1
|
Silvestre D, Moreno G, Argüelles MH, Tomás Fariña J, Biedma ME, Peri Ibáñez ES, Mandile MG, Glikmann G, Rumbo M, Castello AA, Temprana CF. Display of FliC131 on the Surface of Lactococcus lactis as a Strategy to Increase its Adjuvanticity for Mucosal Immunization. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1794-1803. [PMID: 38522753 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Research on innovative mucosal adjuvants is essential to develop new vaccines for safe mucosal application. In this work, we propose the development of a Lactococcus lactis that expresses a variant of flagellin on its surface (FliC131*), to increase the adjuvanticity of the living cell and cell wall-derived particles (CWDP). We optimized the expression of FliC131*, and confirmed its identity and localization by Western blot and flow cytometry. We also generated CWDP containing FliC131* (CDWP-FliC131*) and evaluated their storage stability. Lastly, we measured the human TLR5 stimulating activity in vitro and assessed the adjuvanticity in vivo using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen. As a result, we generated L. lactis/pCWA-FliC131*, that expresses and displays FliC131* on its surface, obtained the corresponding CWDP-FliC131*, and showed that both activated hTLR5 in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CWDP-FliC131* retained this biological activity after being lyophilized and stored for a year. Finally, intranasal immunization of mice with OVA plus live L. lactis/pCWA-FliC131* or CWDP-FliC131* induced OVA-specific IgG and IgA in serum, intestinal lavages, and bronchoalveolar lavages. Our work demonstrates the potential of this recombinant L. lactis with an enhanced adjuvant effect, prompting its further evaluation for the design of novel mucosal vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Silvestre
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
| | - Griselda Moreno
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNLP-CONICET), Boulevard 120 1489, La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - Marcelo H Argüelles
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina
| | - Julieta Tomás Fariña
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
| | - Marina E Biedma
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNLP-CONICET), Boulevard 120 1489, La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - Estefanía S Peri Ibáñez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
| | - Marcelo G Mandile
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina
| | - Graciela Glikmann
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina
| | - Martín Rumbo
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos (IIFP), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNLP-CONICET), Boulevard 120 1489, La Plata, 1900, Argentina
| | - Alejandro A Castello
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche, Av. Calchaquí 6200, Florencio Varela, 1888, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C Facundo Temprana
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Virología, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Roque Sáenz Peña 352, Bernal, 1876, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1425, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xing Y, Clark JR, Chang JD, Zulk JJ, Chirman DM, Piedra FA, Vaughan EE, Hernandez Santos HJ, Patras KA, Maresso AW. Progress toward a vaccine for extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) II: efficacy of a toxin-autotransporter dual antigen approach. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0044023. [PMID: 38591882 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00440-23] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is a leading cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality, the top cause of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections, and the most frequent cause of life-threatening sepsis and urinary tract infections (UTI) in adults. The development of an effective and universal vaccine is complicated by this pathogen's pan-genome, its ability to mix and match virulence factors and AMR genes via horizontal gene transfer, an inability to decipher commensal from pathogens, and its intimate association and co-evolution with mammals. Using a pan virulome analysis of >20,000 sequenced E. coli strains, we identified the secreted cytolysin α-hemolysin (HlyA) as a high priority target for vaccine exploration studies. We demonstrate that a catalytically inactive pure form of HlyA, expressed in an autologous host using its own secretion system, is highly immunogenic in a murine host, protects against several forms of ExPEC infection (including lethal bacteremia), and significantly lowers bacterial burdens in multiple organ systems. Interestingly, the combination of a previously reported autotransporter (SinH) with HlyA was notably effective, inducing near complete protection against lethal challenge, including commonly used infection strains ST73 (CFT073) and ST95 (UTI89), as well as a mixture of 10 of the most highly virulent sequence types and strains from our clinical collection. Both HlyA and HlyA-SinH combinations also afforded some protection against UTI89 colonization in a murine UTI model. These findings suggest recombinant, inactive hemolysin and/or its combination with SinH warrant investigation in the development of an E. coli vaccine against invasive disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yikun Xing
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Vaccine Development Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Justin R Clark
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Vaccine Development Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - James D Chang
