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Hassouna SS, Allam EA, Sheta E, Khodear GAM, Khedr MI, Khedr SI, Gomaa MM. Vaccination with Toxoplasma lysate antigen or its encapsulated niosomes form immunomodulates adjuvant-induced arthritis through JAK3 downregulation. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:3101-3114. [PMID: 37389660 PMCID: PMC10692027 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01267-0] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory autoimmune arthritis like that present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is treated by medications with many side effects. This study was a trial to benefit from Toxoplasma immune-modulatory effects on its host to treat arthritis in rat model resembling joints affection of RA. To avoid hazards of infection, Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA) was given instead of the whole infection, in addition to giving its encapsulated niosomes form, assuming that it would enhance the effect of TLA alone, to compare effects of both on disease activity with that of prednisolone. METHODS Swiss albino rats were divided into 6 groups: normal control group and the remaining 5 groups were injected by CFA adjuvant to induce arthritis; one of those groups was the untreated model. Each of the other groups received one of the following (TLA, TLA-encapsulated niosomes, prednisolone or niosomes) for comparison of their results. Inflammatory markers measured at the end of the experiment were: interleukin 17 (IL-17), IL-10 and CRP by ELISA technique; histopathological assessment of the biopsied hind paw joints was done and also, Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS TLA and TLA-encapsulated niosomes both mitigated the signs of clinical and histopathological arthritis and were having anti-inflammatory effects (decreased CRP, IL-17 and JAK3 expressions, while increased IL-10 levels) with better effects in TLA-encapsulated niosomes-treated RA group, both groups' results were comparable to prednisolone. Niosomes also gave some anti-inflammatory effects but were mild in comparison to TLA and TLA-encapsulated niosomes. CONCLUSION Vaccination with both TLA and TLA-encapsulated niosomes for the first time in adjuvant-induced arthritis ameliorated the disease through diversion of immune system and JAK3 downregulation. Both vaccinations should be further tested to evaluate the possibility of their introduction for disease treatment and in other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally S Hassouna
- Internal Medicine Department, Rheumatology and Immunology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Eman A Allam
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman Sheta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Gehan A M Khodear
- Medical Technology Center, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa I Khedr
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Safaa I Khedr
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maha M Gomaa
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Ducournau C, Cantin P, Alerte V, Quintard B, Popelin-Wedlarski F, Wedlarski R, Ollivet-Courtois F, Ferri-Pisani Maltot J, Herkt C, Fasquelle F, Sannier M, Berthet M, Fretay V, Aubert D, Villena I, Betbeder D, Moiré N, Dimier-Poisson I. Vaccination of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) with nanoparticle based-Toxoplasma gondii antigens: new hope for captive susceptible species. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:333-346. [PMID: 36997082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.), new world primates from South America, are very susceptible to toxoplasmosis. Numerous outbreaks of fatal toxoplasmosis in zoos have been identified around the world, resulting in acute respiratory distress and sudden death. To date, preventive hygiene measures or available treatments are not able to significantly reduce this mortality in zoos. Therefore, vaccination seems to be the best long-term solution to control acute toxoplasmosis. Recently, we developed a nasal vaccine composed of total extract of soluble proteins of Toxoplasma gondii associated with muco-adhesive maltodextrin-nanoparticles. The vaccine, which generated specific cellular immune responses, demonstrated efficacy against toxoplasmosis in murine and ovine experimental models. In collaboration with six French zoos, our vaccine was used as a last resort in 48 squirrel monkeys to prevent toxoplasmosis. The full protocol of vaccination includes two intranasal sprays followed by combined intranasal and s.c. administration. No local or systemic side-effects were observed irrespective of the route of administration. Blood samples were collected to study systemic humoral and cellular immune responses up to 1 year after the last vaccination. Vaccination induced a strong and lasting systemic cellular immune response mediated by specific IFN-γ secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Since the introduction of vaccination, no deaths of squirrel monkeys due to T. gondii has been observed for more than 4 years suggesting the promising usage of our vaccine. Moreover, to explain the high susceptibility of naive squirrel monkeys to toxoplasmosis, their innate immune sensors were investigated. It was observed that Toll-like and Nod-like receptors appear to be functional following T. gondii recognition suggesting that the extreme susceptibility to toxoplasmosis may not be linked to innate detection of the parasite.
