Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Woolums, Amelia

Committee Member

King, Heath

Committee Member

Thoresen, Merrilee

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Veterinary Medical Research

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Veterinary Medicine

Department

Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine

Abstract

Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by Tritrichomonas foetus, remains a persistent reproductive disease in cattle due to asymptomatic carriage in bulls and lack of effective treatments. This thesis evaluated the use of synthetic mRNA to drive expression of TF1.17- specific antibodies, targeting a conserved surface adhesin essential for parasite colonization. Membrane-anchored and secreted IgG1 constructs were transfected into bovine kidney cells, resulting in time-dependent antibody expression verified via NanoLuc luminescence. In vivo, aerosolized mRNA administration to bull calves led to localized antibody expression in preputial secretions. Although immunofluorescence assays detected fluorescence signal, high background limited interpretation of specific binding to T. foetus. Despite this, results support the feasibility of mRNA-induced antibody expression at mucosal surfaces in cattle. This work establishes a foundation for synthetic mRNA immunotherapy in bulls, offering a novel approach to prevent or reduce T. foetus colonization and transmission, and informing future strategies to improve reproductive health in cattle.

Sponsorship (Optional)

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant Number 2021-67016-34571 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

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