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Muslimov A, Tereshchenko V, Shevyrev D, Rogova A, Lepik K, Reshetnikov V, Ivanov R. The Dual Role of the Innate Immune System in the Effectiveness of mRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14820. [PMID: 37834268 PMCID: PMC10573212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic. The concept of nucleic acid therapy with mRNA originated in 1990 when Wolff et al. reported successful expression of proteins in target organs by direct injection of either plasmid DNA or mRNA. It took decades to bring the transfection efficiency of mRNA closer to that of DNA. The next few decades were dedicated to turning in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA from a promising delivery tool for gene therapy into a full-blown therapeutic modality, which changed the biotech market rapidly. Hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway using mRNA for prophylaxis and therapy of infectious diseases and cancers, in regenerative medicine, and genome editing. The potential of IVT mRNA to induce an innate immune response favors its use for vaccination and immunotherapy. Nonetheless, in non-immunotherapy applications, the intrinsic immunostimulatory activity of mRNA directly hinders the desired therapeutic effect since it can seriously impair the target protein expression. Targeting the same innate immune factors can increase the effectiveness of mRNA therapeutics for some indications and decrease it for others, and vice versa. The review aims to present the innate immunity-related 'barriers' or 'springboards' that may affect the development of immunotherapies and non-immunotherapy applications of mRNA medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Muslimov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Daniil Shevyrev
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Anna Rogova
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Saint-Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University, Professora Popova 14, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
- School of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, Lomonosova 9, 191002 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
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Protective immunity induced with a DNA vaccine encoding B- and T-cells multi-epitope SAG1, ROP16, MIC4, GRA12, M2AP, and multi-epitope ROP8 against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 242:108385. [PMID: 36162598 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T. gondii infection is characterized by a high global prevalence. Nearly, 16-40% of people have been infected by T. gondii. Although T. gondii often causes subclinical infection, it may cause severe complications in newborns with congenital infection and immunocompromised individuals. Constant attempts of scientists have made valuable findings in the development of T. gondii candidate vaccines. However, an effective vaccine has not been successfully developed yet. In this study, multi-epitope SAG1, MIC4, ROP16, M2AP, GRA12, and multi-epitope ROP8 were injected into BALB/c mice intramuscularly, as cocktailed plasmids or as single-gene plasmids to assess the immune response against chronic and acute Toxoplasma infection. METHODS BALB/c mice were immunized on days 0, 21, and 42. The immune responses of both vaccinated and control groups were evaluated using cytokine and antibody measurements, lymphocyte proliferation assay, survival time, and average number of cysts in each brain. RESULTS The results indicated that DNA vaccination using multi-epitope ROP8 and multi-epitope SAG1, ROP16, MIC4, GRA12, M2AP could elicit both cellular and humoral immune responses, and enhanced the survival time in BALB/c mice. Also, the administration of multi-epitope ROP8 plus multi-epitope SAG1, ROP16, MIC4, GRA12, M2AP could enhance the concentrations of IgG antibody, elicit a mixed IgG1/IgG2a reaction with the predominance of the IgG2a, increase the release of IFN-γ cytokine, prolonge the survival time, and reduce the brain cysts. CONCLUSIONS Here, we report that vaccination using cocktailed plasmids could induce better protective immunity compared to single plasmid for acute and chronic T. gondii infection.
