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Sangkanu S, Paul AK, Chuprom J, Mitsuwan W, Boonhok R, de Lourdes Pereira M, Oliveira SMR, Wilairatana P, Rahmatullah M, Wiart C, Nawaz M, Sin C, Kayesth S, Nissapatorn V. Conserved Candidate Antigens and Nanoparticles to Develop Vaccine against Giardia intestinalis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:vaccines11010096. [PMID: 36679941 PMCID: PMC9863896 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Giardia intestinalis (Giardia lambia, Giardia duodenalis) infections in humans may be asymptomatic or symptomatic and associated with diarrhea (without blood), abdominal cramps, bloating, flatulence, and weight loss. The protozoan Giardia is the third most common cause of diarrhea and death in children under five, preceded only by rotavirus and by Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis infections. Antimicrobial drugs, particularly 5-nitroimidazole (5-NIs), are used to treat giardiasis in humans. Immunologically naive or immunocompromised host are more vulnerable to Giardia infection, whereas a degree of resistance to this protozoan is present in humans living in endemic areas. This suggests that vaccination may be a potential and appropriate means to control this parasitic disease outbreak and protect the human population. This review discusses Giardia antigens related to vaccine development. Additionally, based on the latest development of nanoparticle technology, a combination of methods for future research and development is proposed for the design of the next generation of powerful immunogens and an effective vaccine against Giardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suthinee Sangkanu
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Alok K. Paul
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Julalak Chuprom
- School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Mitsuwan
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Rachasak Boonhok
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Research Excellence Center for Innovation and Health Products (RECIHP), Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sonia Marlene Rodrigues Oliveira
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mohammed Rahmatullah
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh
| | - Christophe Wiart
- The Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation, University Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Nawaz
- Department of Nano-Medicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chea Sin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Puthisastra, Phnom Penh 12211, Cambodia
| | - Sunil Kayesth
- Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, New Delhi 110019, India
| | - Veeranoot Nissapatorn
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Southeast Asia Water Team (SEA Water Team) and World Union for Herbal Drug Discovery (WUHeDD), Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Garzon T, Valencia L, Dominguez V, Rascon L, Quintero J, Garibay-Escobar A, Enrique Robles-Zepeda R, Velazquez C. Differential antibody responses to Giardia lamblia strain variants expressing dissimilar levels of an immunogenic protein. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12767. [PMID: 32594543 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, one of the most common worldwide gastrointestinal diseases. For rational development of a Giardia vaccine, increasing our understanding of the host-Giardia interaction is crucial. In this study, we analysed the immunogenicity and antigenicity of two G lamblia strain variants [GS and GS-5G8 (+)], which express different levels of the variant-specific surface protein (VSP) 5G8 and also analysed the intestinal histological changes associated with Giardia infection. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated the antibody responses induced by G lamblia strains in infected, reinfected and immunized C3H/HeJ mice using ELISA, flow cytometry, Western blotting and histological analysis. Our results showed that G lamblia GS-5G8 (+) was more immunogenic and antigenic than the GS strain. The antibody response against the GS-5G8 (+) strain primarily recognized 5G8 protein. Serum antibody from infected and reinfected mice exhibited specific agglutination of trophozoites in vitro. GS-5G8 (+)-infected mice showed higher CD19+ infiltrating cell levels compared to GS-infected animals. CONCLUSION G lamblia strains with different expression levels of an immunogenic antigen (VSP 5G8) induce differential antibody responses. A better understanding of the immunogenic proteins of G lamblia will contribute to the rational development of an effective vaccine against this parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thania Garzon
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Valencia
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Victor Dominguez
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Lucila Rascon
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Jael Quintero
- Health Science Department, University of Sonora, Obregon, Mexico
| | | | | | - Carlos Velazquez
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
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3
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Affiliation(s)
- César G. Prucca
