced in animals vaccinated with recombina nt GST-Mhp1, although differences were not significant. Only minimal p rotection against lung lesion formation was provided and again differe nces between the Mhp1-vaccinated and nonvaccinated groups were not sig nificant. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.