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Nano-Encapsulated Antioxidant: Retinoic Acid as a Natural Mucosal Adjuvant for Intranasal Immunization against Chronic Experimental Toxoplasmosis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8020106. [PMID: 36828522 PMCID: PMC9962073 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8020106] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tight relationship between immunity and retinoid levels provides evidence on the critical role of retinoic acid (RA) in regulating immune activity, especially the mucosal one. Mucosal immune response is the key for determination of the outcome of infection, particularly against intracellular mucosal pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, where it plays a crucial role as a sentinel against parasite invasion. Herein, the immunomodulatory adjuvant role of RA was evaluated for prophylactic vaccination against chronic Toxoplasma infection. A quantity of 15 µg of RA pre-encapsulated with lipid-based nanoparticles (SLNs) was intranasally used in three doses, two weeks apart, as an adjuvant to the Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA). Afterward, mice were infected with 20 cysts of T. gondii (ME49 strain) and were sacrificed at the 4th week post-infection. Parasitological, immunological, biochemical, and histopathological studies were applied as vaccine efficacy measures. The protective role of the tested vaccine was noted using the statistically marked reduction in brain cyst count, accompanied by remarkable levels of protective IFN-γ and antibodies, with amelioration of infection-induced oxidative stress and brain pathology. Ultimately, this experiment outlined the prospective role of a novel, natural, nano-encapsulated and mucosal vaccine adjuvant RA-SLNs as a propitious candidate against chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Said DE, Amer EI, Sheta E, Makled S, Diab HE, Arafa FM. Nano-Encapsulated Melatonin: A Promising Mucosal Adjuvant in Intranasal Immunization against Chronic Experimental T. gondii Infection. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7120401. [PMID: 36548656 PMCID: PMC9785012 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7120401] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MLT) is now emerging as one of the universally accepted immunostimulators with broad applications in medicine. It is a biological manipulator of the immune system, including mucosal ones. MLT was encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), then 100 mg/kg/dose of MLT-SLNs was used as an adjuvant of Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA). Experimental mice were intra-nasally inoculated with three doses of different regimens every two weeks, then challenged with 20 cysts of T. gondii Me49 strain, where they were sacrificed four weeks post-infection. Protective vaccine efficacy was evident via the significant brain cyst count reduction of 58.6%, together with remarkably high levels of humoral systemic and mucosal anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (Ig G, Ig A), supported by a reduced tachyzoites invasion of Vero cells in vitro upon incubation with sera obtained from these vaccinated mice. A cellular immune response was evident through the induction of significant levels of interferon-gamma (IFN γ), associated with morphological deteriorations of cysts harvested from the brains of vaccinated mice. Furthermore, the amelioration of infection-induced oxidative stress (OS) and histopathological changes were evident in mice immunized with TLA/MLT-SLNs. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the promising role of intranasal MLT-SLNs as a novel mucosal adjuvant candidate against chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa E. Said
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 5424041, Egypt
| | - Eglal I. Amer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 5424041, Egypt
| | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 5424041, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa Makled
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Hala E. Diab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 5424041, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Fadwa M. Arafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 5424041, Egypt
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Passive Immunity and Antibody Response Induced by Toxoplasma gondii VLP Immunization. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050425. [PMID: 33922808 PMCID: PMC8146287 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Passive immunity can provide immediate protection against infectious pathogens. To date, only a few studies have investigated the effect of passive immunization against Toxoplasma gondii, and the use of immune sera acquired from VLP-vaccinated mice for passive immunity assessment remains unreported. In this study, immune sera were produced by a single immunization with virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing the inner membrane complex (IMC), rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18), and microneme protein 8 (MIC8) of Toxoplasma gondii, with or without a CpG-ODN adjuvant. The passive immunization of immune sera conferred protection in mice, as indicated by their potent parasite-specific antibody response, lessened brain cyst counts, lower bodyweight loss, and enhanced survival. In order to confirm that the immune sera of the VLP-immunized mice were truly protective, the antibody responses and other immunological parameters were measured in the VLP-immunized mice. We found that VLP immunization induced higher levels of parasite-specific IgG, IgG subclass, and IgM antibody responses in the sera and intestines than in the controls. Enhanced Th1 and Th2-associated cytokines in the spleen, diminished brain cyst counts, and lessened body weight loss were found following T. gondii ME49 challenge infection. These results suggest that passive immunization with the immune sera acquired from VLP-vaccinated mice can confer adequate protection against T. gondii infection.