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Qin F, Xia F, Chen H, Cui B, Feng Y, Zhang P, Chen J, Luo M. A Guide to Nucleic Acid Vaccines in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases and Cancers: From Basic Principles to Current Applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633776. [PMID: 34113610 PMCID: PMC8185206 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Faced with the challenges posed by infectious diseases and cancer, nucleic acid vaccines present excellent prospects in clinical applications. Compared with traditional vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines have the characteristics of high efficiency and low cost. Therefore, nucleic acid vaccines have potential advantages in disease prevention and treatment. However, the low immunogenicity and instability of nucleic acid vaccines have limited their development. Therefore, a large number of studies have been conducted to improve their immunogenicity and stability by improving delivery methods, thereby supporting progress and development for clinical applications. This article mainly reviews the advantages, disadvantages, mechanisms, delivery methods, and clinical applications of nucleic acid vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongli Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bomiao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Foroutan M, Barati M, Ghaffarifar F. Enhancing immune responses by a novel multi-epitope ROP8 DNA vaccine plus interleukin-12 plasmid as a genetic adjuvant against acute Toxoplasma gondii infection in BALB/c mice. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104435. [PMID: 32768514 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonotic infection, caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan. The infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, although in persons with impaired immune system may lead to severe and progressive complications. Constant attempts of scientists have made valuable findings in the development of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) candidate vaccines. However, an effective vaccine has not been successfully developed yet. In the current study, we tested the co-delivery of a novel multi-epitope pcROP8 DNA vaccine with a plasmid encoding IL-12 (pcIL-12) to assess the immune responses in BALB/c mice against acute T. gondii infection. METHODS BALB/c mice were immunized on days 0, 21, and 42. The immune responses of both vaccinated and control groups were evaluated using cytokine and antibody measurements, lymphocyte proliferation assay, and survival time. RESULTS The findings demonstrated that immunization with multi-epitope pcROP8 significantly enhanced the level of anti-T. gondii antibodies, TH1-type cellular immune responses, lymphocyte proliferation, and prolonged survival time, compared to control groups (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the use of pcIL-12 as a genetic adjuvant led to enhancements of the above-mentioned immune responses in BALB/c mice (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The co-administration of pcIL-12 with multi-epitope pcROP8 vaccine, could successfully enhance the level of protection. Thus, this immunization regimen may represent an effective vaccine strategy against acute T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Barati
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Maraghi S, Ghadiri AA, Tavalla M, Shojaee S, Abdizadeh R. Evaluation of immunogenicity and protective effect of DNA vaccine encoding surface antigen1 (SAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii and TLR-5 ligand as a genetic adjuvant against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice. Biologicals 2019; 62:39-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Xue J, Jiang W, Li J, Xiong W, Tian Z, Zhang Q, Li S, Liu C, Huang K, Wang Q. Toxoplasma gondii RPL40 is a circulating antigen with immune protection effect. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2019; 66. [PMID: 31592775 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2019.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Screening and identification of protective antigens are essential for the prevention of infections with Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908). In our previous study, T. gondii ribosomal-ubiquitin protein L40 (TgRPL40) was identified as a circulating antigen. However, the function and protective value of TgRPL40 was unknown. In the current study, recombinant TgRPL40 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and antibody was prepared. Western blotting analysis indicated that TgRPL40 was present in circulating antigens and excretory/secretary antigens (ESA). Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy analysis revealed that TgRPL40 protein is widely distributed in the tachyzoites. Immunisation with recombinant TgRPL40 prolonged the survival of mice infected with tachyzoites. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that immunisation with recombinant TgRPL40 reduced the parasite burden in blood, liver, spleen and brain of mice infected with tachyzoites. These observations indicate that TgRPL40 is a circulating antigen and is an effector of immune protection against acute T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxin Xue
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China.,Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | | | | | | | | | - Kehe Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Enhancement of Immune Responses by Guanosine-Based Particles in DNA Plasmid Formulations against Infectious Diseases. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:3409371. [PMID: 31240233 PMCID: PMC6556318 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3409371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunogenicity of DNA vaccines can be efficiently improved by adding adjuvants into their formulations. In this regard, the application of nano- and microparticles as vaccines adjuvants, or delivery systems, provides a powerful tool in designing modern vaccines. In the present study, we examined the role of “Supramolecular Hacky Sacks” (SHS) particles, made via the hierarchical self-assembly of a guanosine derivative, as a novel immunomodulator for DNA plasmid preparations. These plasmids code for the proteins HIV-1 Gag (pGag), the wild-type vaccinia virus Western Reserve A27 (pA27L), or a codon-optimized version of the latter (pOD1A27Lopt), which is also linked to the sequence of the outer domain-1 (OD1) from HIV-1 gp120 protein. We evaluated the enhancement of the immune responses generated by our DNA plasmid formulations in a murine model through ELISpot and ELISA assays. The SHS particles increased the frequencies of IFN-γ-producing cells in mice independently immunized with pGag and pA27L plasmids. Moreover, the addition of SHS to pGag and pA27L DNA plasmid formulations enhanced the production of IFN-γ (Th1-type) over IL-4 (Th2-type) cellular immune responses. Furthermore, pGag and pA27L plasmids formulated with SHS, triggered the production of antigen-specific IgG in mice, especially the IgG2a isotype. However, no improvement of either of those adaptive immune responses was observed in mice receiving pOD1A27Lopt+SHS. Here, we demonstrated that SHS particles have the ability to improve both arms of adaptive immunity of plasmid coding “wild-type” antigens without additional strategies to boost their immunogenicity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of SHS guanosine-based particles as DNA plasmid adjuvants.
