Design, synthesis and evaluation of a gonadotropin releasing hormone-based subunit vaccine in rams (Ovis aries)

作者：Goodwin Daryn; Varamini Pegah; Simerska Pavla; D'Occhio Michael J; Toth Istvan^*

来源：Vaccine, 2015, 33(12): 1453-1458.

DOI：10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.076

• GnRH
• Lipopeptide
• Subunit vaccine
• Immunocastration
• Ram

Immunocastration using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based vaccines has been investigated in rams to reduce aggressive and sexual behaviour and to control meat quality. Despite considerable efforts, a practical GnRH vaccine has yet to be developed for rams. In the present study, a A GnRH-lipopeptide vaccine (GnRH-LP) including two copies of GnRH, 2-amino-D,L-hexadecanoic acid (C16), and a unique T helper epitope, was examined in rams. Rams received a primary and secondary vaccination of GnRH-LP without additional adjuvant (Group 1) or with the adjuvant AdjuVac (TM) (Group 2). In both Group 1 and 2 anti-GnRH antibody titres increased after secondary vaccination, however, the antibody titres were higher (p <0.01) for rams in Group 2. The latter rams showed a marked decrease in testicular size. The marked and sustained reduction in testicular size in rams treated with GnRH-LP+AdjuVac (TM) provides the basis for an effective immunocastration vaccine in rams.

• 出版日期2015-3-17