Inactivation of formyltransferase (wbkC) gene generates a Brucella abortus rough strain that is attenuated in macrophages and in mice

Rough mutants of Brucella abortus were generated by disruption of wbkC gene which encodes the formyltransferase enzyme involved in LPS biosynthesis. In bone marrow-derived macrophages the B. abortus Delta wbkC mutants were attenuated, could not reach a replicative niche and induced higher levels of IL-12 and TNF-alpha when compared to parental smooth strains. Additionally, mutants exhibited attenuation in vivo in C57BL/6 and interferon regulatory factor-1 knockout mice. Delta wbkC mutant strains induced lower protective immunity in C56BL/6 than smooth vaccine S19 but similar to rough vaccine RB51. Finally, we demonstrated that Brucella wbkC is critical for LPS biosynthesis and full bacterial virulence. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CNPq

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

MAPA/CNPq

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

FAPEMIG

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

PNPD/CAPES

INCT/Vacinas

INCT/Vacinas