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Li Z, Li Y, Wang Y, Hou Y, Cao H, Wu X, Hu S, Long D. Intranasal immunization with a rNMB0315 and combination adjuvants induces protective immunity against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107411. [PMID: 33548582 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) is a human-specific pathogen and a major cause of meningitis and septicemia with a high case fatality rate. N. meningitidis may penetrate the nasopharyngeal mucosal membrane and cause severe meningitis, a mucosal immune response plays a key role in the defense against meningococcal infections. Our previous study demonstrated that N. meningitidis serogroup B 0315 (NMB0315) was a vaccine candidate against N. meningitidis serogroup B (NMB) through parenteral immunization. In this study, immunopotentiators (C48/80 or CpG-ODN) were loaded into chitosan nanoparticle (Chi NP) to form combination adjuvants (Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP) and adopted to enhance the immunogenicity of NMB0315 through intranasal immunization. The experimental results have indicated that both Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP are effective mucosal adjuvants for the induction of significantly higher rNMB0315-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and sIgA antibodies. Meanwhile, Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP could change the ratio of IgG1/IgG2a, inducing a more balanced cellular/humoral immune response. Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP also boosted interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 A (IL-17A) production by splenocytes. The bactericidal antibodies have been detected in sera from mice immunized with rNMB0315 + Chi-CpG NP and rNMB0315 + Chi-C48/80 NP. Overall, the combination adjuvants could be applicable to the development of a mucosal vaccine against NMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Operating Room, The Second Hospital University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yongli Hou
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Sihai Hu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Dingxin Long
- China School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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Pagheh AS, Daryani A, Alizadeh P, Hassannia H, Rodrigues Oliveira SM, Kazemi T, Rezaei F, Pereira MDL, Ahmadpour E. Protective effect of a DNA vaccine cocktail encoding ROP13 and GRA14 with Alum nano-adjuvant against Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 132:105920. [PMID: 33421633 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.105920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause serious public health problems. The development of a safe and effective vaccine against T. gondii is urgently needed to prevent and control the spread of toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune responses induced by a pcGRA14 + pcROP13 vaccine cocktail in BALB/c mice. All groups were immunized intramuscularly three times at two-week intervals. The production of anti-Toxoplasma gondii lysate antigen (TLA) antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation, serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokines and the survival time were monitored after vaccination and challenged with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii. The results showed that immunization with the pcGRA14 + pcROP13 DNA vaccine significantly increased the production of specific IgG antibodies and cytokines against toxoplasmosis. Interestingly, high levels of IgG2a and IFN-γ were found in animals vaccinated with DNA vaccine cocktail. Furthermore, immunized mice challenged with the RH strain of T. gondii showed prolonged survival time when compared to control groups (P <0.05). The present study demonstrates the potential of a DNA cocktail vaccine expressing pcGRA14 and pcROP13 in developing specific immune responses and providing effective protection against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Paria Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Amol Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Tohid Kazemi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - 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
