Regulated Delayed Shigella flexneri 2a O-antigen Synthesis in Live Recombinant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Induces Comparable Levels of Protective Immune Responses with Constitutive Antigen Synthesis System

Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri), a leading cause of bacillary dysentery, is a major public health concern particularly affecting children in developing nations. We have constructed a novel attenuated Salmonella vaccine system based on the regulated delayed antigen synthesis (RDAS) and regulated delayed expression of attenuating phenotype (RDEAP) systems for delivering the S. flexneri 2a (Sf2a) O-antigen. Methods: The new Salmonella vaccine platform was constructed through chromosomal integration of the araC P(BAD) lacI and araC P(BAD) wbaP cassettes, resulting in a gradual depletion of WbaP enzyme. An expression vector, encoding Sf2a O-antigen biosynthesis under the control of the LacI-repressible P(trc) promoter, was maintained in the Salmonella vaccine strain through antibiotic-independent selection. Mice immunized with the vaccine candidates were evaluated for cell-mediate and humoral immune responses. Results: In the presence of exogenous arabinose, the Salmonella vaccine strain synthesized native Salmonella LPS as a consequence of WbaP expression. Moreover, arabinose supported LacI expression, thereby repressing Sf2a O-antigen production. In the absence of arabinose in vivo, native Salmonella LPS synthesis is repressed whilst the synthesis of the Sf2a O-antigen is induced. Murine immunization with the Salmonella vaccine strain elicited robust Sf2a-specific protective immune responses together with long term immunity. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the protective efficacy of recombinant Sf2a O-antigen delivered by a Salmonella vaccine platform.