Overexpression of TLR-2 and TLR-4 mRNA in feline polymorphonuclear neutrophils exposed to Microsporum canis.

Background: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), along with macrophages, are the first leukocytes recruited to the site of infection in dermatophytoses and are responsible for the in fine elimination of the fungus. It has been demonstrated that feline PMNs produce pro-inflammatory cytokines after stimulation with Microsporum canis. The activation of these cells results from the recognition of specific PAMPs (pathogen associated molecular patterns) from M.

Evaluation of immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a Microsporum canis metalloprotease subunit vaccine in guinea pigs.

In order to identify protective immunogens against Microsporum canis infection, a purified recombinant keratinolytic metalloprotease (r-MEP3) was tested as a subunit vaccine in experimentally infected guinea pigs. Both humoral and cellular specific immune responses developing towards r-MEP3 were evaluated, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by in vitro lymphocyte transformation tests respectively. Vaccination induced a strong antibody response, and a significant but transient lymphoproliferative response against the protein.

A recombinant 31.5 kDa keratinase and a crude exo-antigen from Microsporum canis fail to protect against a homologous experimental infection in guinea pigs.

A Microsporum canis recombinant 31.5 kDa keratinase and a M. canis crude exo-antigen were tested as vaccines in an experimental infection model in guinea pigs.