1
|
Saini I, Joshi J, Kaur S. Leishmania vaccine development: A comprehensive review. Cell Immunol 2024; 399-400:104826. [PMID: 38669897 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104826] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Infectious diseases like leishmaniasis, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy and filariasis are responsible for an immense burden on public health systems. Among these, leishmaniasis is under the category I diseases as it is selected by WHO (World Health Organization) on the ground of diversity and complexity. High cost, resistance and toxic effects of Leishmania traditional drugs entail identification and development of therapeutic alternative. Since the natural infection elicits robust immunity, consistence efforts are going on to develop a successful vaccine. Clinical trials have been conducted on vaccines like Leish-F1, F2, and F3 formulated using specific Leishmania antigen epitopes. Current strategies utilize individual or combined antigens from the parasite or its insect vector's salivary gland extract, with or without adjuvant formulation for enhanced efficacy. Promising animal data supports multiple vaccine candidates (Lmcen-/-, LmexCen-/-), with some already in or heading for clinical trials. The crucial challenge in Leishmania vaccine development is to translate the research knowledge into affordable and accessible control tools that refines the outcome for those who are susceptible to infection. This review focuses on recent findings in Leishmania vaccines and highlights difficulties facing vaccine development and implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isha Saini
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jyoti Joshi
- Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Sector-32C, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Seyed N, Taheri T, Rafati S. Live attenuated-nonpathogenic Leishmania and DNA structures as promising vaccine platforms against leishmaniasis: innovations can make waves. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1326369. [PMID: 38633699 PMCID: PMC11021776 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1326369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite of Leishmania genus and is a complex disease affecting mostly tropical regions of the world. Unfortunately, despite the extensive effort made, there is no vaccine available for human use. Undoubtedly, a comprehensive understanding of the host-vector-parasite interaction is substantial for developing an effective prophylactic vaccine. Recently the role of sandfly saliva on disease progression has been uncovered which can make a substantial contribution in vaccine design. In this review we try to focus on the strategies that most probably meet the prerequisites of vaccine development (based on the current understandings) including live attenuated/non-pathogenic and subunit DNA vaccines. Innovative approaches such as reverse genetics, CRISP/R-Cas9 and antibiotic-free selection are now available to promisingly compensate for intrinsic drawbacks associated with these platforms. Our main goal is to call more attention toward the prerequisites of effective vaccine development while controlling the disease outspread is a substantial need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bandi C, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Alvaro A, Louzada-Flores VN, Pajoro M, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Brilli M, Manenti A, Montomoli E, Zuccotti G, Epis S. Leishmania tarentolae: a vaccine platform to target dendritic cells and a surrogate pathogen for next generation vaccine research in leishmaniases and viral infections. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 36703216 PMCID: PMC9879565 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania are unusual unicellular microorganisms in that they are characterized by the capability to subvert in their favor the immune response of mammalian phagocytes, including dendritic cells. Thus, in overt leishmaniasis, dendritic cells and macrophages are converted into a niche for Leishmania spp. in which the parasite, rather than being inactivated and disassembled, survives and replicates. In addition, Leishmania parasites hitchhike onto phagocytic cells, exploiting them as a mode of transport to lymphoid tissues where other phagocytic cells are potentially amenable to parasite colonization. This propensity of Leishmania spp. to target dendritic cells has led some researchers to consider the possibility that the non-pathogenic, reptile-associated Leishmania tarentolae could be exploited as a vaccine platform and vehicle for the production of antigens from different viruses and for the delivery of the antigens to dendritic cells and lymph nodes. In addition, as L. tarentolae can also be regarded as a surrogate of pathogenic Leishmania parasites, this parasite of reptiles could possibly be developed into a vaccine against human and canine leishmaniases, exploiting