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Designed DNA-Encoded IL-36 Gamma Acts as a Potent Molecular Adjuvant Enhancing Zika Synthetic DNA Vaccine-Induced Immunity and Protection in a Lethal Challenge Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7020042. [PMID: 31121939 PMCID: PMC6632123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7020042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of novel molecular adjuvants which can boost and enhance vaccine-mediated immunity and provide dose-sparing potential against complex infectious diseases and for immunotherapy in cancer is likely to play a critical role in the next generation of vaccines. Given the number of challenging targets for which no or only partial vaccine options exist, adjuvants that can address some of these concerns are in high demand. Here, we report that a designed truncated Interleukin-36 gamma (IL-36 gamma) encoded plasmid can act as a potent adjuvant for several DNA-encoded vaccine targets including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza, and Zika in immunization models. We further show that the truncated IL-36 gamma (opt-36γt) plasmid provides improved dose sparing as it boosts immunity to a suboptimal dose of a Zika DNA vaccine, resulting in potent protection against a lethal Zika challenge.
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Foroutan M, Ghaffarifar F, Sharifi Z, Dalimi A, Jorjani O. Rhoptry antigens as Toxoplasma gondii vaccine target. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2019; 8:4-26. [PMID: 30775347 PMCID: PMC6369123 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2019.8.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic infection, caused by a unicellular protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that belongs to the phylum Apicomplexa. It is estimated that over one-third of the world's population has been exposed and are latently infected with the parasite. In humans, toxoplasmosis is predominantly asymptomatic in immunocompetent persons, while among immunocompromised individuals may be cause severe and progressive complications with poor prognosis. Moreover, seronegative pregnant mothers are other risk groups for acquiring the infection. The life cycle of T. gondii is very complex, indicating the presence of a plurality of antigenic epitopes. Despite of great advances, recognize and construct novel vaccines for prevent and control of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals is still remains a great challenge for researchers to select potential protein sequences as the ideal antigens. Notably, in several past years, constant efforts of researchers have made considerable advances to elucidate the different aspects of the cell and molecular biology of T. gondii mainly on microneme antigens, dense granule antigens, surface antigens, and rhoptry proteins (ROP). These attempts thereby provided great impetus to the present focus on vaccine development, according to the defined subcellular components of the parasite. Although, currently there is no commercial vaccine for use in humans. Among the main identified T. gondii antigens, ROPs appear as a putative vaccine candidate that are vital for invasion procedure as well as survival within host cells. Overall, it is estimated that they occupy about 1%–30% of the total parasite cell volume. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress of ROP-based vaccine development through various strategies from DNA vaccines, epitope or multi epitope-based vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines to vaccines based on live-attenuated vectors and prime-boost strategies in different mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhosein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ogholniaz Jorjani
- Laboratory Science Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
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10
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Bioinformatics analysis of ROP8 protein to improve vaccine design against Toxoplasma gondii. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 62:193-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Foroutan M, Zaki L, Ghaffarifar F. Recent progress in microneme-based vaccines development against Toxoplasma gondii. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2018; 7:93-103. [PMID: 30112348 PMCID: PMC6082678 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2018.7.2.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan zoonotic disease, which infect several warm-blooded mammals. More than one-third of the human population are seropositive worldwide. Due to the high seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection worldwide, the resulting clinical, mental, and economical complications, as well as incapability of current drugs in the elimination of parasites within tissue cysts, the development of a vaccine against T. gondii would be critical. In the past decades, valuable advances have been achieved in order to identification of vaccine candidates against T. gondii infection. Microneme proteins (MICs) secreted by the micronemes play a critical role in the initial stages of host cell invasion by parasites. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress for MIC-based vaccines development, such as DNA vaccines, recombinant protein vaccines, vaccines based on live-attenuated vectors, and prime-boost strategy in different mouse models. In conclusion, the use of live-attenuated vectors as vehicles to deliver and express the target gene and prime-boost regimens showed excellent outcomes in the development of vaccines against toxoplasmosis, which need more attention in the future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Zaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Silva-Gutierrez N, Bahsas Zaky R, Bouchard M, Teran Angel G, Amoroso A, Peterson DL, Salmen S. T-cell profiles elicited by Toxoplasma gondii in acutely/chronically infected humans. