Immunization of bovines with an aspartic proteinase precursor isolated from Boophilus microplus eggs

The capacity of the Boophilus Yolk pro-Cathepsin (BYC) to induce a protective immune response in cattle against Boophilus microplus infestation was tested by vaccination experiments and by inoculation of monoclonal antibody (MAb) against BYC into fully engorged tick females. In immunization experiments the measurement of various biological parameters demonstrated a partial protection against B. microplus. A continuous decrease in the levels of specific antibodies was observed over 11 months when six bovines were maintained in field conditions. The inoculation of the MAb into tick females produced a dose-dependent decrease in oviposition and survival of the ectoparasite compared to the control.