its immunological cross-reactivity with other Leishmania species, or, after its engineering, for the expression of antigens from pathogenic species. In this article we review published studies on the use of L. tarentolae as a vaccine platform and vehicle, mainly in the areas of leishmaniases and viral infections. In addition, a short summary of available knowledge on the biology of L. tarentolae is presented, together with information on the use of this microorganism as a micro-factory to produce antigens suitable for the serodiagnosis of viral and parasitic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bandi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alvaro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Pajoro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Brilli
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Montomoli
- grid.511037.1VisMederi, Siena, Italy ,grid.9024.f0000 0004 1757 4641Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini-Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lajevardi MS, Taheri T, Gholami E, Seyed N, Rafati S. Structural analysis of PpSP15 and PsSP9 sand fly salivary proteins designed with a self-cleavable linker as a live vaccine candidate against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:377. [PMID: 36261836 PMCID: PMC9580450 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05437-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania parasites are deposited in the host through sand fly bites along with sand fly saliva. Therefore, salivary proteins are promising vaccine candidates for controlling leishmaniasis. Herein, two immunogenic salivary proteins, PpSP15 from Phlebotomus papatasi and PsSP9 from Phlebotomus sergenti, were selected as vaccine candidates to be delivered by live Leishmania tarentolae as vector. The stepwise in silico protocol advantaged in this study for multi-protein design in L. tarentolae is then described in detail. Methods All possible combinations of two salivary proteins, PpSP15 and PsSP9, with or without T2A peptide were designed at the mRNA and protein levels. Then, the best combination for the vaccine candidate was selected based on mRNA and protein stability along with peptide analysis. Results At the mRNA level, the most favored secondary structure was PpSP15-T2A-PsSP9. At the protein level, the refined three-dimensional models of all combinations were structurally valid; however, local quality estimation showed that the PpSp15-T2A-PsSP9 fusion had higher stability for each amino acid position, with low root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), compared with the original proteins. In silico evaluation confirmed the PpSP15-T2A-PsSP9 combination as a good Th1-polarizing candidate in terms of high IFN-γ production and low IL-10/TGF-β ratio in response to three consecutive immunizations. Potential protein expression was then confirmed by Western blotting. Conclusions The approach presented herein is among the first studies to have privileged protein homology modeling along with mRNA analysis for logical live vaccine design-coding multi-proteins. ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05437-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Sadat Lajevardi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Gholami
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mendoza‐Roldan JA, Votýpka J, Bandi C, Epis S, Modrý D, Tichá L, Volf P, Otranto D. Leishmania tarentolae: A new frontier in the epidemiology and control of the leishmaniases. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1326-e1337. [PMID: 35839512 PMCID: PMC9804434 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14660] [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: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis (or the leishmaniases), classified as a neglected tropical parasitic disease, is found in parts of the tropics, subtropics and southern Europe. Leishmania parasites are transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies and million cases of human infection occur annually. Leishmania tarentolae has been historically considered a non-pathogenic protozoan of reptiles, which has been studied mainly for its potential biotechnological applications. However, some strains of L. tarentolae appear to be transiently infective to mammals. In areas where leishmaniasis is endemic, recent molecular diagnostics and serological positivity to L. tarentolae in humans and dogs have spurred interest in the interactions between these mammalian hosts, reptiles and Leishmania infantum, the main aetiologic agent of human and canine leishmaniasis. In this review, we discuss the systematics and biology of L. tarentolae in the insect vectors and the vertebrate hosts and address questions about evolution of reptilian leishmaniae. Furthermore, we discuss the possible usefulness of L. tarentolae for new vaccination strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Votýpka