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Evaluation of CpG-ODN-Adjuvanted Toxoplasma Gondii Virus-Like Particle Vaccine upon One, Two, and Three Immunizations. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12100989. [PMID: 33086673 PMCID: PMC7588908 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful vaccines against specific pathogens often require multiple immunizations and adjuvant usage. Yet, assessing the protective efficacy of different immunization regimens with adjuvanted Toxoplasma gondii vaccines remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the vaccine efficacy induced by CpG-ODN-adjuvanted T. gondii virus-like particles (VLPs) after challenge infection with T. gondii (ME49) in mice (BALB/c) upon one, two, and three immunizations. Immunization with adjuvanted T. gondii VLPs induced higher levels of T. gondii-specific IgG and/or IgA antibody responses, germinal center (GC) B cells, total B cells, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared with unadjuvanted VLPs. Increasing the number of immunizations was strongly correlated with enhanced protective immunity against T. gondii in mice, with the highest protection being demonstrated in mice thrice-immunized with either adjuvanted T. gondii VLPs or VLPs alone. Notably, lesser bodyweight reductions and cerebral cyst counts were observed in mice receiving multiple immunizations with the adjuvanted VLPs, thereby confirming the effectiveness of adjuvanted boost immunizations. These results demonstrated that multiple immunizations with T. gondii VLPs is an effective approach, and the CpG-ODN can be developed as an effective adjuvant for T. gondii VLP vaccines.
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Pagheh AS, Sarvi S, Gholami S, Asgarian-Omran H, Valadan R, Hassannia H, Ahmadpour E, Fasihi-Ramandie M, Dodangeh S, Hosseni-khah Z, Daryani A. Protective efficacy induced by DNA prime and recombinant protein boost vaccination with Toxoplasma gondii GRA14 in mice. Microb Pathog 2019; 134:103601. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Loh FK, Nathan S, Chow SC, Fang CM. Vaccination challenges and strategies against long-lived Toxoplasma gondii. Vaccine 2019; 37:3989-4000. [PMID: 31186188 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of Toxoplasma gondii in 1908, it is estimated that one-third of the global population has been exposed to this ubiquitous intracellular protozoan. The complex life cycle of T. gondii has enabled itself to overcome stress and transmit easily within a broad host range thus achieving a high seroprevalence worldwide. To date, toxoplasmosis remains one of the most prevalent HIV-associated opportunistic central nervous system infections. This review presents a comprehensive overview of different vaccination approaches ranging from traditional inactivated whole-T. gondii vaccines to the popular DNA vaccines. Extensive discussions are made to highlight the challenges in constructing these vaccines, selecting adjuvants as well as delivery methods, immunisation approaches and developing study models. Herein we also deliberate over the latest and promising enhancement strategies that can address the limitations in developing an effective T. gondii prophylactic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Kean Loh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sek-Chuen Chow
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Systematic review and meta-analysis of variation in Toxoplasma gondii cyst burden in the murine model. Exp Parasitol 2018; 196:55-62. [PMID: 30562481 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects approximately 30% of the population of the United States, with worldwide distribution. The chronic (latent) infection, mediated by the bradyzoite parasite life stage, has attracted attention due to possible links to host behavioral alteration and psychomotor effects. Mice are a common model organism for studying the chronic stage, as they are natural hosts of infection. Notably, published studies demonstrate vast ranges of measured cyst burden within the murine brain tissue. The inconsistency of measured cyst burden within and between experiments makes interpretation of statistical significance difficult, potentially confounding studies of experimental anti-parasitic approaches. This review analyzes variation in measured cyst burden in a wide array of experimental mouse infections across published literature. Factors such as parasite infection strain, mouse strain, mode of infection, and infectious dose were all examined. The lowest variation in measured cyst burden occurred with the commonly available Balb/c and CBA mice undergoing infection by the ME49 strain of T. gondii. A summary of cyst variation and average cyst counts in T. gondii mouse models is presented, which may be useful for designing future experiments.