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Cordoba, CP X5004ASK Cordoba, Argentina;
| | - Fernando D. Rivero
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Cordoba, CP X5004ASK Cordoba, Argentina;
| | - Hugo D. Luján
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Cordoba, CP X5004ASK Cordoba, Argentina;
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4
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Rivero FD, Saura A, Prucca CG, Carranza PG, Torri A, Lujan HD. Disruption of antigenic variation is crucial for effective parasite vaccine. Nat Med 2010; 16:551-7, 1p following 557. [DOI: 10.1038/nm.2141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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5
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Astiazaran-Garcia H, Quintero J, Vega R, Briceño P, Oviedo C, Rascon L, Garibay-Escobar A, Castillo-Yañez FJ, Robles-Zepeda R, Hernandez J, Velazquez C. Identification of T-cell stimulating antigens from Giardia lamblia by using Giardia-specific T-cell hybridomas. Parasite Immunol 2009; 31:132-9. [PMID: 19222784 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2008.01083.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
T-cell immune response plays an important role in controlling Giardia lamblia infections. Little is known about the G. lamblia-specific antigens that stimulate a cell-mediated immune response. The aim of the present study was to identify T-cell stimulating G. lamblia antigens. For this purpose, we generated a group of Giardia-specific T-cell hybridomas (2F9, 4D5, 6D10, 8B9, 9B10, 10F7 and 10G5). Hybridomas were screened for reactivity with G. lamblia protein extract by the CTLL bioassay. These T-cell hybridomas did not exhibit any significant activation either in the absence of G. lamblia protein extract or in the presence of irrelevant antigen (hen white egg lysozyme). To further characterize the T-cell hybridomas generated, we selected three hybridomas (10G5, 4D5 and 9B10). Giardia lamblia proteins of 90-110, 65-77 and 40-64 kDa showed T-cell stimulating activity for the hybridomas 10G5, 4D5 and 9B10, respectively, in a concentration-dependent manner. Protein extract obtained from different G. lamblia strains (GS/M-83-H7, WB C6 and a clinical isolate (YJJ)) stimulated all T-cell hybridomas, indicating that T-cell-stimulating antigens are expressed among different G. lamblia strains. In conclusion, we identified T-cell stimulating G. lamblia antigens by using Giardia-specific T-cell hybridomas. To our knowledge, these hybridomas are the first-described T-cell hybridomas specific for G. lamblia.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Astiazaran-Garcia
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. Hermosillo, Sonora, México
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6
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von Allmen N, Christen S, Forster U, Gottstein B, Welle M, Müller N. Acute trichinellosis increases susceptibility to Giardia lamblia infection in the mouse model. Parasitology 2006; 133:139-49. [PMID: 16677442 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182006000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Revised: 02/27/2006] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia causes diarrhoea in humans and animals. In the present study, we used the C57BL/6 inbred mouse model to assess the impact of a nematode (Trichinella spiralis) infection on the course of a G. lamblia (clone GS/M-83-H7) infection. Acute trichinellosis coincided with transient intestinal inflammation and generated an intestinal environment that strongly promoted growth of G. lamblia trophozoites although the local anti-Giardia immunoglobulin (Ig) A production was not affected. This increased G. lamblia infection intensity correlated with intestinal mast cell infiltration, mast cell degranulation, and total IgE production. Furthermore, a G. lamblia single-infection investigated in parallel also resulted in intestinal mast cell accumulation but severe infiltration was triggered in the absence of IgE. Recently, intestinal mast cells emerging during a G. lamblia infection were reported to be involved in those immunological mechanisms that control intestinal proliferation of the parasite in mice. This anti-giardial activity was assumed to be related to the capacity of mast cells to produce IL-6. However, this previous assumption was questioned by our present immunohistological findings indicating that murine intestinal mast cells, activated during a G. lamblia infection were IL-6-negative. In the present co-infection experiments, mast cells induced during acute trichinellosis were not able to control a concurrent G. lamblia infection. This observation makes it feasible that the T. spiralis infection created an immunological and physiological environment that superimposed the anti-giardial effect of mast cells and thus favoured intestinal growth of G. lamblia trophozoites in double-infected mice. Furthermore, our findings raise the possibility that intestinal inflammation e.g. as a consequence of a 'pre-existing' nematode infection is a factor which contributes to increased susceptibility of a host to a G. lamblia infection. The phenomenon of a 'pre-existing' nematode infection prior to a G. lamblia infection is a frequent constellation in endemic areas of giardiasis and may therefore have a direct impact on the epidemiological situation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N von Allmen