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12532. [PMID: 29633283 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded species and induce a chronic infection in human hosts. The aim of this work was to investigate Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg polarization, induced by four important T. gondii antigens (SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1) in acutely and chronically infected patients. For this purpose, SAG1, ROP1, GRA8 and MAG1 were expressed as recombinant proteins, purified, and used to evaluate the proinflammatory and regulatory immune response profiles in seropositive and seronegative individuals. Our results show that SAG1 and ROP1 elicited a proinflammatory profile (INF-γ, IL-12 and IL-17) in individuals in the acute phase, whereas MAG1 and GRA8 induced a regulatory pattern (Treg and TGF-β) in chronically infected patients. These results reveal fundamental differences in T-cell polarization induced by T. gondii antigens, which could have important implications in the immunopathogenesis of the disease and in future proposals of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Silva-Gutierrez
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - R Bahsas Zaky
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - M Bouchard
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - G Teran Angel
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - A Amoroso
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - D L Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - S Salmen
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Inmunologia Clinica, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
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Foroutan M, Ghaffarifar F. Calcium-dependent protein kinases are potential targets for Toxoplasma gondii vaccine. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2018; 7:24-36. [PMID: 29399577 PMCID: PMC5795042 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2018.7.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii belongs to the Apicomplexa phylum that caused a widespread zoonotic infection in wide range of intermediate hosts. Over one-third of the world's population are latently infected with T. gondii and carry it. The complex life cycle of T. gondii indicates the presence of a plurality of antigenic epitopes. During the recent years, continuous efforts of scientists have made precious advances to elucidate the different aspects of the cell and molecular biology of T. gondii. Despite of great progresses, the development of vaccine candidates for preventing of T. gondii infection in men and animals is still remains a challenge. The calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) belongs to the superfamily of kinases, which restricted to the apicomplexans, ciliates, and plants. It has been documented that they contribute several functions in the life cycle of T. gondii such as gliding motility, cell invasion, and egress as well as some other critical developmental processes. In current paper, we reviewed the recent progress concerning the development of CDPK-based vaccines against acute and chronic T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Ahmadpour E, Sarvi S, Hashemi Soteh MB, Sharif M, Rahimi MT, Valadan R, Tehrani M, Khalilian A, Montazeri M, Daryani A. Evaluation of the immune response in BALB/c mice induced by a novel DNA vaccine expressing GRA14 againstToxoplasma gondii. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Ahmadpour
- Immunology Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - S. Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. B. Hashemi Soteh
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. T. Rahimi
- School of Medicine; Shahroud University of Medical Sciences; Shahroud Iran
| | - R. Valadan
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. Tehrani
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - A. Khalilian
- Biostatistics Department; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - A. Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
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Abstract
DNA plasmids can be used to induce a protective (or therapeutic) immune response by delivering genes encoding vaccine antigens. That naked DNA (without the refinement of coat proteins or host evasion systems) can cross from outside the cell into the nucleus and be expressed is particularly remarkable given the sophistication of the immune system in preventing infection by pathogens. As a result of the ease, low cost, and speed of custom gene synthesis, DNA vaccines dangle a tantalizing prospect of the next wave of vaccine technology, promising individual designer vaccines for cancer or mass vaccines with a rapid response time to emerging pandemics. There is considerable enthusiasm for the use of DNA vaccination as an approach, but this enthusiasm should be tempered by the successive failures in clinical trials to induce a potent immune response. The technology is evolving with the development of improved delivery systems that increase expression levels, particularly electroporation and the incorporation of genetically encoded adjuvants. This review will introduce some key concepts in the use of DNA plasmids as vaccines, including how the DNA enters the cell and is expressed, how it induces an immune response, and a summary of clinical trials with DNA vaccines. The review also explores the advances being made in vector design, delivery, formulation, and adjuvants to try to realize the promise of this technology for new vaccines. If the immunogenicity and expression barriers can be cracked, then DNA vaccines may offer a step change in mass vaccination.
