Protective immunity induced by vaccination with SAG1 gene-transfected cells against Toxoplasma gondii-infection in mice

To develop a vaccine by augmenting the protective cellular immunity against Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-infection, T. gondii SAG1 gene-transfectants were established by using RMA.S (H-2b), a murine transporter associated with the antigen processing (TAP) molecule-deficient lymphoma line, as a host antigen-presenting cell (APC). Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with the SAG1-transfected RMA.S induced CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) specific for not only SAG1-transfected RMA.S but also T. gondii-infected RMA.S, and elicited protective responses to infection with a virulent T. gondii strain, RH.