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, P.O. Box 8466, CH-3001 Berne, Switzerland
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7
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Velazquez C, Beltran M, Ontiveros N, Rascon L, Figueroa DC, Granados AJ, Hernandez-Martinez J, Hernandez J, Astiazaran-Garcia H. Giardia lamblia infection induces different secretory and systemic antibody responses in mice. Parasite Immunol 2005; 27:351-6. [PMID: 16149993 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2005.00793.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The adult mouse model of Giardia lamblia infection serves as an excellent animal model to understand the immunological mechanisms involved in the control and clearance of Giardia infection. Little is known about the G. lamblia-specific antigens that stimulate the humoral immune response in this model of giardiasis. We analysed the secretory and systemic antibody responses to G. lamblia during primary and secondary infection in C3H/HeJ adult mice. Faecal IgA and Serum IgG anti-G. lamblia antibodies were observed at week 2 post-infection. Serum IgG responses remained constant over the next several weeks, whereas faecal IgA titres continued to rise from weeks 2-6 post-infection. Western blot analysis revealed that intestinal IgA and serum IgG antibody responses were directed toward several distinct proteins of G. lamblia. Certain proteins appeared to be recognized by both faecal IgA and serum IgG, whereas other antigens were specific for either the secretory or systemic antibody responses. G. lamblia primary and secondary infections were associated with differences in the antibody recognition pattern. The biochemical and immunological characterization of these antigens will help us to better understand the immunobiology of the G. lamblia-host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Velazquez
- Department of Chemistry-Biology, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, México.
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8
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Müller N, von Allmen N. Recent insights into the mucosal reactions associated with Giardia lamblia infections. Int J Parasitol 2005; 35:1339-47. [PMID: 16182298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2005.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2005] [Revised: 07/22/2005] [Accepted: 07/27/2005] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is an intestinal protozoan parasite infecting humans and various other mammalian hosts. The most important clinical signs of giardiasis are diarrhoea and malabsorption. Giardia lamblia is able to undergo continuous antigenic variation of its major surface antigen, named VSP (variant surface protein). While intestinal antibodies, and more specifically anti-VSP IgA antibodies, were proven to be involved in modulating antigenic variation of the parasite the participation of the local antibody response in control of the parasite infection is still controversial. Conversely, previous studies based on experimental infections in mice showed that cellular immune mechanisms are essential for elimination of the parasite from its intestinal habitat. Furthermore, recent data indicated that inflammatory mast cells have a potential to directly, or indirectly, interfere in duodenal growth of G. lamblia trophozoites. However, this finding was challenged by other reports, which did not find a correlation between intestinal inflammation and resistance to infection. Since intestinal infiltration of inflammatory cells and/or CD8+T-cells were demonstrated to coincide with villus-shortening and crypt hyperplasia immunological reactions were considered to be a potential factor of pathogenesis in giardiasis. The contribution of physiological factors to pathogenesis was essentially assessed in vitro by co-cultivation of G. lamblia trophozoites with epithelial cell lines. By using this in vitro model, molecular (through surface lectins) and mechanical (through ventral disk) adhesion of trophozoites to the epithelium was shown to be crucial for increased epithelial permeability. This phenomenon as well as other Giardia-induced intestinal abnormalities such as loss of intestinal brush border surface area, villus flattening, inhibition of disaccharidase activities, and eventually also overgrowth of the enteric bacterial flora seem to be involved in the pathophysiology of giardiasis. However, it remains to be elucidated whether at least part of these pathological effects are causatively linked to the clinical manifestation of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Länggass-Str. 122, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Bienz M, Dai WJ, Welle M, Gottstein B, Müller N. Interleukin-6-deficient mice are highly susceptible to Giardia lamblia infection but exhibit normal intestinal immunoglobulin A responses against the parasite. Infect Immun 2003; 71:1569-73. [PMID: 12595479 PMCID: PMC148820 DOI: 10.1128/iai.71.3.1569-1573.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, interleukin-6 (IL-6)-deficient mice were infected with Giardia lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7. Murine IL-6 deficiency did not affect the synthesis of parasite-specific intestinal immunoglobulin A. However, in contrast to wild-type mice, IL-6-deficient animals were not able to control the acute phase of parasite infection. Reverse transcription-PCR-based quantitation of cytokine mRNA levels in peripheral lymph node cells exhibited a short-term up-regulation of IL-4 expression in IL-6-deficient mice that seemed to be associated with failure in controlling the parasite population. This observation suggests a further elucidation of IL-4-dependent, Th2-type regulatory processes regarding their potential to influence the course of G. lamblia infection in the experimental murine host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Bienz