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Abstract
In the two decades since their initial discovery, DNA vaccines technologies have come a long way. Unfortunately, when applied to human subjects inadequate immunogenicity is still the biggest challenge for practical DNA vaccine use. Many different strategies have been tested in preclinical models to address this problem, including novel plasmid vectors and codon optimization to enhance antigen expression, new gene transfection systems or electroporation to increase delivery efficiency, protein or live virus vector boosting regimens to maximise immune stimulation, and formulation of DNA vaccines with traditional or molecular adjuvants. Better understanding of the mechanisms of action of DNA vaccines has also enabled better use of the intrinsic host response to DNA to improve vaccine immunogenicity. This review summarizes recent advances in DNA vaccine technologies and related intracellular events and how these might impact on future directions of DNA vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
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Rosa DS, Ribeiro SP, Fonseca SG, Almeida RR, Santana VC, Apostólico JDS, Kalil J, Cunha-Neto E. Multiple Approaches for Increasing the Immunogenicity of an Epitope-Based Anti-HIV Vaccine. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015; 31:1077-88. [PMID: 26149745 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2015.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of a highly effective vaccine against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will likely be based on rational vaccine design, since traditional vaccine approaches have failed so far. In recent years, an understanding of what type of immune response is protective against infection and/or disease facilitated vaccine design. T cell-based vaccines against HIV have the goal of limiting both transmission and disease progression by inducing broad and functionally relevant T cell responses. In this context, CD4(+) T cells play a direct cytotoxic role and are also important for the generation and maintenance of functional CD8(+) T and B cell responses. The use of MHC-binding algorithms has allowed the identification of novel CD4(+) T cell epitopes that could be used in vaccine design, the so-called epitope-driven vaccine design. Epitope-based vaccines have the ability to focus the immune response on highly antigenic, conserved epitopes that are fully recognized by the target population. We have recently mapped a set of conserved multiple HLA-DR-binding HIV-1 CD4 epitopes and observed interferon (IFN)-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells when we tested these peptides in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HIV-infected individuals. We then designed multiepitopic DNA vaccines that induced broad and polyfunctional T cell responses in immunized mice. In this review we will focus on alternative strategies to increase the immunogenicity of an epitope-based vaccine against HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Santoro Rosa
- Departament of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Susan Pereira Ribeiro
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Allergy-LIM60, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Ribeiro Almeida
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Allergy-LIM60, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Canato Santana
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Allergy-LIM60, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Souza Apostólico
- Departament of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jorge Kalil
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Allergy-LIM60, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ramirez LA, Arango T, Boyer J. Therapeutic and prophylactic DNA vaccines for HIV-1. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 13:563-73. [PMID: 23477730 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2013.758709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DNA vaccines have moved into clinical trials in several fields and their success will be important for licensure of this vaccine modality. An effective vaccine for HIV-1 remains elusive and the development of one is troubled by safety and efficacy issues. Additionally, the ability for an HIV-1 vaccine to induce both the cellular and humoral arms of the immune system is needed. DNA vaccines not only offer a safe approach for the development of an HIV-1 vaccine but they have also been shown to elicit both arms of the immune system. AREAS COVERED This review explores how DNA vaccine design including the regimen, genetic adjuvants used, targeting, and mode of delivery continues to undergo improvements, thereby providing a potential option for an immunogenic vaccine for HIV-1. EXPERT OPINION Continued improvements in delivery technology, in particular electroporation, and the use of prime-boost vaccine strategies will aid in boosting the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. Basic immunology research will also help discover new potential adjuvant targets that can be combined with DNA vaccination, such as inhibitors of inhibitory receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Antonio Ramirez
- University of Pennsylvania, Pathology, Stellar Chance Labs, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Hezarjaribi HZ, Ghaffarifar F, Dalimi A, Sharifi Z. Evaluation of protective effect of IL-22 and IL-12 on cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2014; 7:940-5. [PMID: 25479621 DOI: 10.1016/s1995-7645(14)60166-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of IL-22 and IL-12 on cutaneous leishmaniasisin BALB/c mice. METHODS The protective effect of IL-22 and IL-12 on cutaneous leishmanias in BALB/c mice was evaluated by measurement of IL-4, INF-γ, total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a after challenge with Leishamania major. Clinical evaluations were performed by measurement of lesion diameter, and survival rate of the mice. RESULTS In week 27 post infection, the mortality rates for control groups were 100%. While the survival rates for the IL-12, IL-12 + IL-22, and IL-22(5 ng/g) groups were 100%. The size of lesions decreased in the presence IL-22 (5 ng/g) of mice weight, which was statistically significant in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). Mean of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a for IL-22 (5 ng/g) group was more than other groups. In IL-22 group (5 ng/g), INF-γ production was significantly higher than other groups and IL-4 was significantly lower than other groups. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained indicate the effectiveness of IL-22 and its effect on IL-12 in protection of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Parasitology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-331, Tehran I.R. Iran.
