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Afshari E, Ahangari Cohan R, Shams Nosrati MS, Mousavi SF. Development of a bivalent protein-based vaccine candidate against invasive pneumococcal diseases based on novel pneumococcal surface protein A in combination with pneumococcal histidine triad protein D. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1187773. [PMID: 37680628 PMCID: PMC10480505 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1187773] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive efforts have been made toward improving effective strategies for pneumococcal vaccination, focusing on evaluating the potential of multivalent protein-based vaccines and overcoming the limitations of pneumococcal polysaccharide-based vaccines. In this study, we investigated the protective potential of mice co-immunization with the pneumococcal PhtD and novel rPspA proteins against pneumococcal sepsis infection. The formulations of each antigen alone or in combination were administered intraperitoneally with alum adjuvant into BALB/c mice three times at 14-day intervals. The production of antigen-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a subclasses, and IL-4 and IFN-γ cytokines, were analyzed. Two in vitro complement- and opsonophagocytic-mediated killing activities of raised antibodies on day 42 were also assessed. Finally, the protection against an intraperitoneal challenge with 106 CFU/mouse of multi-drug resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC49619 was investigated. Our findings showed a significant increase in the anti-PhtD and anti-rPspA sera IgG levels in the immunized group with the PhtD+rPspA formulation compared to each alone. Moreover, the results demonstrated a synergistic effect with a 6.7- and 1.3- fold increase in anti-PhtD and anti-rPspA IgG1, as well as a 5.59- and 1.08- fold increase in anti-PhtD and anti-rPspA IgG2a, respectively. Co-administration of rPspA+PhtD elicited a mixture of Th-2 and Th-1 immune responses, more towards Th-2. In addition, the highest complement-mediated killing activity was observed in the sera of the immunized group with PhtD+rPspA at 1/16 dilution, and the opsonophagocytic activity was increased from 74% to 86.3%. Finally, the survival rates showed that mice receiving the rPspA+PhtD formulation survived significantly longer (100%) than those receiving protein alone or PBS and exhibited the strongest clearance with a 2 log10 decrease in bacterial load in the blood 24h after challenge compared to the control group. In conclusion, the rPspA+PhtD formulation can be considered a promising bivalent serotype-independent vaccine candidate for protection against invasive pneumococcal infection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Afshari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Avalos-Gómez C, Ramírez-Rico G, Ruiz-Mazón L, Sicairos NL, Serrano-Luna J, de la Garza M. Lactoferrin: An Effective Weapon in the Battle Against Bacterial Infections. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3243-3260. [PMID: 36284379 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666221025153216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains with respect to commercially available antimicrobial drugs has marked a watershed in treatment therapies to fight pathogens and has stimulated research on alternative remedies. Proteins of the innate immune system of mammals have been highlighted as potentially yielding possible treatment options for infections. Lactoferrin (Lf) is one of these proteins; interestingly, no resistance to it has been found. Lf is a conserved cationic nonheme glycoprotein that is abundant in milk and is also present in low quantities in mucosal secretions. Moreover, Lf is produced and secreted by the secondary granules of neutrophils at infection sites. Lf is a molecule of approximately 80 kDa that displays multiple functions, such as antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer actions. Lf can synergize with antibiotics, increasing its potency against bacteria. Lactoferricins (Lfcins) are peptides resulting from the N-terminal end of Lf by proteolytic cleavage with pepsin. They exhibit several anti-bacterial effects similar to those of the parental glycoprotein. Synthetic analog peptides exhibiting potent antimicrobial properties have been designed. The aim of this review is to update understanding of the structure and effects of Lf and Lfcins as anti-bacterial compounds, focusing on the mechanisms of action in bacteria and the use of Lf in treatment of infections in patients, including those studies where no significant differences were found. Lf could be an excellent option for prevention and treatment of bacterial diseases, mainly in combined therapies with antibiotics or other antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Avalos-Gómez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Ramírez-Rico
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.,Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán- Teoloyucan, Cuautitlán Izcalli, 54714, Mexico
| | - Lucero Ruiz-Mazón
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Nidia León Sicairos
- Departamento de Investigación, Hospital Pediátrico de Sinaloa, Unidad de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mireya de la Garza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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3