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Vaccine Development Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacob J Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Vaccine Development Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dylan M Chirman
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Vaccine Development Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Felipe-Andres Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ellen E Vaughan
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Haroldo J Hernandez Santos
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Vaccine Development Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kathryn A Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony W Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- TAILOR Labs, Vaccine Development Group, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Esmat K, Jamil B, Kheder RK, Kombe Kombe AJ, Zeng W, Ma H, Jin T. Immunoglobulin A response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunity. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24031. [PMID: 38230244 PMCID: PMC10789627 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24031] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its infamous "Variants" of the etiological agent termed Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has proven to be a global health concern. The three antibodies, IgA, IgM, and IgG, perform their dedicated role as main workhorses of the host adaptive immune system in virus neutralization. Immunoglobulin-A (IgA), also known as "Mucosal Immunoglobulin", has been under keen interest throughout the viral infection cycle. Its importance lies because IgA is predominant mucosal antibody and SARS family viruses primarily infect the mucosal surfaces of human respiratory tract. Therefore, IgA can be considered a diagnostic and prognostic marker and an active infection biomarker for SARS CoV-2 infection. Along with molecular analyses, serological tests, including IgA detection tests, are gaining ground in application as an early detectable marker and as a minimally invasive detection strategy. In the current review, it was emphasized the role of IgA response in diagnosis, host defense strategies, treatment, and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The data analysis was performed through almost 100 published peer-reviewed research reports and comprehended the importance of IgA in antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and other related respiratory viruses. Taken together, it is concluded that secretory IgA- Abs can serve as a promising detection tool for respiratory viral diagnosis and treatment parallel to IgG-based therapeutics and diagnostics. Vaccine candidates that target and trigger mucosal immune response may also be employed in future dimensions of research against other respiratory viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaleqsefat Esmat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Baban Jamil
- Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Applied Science, Tishk International University, KRG, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Ramiar Kaml Kheder
- Medical Laboratory Science Department, College of Science, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Arnaud John Kombe Kombe
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Weihong Zeng
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Huan Ma
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qiu L, Chirman D, Clark JR, Xing Y, Hernandez Santos H, Vaughan EE, Maresso AW. Vaccines against extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC): progress and challenges. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2359691. [PMID: 38825856 PMCID: PMC11152113 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2359691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a principal global health crisis projected to cause 10 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050. While the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli is commonly found as a commensal microbe in the human gut, some strains are dangerously pathogenic, contributing to the highest AMR-associated mortality. Strains of E. coli that can translocate from the gastrointestinal tract to distal sites, called extraintestinal E. coli (ExPEC), are particularly problematic and predominantly afflict women, the elderly, and immunocompromised populations. Despite nearly 40 years of clinical trials, there is still no vaccine against ExPEC. One reason for this is the remarkable diversity in the ExPEC pangenome across pathotypes, clades, and strains, with hundreds of genes associated with pathogenesis including toxins, adhesins, and nutrient acquisition systems. Further, ExPEC is intimately associated with human mucosal surfaces and has evolved creative strategies to avoid the immune system. This review summarizes previous and ongoing preclinical and clinical ExPEC vaccine research efforts to help identify key gaps in knowledge and remaining challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Qiu
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dylan Chirman
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Justin R. Clark
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Tailored Antibacterials and Innovative Laboratories for Phage (Φ) Research (TAILΦR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yikun Xing
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Haroldo Hernandez Santos
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Tailored Antibacterials and Innovative Laboratories for Phage (Φ) Research (TAILΦR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ellen E. Vaughan