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Parasitology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-331, Tehran I.R. Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
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Wang HL, Zhang TE, Yin LT, Pang M, Guan L, Liu HL, Zhang JH, Meng XL, Bai JZ, Zheng GP, Yin GR. Partial protective effect of intranasal immunization with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii rhoptry protein 17 against toxoplasmosis in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108377. [PMID: 25255141 PMCID: PMC4177930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects a variety of mammals, including humans. An effective vaccine for this parasite is therefore needed. In this study, RH strain T. gondii rhoptry protein 17 was expressed in bacteria as a fusion with glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the recombinant proteins (rTgROP17) were purified via GST-affinity chromatography. BALB/c mice were nasally immunised with rTgROP17, and induction of immune responses and protection against chronic and lethal T. gondii infections were investigated. The results revealed that mice immunised with rTgROP17 produced high levels of specific anti-rTgROP17 IgGs and a mixed IgG1/IgG2a response of IgG2a predominance. The systemic immune response was associated with increased production of Th1 (IFN-γand IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines, and enhanced lymphoproliferation (stimulation index, SI) in the mice immunised with rTgROP17. Strong mucosal immune responses with increased secretion of TgROP17-specific secretory IgA (SIgA) in nasal, vaginal and intestinal washes were also observed in these mice. The vaccinated mice displayed apparent protection against chronic RH strain infection as evidenced by their lower liver and brain parasite burdens (59.17% and 49.08%, respectively) than those of the controls. The vaccinated mice also exhibited significant protection against lethal infection of the virulent RH strain (survival increased by 50%) compared to the controls. Our data demonstrate that rTgROP17 can trigger strong systemic and mucosal immune responses against T. gondii and that ROP17 is a promising candidate vaccine for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Long Wang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
- * E-mail: (GRY); (HLW)
| | - Tie-E Zhang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Li-Tian Yin
- Department of Physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology Co-constructed by Province and Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Min Pang
- Department of Respiratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Li Guan
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Hong-Li Liu
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Jian-Hong Zhang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xiao-Li Meng
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Ji-Zhong Bai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Guo-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Guo-Rong Yin
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
- * E-mail: (GRY); (HLW)
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Hassan IA, Wang S, Xu L, Yan R, Song X, Li X. DNA vaccination with a gene encoding Toxoplasma gondii Deoxyribose Phosphate Aldolase (TgDPA) induces partial protective immunity against lethal challenge in mice. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:431. [PMID: 25201636 PMCID: PMC4164750 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes a pathological status known as toxoplasmosis, which has a huge impact on human and animal health. Currently, the main control strategy depends on the usage of drugs that target the acute stage of the infection, however, drawbacks were encountered while applying this method; therefore, development of an alternative effective method would be important progress. Deoxyribose Phosphate Aldolase (TgDPA) plays an important role supporting cell invasion and providing energy for the parasite. Methods TgDPA was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified recombinant protein was used to immunize rats. The antibodies obtained were used to verify in vitro expression of TgDPA. The vector pVAX1 was utilized to formulate a DNA vaccine designated as pTgDPA, which was used to evaluate the immunological changes and the level of protection against challenge with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii. Results DNA vaccine, TgDPA revealed that it can induce a strong humoral as well as cellular mediated response in mice. These responses were a contribution of TH1, TH2 and TH17 type of responses. Following challenge, mice immunized with TgDPA showed longer survival rates than did those in control groups. Conclusions Further investigation regarding TgDPA is required to shed more light on its immunogenicity and its possible selection as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiangrui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210095, People's Republic of China.
