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

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