PKD Proliferative kidney disease (PKD), caused by the myxozoan parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, is one of the most economically damaging diseases to trout aquaculture in the UK. Fish recovering from PKD develop protective immunity to subsequent parasite challenge, providing the impetus for vaccine development.
The aim of this research, is to identify protective parasite antigens. We will:
Conduct the development and testing of single antigen (DNA / protein) and pooled antigen (DNA) vaccine formulations
Interrogate host-specific parasite transcriptome assemblies, derived from rainbow trout and bryozoans (invertebrate vector), to identify fish-specific antigens for testing as DNA vaccines
Develop and characterize the monoclonal antibodies to T. bryosalmonae antigens which are able to elicit a protective immune responses as DNA vaccines
The diagram below Illustrates the life cycle and route of infection by the parasite which causes PKD.