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic,Biology Centre, Institute of ParasitologyCzech Academy of SciencesČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Centre, Institute of ParasitologyCzech Academy of SciencesČeské BudějoviceCzech Republic,Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of ScienceMasaryk UniversityBrnoCzech Republic,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural ResourcesCzech University of Life SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Lucie Tichá
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of BariValenzanoItaly,Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary ScienceBu‐Ali Sina UniversityHamedanIran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shokouhy M, Sarvnaz H, Taslimi Y, Lajevardi MS, Habibzadeh S, Mizbani A, Shekari F, Behbahani M, Torrecilhas AC, Rafati S. Isolation, characterization, and functional study of extracellular vesicles derived from Leishmania tarentolae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:921410. [PMID: 35992172 PMCID: PMC9381964 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.921410] [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: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (L.) species are protozoan parasites with a complex life cycle consisting of a number of developmental forms that alternate between the sand fly vector and their host. The non-pathogenic species L. tarentolae is not able to induce an active infection in a human host. It has been observed that, in pathogenic species, extracellular vesicles (EVs) could exacerbate the infection. However, so far, there is no report on the identification, isolation, and characterization of L. tarentolae EVs. In this study, we have isolated and characterized EVs from L. tarentolaeGFP+ (tEVs) along with L. majorGFP+ as a reference and positive control. The EVs secreted by these two species demonstrated similar particle size distribution (approximately 200 nm) in scanning electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Moreover, the said EVs showed similar protein content, and GFP and GP63 proteins were detected in both using dot blot analysis. Furthermore, we could detect Leishmania-derived GP63 protein in THP-1 cells treated with tEVs. Interestingly, we observed a significant increase in the production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β, while there were no significant differences in IL-6 levels in THP-1 cells treated with tEVs following an infection with L. major compared with another group of macrophages that were treated with L. major EVs prior to the infection. Another exciting observation of this study was a significant decrease in parasite load in tEV-treated Leishmania-infected macrophages. In addition, in comparison with another group of Leishmania-infected macrophages which was not exposed to any EVs, tEV managed to increase IFN-γ and decrease IL-6 and the parasite burden. In conclusion, we report for the first time that L. tarentolae can release EVs and provide evidence that tEVs are able to control the infection in human macrophages, making them a great potential platform for drug delivery, at least for parasitic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Shokouhy
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Sarvnaz
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahya Sadat Lajevardi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Habibzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mizbani
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Faezeh Shekari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology Cell Science, Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic center tor Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mandana Behbahani
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Ana Claudia Torrecilhas, ; Sima Rafati, ;
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Ana Claudia Torrecilhas, ; Sima Rafati, ;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lajevardi MS, Gholami E, Taheri T, Sarvnaz H, Habibzadeh S, Seyed N, Mortazavi Y, Rafati S. Leishmania tarentolae as Potential Live Vaccine Co-Expressing Distinct Salivary Gland Proteins Against Experimental Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in BALB/c Mice Model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:895234. [PMID: 35757692 PMCID: PMC9226313 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.895234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted through the infected sand flies bite. Current treatments are limited, partly due to their high cost and significant adverse effects, and no human vaccine is yet available. Sand flies saliva has been examined for their potential application as an anti-Leishmania vaccine. The salivary protein, PpSP15, was the first protective vaccine candidate against L. major. Additionally, PsSP9 was already introduced as a highly immunogenic salivary protein against L. tropica. Herein, we aimed to develop an effective multivalent live