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony W. Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Tailored Antibacterials and Innovative Laboratories for Phage (Φ) Research (TAILΦR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rezaei M, Habibi M, Ehsani P, Asadi Karam MR, Bouzari S. Design and computational analysis of an effective multi-epitope vaccine candidate using subunit B of cholera toxin as a build-in adjuvant against urinary tract infections. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 14:27513. [PMID: 38327629 PMCID: PMC10844585 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.27513] [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] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections, usually caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). However, antibiotics are a usual treatment for UTIs; because of increasing antibiotic-resistant strains, vaccination can be beneficial in controlling UTIs. Using immunoinformatics techniques is an effective and rapid way for vaccine development. Methods Three conserved protective antigens (FdeC, Hma, and UpaB) were selected to develop a novel multi-epitope vaccine consisting of subunit B of cholera toxin (CTB) as a mucosal build-in adjuvant to enhance the immune responses. Epitopes-predicted B and T cells and suitable linkers were used to separate them and effectively increase the vaccine's immunogenicity. The vaccine protein's primary, secondary, and tertiary structures were evaluated, and the best 3D model was selected. Since CTB is the TLR2 ligand, molecular docking was made between the vaccine protein and TLR2. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was employed to evaluate the stability of the vaccine protein-TLR2 complex. The vaccine construct was subjected to in silico cloning. Results The designed vaccine protein has multiple properties in the analysis. The HADDOCK outcomes show an excellent interaction between vaccine protein and TLR2. The MD results confirm the stability of the vaccine protein- TLR2 complex during the simulation. In silico cloning verified the expression efficiency of our vaccine protein. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that our designed vaccine protein could be a promising vaccine candidate against UTI, but further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezaei
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehri Habibi
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parasoo Ehsani
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Bouzari
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou Y, Zhou Z, Zheng L, Gong Z, Li Y, Jin Y, Huang Y, Chi M. Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: Mechanisms of Infection and Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10537. [PMID: 37445714 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that represent a severe public health problem. They are often caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia), Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (S. saprophyticus). Among these, uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) are the most common causative agent in both uncomplicated and complicated UTIs. The adaptive evolution of UPEC has been observed in several ways, including changes in colonization, attachment, invasion, and intracellular replication to invade the urothelium and survive intracellularly. While antibiotic therapy has historically been very successful in controlling UTIs, high recurrence rates and increasing antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens threaten to greatly reduce the efficacy of these treatments. Furthermore, the gradual global emergence of multidrug-resistant UPEC has highlighted the need to further explore its pathogenesis and seek alternative therapeutic and preventative strategies. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the clinical status and pathogenesis of UTIs and the advantages and disadvantages of antibiotics as a conventional treatment option could spark a surge in the search for alternative treatment options, especially vaccines and medicinal plants. Such options targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms of UPEC are expected to be a focus of UTI management in the future to help combat antibiotic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Zuying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Lin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Zipeng Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yueting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Mingyan Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 4 Beijing Road, Guiyang 550004, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bernal AM, Sosa FN, Todero MF, Montagna DR, Vermeulen ME, Fernández-Brando RJ, Ramos MV, Errea AJ, Rumbo M, Palermo MS. Nasal immunization with H7 flagellin protects mice against hemolytic uremic syndrome secondary to Escherichia coli O157:H7 gastrointestinal infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1143918. [PMID: 37260706 PMCID: PMC10227447 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1143918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Shiga-toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 is the most frequent serotype associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after gastrointestinal infections. Protection against HUS secondary to STEC infections has been experimentally assayed through the generation of different vaccine formulations. With focus on patients, the strategies have been mainly oriented to inhibit production of Stx or its neutralization. However, few approaches have been intended to block gastrointestinal phase of this disease, which is considered the first step in the pathogenic cascade of HUS. The aim of this work was to assay H7 flagellin as a mucosal vaccine candidate to prevent the systemic complications secondary to E. coli O157:H7 infections. Materials and methods The cellular and humoral immune response after H7 nasal immunization in mice were studied by the analysis of systemic and intestinal specific antibody production, as well as cytokine production and lymphocyte proliferation against H7 flagellin ex vivo. Results Immunized mice developed a strong and specific anti-H7 IgG and IgA response, at systemic and mucosal level, as well as a cellular Th1/Th2/Th17 response. H7 induced activation of bone marrow derived dendritic cells in vitro and a significant delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response in immunized mice. Most relevant, immunized mice were completely protected against the challenge with an E. coli O157:H7 virulent strain in vivo, and surviving mice presented high titres of anti-H7 and Stx antibodies. Discussion These results suggest that immunization avoids HUS outcome and allows to elicit a specific immune response against other virulence factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Mauro Bernal