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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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Ducournau C, Nguyen TT, Carpentier R, Lantier I, Germon S, Précausta F, Pisella PJ, Leroux H, Van Langendonck N, Betbeder D, Dimier-Poisson I. Synthetic parasites: a successful mucosal nanoparticle vaccine against Toxoplasma congenital infection in mice. Future Microbiol 2017; 12:393-405. [PMID: 28339296 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Development of protein vaccine to prevent congenital infection is a major public health priority. Our goal is the design of mucosal synthetic pathogen inducing protective immune responses against congenital toxoplasmosis. MATERIALS & METHODS Mice were immunized intranasally, establishing pregnancy and challenging orally. Placental immune response, congenital infection, pup growth, parasitic load rates were studied. RESULTS Pups born to vaccinated infected dams had significantly fewer brain cysts, no intraocular inflammation and normal growth. Protection was associated with a placental cellular Th1 response downregulated by IL-6 and correlated with persistence of vaccine for few hours in the nose before being totally eliminated. CONCLUSION Our vaccine conferred high protection against congenital toxoplasmosis. These results provide support for future studies of other congenital vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Ducournau
- Immunologie Parasitaire et Vaccinologie, Biothérapies Anti-Infectieuses, Université de Tours-INRA, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, UFR Pharmacie, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Thi Tl Nguyen
- Immunologie Parasitaire et Vaccinologie, Biothérapies Anti-Infectieuses, Université de Tours-INRA, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, UFR Pharmacie, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Rodolphe Carpentier
- Centre International de Recherche sur l'Inflammation de Lille LIRIC -UMR 995 Inserm/Université Lille 2/CHRU Lille. Innovation thérapeutique ciblant l'inflammation. Groupe Nanomédecine, Faculté de Médecine, F-59045 Lille Cedex, France.,Université d'Artois, rue du Temple, 62030 ARRAS, France
| | - Isabelle Lantier
- Laboratoire d'Expertise en Infection Animale, INRA-Université de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Stéphanie Germon
- Immunologie Parasitaire et Vaccinologie, Biothérapies Anti-Infectieuses, Université de Tours-INRA, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, UFR Pharmacie, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Flavien Précausta
- Immunologie Parasitaire et Vaccinologie, Biothérapies Anti-Infectieuses, Université de Tours-INRA, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, UFR Pharmacie, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Pisella
- Immunologie Parasitaire et Vaccinologie, Biothérapies Anti-Infectieuses, Université de Tours-INRA, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, UFR Pharmacie, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Hervé Leroux
- Laboratoire d'Expertise en Infection Animale, INRA-Université de Tours, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Didier Betbeder
- Centre International de Recherche sur l'Inflammation de Lille LIRIC -UMR 995 Inserm/Université Lille 2/CHRU Lille. Innovation thérapeutique ciblant l'inflammation. Groupe Nanomédecine, Faculté de Médecine, F-59045 Lille Cedex, France.,Université d'Artois, rue du Temple, 62030 ARRAS, France
| | - Isabelle Dimier-Poisson
- Immunologie Parasitaire et Vaccinologie, Biothérapies Anti-Infectieuses, Université de Tours-INRA, UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, UFR Pharmacie, F-37000 Tours, France