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Flingai S, Czerwonko M, Goodman J, Kudchodkar SB, Muthumani K, Weiner DB. Synthetic DNA vaccines: improved vaccine potency by electroporation and co-delivered genetic adjuvants. Front Immunol 2013; 4:354. [PMID: 24204366 PMCID: PMC3816528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, DNA vaccines have undergone a number of technological advancements that have incited renewed interest and heightened promise in the field. Two such improvements are the use of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants and plasmid delivery via in vivo electroporation (EP), the latter of which has been shown to increase antigen delivery by nearly 1000-fold compared to naked DNA plasmid delivery alone. Both strategies, either separately or in combination, have been shown to augment cellular and humoral immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. These promising results, coupled with recent clinical trials that have shown enhanced immune responses in humans, highlight the bright prospects for DNA vaccines to address many human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seleeke Flingai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, PA , USA
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Qu D, Han J, Du A. Enhancement of protective immune response to recombinant Toxoplasma gondii ROP18 antigen by ginsenoside Re. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:234-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Immunization with excreted–secreted antigens reduces tissue cyst formation in pigs. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3835-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Hezarjaribi HZ, Ghaffarifar F, Dalimi A, Sharifi Z, Jorjani O. Effect of IL-22 on DNA vaccine encoding LACK gene of Leishmania major in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:341-8. [PMID: 23541883 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of IL-22 together with the plasmid encoding LACK (Leishmania homolog of receptors for activated C-kinase) gene of Leishmania major on the trend of leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice was evaluated. Evaluation of the cellular and humoral immunity was performed by measurement of IL-4 and IFN-γ, culture of splenocytes and MTT assay, and measurement of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in the control and immunized groups. Clinical evaluations were also carried out by measurement of the lesion size, survival rate, and body weight of mice. Comparison of the mean size of lesions in the LACK and LACK+IL-22 groups demonstrated that the mean size of lesions of the two groups was significantly different from week four (p<0.05). The survival rate at day 170 after challenge for the PBS, pcDNA3 (empty plasmid), pcLACK (pcDNA3 containing LACK gene), and pcLACK+IL-22 groups were 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, respectively. According to the results of IFN-γ, IL-4, total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a measurement and the MTT assay, IL-22 obviously caused an increase in IFN-γ production and a decrease in IL-4 production before and after the challenge (p<0.05). The results showed the effectiveness of IL-22 in DNA vaccine. It showed that IL-22 brought about Th1 cytokine responses and high survival rate of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Ziaee Hezarjaribi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Protective immunity induced by a DNA vaccine-encoding Toxoplasma gondii microneme protein 11 against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:2871-7. [PMID: 23749087 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3458-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most prevalent intracellular parasites and is threatening the health of both humans and animals, therefore causing incalculable economic losses worldwide. Vaccination is thought to be an efficient way of controlling toxoplasmosis. T. gondii microneme protein 11 (MIC11) is a soluble microneme protein which is presumably considered facilitating the early stage of cell invasion. To evaluate the protective efficacy of T. gondii MIC11, in the present study, a new DNA vaccine-encoding the α-chain of T. gondii MIC11 was constructed using the pcDNA3.1 vector. Expression of MIC11 from this vector was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assay following transfection into baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Intramuscular immunization of BALB/c mice with pcDNA/MIC11 was carried out to evaluate the immune responses by serum antibodies titers, lymphoproliferation assay, and cytokines assay. The protective efficacy was evaluated by survival rate in mice after challenging with highly virulent strain of T. gondii. The results demonstrated that this vaccination elicited significant humoral responses and T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA)-stimulated lymphoproliferation (p < 0.05). Compared to controls, the pcDNA/MIC11 immunized mice had high production of IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-2 (p < 0.05), but not IL-4 (p > 0.05), indicating that a predominant Th1 type response was developed. The vaccination also increased the survival rate of immunized mice when they were challenged with a lethal dose of tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. These data suggest that T. gondii MIC11 is a reasonable vaccine candidate deserving further studies, and pcDNA/MIC11 is a potential strategy for the control of toxoplasmosis.