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
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10
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Abstract
This article updates recent advances in the body of knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites. The articles focus on the manifestations of disease in the immunocompetent adult host from developed countries. Specific pathogens discussed are Giardia lamblia and Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dipar, Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, and Cryptosporidium parvum.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Katz
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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11
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Bienz M, Siles-Lucas M, Wittwer P, Müller N. vsp gene expression by Giardia lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 during antigenic variation in vivo and in vitro. Infect Immun 2001; 69:5278-85. [PMID: 11500396 PMCID: PMC98636 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.9.5278-5285.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia lamblia infections are associated with antigenic variation of the parasite, which is generated by a continuous change of the variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs). Many investigations on the process of antigenic variation were based on the use of G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7, which expresses VSP H7 as its major surface antigen. In the present study, mice were infected with the aforementioned clonal line to investigate vsp gene expression during the complex process of antigenic variation of the parasite. Trophozoites collected from the intestines of individual animals at different time points postinfection (p.i.) were analyzed directly for their vsp gene expression patterns, i.e., without cultivating the recovered parasites in vitro. Because few trophozoites were recovered at late time points p.i., a combined 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends-reverse transcription-PCR approach was utilized. This allowed detection and subsequent sequence analysis of vsp gene transcripts upon generation of amplified cDNA analogues. The same PCR approach was applied for analysis of vsp gene expression in variants obtained after negative selection of axenic GS/M-83-H7 trophozoites by treatment with a cytotoxic, VSP H7-specific monoclonal antibody. In an overall view of the entire panel of in vivo- and in vitro-derived parasite populations, expression of 29 different vsp gene sequences could be demonstrated. In vivo antigenic variation of G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 was shown to be a continuous process involving the consecutive appearance of relatively distinct sets of vsp transcripts. During the 42-day infection period investigated, this process activated at least 22 different vsp genes. Comparative molecular analyses of the amino acid level demonstrated that all cDNA segments identified encode structural elements typical of the terminal segment of Giardia VSP. The similarity of most of the GS/M-83-H7 VSP sequences identified in the present study supports previous suggestions that vsp gene diversification in G. lamblia is the result of ancestral gene duplication, mutation, and/or recombination events.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antigenic Variation
- Antigens, Protozoan/chemistry
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/metabolism
- Antigens, Surface/chemistry
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/metabolism
- Base Sequence
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA, Complementary
- Gene Expression
- Genes, Protozoan
- Giardia lamblia/genetics
- Giardia lamblia/growth & development
- Giardia lamblia/immunology
- Giardiasis/immunology
- Giardiasis/parasitology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Protozoan Proteins
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bienz
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
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12
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Bienz M, Wittwer P, Zimmermann V, Müller N. Molecular characterisation of a predominant antigenic region of Giardia lamblia variant surface protein H7. Int J Parasitol 2001; 31:827-32. [PMID: 11403775 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(01)00182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