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Gingerich AD, Mousa JJ. Diverse Mechanisms of Protective Anti-Pneumococcal Antibodies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:824788. [PMID: 35155281 PMCID: PMC8834882 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.824788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia, otitis media, septicemia, and meningitis in children and adults. Current prevention and treatment efforts are primarily pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that target the bacterial capsule polysaccharide, as well as antibiotics for pathogen clearance. While these methods have been enormously effective at disease prevention and treatment, there has been an emergence of non-vaccine serotypes, termed serotype replacement, and increasing antibiotic resistance among these serotypes. To combat S. pneumoniae, the immune system must deploy an arsenal of antimicrobial functions. However, S. pneumoniae has evolved a repertoire of evasion techniques and is able to modulate the host immune system. Antibodies are a key component of pneumococcal immunity, targeting both the capsule polysaccharide and protein antigens on the surface of the bacterium. These antibodies have been shown to play a variety of roles including increasing opsonophagocytic activity, enzymatic and toxin neutralization, reducing bacterial adherence, and altering bacterial gene expression. In this review, we describe targets of anti-pneumococcal antibodies and describe antibody functions and effectiveness against S. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D. Gingerich
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Jarrod J. Mousa
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jarrod J. Mousa,
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4
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Zarzosa-Moreno D, Avalos-Gómez C, Ramírez-Texcalco LS, Torres-López E, Ramírez-Mondragón R, Hernández-Ramírez JO, Serrano-Luna J, de la Garza M. Lactoferrin and Its Derived Peptides: An Alternative for Combating Virulence Mechanisms Developed by Pathogens. Molecules 2020; 25:E5763. [PMID: 33302377 PMCID: PMC7762604 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25245763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, it is necessary to develop options to fight infections caused by these agents. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a cationic nonheme multifunctional glycoprotein of the innate immune system of mammals that provides numerous benefits. Lf is bacteriostatic and/or bactericidal, can stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation, facilitate iron absorption, improve neural development and cognition, promote bone growth, prevent cancer and exert anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. Lactoferrin is present in colostrum and milk and is also produced by the secondary granules of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which store this glycoprotein and release it at sites of infection. Lf is also present in many fluids and exocrine secretions, on the surfaces of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems that are commonly exposed to pathogens. Apo-Lf (an iron-free molecule) can be microbiostatic due to its ability to capture ferric iron, blocking the availability of host iron to pathogens. However, apo-Lf is mostly microbicidal via its interaction with the microbial surface, causing membrane damage and altering its permeability function. Lf can inhibit viral entry by binding to cell receptors or viral particles. Lf is also able to counter different important mechanisms evolved by microbial pathogens to infect and invade the host, such as adherence, colonization, invasion, production of biofilms and production of virulence factors such as proteases and toxins. Lf can also cause mitochondrial and caspase-dependent regulated cell death and apoptosis-like in pathogenic yeasts. All of these mechanisms are important targets for treatment with Lf. Holo-Lf (the iron-saturated molecule) can contain up to two ferric ions and can also be microbicidal against some pathogens. On the other hand, lactoferricins (Lfcins) are peptides derived from the N-terminus of Lf that are produced by proteolysis with pepsin under acidic conditions, and they cause similar effects on pathogens to those caused by the parental Lf. Synthetic analog peptides comprising the N-terminus Lf region similarly exhibit potent antimicrobial properties. Importantly, there are no reported pathogens that are resistant to Lf and Lfcins; in addition, Lf and Lfcins have shown a synergistic effect with antimicrobial and antiviral drugs. Due to the Lf properties being microbiostatic, microbicidal, anti-inflammatory and an immune modulator, it represents an excellent natural alternative either alone or as adjuvant in the combat to antibiotic multidrug-resistant bacteria and other pathogens. This review aimed to evaluate the data that appeared in the literature about the effects of Lf and its derived peptides on pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, fungi and viruses and how Lf and Lfcins inhibit the mechanisms developed by these pathogens to cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Zarzosa-Moreno
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Zacatenco 07360, CdMx, Mexico; (D.Z.-M.); (C.A.-G.); (J.S.-L.)
| | - Christian Avalos-Gómez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Zacatenco 07360, CdMx, Mexico; (D.Z.-M.); (C.A.-G.); (J.S.-L.)