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Nicolás Sosa
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Todero
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de Procesos Inflamatorios, IMEX CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Romina Montagna
- Laboratorio de Oncología Experimental, IMEX CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Elba Vermeulen
- Laboratorio de Células Presentadoras de Antígenos y Respuesta Inflamatoria, IMEX CONICET-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina Jimena Fernández-Brando
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Ramos
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Juliana Errea
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Martin Rumbo
- Instituto de Estudios Inmunológicos y Fisiopatológicos - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marina Sandra Palermo
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis e Inmunología de Procesos Infecciosos, Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pokharel P, Dhakal S, Dozois CM. The Diversity of Escherichia coli Pathotypes and Vaccination Strategies against This Versatile Bacterial Pathogen. Microorganisms 2023; 11:344. [PMID: 36838308 PMCID: PMC9965155 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a gram-negative bacillus and resident of the normal intestinal microbiota. However, some E. coli strains can cause diseases in humans, other mammals and birds ranging from intestinal infections, for example, diarrhea and dysentery, to extraintestinal infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, meningitis, and sepsis. In terms of morbidity and mortality, pathogenic E. coli has a great impact on public health, with an economic cost of several billion dollars annually worldwide. Antibiotics are not usually used as first-line treatment for diarrheal illness caused by E. coli and in the case of bloody diarrhea, antibiotics are avoided due to the increased risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome. On the other hand, extraintestinal infections are treated with various antibiotics depending on the site of infection and susceptibility testing. Several alarming papers concerning the rising antibiotic resistance rates in E. coli strains have been published. The silent pandemic of multidrug-resistant bacteria including pathogenic E. coli that have become more difficult to treat favored prophylactic approaches such as E. coli vaccines. This review provides an overview of the pathogenesis of different pathotypes of E. coli, the virulence factors involved and updates on the major aspects of vaccine development against different E. coli pathotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pravil Pokharel
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Sabin Dhakal
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Charles M. Dozois
- Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), 531 Boul des Prairies, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
- Pasteur Network, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Assoni L, Girardello R, Converso TR, Darrieux M. Current Stage in the Development of Klebsiella pneumoniae Vaccines. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:2157-2175. [PMID: 34476772 PMCID: PMC8412853 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00533-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium capable of colonizing mucous membranes, causing serious infections. Widespread antibiotic resistance in K. pneumoniae—either through intrinsic mechanisms or via acquisition from different species, especially in hospital environments—limits the therapeutic options against this pathogen, further aggravating the disease burden. To date, there are no vaccines available against K. pneumoniae infection. Although formulations based on capsular polysaccharides have been proposed, the high variability in capsular serotypes limits vaccine coverage. Recombinant vaccines based on surface exposed bacterial antigens are a promising alternative owing to their conservation among different serotypes and accessibility to the immune system. Many vaccine candidates have been proposed, some of which have reached clinical trials. The present review summarizes the current status of K. pneumoniae vaccine development. Different strategies including whole cell vaccines, outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), ribosome, polysaccharide, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and protein-based formulations are discussed. The contribution of antibody and cell-mediated responses is also presented. In summary, K. pneumoniae vaccines are feasible and a promising strategy to prevent infections and to reduce the antimicrobial resistance burden worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Assoni
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Raquel Girardello
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Thiago Rojas Converso
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Michelle Darrieux