During infection, the intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia undergoes continuous antigenic variation which is determined by diversification of the parasite's major surface antigen, named VSP (variant surface protein). One member from this protein family, VSP H7, is expressed by G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7. In the present study, we characterised a highly antigenic portion of VSP H7 which is positioned inside a 130 amino acid C-terminal region of the protein. This region overlaps with a cysteine-rich motif that is rather conserved within the VSP family. Detailed molecular dissection of the antigenic portion monitored a 12 amino acid peptidyl structure which constitutes a non-conformational epitope of VSP H7. In the murine host, this epitope is recognised relatively early (before day 10 p.i.) during infection and stimulates a strong intestinal immunoglobulin A response. At late infective stages (after day 10 p.i.) this immune reaction is progressively complemented by reactions against 'late' antigenic epitopes which are also located inside the 130 amino acid antigenic portion but in closer proximity to the C-terminal end of VSP H7 than the 12 amino acid epitope. Both the high antigenicity and the conserved character suggest that the 12 amino acid epitope is a key factor within the immunological interplay between G. lamblia and the experimental murine host.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bienz
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland
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13
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Müller N, Stäger S. Periodic appearance of a predominant variant antigen type during a chronic Giardia lamblia infection in a mouse model. Int J Parasitol 1999; 29:1917-23. [PMID: 10961847 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(99)00147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia (syn. Giardia duodenalis, Giardia intestinalis) infections are associated with continuous antigenic variation of the parasite which is mediated by the parasite's major surface antigen, named variant surface protein. Offspring mice and corresponding mothers were infected with G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 (expressing variant surface protein H7) and various parameters of this infection were assessed in a long-term follow-up investigation. Our experimentation revealed that variant surface protein H7-type trophozoites were replaced by new variant-type trophozoites during the early stage of infection (around day 8 p.i.), but the original variant-type re-emerged at at least two time-points during the later stages of infection (at days 22 and 42 p.i.). Such periods of variant surface protein H7-type trophozoite re-expansion were accompanied by transient production of intestinal IgA against variant-specific epitopes on a 314-aa N-terminal region of variant surface protein H7. At late stages of infection (between days 42 and 200 p.i.), most mice produced intestinal IgA against both variant surface protein H7 and other antigens of the parasite. At these stages, infection seemed to be resolved in most mice, but occasional reappearance of relatively high (at day 64 p.i.) or at least detectable (at days 80 and 120 p.i.) amounts of intestinal parasites indicated that G. lamblia GS/M-83-H7 infections in mice may enter into a latent chronic phase which is interrupted by sporadic breakthroughs of parasite growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
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14
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Abstract
The protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia is an important causative agent of acute or chronic diarrhoea in humans and various animals. During infection, the parasite survives the host's reactions by undergoing continuous antigenic variation of its major surface antigen, named VSP (variant surface protein). The VSPs form a unique family of cysteine-rich proteins that are extremely heterogeneous in size. The relevance of antigenic variation for the survival in the host has been most successfully studied by performing experimental infections in a combined mother/offspring mouse system and by using the G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 (human isolate) as model parasite. In-vivo antigenic variation of G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 is characterised by a diversification of the intestinal parasite population into a complex mixture of different variant antigen types. It could be shown that maternally transferred lactogenic anti-VSP IgA antibodies exhibit cytotoxic activity on the Giardia variant-specific trophozoites in suckling mice, and thus express a modulatory function on the proliferative parasite population characteristics. Complementarily, in-vitro as well as in-vivo experiments in adult animals indicated that non-immunological factors such as intestinal proteases may interfere into the process of antigen variation in that they favour proliferation of those variant antigen-type populations which resist the hostile physiological conditions within the intestine. These observations suggest that an interplay between immunological and physiological factors, rather than one of these two factor alone, modulates antigenic diversification of a G. lamblia population within an experimental murine host and thus influences the survival rate and strategy of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Switzerland.