vaccine to control Cutaneous Leishmaniasis induced by two main species, L. major and L. tropica. Hence, the two above-mentioned salivary proteins using T2A linker were incorporated inside the L. tarentolae genome as a safe live vector. Then, the immunogenicity and protective effects of recombinant L. tarentolae co-expressing PpSP15 and PsSP9 were evaluated in pre-treated BALB/c mice with CpG against L. major and L. tropica. Following the cytokine assays, parasite burden and antibody assessment at different time-points at pre and post-infection, promising protective Th1 immunity was obtained in vaccinated mice with recombinant L. tarentolae co-expressing PpSP15 and PsSP9. This is the first study demonstrating the potency of a safe live vaccine based on the combination of different salivary proteins against the infectious challenge with two different species of Leishmania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Sadat Lajevardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.,Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Gholami
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Sarvnaz
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Habibzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Mortazavi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Savar NS, Shengjuler D, Doroudian F, Vallet T, Mac Kain A, Arashkia A, Khamesipour A, Lundstrom K, Vignuzzi M, Niknam HM. An alphavirus-derived self-amplifying mRNA encoding PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion protein for the design of a vaccine against leishmaniasis. Parasitol Int 2022; 89:102577. [PMID: 35301120 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102577] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The main aims of the present study were to design a fusion protein of Leishmania major stress-inducible protein 1 (LmSTI1) and Phlebotomus papatasi SP15 (PpSP15), and to express it in the form of alphavirus packaged Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM). Two combinations, PpSP15-LmSTI1 and LmSTI1-PpSP15 fusion forms, were analyzed for folding and minimum free energies of the mRNA. Conformational studies on 3D modeled fusion and native forms were performed, and the Root-Mean-Square-distance (RMSD) of the Cα atomic coordinates were calculated. Antigenicity and stability were predicted using bioinformatics tools. The coding sequences of PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion, PpSP15, and LmSTI1 were cloned into an alphavirus-based vector and used to produce the SAM constructs. All the subcloned constructs were then subjected to packaging in the form of viral replicon particles (VRPs),and were evaluated for their ability to infect BHK-21 cells and express the recombinant fusion proteins. The in-silico analysis indicated that the PpSP15-LmSTI1 combination could be a promising candidate based on lower folding ΔG of mRNA, higher protein antigenicity and lower instability indexes, and less conformational changes compared to the native proteins and the LmSTI1-PpSP15 fusion form. Packaged SAM encoding fusion and native antigens are used for infection of mammalian cells and for recombinant protein expression. This is the first study on in silico designing and successful packaging of an alphavirus-derived SAM in the form of the VRPs to target leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Djoshkun Shengjuler
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 3569, Paris 75015, France
| | - Fatemeh Doroudian
- Immunology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Thomas Vallet
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 3569, Paris 75015, France
| | - Alice Mac Kain
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 3569, Paris 75015, France
| | - Arash Arashkia
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1416613675, Iran
| | | | - Marco Vignuzzi
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 3569, Paris 75015, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan Leishmania parasites that are transmitted through female sandfly bites. The disease is predominantly endemic to the tropics and semi-tropics and has been reported in more than 98 countries. Due to the side effects of anti-Leishmania drugs and the emergence of drug-resistant isolates, there is currently no encouraging prospect of introducing an effective therapy for the disease. Hence, it seems that the key to disease control management is the introduction of an effective vaccine, particularly against its cutaneous form. Advances in understanding underlying immune mechanisms are feasibale using a variety of candidate antigens, including attenuated live parasites, crude antigens, pure or recombinant Leishmania proteins, Leishmania genes encoding protective proteins, as well as immune system activators from the saliva of parasite vectors. However, there is still no vaccine against different types of human leishmaniasis. In this study, we review the works conducted or being performed in this field.