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Park SM, Gu MJ, Ju YJ, Cheon IS, Hwang KJ, Gill B, Shim BS, Jeong HJ, Son YM, Choi S, Jeung W, Han SH, Chu H, Yun CH. Intranasal Vaccination with Outer-Membrane Protein of Orientia tsutsugamushi induces Protective Immunity Against Scrub Typhus. Immune Netw 2020; 21:e14. [PMID: 33996170 PMCID: PMC8099613 DOI: 10.4110/in.2021.21.e14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrub typhus develops after the individual is bitten by a trombiculid mite infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi. Since it has been reported that pneumonia is frequently observed in patients with scrub typhus, we investigated whether intranasal (i.n.) vaccination with the outer membrane protein of O. tsutsugamushi (OMPOT) would induce a protective immunity against O. tsutsugamushi infection. It was particular interest that when mice were infected with O. tsutsugamushi, the bacteria disseminated into the lungs, causing pneumonia. The i.n. vaccination with OMPOT induced IgG responses in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. The anti-O. tsutsugamushi IgA Abs in BAL fluid after the vaccination showed a high correlation of the protection against O. tsutsugamushi. The vaccination induced strong Ag-specific Th1 and Th17 responses in the both spleen and lungs. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that i.n. vaccination with OMPOT elicited protective immunity against scrub typhus in mouse with O. tsutsugamushi infection causing subsequent pneumonia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Moo Park
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Min Jeong Gu
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Young-Jun Ju
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - In Su Cheon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Laboratory Sciences Division, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Kyu-Jam Hwang
- Division of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Byoungchul Gill
- Division of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Byoung-Shik Shim
- Laboratory Sciences Division, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hang-Jin Jeong
- Division of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Young Min Son
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Sangho Choi
- Division of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Woonhee Jeung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Han
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, DRI, and BK21 Plus Program, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hyuk Chu
- Division of Zoonotic and Vector Borne Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease Research, National Institute of Health, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Cheol-Heui Yun
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.,Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang 25354, Korea.,Interdisciplinary Program in Agricultural Genomics, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asadi Karam MR, Habibi M, Bouzari S. Urinary tract infection: Pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance and development of effective vaccines against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Mol Immunol 2019; 108:56-67. [PMID: 30784763 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are recognized as one of the most common infectious diseases in the world that can be divided to different types. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are the most prevalent causative agent of UTIs that applied different virulence factors such as fimbriae, capsule, iron scavenger receptors, flagella, toxins, and lipopolysaccharide for their pathogenicity in the urinary tract. Despite the high pathogenicity of UPEC strains, host utilizes different immune systems such as innate and adaptive immunity for eradication of them from the urinary tract. The routine therapy of UTIs is based on the use of antibiotics such as β-lactams, trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin and quinolones in many countries. Unfortunately, the widespread and misuse of these antibiotics resulted in the increasing rate of resistance to them in the societies. Increasing antibiotic resistance and their side effects on human body show the need to develop alternative strategies such as vaccine against UTIs. Developing a vaccine against UTI pathogens will have an important role in reduction the mortality rate as well as reducing economic costs. Different vaccines based on the whole cells (killed or live-attenuated vaccines) and antigens (subunits, toxins and conjugatedvaccines) have been evaluated against UTIs pathogens. Furthermore, other therapeutic strategies such as the use of probiotics and antimicrobial peptides are considered against UTIs. Despite the extensive efforts, limited success has been achieved and more studies are needed to reach an alternative of antibiotics for treatment of UTIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehri Habibi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, 13164, Iran.
| | - Saeid Bouzari
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, 13164, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Asadi Karam MR, Shirzad AM, Habibi M, Bouzari S. A heterologous prime-boost route of vaccination based on the truncated MrpH adhesin and adjuvant properties of the flagellin from Proteus mirabilis against urinary tract infections. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 58:40-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
13
|