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15
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Gärdby E, Lane P, Lycke NY. Requirements for B7-CD28 Costimulation in Mucosal IgA Responses: Paradoxes Observed in CTLA4-Hγ1 Transgenic Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 1998. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.161.1.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The block in the CD80/CD86-CD28/CTLA-4 pathway in CTLA4-Hγ1 transgenic (Tg) mice results in strongly impaired systemic IgG immunity and failure to develop germinal center reactions. By contrast, here we report that mucosal immunity and IgA B cell differentiation are not affected by this block. We found abundant germinal centers and evidence of IgA switch differentiation in Peyer’s patches, normal total IgA levels, and normal numbers of IgA-labeling cells in the gut mucosa. The distribution of B-1 and B-2 cells and the relative contribution of B-1 cells to the total IgA B cells were similar in Tg and wild-type mice. Despite this, oral immunizations with keyhole limpet hemocyanin plus cholera toxin adjuvant failed to stimulate Ag-specific mucosal IgA responses in CTLA4-Hγ1 Tg mice. This was not due to a lack of adjuvant activity of cholera toxin in Tg mice, nor was this secondary to an inability to take up Ag from the gut lumen. Rather, CD4+ T cells stimulated by oral immunization in Tg mice appeared to be inappropriately primed, as evidenced by a significantly reduced level of CD40 ligand and CD44 expression and an increased expression of CD95 compared to those in wild-type mice. This study reveals a paradox in the regulation of mucosal IgA responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gärdby
- *Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Goteborg, Goteborg, Sweden; and
| | - Peter Lane
- †Department of Immunology, University of Birmingham Medical School, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nils Y. Lycke
- *Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Goteborg, Goteborg, Sweden; and
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Stäger S, Gottstein B, Sager H, Jungi TW, Müller N. Influence of antibodies in mother's milk on antigenic variation of Giardia lamblia in the murine mother-offspring model of infection. Infect Immun 1998; 66:1287-92. [PMID: 9529044 PMCID: PMC108051 DOI: 10.1128/iai.66.4.1287-1292.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, neonatal ZU.ICR mice and their mothers were infected with trophozoites of Giardia lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 expressing the variant surface protein (VSP) H7. The infection experiments included a detailed analysis of the specificities of anti-Giardia immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in mother's milk and a determination of the effects of the milk antibodies on both the growth of the parasite during in vitro cultivation and colonization of the parasite within the intestine of suckling offspring. These investigations revealed that transiently emerging milk IgA antibodies against a variant-specific 314-amino-acid N-terminal region of VSP H7 exhibit a strong parasiticidal effect on VSP H7-type trophozoites both in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicated that parasiticidal effects of local IgA antibodies against the N-terminal part of VSP H7 select for new variant types within the intestinal parasite population of suckling mice. The selective influence of such antibodies promotes in vivo antigenic variation of G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 and modulates the early course of parasite infection in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stäger
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
In the present study, we infected B-cell (and antibody-)-deficient transgenic mice with the Giardia lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7. These animals were inhibited in intestinal anti-Giardia immunoglobulin A (IgA) production and could not resolve the parasite infection, and antigenic diversification within the respective parasite populations occurred in an unusually slow manner. These findings indicate an important immunological function of local IgA antibodies which promotes antigenic variation of the parasite and is involved in control of the parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stager
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Stäger S, Gottstein B, Müller N. Systemic and local antibody response in mice induced by a recombinant peptide fragment from Giardia lamblia variant surface protein (VSP) H7 produced by a Salmonella typhimurium vaccine strain. Int J Parasitol 1997; 27:965-71. [PMID: 9292314 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(97)00064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous experimental infections of mice with the intestinal protozoan Giardia lamblia had revealed that antigenic variation of the parasite was associated with the major surface antigen, named variant surface protein (VSP). In the present study, a gene segment of the VSP (VSPH7) from the well-characterized G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 was expressed in the live-attenuated Salmonella typhimurium vaccine strain LT2M1C. The recombinant vaccine was assessed for its potential to induce both a systemic and a local antibody response in mice. Peroral administration of the vaccine stimulated synthesis of serum IgG and intestinal IgA antibodies directed against Salmonella antigens as well as against VSPH7. With respect to the anti-VSPH7 antibody concentrations, vaccination of animals resulted in systemic and local antibody responses similar to those induced by experimental or natural infections of mice with G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7. Subclass specification of serum anti-VSPH7 IgG demonstrated THelper 2-cell dependent IgG1- and/or IgG2b-type antibody production. No significant THelper 1-cell dependent IgG2a-type anti-VSPH7 antibody production was detected in infected or in vaccinated animals. Taken together, these data indicate a strong intrinsic antigenicity of VSPH7, which stimulates a THelper 2-cell pathway of the murine immune system, independent of the route of antigen administration. Furthermore, the high immunostimulatory potential of the recombinant Salmonella/VSPH7 model vaccine suggests application of LT2M1C as an enteric biocarrier for the identification of putative new target vaccines in giardiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stäger