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Nanotechnological Approaches for Genetic Immunization. DNA AND RNA NANOBIOTECHNOLOGIES IN MEDICINE: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES 2013. [PMCID: PMC7121080 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-36853-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetic immunization is one of the important findings that provide multifaceted immunological response against infectious diseases. With the advent of r-DNA technology, it is possible to construct vector with immunologically active genes against specific pathogens. Nevertheless, site-specific delivery of constructed genetic material is an important contributory factor for eliciting specific cellular and humoral immune response. Nanotechnology has demonstrated immense potential for the site-specific delivery of biomolecules. Several polymeric and lipidic nanocarriers have been utilized for the delivery of genetic materials. These systems seem to have better compatibility, low toxicity, economical and capable to delivering biomolecules to intracellular site for the better expression of desired antigens. Further, surface engineering of nanocarriers and targeting approaches have an ability to offer better presentation of antigenic material to immunological cells. This chapter gives an overview of existing and emerging nanotechnological approaches for the delivery of genetic materials.
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Kim JH, Lee SH, Sohn HJ, Lee J, Chwae YJ, Park S, Kim K, Shin HJ. The immune response induced by DNA vaccine expressing nfa1 gene against Naegleria fowleri. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:2377-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3093-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Li L, Saade F, Petrovsky N. The future of human DNA vaccines. J Biotechnol 2012; 162:171-82. [PMID: 22981627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA vaccines have evolved greatly over the last 20 years since their invention, but have yet to become a competitive alternative to conventional protein or carbohydrate based human vaccines. Whilst safety concerns were an initial barrier, the Achilles heel of DNA vaccines remains their poor immunogenicity when compared to protein vaccines. A wide variety of strategies have been developed to optimize DNA vaccine immunogenicity, including codon optimization, genetic adjuvants, electroporation and sophisticated prime-boost regimens, with each of these methods having its advantages and limitations. Whilst each of these methods has contributed to incremental improvements in DNA vaccine efficacy, more is still needed if human DNA vaccines are to succeed commercially. This review foresees a final breakthrough in human DNA vaccines will come from application of the latest cutting-edge technologies, including "epigenetics" and "omics" approaches, alongside traditional techniques to improve immunogenicity such as adjuvants and electroporation, thereby overcoming the current limitations of DNA vaccines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park, Adelaide 5042, Australia
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Multicomponent DNA vaccine-encoding Toxoplasma gondii GRA1 and SAG1 primes: anti-Toxoplasma immune response in mice. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:2001-9. [PMID: 22837100 PMCID: PMC3480591 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3047-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
A multicomponent DNA vaccine, encoding Toxoplasma gondii GRA1 and SAG1, was constructed and tested for its ability to confer protection. BALB/c mice were challenged with tachyzoites of the virulent T. gondii RH strain at 4 weeks following the last immunization, and immune responses and survival times were observed. The results show that vaccination by the multicomponent vaccine prolonged survival of mice challenged with the T. gondii RH strain (from average 4.50 ± 0.22 to 7.60 ± 0.74 days); induced high levels of IgG antibody (from 0.252 ± 0.080 to 0.790 ± 0.083), IFN-gamma (from 598.74 ± 67.50 to 853.77 ± 66.74 pg/ml), and IL-2 (from 89.44 ± 10.66 to 192.24 ± 19.90 pg/ml); changed the CD4(+)/CD8(+) lymphocyte ratio (from 1.81 ± 0.14 to 1.09 ± 0.19); and stimulated NK cell-killing activity (from 46.81 ± 3.96 to 64.15 ± 7.71 %). These findings demonstrate that a multicomponent DNA vaccine, encoding GRA1 and SAG1, primes a strong humoral and cellular immune response and enhances protection against T. gondii challenge. The new, combined DNA vaccine provides another means to combat T. gondii infection.
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