Choubini E, Habibi M, Khorshidi A, Ghasemi A, Asadi Karam MR, Bouzari S. A novel multi-peptide subunit vaccine admixed with AddaVax adjuvant produces significant immunogenicity and protection against Proteus mirabilis urinary tract infection in mice model. Mol Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29525454 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Proteus mirabilis is a common pathogen in urinary tract infections (UTIs). There is no vaccine against P. mirabilis, thus a novel multi-peptide vaccine of MrpA, UcaA and Pta factors of P. mirabilis we designed and a mice model was used to evaluate its efficacy in combination with AddaVax adjuvant. According to the bioinformatics studies, 7 fragments of MrpA (31-75, 112-146), UcaA (68-117, 132-156) and Pta (210-265, 340-400, 496-570) with B and T cell epitope regions were selected for fusion construction. Mice subcutaneously vaccinated with the fusion MrpA.Pta.UcaA induced a significant increase in serum and mucosal IgG and IgA responses. The fusion also showed a significant induction in cellular responses (Th1 and Th2). The addition of AddaVax to fusion and the mixture of MrpA, UcaA, and Pta (MUP) improved the humoral and cellular responses, especially the IgG2a and IFN-γ (Th1 responses) levels. Fusion with and without AddaVax and MUP + AddaVax could maintain significant humoral responses until 6 months after the first vaccine dose. All vaccine combinations with and without adjuvant showed high effectiveness in the protection of the bladder and kidney against experimental UTI; this could be attributed to the significant humoral and cellular responses. The present study suggests that the AddaVax-based vaccine formulations especially the fusion Pta.MrpA.UcaA admixed with AddaVax as potential vaccine candidates for protection against P. mirabilis. Furthermore, AddaVax could be considered as an effective adjuvant in designing other vaccines against UTI pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Choubini
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - Mehri Habibi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khorshidi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Amir Ghasemi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Bouzari
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Habibi M, Asadi Karam MR, Bouzari S. Construction and evaluation of the immune protection of a recombinant divalent protein composed of the MrpA from MR/P fimbriae and flagellin of Proteus mirabilis strain against urinary tract infection. Microb Pathog 2018; 117:348-355. [PMID: 29452195 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by Proteus mirabilis are prevalent among the catheterized patients. There is no effective vaccine to reduce the frequency of UTIs caused by P. mirabilis. In the present study, the immune responses and effectiveness of different combinations of MrpA and flagellin (FliC) of P. mirabilis were assessed intranasally in the mice model. The addition of FliC as adjuvant to MrpA in fusion form significantly raised the mucosal IgA and cellular (IFN-γ and IL-17) responses and maintained the serum IgG responses for 180 days after the first vaccination. Furthermore, MrpA in fusion form with FliC significantly increased the systemic, mucosal and IFN-γ responses of the FliC alone. In a bladder challenge assay with P. mirabilis, the fusion MrpA.FliC and the mixture of MrpA and FliC significantly decreased the colony count of the bacteria in the bladder and kidneys of mice in comparison to the control mice. It suggests a complex of the systemic, mucosal and cellular responses are needed for protection of the bladder and kidneys against P. mirabilis UTI. In our knowledge, the adjuvant property of the recombinant P. mirabilis flagellin was evaluated for the first time in a vaccine combination administered by an intranasal route. Our results suggest the recombinant flagellin of P. mirabilis could be used as an intranasal adjuvant in combination with other potential antigens against UTIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Habibi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Bouzari
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Habibi M, Asadi Karam MR, Bouzari S. Evaluation of prevalence, immunogenicity and efficacy of FyuA iron receptor in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates as a vaccine target against urinary tract infection. Microb Pathog 2017; 110:477-483. [PMID: 28754265 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are among the most prevalent agents of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Antibiotic resistance reaches the need for alternative treatment approaches such as vaccination against UTIs. There is no ideal vaccine against UTIs, thus there is a need to evaluate different targets of uropathogens against UTIs. Ferric scavenger receptor FyuA in UPEC has the properties of an ideal vaccine candidate against UTIs. In the present study, the prevalence of FyuA among UPEC isolates, its immunogenicity with and without alum adjuvant, and its efficacy against experimental UTI were assessed. Totally, fyuA gene was present in 77% of the UPEC isolates tested. Alignments of FyuA exhibited a high degree of conservation among different submitted UPEC isolates in GenBank. The bioinformatics studies showed the high confidence value and stability of the FyuA structure. SDS-PAGE and Western blot confirmed the purification of FyuA with high yield by nickel resins. Mice vaccinated subcutaneously with the FyuA induced a significantly higher humoral response (total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a) than control mice that alum enhanced these responses. The FuyA alone showed the ability to reduce the colonization of UPEC in bladder and kidney of mice as compared to the control group. But the addition of alum to FyuA increased the protection level against UPEC in these organs. Since, FyuA induced significant IgG1 (Th2) and IgG2a (Th1) responses and protected the mice against experimental UTI, it could be a promising target against UPEC infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Habibi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Bouzari
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|