Several antigens from
Entamoeba histolytica the agent causing human amoebiasis have been identified as potential vaccine candidates. One of them is the EhADH112 adhesin,
which plays an important role during trophozoite adherence to and phagocytosis of target cells. We report here the expression
of the EhADH112 carboxy-terminus of the gene (
Adh240) in tomato plants. A 28 kDa band is recognized by specific antibodies in total proteins from transformed tomatoes. The plant-based
adhesin conserves the ability to inhibit trophozoite adherence and phagocytosis of target cells by an average of 32.8 and
44.75% respectively.
Keywords Edible vaccines - Transgenic plants - Tomato -
Entamoeba histolytica
- Amoebiasis