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Coyoacán 04510, CdMx, Mexico
| | - Luisa Sofía Ramírez-Texcalco
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Estado de México, Mexico; (L.S.R.-T.); (E.T.-L.); (R.R.-M.); (J.O.H.-R.)
| | - Erick Torres-López
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Estado de México, Mexico; (L.S.R.-T.); (E.T.-L.); (R.R.-M.); (J.O.H.-R.)
| | - Ricardo Ramírez-Mondragón
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Estado de México, Mexico; (L.S.R.-T.); (E.T.-L.); (R.R.-M.); (J.O.H.-R.)
| | - Juan Omar Hernández-Ramírez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54714, Estado de México, Mexico; (L.S.R.-T.); (E.T.-L.); (R.R.-M.); (J.O.H.-R.)
| | - Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Zacatenco 07360, CdMx, Mexico; (D.Z.-M.); (C.A.-G.); (J.S.-L.)
| | - Mireya de la Garza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Zacatenco 07360, CdMx, Mexico; (D.Z.-M.); (C.A.-G.); (J.S.-L.)
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5
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Feng S, Xiong C, Wang G, Wang S, Jin G, Gu G. Exploration of Recombinant Fusion Proteins YAPO and YAPL as Carrier Proteins for Glycoconjugate Vaccine Design against Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:2181-2191. [PMID: 32687317 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pneumolysin (Ply), pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), and pneumococcal surface adhesin A (PsaA) are promising cell surface protein antigen targets for Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) vaccine development. Herein, we designed and recombined two fusion proteins, named YAPO and YAPL, which contained the main antigenic epitopes of Ply, PspA, and PsaA. In-depth immunological evaluations revealed that YAPO and YAPL had strong immunocompetence to be well-qualified potential carrier proteins. To verify this possibility, a serotype 3 Spn (ST3) CPS pentasaccharide was conjugated to each fusion protein to generate the resultant glycoconjugates. Immunological studies in mice revealed that, as compared with TT conjugate, YAPO and YAPL conjugates provoked robust T-cell dependent immune responses that could provide better recognition, in vitro efficient opsonophagocytosis, and in vivo effective protection against various serotypes of Spn. Collectively, YAPO and YAPL were identified as immunopotentiating carriers that could help convert immunologically inactive ST3 pentasaccharide into a T cell-dependent antigen and provide efficient and broad spectrum of immunoprotection coverage so as to formulate functional glycoconjugate vaccines against Spn infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Feng
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Chenghe Xiong
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Subo Wang
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Guoxia Jin
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, 88 Wenhua Dong Lu, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Guofeng Gu
- National Glycoengineering Research Center and Shandong Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Glycobiology, Shandong University, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao 266237, China
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6
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Akbari E, Negahdari B, Faraji F, Behdani M, Kazemi-Lomedasht F, Habibi-Anbouhi M. Protective responses of an engineered PspA recombinant antigen against Streptococcus pneumoniae. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 24:e00385. [PMID: 31763198 PMCID: PMC6864353 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2019.e00385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, two immunogenic antigens based on recombinant PspA proteins were immunized mice. The protective effects of developed anti-PspA antibodies in mice in intranasal and intraperitoneal challenges were proved. Based on the obtained results, immunization with the B-regions of PspA antigens are crucial in protection of challenged mice with S. pneumoniae strains.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen in human respiratory tract which causes significant morbidity and mortality across from the world. Currently available vaccines are not completely effective and cannot cover all pathogenic strains so there is an important need to develop an alternative cost-effective vaccine, based on conserved protein antigens. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is one of interesting candidates for development of a serotype-independent vaccine against pneumococcal infections. PspA is grouped into two major families with five clades, and broad-reacting PspA-based vaccines should contain at least one functional fragment from each of the two families. In this study, we developed two immunogenic antigens based on recombinant PspA proteins that including the different antigenic regions of PspA from both two families. The cross-reactivity of antibodies elicited against two PspA proteins PspAB1-5 and PspA4ABC and their role in complement deposition with three strains of pneumococci were tested. The protective effects of developed anti-PspA antibodies in mice in intranasal and intraperitoneal challenges were evaluated using a strain from clade 2. Sera from immunized mice with PspAB1-5 in comparison with PspA4ABC was able to deposit more C3 complement component on surface of pneumococci bearing diverse PspA from both families 1 and 2, and immunized mice with the PspAB1-5 showed a higher protection than PspA4ABC in pneumococcal challenges. The obtained results from this study indicate that a PspA-based antigen composed of B region from all clades in addition to conserved domains, can provide a significant protection against multiple strains of S. pneumoniae and may overcome the limitation of polysaccharide vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Akbari
- National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Faraji
- National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Blood‒Brain Barrier Pathology and CNS Outcomes in Streptococcus pneumoniae Meningitis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113555. [PMID: 30423890 PMCID: PMC6275034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major meningitis-causing pathogen globally, bringing about significant morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term neurological sequelae in almost half of the survivors. Subsequent to nasopharyngeal colonisation and systemic invasion, translocation across the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) by S. pneumoniae is a crucial early step in the pathogenesis of meningitis. The BBB, which normally protects the central nervous system (CNS) from deleterious molecules within the circulation, becomes dysfunctional in S. pneumoniae invasion due to the effects of pneumococcal toxins and a heightened host inflammatory environment of cytokines, chemokines and reactive oxygen species intracranially. The bacteria‒host interplay within the CNS likely determines not only the degree of BBB pathological changes, but also host survival and the extent of neurological damage. This review explores the relationship between S. pneumoniae bacteria and the host inflammatory response, with an emphasis on the BBB and its roles in CNS protection, as well as both the acute and long-term pathogenesis of meningitis.
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Weiser JN, Ferreira DM, Paton JC. Streptococcus pneumoniae: transmission, colonization and invasion. Nat Rev Microbiol 2018; 16:355-367. [PMID: 29599457 PMCID: PMC5949087 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-018-0001-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 521] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae has a complex relationship with its obligate human host. On the one hand, the pneumococci are highly adapted commensals, and their main reservoir on the mucosal surface of the upper airways of carriers enables transmission. On the other hand, they can cause severe disease when bacterial and host factors allow them to invade essentially sterile sites, such as the middle ear spaces, lungs, bloodstream and meninges. Transmission, colonization and invasion depend on the remarkable ability of S. pneumoniae to evade or take advantage of the host inflammatory and immune responses. The different stages of pneumococcal carriage and disease have been investigated in detail in animal models and, more recently, in experimental human infection. Furthermore, widespread vaccination and the resulting immune pressure have shed light on pneumococcal population dynamics and pathogenesis. Here, we review the mechanistic insights provided by these studies on the multiple and varied interactions of the pneumococcus and its host.
