{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: A Proof-of-Concept Study to Develop a Peptide-Based Vaccine against Salmon Lice Infestation in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.).
{Author}: Johny A;Ilardi P;Olsen RE;Egelandsdal B;Slinde E;
{Journal}: Vaccines (Basel)
{Volume}: 12
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: 2024 Apr 24
{Factor}: 4.961
{DOI}: 10.3390/vaccines12050456
{Abstract}: Proteins present in blood samples from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) infected with salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) were analyzed using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 1820 proteins, of which 58 were assigned to lice. Among these, peroxiredoxin-2, an antioxidant protein, was found relevant with respect to blood feeding of the parasite. The three-dimensional structure analysis of the protein revealed a surface amino acid sequence of interest. A 13-amino-acid peptide was selected as a potential antigen due to its predicted solubility, antigenicity, probable non-allergenic, and non-toxic nature. This peroxiredoxin-2-derived peptide was synthesized, combined with a commercially available adjuvant, and used for vaccination. The test vaccine demonstrated a 60-70% protection rate against early-stage Lepeophtheirus salmonis infection in a challenge trial in Norway. Additionally, the vaccine was tested against salmon lice (Caligus rogercresseyi) in Chile, where a remarkable 92% reduction in the number of adult lice was observed. Thus, in combination with the selected adjuvant, the peptide showed antigenic potential, making it a suitable candidate for future vaccine development. The approach described holds promise for the development of peptide vaccines against various ectoparasites feeding on blood or skin secretions of their hosts.