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Gül C, Gül A, Karakavuk T, Erkunt Alak S, Karakavuk M, Can H, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Yavuz İ, Kaplan S, Erel Akbaba G, Şen Karaman D, Akbaba H, Efe Köseoğlu A, Ovayurt T, Yüksel Gürüz A, Ün C, Kantarcı AG, Döşkaya M. A novel DNA vaccine encoding the SRS13 protein administered by electroporation confers protection against chronic toxoplasmosis. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00706-0. [PMID: 38880692 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect a variety of mammals including humans and causes toxoplasmosis. Unfortunately, a protective and safe vaccine against toxoplasmosis hasn't been developed yet. In this study, we developed a DNA vaccine encoding the SRS13 protein and immunized BALB/c mice thrice with pVAX1-SRS13 through the intramuscular route (IM) or intradermally using an electroporation device (ID + EP). The immunogenicity of pVAX1-SRS13 was analyzed by ELISA, Western blot, cytokine ELISA, and flow cytometry. The protective efficacy of the pVAX1-SRS13 was investigated by challenging mice orally with T. gondii PRU strain tissue cysts. The results revealed that pVAX1-SRS13 administered through IM or ID + EP routes induced high level of anti-SRS13 IgG antibody responses (P = 0.0037 and P < 0.0001). The IFN-γ level elicited by the pVAX1-SRS13 (ID + EP) was significantly higher compared to the control group (P = 0.00159). In mice administered with pVAX1-SRS13 (ID + EP), CD8+ cells secreting IFN-γ was significantly higher compared to pVAX1-SRS13 (IM) (P = 0.0035) and the control group (P = 0.0068). Mice vaccinated with the SRS13 DNA vaccine did not induce significant IL-4 level. Moreover, a significant reduction in the number of tissue cysts and the load of T. gondii DNA was detected in brains of mice administered with pVAX1-SRS13 through ID + EP and IM routes compared to controls. In conclusion, the SRS13 DNA vaccine was found to be highly immunogenic and confers strong protection against chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Gül
- Ege University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Aytül Gül
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Tuğba Karakavuk
- Ege University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Ödemiş Vocational School, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - İrem Yavuz
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Seren Kaplan
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Gülşah Erel Akbaba
- İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Didem Şen Karaman
- İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Department of Biomedical Engineering, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Akbaba
- Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Türkiye; Duisburg-Essen University, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Essen, Germany
| | - Tolga Ovayurt
- İzmir Katip Çelebi University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Biomedical Technology, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Cemal Ün
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Ayşe Gülten Kantarcı
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ege University, Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Vaccine Studies, İzmir, Türkiye; Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, İzmir, Türkiye
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Grada S, Mihu AG, Oatis DA, Susan M, Lupu MA, Olariu TR. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors in Psychiatric Patients from Western Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2024; 12:172. [PMID: 38257998 PMCID: PMC10820121 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection with the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii was associated with an increased risk of several mental disorders. We conducted a case-control study of 464 consecutive psychiatric patients and assessed the prevalence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii and the potential risk factors associated with infection. T. gondii-specific antibodies were determined using a chemiluminescence assay. A questionnaire was utilized to assess the potential correlation between risk factors and Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity. IgG antibodies were found in 325 (70.04%) of the patients. We observed a higher likelihood of positive IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in older individuals, patients residing in rural areas, and females. We also noted associations between Toxoplasma gondii infection and certain risk factors, like activities that involve contact with soil, low-income levels, and limited educational attainment. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of T. gondii infection among psychiatric patients from Western Romania and provide new information regarding the potential risk factors associated with T. gondii in this population group. This study may serve as a foundation for future research and the development of preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Grada
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania
| | - Alin Gabriel Mihu
- Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Daniela Adriana Oatis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University, 310300 Arad, Romania;
| | - Monica Susan
- Centre for Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Maria Alina Lupu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 300310 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Tudor Rares Olariu
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Disease, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.A.L.)
- Center for Diagnosis and Study of Parasitic Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Patogen Preventia, 300124 Timisoara, Romania
- Clinical Laboratory, Municipal Clinical Emergency Teaching Hospital, 300254 Timisoara, Romania
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Sánchez-Arcila JC, Jensen KDC. Forward Genetics in Apicomplexa Biology: The Host Side of the Story. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:878475. [PMID: 35646724 PMCID: PMC9133346 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.878475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forward genetic approaches have been widely used in parasitology and have proven their power to reveal the complexities of host-parasite interactions in an unbiased fashion. Many aspects of the parasite’s biology, including the identification of virulence factors, replication determinants, antibiotic resistance genes, and other factors required for parasitic life, have been discovered using such strategies. Forward genetic approaches have also been employed to understand host resistance mechanisms to parasitic infection. Here, we will introduce and review all forward genetic approaches that have been used to identify host factors involved with Apicomplexa infections, which include classical genetic screens and QTL mapping, GWAS, ENU mutagenesis, overexpression, RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 library screens. Collectively, these screens have improved our understanding of host resistance mechanisms, immune regulation, vaccine and drug designs for Apicomplexa parasites. We will also discuss how recent advances in molecular genetics give present opportunities to further explore host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Sánchez-Arcila
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kirk D. C. Jensen,
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Contopoulos‐Ioannidis DG, Gianniki M, Ai‐Nhi Truong A, Montoya JG. Toxoplasmosis and Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prevalence and Associations and Future Directions. PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE 2022; 4:48-60. [PMID: 36254187 PMCID: PMC9558922 DOI: 10.1176/appi.prcp.20210041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Despina G. Contopoulos‐Ioannidis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (D. G. Contopoulos‐Ioannidis); Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Athens, Greece (M. Gianniki); Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (A. Ai‐Nhi Truong); Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Palo Alto Medical
| | - Maria Gianniki
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (D. G. Contopoulos‐Ioannidis); Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Athens, Greece (M. Gianniki); Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (A. Ai‐Nhi Truong); Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Palo Alto Medical
| | - Angeline Ai‐Nhi Truong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (D. G. Contopoulos‐Ioannidis); Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Athens, Greece (M. Gianniki); Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (A. Ai‐Nhi Truong); Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Palo Alto Medical
| | - Jose G. Montoya
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (D. G. Contopoulos‐Ioannidis); Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Athens, Greece (M. Gianniki); Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA (A. Ai‐Nhi Truong); Dr. Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, National Reference Center for the Study and Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis Palo Alto Medical
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