Staphylococcus aureus is an important human opportunistic pathogen
that can have a major influence on public health. Here, we aimed to
evaluate different aspects of the immune response to a novel
multi-epitope fusion protein (HMS) based on HlaH35L, MntC,
and SACOL0723 proteins in comparison to the individual antigens. For
this purpose, specific total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a isotypes and the
cytokines related to Th1, Th2, and Th17 were assessed. The
Bio-efficiency of the fusion protein was evaluated by opsonic killing
activity. The HMS fusion protein elicited a high specific IgG level and
also induced a higher level of Th1, Th2, and Th17-related cytokines
which were more polarized towards the Th1 and Th17 compared to
individual antigens. The HMS-specific antisera also significantly
promoted phagocytosis of S. aureus COL strain by mouse macrophages. In
conclusion, the fusion protein might be an effective vaccine for
potential protective immunity against a lethal infection of S. aureus in
mice.