Efficacy of recombinant sialoglycoprotease in protection of cattle against pneumonic challenge with Mannheimia ( Pasteurella) haemolytica A1

Secreted recombinant sialoglycoprotease fusion protein (Gcp-F) of Mannheimia ( Pasteurella) haemolytica A1 was examined for its ability to protect cattle from experimental challenge with M. haemolytica A1. Five M. haemolytica vaccines were compared including Gcp-F, logarithmic phase culture supernate (Presponse ®) and Presponse ® enriched with Gcp-F, recombinant leukotoxin (rLkt) or both. All calves receiving Gcp-F had significant serum antibody responses to this antigen, measured by ELISA, prior to challenge. Those vaccinated with Gcp-F alone had significantly lower percent pneumonic tissue than unvaccinated controls and a trend ( P=0.085, one-tailed test) to lower clinical scores. Calves receiving Presponse ® with Gcp-F and rLkt had lower percent pneumonic tissue than those receiving Presponse ® alone, and calves receiving Presponse ® enriched with Gcp-F and/or rLkt had lower mean clinical scores, but the differences were not significant. This trial demonstrates the protective capacity of sialoglycoprotease. While, remarkably, recombinant Gcp-F provided some protection alone the results support its practical potential as a component of a multiple antigen vaccine.