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9
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Wagner-Muñiz DA, Haughney SL, Kelly SM, Wannemuehler MJ, Narasimhan B. Room Temperature Stable PspA-Based Nanovaccine Induces Protective Immunity. Front Immunol 2018; 9:325. [PMID: 29599766 PMCID: PMC5863507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major causative agent of pneumonia, a debilitating disease particularly in young and elderly populations, and is the leading worldwide cause of death in children under the age of five. While there are existing vaccines against S. pneumoniae, none are protective across all serotypes. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), a key virulence factor of S. pneumoniae, is an antigen that may be incorporated into future vaccines to address the immunological challenges presented by the diversity of capsular antigens. PspA has been shown to be immunogenic and capable of initiating a humoral immune response that is reactive across approximately 94% of pneumococcal strains. Biodegradable polyanhydrides have been studied as a nanoparticle-based vaccine (i.e., nanovaccine) platform to stabilize labile proteins, to provide adjuvanticity, and enhance patient compliance by providing protective immunity in a single dose. In this study, we designed a room temperature stable PspA-based polyanhydride nanovaccine that eliminated the need for a free protein component (i.e., 100% encapsulated within the nanoparticles). Mice were immunized once with the lead nanovaccine and upon challenge, presented significantly higher survival rates than animals immunized with soluble protein alone, even with a 25-fold reduction in protein dose. This lead nanovaccine formulation performed similarly to protein adjuvanted with Alum, however, with much less tissue reactogenicity at the site of immunization. By eliminating the free PspA from the nanovaccine formulation, the lead nanovaccine was efficacious after being stored dry for 60 days at room temperature, breaking the need for maintaining the cold chain. Altogether, this study demonstrated that a single dose PspA-based nanovaccine against S. pneumoniae induced protective immunity and provided thermal stability when stored at room temperature for at least 60 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A. Wagner-Muñiz
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Shannon L. Haughney
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Sean M. Kelly
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Michael J. Wannemuehler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Balaji Narasimhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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10
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Principi N, Esposito S. Development of pneumococcal vaccines over the last 10 years. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:7-17. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1384462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Principi
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Paediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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11
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Khan N, Jan AT. Towards Identifying Protective B-Cell Epitopes: The PspA Story. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:742. [PMID: 28512452 PMCID: PMC5411445 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is one of the most abundant cell surface protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae). PspA variants are structurally and serologically diverse and help evade complement-mediated phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae, which is essential for its survival in the host. PspA is currently been screened for employment in the generation of more effective (serotype independent) vaccine to overcome the limitations of polysaccharide based vaccines, providing serotype specific immune responses. The cross-protection eliciting regions of PspA localize to the α-helical and proline rich regions. Recent data indicate significant variation in the ability of antibodies induced against the recombinant PspA variants to recognize distinct S. pneumoniae strains. Hence, screening for the identification of the topographical repertoire of B-cell epitopes that elicit cross-protective immune response seems essential in the engineering of a superior PspA-based vaccine. Herein, we revisit epitope identification in PspA and the utility of hybridoma technology in directing the identification of protective epitope regions of PspA that can be used in vaccine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeem Khan
- Glycobiology Group, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPG)Potsdam, Germany
| | - Arif T Jan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam UniversityGyeongsan, South Korea
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12
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Drago-Serrano ME, Campos-Rodríguez R, Carrero JC, de la Garza M. Lactoferrin: Balancing Ups and Downs of Inflammation Due to Microbial Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E501. [PMID: 28257033 PMCID: PMC5372517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein of the primary innate immune-defense system of mammals present in milk and other mucosal secretions. This protein of the transferrin family has broad antimicrobial properties by depriving pathogens from iron, or disrupting their plasma membranes through its highly cationic charge. Noteworthy, Lf also exhibits immunomodulatory activities performing up- and down-regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, contributing to the homeostasis in mucosal surfaces exposed to myriad of microbial agents, such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Although the inflammatory process is essential for the control of invasive infectious agents, the development of an exacerbated or chronic inflammation results in tissue damage with life-threatening consequences. In this review, we highlight recent findings in in vitro and in vivo models of the gut, lung, oral cavity, mammary gland, and liver infections that provide experimental evidence supporting the therapeutic role of human and bovine Lf in promoting some parameters of inflammation and protecting against the deleterious effects of bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan-associated inflammation. Thus, this new knowledge of Lf immunomodulation paves the way to more effective design of treatments that include native or synthetic Lf derivatives, which may be useful to reduce immune-mediated tissue damage in infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Drago-Serrano
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco (UAM-X), CdMx 04960, Mexico.
| | - Rafael Campos-Rodríguez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (ESM-IPN), CdMx 11340, Mexico.
| | - Julio César Carrero
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (IIB-UNAM), CdMx 70228, Mexico.
| | - Mireya de la Garza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), CdMx 07360, Mexico.
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