DNA Immunization with Trypanosoma cruzi HSP70 Fused to the KMP11 Protein Elicits a Cytotoxic and Humoral Immune Response against the Antigen and Leads to Protection

Murine immunization with Trypanosoma cruzi KMP11-HSP70 fused genes but not the KMP11 gene alone elicited both an immunoglobulin G2a long-lasting humoral immune response against KMP11 protein and activation of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for two KMP11 peptides containing A2 motifs. Moreover, protection against the parasite challenge was observed after immunization with the chimeric gene.