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Switzerland
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Stäger S, Felleisen R, Gottstein B, Müller N. Giardia lamblia variant surface protein H7 stimulates a heterogeneous repertoire of antibodies displaying differential cytological effects on the parasite. Mol Biochem Parasitol 1997; 85:113-24. [PMID: 9108553 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-6851(96)02818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous investigations had shown that the Giardia lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7-specific variant surface protein (VSP) H7 consists of at least two antigenically distinct parts: (i) a variable 314-aa N-terminal region which contains one, or more, variant-specific epitopes eliciting a transient and consequently low-level antibody response preferentially detectable during the early phase of G. lamblia infection in mice; and (ii) a 171-aa C-terminal region which contains relatively conserved epitope(s) causing a persistent and consequently high-level antibody response during the later phase of an infection. The present study indicated that monoclonal antibody G10/4 and polyclonal antibodies from early-phase infected or hyperimmunized mice, directed against the variant-specific N-terminal regional exclusively recognized conformational cysteine-containing epitopes. These antibodies caused detachment and aggregation of trophozoites, and exhibited complement-independent cytotoxic effect towards the parasite. In contrast, polyclonal antibodies from late-phase infected mice, directed against the semi-conserved peptidyl structures in the C-terminal region, preferentially reacted with non-conformational epitopes. Such antibodies had no cytotoxic effect, but provoked parasite-detachment and -aggregation. These findings indicated that infection of mice with G. lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 generates a heterogeneous repertoire of cytologically active anti-VSP antibodies which may have a direct influence on the course of the parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stäger
- Institute of Parasitology, Berne, Switzerland
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Abstract
The flagellate Giardia duodenalis has been considered for many years to be a commensal living in the lumen of the small intestine of its host. It is only 25 years ago that it was accepted that Giardia is a significant pathogen of humans. Knowledge that Giardia can elicit an immune response that would probably contribute to the onset or absence of symptoms is not much older. The use of animal models to study the disease in the laboratory, together with the production of the whole life cycle in a test tube, have contributed greatly to our present knowledge of the immune responses to Giardia and of antigens that are specific to the trophozoite or cyst stages. In this review, Gaétan Faubert focuses on studies published since the last review in Parasitology Today in 1988, and examines the roles played by the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in the control of the infection. It also covers the immunodiagnostic assays that have been recently developed on the basis of advances in our knowledge of the antigens of Giardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Faubert
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, 21111 Lakeshore Boulevard, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec, Canada.
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Müller N, Stäger S, Gottstein B. Serological analysis of antigenic heterogeneity of Giardia lamblia variant surface proteins. Infect Immun 1996; 64:1385-90. [PMID: 8606105 PMCID: PMC173930 DOI: 10.1128/iai.64.4.1385-1390.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal ZU.ICR mice were infected with trophozoites of Giardia lamblia clone GS/M-83-H7 expressing the variant surface protein (VSP) H7 and were subsequently investigated for their serum antibody response directed against VSPH7. Recombinant polypeptides, representing overlapping segments of VSPH7, and native Giardia proteins were used as antigenic reagents to examine the antigenic substructure of VSPH7 and the extent of antigenic variation in vivo. VSPH7 proved to be the predominant antigen of the parasite with respect to serum antibody reactivity. The data indicated that VSPH7 basically consists of two antigenically distinct parts: (i) a unique, variant-specific 314-amino-acid N-terminal region which elicits a low antibody response preferentially detectable during the early phase of the infection and (ii) a 171-amino-acid C-terminal region which elicits a high antibody response during the later phase or after resolution of the infection. The epitopes of the C-terminal region appear to be shared by other, as yet uncharacterized, variant antigens. The highly conserved 34-amino-acid stretch at the extreme C terminus of VSPH7 exhibited no immunoreactivity to any of the sera tested. Further investigations indicated that antigenic variation of the intestinal parasite population was associated with a diversification into at least six to nine new antigen types. These variant antigens were extremely heterogeneous in size ranging from approximately 50 to 115 kDa. None of these proteins shared antigenic epitopes with the 314-amino-acid N-terminal portion, but several of them cross-reacted with antibodies specific to the 171-amino-acid C-terminal portion of the VSP from the original inoculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Switzerland
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