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Immunological evaluation of a DNA cocktail vaccine with co-delivery of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs) against the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain in BALB/c mice. Parasitol Res 2016; 116:609-616. [PMID: 27909791 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Many recent studies have been conducted to evaluate protective immunity mediated by DNA vaccines against toxoplasmosis. Cocktail DNA vaccines showed better immune responses compared to single vaccines. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the protective efficacy of rhomboid 4 (ROM4) and cocktail DNA vaccines (ROM4 + GRA14) of the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain with or without coated calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs) as the adjuvant to improve the immunogenicity against the T. gondii RH strain in BALB/c mice. Cocktail DNA vaccines of pcROM4 + pcGRA14 of the T. gondii RH strain were constructed. CaPNs were synthesized and the cocktail DNA vaccine was coated with the adjuvant of CaPNs. Immunogenicity and the protective effects of cocktail DNA vaccines with or without CaPNs against lethal challenge were evaluated in BALB/c mice. pcROM4 and cocktail DNA vaccine coated with CaPNs significantly enhanced cellular and humoral immune responses against Toxoplasma compared to pcROM4 and cocktail DNA vaccine without CaPNs (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the survival time of immunized mice after challenge with the RH strain of T. gondii was increased compared to that of controls and the DNA vaccine provided significant protection in mice (p < 0.05). The CaPN-based cocktail DNA vaccine of pcROM4 + pcGRA14 showed the longest survival time compared to the other groups. Co-immunization with CaPN-based cocktail DNA vaccine (pcROM4 + pcGRA14) boosted immune responses and increased the protective efficacy against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice compared to both single gene and bivalent DNA vaccine without nano-adjuvants.
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15
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Liu Z, Yin L, Li Y, Yuan F, Zhang X, Ma J, Liu H, Wang Y, Zheng K, Cao J. Intranasal immunization with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii actin depolymerizing factor confers protective efficacy against toxoplasmosis in mice. BMC Immunol 2016; 17:37. [PMID: 27716047 PMCID: PMC5053087 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-016-0173-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan closely associated with AIDS and vertical transmission. T. gondii actin depolymerizing factor (TgADF) plays an important role in actin cytoskeleton remodeling, and it is required to invade host cells. TgADF was a promising vaccine candidate. To observe the immunological changes and protective efficacy of recombinant TgADF protein (rTgADF) against T. gondii infection, we optimized the intranasal immunization dose of rTgADF and analyzed the survival rate and tachyzoite loads in mouse tissues after oral challenge with T. gondii tachyzoites. Results rTgADF was prepared, purified, and combined with mouse anti-His antibody and rabbit anti-T. gondii serum. After intranasal immunization with 10 μg, 20 μg, 30 μg, or 40 μg of rTgADF, the 30-μg group elicited high levels of secretory IgA (sIgA) in nasal, intestinal, and vesical washes, raised IgG titres in the sera, strong proliferation of splenocytes, and increased secretion of IL-2 and IFN-γ when compared with the control group. When the mice were orally challenged with T. gondii, an increase in the survival rate (36.36 %) and a decrease in the tachyzoite loads in the liver (67.77 %) and brain (51.01 %) were observed. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that intranasal immunization with rTgADF can simultaneously trigger mucosal and systemic immune responses and protect the mice against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanzhuan Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Litian Yin
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofan Zhang
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiazhi Ma
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjuan Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, China; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, MOH, China; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China.
