Project Number: 5348-32000-028-05
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 28, 2007
End Date: Jun 30, 2012

Objective:
To utilize the recently obtained and annotated Babesia bovis genome sequence and functional genomic approaches for the identification of virulence factors and defined vaccine development.

Approach:
The genome sequence of the B. bovis virulent strain T2Bo has been sequenced and annotated and we are currently devising stable transfection methods for B. bovis. Our experimental approach towards vaccine development will be based initially in utilizing genome sequences from several B. bovis virulent and attenuated strains to identify genes associated with virulence, cerebral babesiosis and tick transmission. Then, the functional role of identified virulence-associated and transmission- associated genes will be further defined using Babesia transfection technology either by knocking out or complementing the genes of interest. Comparative studies of the phenotypes of the wild type and knock-out transfected strains will be performed. These will include their ability to produce acute and chronic disease, cerebral babesiosis, and tick transmission. The goal will be to obtain genetically defined attenuated and non tick-transmissible parasite strains that can be used in the field to prevent B. bovis caused bovine babesiosis. In addition, functional gene characterization through transfection will aid in the identification of protective antigens that can aid the design of subunit vaccines and the expression of foreign genes, such as tick antigens, in Babesia vaccine strains that may lead to developing dual anti tick-parasite vaccines. BSL-1; 6-30-07. Documents SCA with WSU.