Azam Torabi - Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Mojtaba Tahmoorespour - Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Fatemeh Vahedi - Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
Nader Mosavari - Department of PPD and Tuberculin production, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran
Mohammadreza Nassiri - Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Background: Mycobacterium (M.) bovis is the agent of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in a range of animal species, including humans. Recent advances in immunology and the molecular biology of Mycobacterium have allowed identification of a large number of antigens with the potential for the development of a new TB vaccine. The ESAT-۶ and CFP-۱۰ proteins of M. bovis are important structural and functional proteins known to be important immunogens. Methods: In the current study, the DNAs encoding these genes were utilized in the construction of pcDNA ۳.۱+/ESAT-۶ and pcDNA۳.۱+/CFP-۱۰ plasmids. After intramuscular injection of BALB/c mice with these plasmids, ESAT-۶ and CFP-۱۰ mRNA expression was assessed by RT-PCR. Mice were inoculated and boosted with the plasmids to evaluate their effects on lymphocyte proliferation. Results: Our results indicate the plasmids are expressed at the RNA level and can induce lymphocyte proliferation. Conclusion: Further study is needed to characterize the effect of these antigens on the immune system and determine whether they are effective vaccine candidates against M. bovis.

BALB/c mice, CFP-۱۰, DNA vaccine, ESAT-۶, Mycobacterium bovis, PPD, Proliferation assay