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Su F, Patel GB, Hu S, Chen W. Induction of mucosal immunity through systemic immunization: Phantom or reality? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:1070-9. [PMID: 26752023 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1114195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of protective immunity at mucosal surfaces can greatly assist the host defense against pathogens which either cause disease at the mucosal epithelial barriers or enter the host through these surfaces. Although mucosal routes of immunization, such as intranasal and oral, are being intensely explored and appear promising for eliciting protective mucosal immunity in mammals, their application in clinical practice has been limited due to technical and safety related challenges. Most of the currently approved human vaccines are administered via systemic (such as intramuscular and subcutaneous) routes. Whereas these routes are acknowledged as being capable to elicit antigen-specific systemic humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, they are generally perceived as incapable of generating IgA responses or protective mucosal immunity. Nevertheless, currently licensed systemic vaccines do provide effective protection against mucosal pathogens such as influenza viruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, whether systemic immunization induces protective mucosal immunity remains a controversial topic. Here we reviewed the current literature and discussed the potential of systemic routes of immunization for the induction of mucosal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Su
- a Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.,b Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences , Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , PR China
| | - Girishchandra B Patel
- a Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Songhua Hu
- a Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Wangxue Chen
- a Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.,c Department of Biology, Brock University , St. Catharines , Ontario , Canada
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17
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Review on the identification and role of Toxoplasma gondii antigenic epitopes. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:459-68. [PMID: 26581372 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad range of hosts, and it causes severe toxoplasmasis in both humans and animals. It is well known that the progression and severity of a disease depend on the immunological status of the host. Immunological studies on antigens indicate that antigens do not exert their functions through the entire protein molecule, but instead, specific epitopes are responsible for the immune response. Protein antigens not only contain epitope structures used by B, T, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and NK cells to mediate immunological responses but can also contain structures that are unfavorable for protective immunity. Therefore, the study of antigenic epitopes from T. gondii has not only enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of antigens, the reactions between antigens and antibodies, and many other aspects of immunology but it also plays a significant role in the development of new diagnostic reagents and vaccines. In this review, we summarized the immune mechanisms induced by antigen epitopes and the latest advances in identifying T. gondii antigen epitopes. Particular attention was paid to the potential clinical usefulness of epitopes in this context. Through a critical analysis of the current state of knowledge, we elucidated the latest data concerning the biological effects of epitopes and the immune results aimed at the development of future epitope-based applications, such as vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
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18
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Zhang NZ, Wang M, Xu Y, Petersen E, Zhu XQ. Recent advances in developing vaccines against Toxoplasma gondii: an update. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1609-21. [PMID: 26467840 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1098539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a significant public health risk, is able to infect almost all warm-blooded animals including humans, and it results in economic losses in production animals. In the last three years, a large number of vaccination experiments have been performed to control T. gondii infection, with the target of limiting the acute infection and reducing or eliminating tissue cysts in the intermediate hosts. In this paper, we summarize the latest results of the veterinary vaccines against T. gondii infection since 2013. Immunization with live-attenuated whole organisms of non-reverting mutants has been shown to induce remarkably potent immune responses associated with control of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. The non-cyst-forming mutants are promising new tools for the development of veterinary vaccines against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Zhang Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
| | - Ying Xu
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China.,b Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , PR China
| | - Eskild Petersen
- c Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
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Sánchez VR, Fenoy IM, Picchio MS, Soto AS, Arcon N, Goldman A, Martin V. Homologous prime-boost strategy with TgPI-1 improves the immune response and protects highly susceptible mice against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. Acta Trop 2015. [PMID: 26200784 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Subunit-based vaccines are safer than live or attenuated pathogen vaccines, although they are generally weak immunogens. Thus, proper combination of immunization strategies and adjuvants are needed to increase their efficacy. We have previously protected C3H/HeN mice from Toxoplasma gondii infection by immunization with the serine protease inhibitor-1 (TgPI-1) in combination with alum. In this work, we explore an original vaccination protocol that combines administration of recombinant TgPI-1 by intradermal and intranasal routes in order to enhance protection in the highly susceptible C57BL/6 strain. Mice primed intradermally with rTgPI-1 plus alum and boosted intranasally with rTgPI-1 plus CpG-ODN elicited a strong specific Th1/Th2 humoral response, along with a mucosal immune response characterized by specific-IgA in intestinal lavages. A positive cellular response of mesentheric lymph node cells and Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion in the ileon were also detected. When immunized mice were challenged with the cystogenic Me49 T. gondii strain, they displayed up to 62% reduction in brain parasite burden. Moreover, adoptive transfer of mesenteric lymph node cells from vaccinated to naïve mice induced significant protection against infection. These results demonstrate that this strategy that combines the administration of TgPI-1 by two different routes, intradermal priming and intranasal boost, improves protective immunity against T. gondii chronic infection in highly susceptible mice.
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