Collapse
|
10
|
Habibzadeh S, Doroud D, Taheri T, Seyed N, Rafati S. Leishmania Parasite: the Impact of New Serum-Free Medium as an Alternative for Fetal Bovine Serum. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2021; 25:349-58. [PMID: 34481426 PMCID: PMC8487682 DOI: 10.52547/ibj.25.5.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Flagellated protozoan of the genus Leishmania is the causative agent of vector-borne parasitic diseases of leishmaniasis. Since the production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins requires the cultivation of host cells in a serum-free medium, the elimination of FBS can improve the possibility of large-scale culture of Leishmania parasite. In the current study, we aimed at evaluating a new serum-free medium in Leishmania parasite culture for future live Leishmania vaccine purposes. Methods Recombinant L. tarentolae secreting PpSP15-EGFP and wild type L. major were cultured in serum-free (complete serum-free medium [CSFM]) and serum-supplemented medium. The growth rate, protein expression, and infectivity of cultured parasites in both conditions was then evaluated and compared. Results Diff-Quick staining and epi-fluores¬cence microscopy examination displayed the typical morphology of L. major and L. tarentolae-PpSP15-EGFP promastigote grown in CSFM medium. The amount of EGFP expression was similar in CSMF medium compared to M199 supplemented with 5% FBS in flow cytometry analysis of L. tarentolae-PpSP15-EGFP parasite. Also, a similar profile of PpSP15-EGFP proteins was recognized in Western blot analysis of L. tarentolae-PpSP15-EGFP cultured in CSMF and the serum-supplemented medium. Footpad swelling and parasite load measurements showed the ability of CSFM medium to support the L. major infectivity in BALB/C mice. Conclusion This study demonstrated that CSFM can be a promising substitute for FBS supplemented medium in parasite culture for live vaccination purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sima Habibzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delaram Doroud
- Quality Control Department, Production and Research Complex, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Salari S, Sharifi I, Bamorovat M, Ghasemi Nejad Almani P. The immunity of the recombinant prokaryotic and eukaryotic subunit vaccines against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Microb Pathog 2021; 153:104807. [PMID: 33609648 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis counts as one of the most neglected tropical diseases. Despite the amount of research perceived in this field, no fully effective and approved vaccine against this disease is yet available in humans. In this study, LACK and KMP11 antigens were constructed simultaneously by recombinant methods in prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems and were compared and assessed along with the CpG adjuvant in BALB/c mice. In the prokaryotic method, LACK and KMP11 protein gene sequences were synthesized in pET28a-TEV vector. In order to extract these two proteins after expression, His-tag and S-tag sequences were added to the constructs, respectively for LACK and KMP11. The pET28a-TEV-LACK/KMP11 construct was transformed into Escherichia coli, and the inserts were verified by Colony PCR. Pure proteins were verified by western blot, and groups of BALB/c mice were injected with the created prokaryotic recombinant proteins along with an ODN CpG adjuvant. In the eukaryotic method, antigen sequences were constructed in the pLEXSY-neo 2.1 vector, E.coli Top10 strain was cloned in the bacteria, and after being linearized were transfected into Leishmania tarentolae genome. After recombinant strains were selected, they were verified by molecular methods. After the extraction and purification of the protein using the method above, groups of mice were injected with the recombinant antigens and ODN CpG adjuvant. Eukaryotic subunit vaccines showed more effective immunization compared with prokaryotic vaccines and caused an immune system shift towards Th1 and protection. Protein expression in L. tarentolae by the constructs created in this host contains Post-Translational Modifications. The constructed protein will be significantly similar to eukaryotic proteins, considering that they are identical epitopes. More comprehensive studies aiming to improve the effectiveness of this vaccine are being conducted to improve immune profiles and immunological memory stimulation in future designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Salari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Bamorovat
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shermeh AS, Zahedifard F, Habibzadeh S, Taheri T, Rafati S, Seyed N. Evaluation of protection induced by in vitro maturated BMDCs presenting CD8 + T cell stimulating peptides after a heterologous vaccination regimen in BALB/c model against Leishmania major. Exp Parasitol 2021; 223:108082. [PMID: 33581108 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a complex vector-borne disease mediated by Leishmania parasite and a strong and long-lasting CD4+ Th1 and CD8+-T cell immunity is required to control the infection. Thus far multivalent subunit vaccines have met this requirement more promisingly. However several full protein sequences cannot be easily arranged in one construct. Instead, new emerging immune-informatics based epitope formulations surpass this restriction. Herein, we aimed to examine the protective potential of a dendritic cell based vaccine presenting epitopes to CD8+ and CD4+-T cells in combination with DNA vaccine encoding the same epitopes against murine cutaneous leishmaniasis. Immature DCs were loaded with epitopes (selected from parasite proteome) in vitro with or without CpG oligonucleotides and were used to immunize BALB/c mice. Peptide coding DNA was used to boost the system and immunological responses were evaluated after Leishmania (L.) major infectious challenge. The pre-challenge response to included epitopes was Th1 polarized which potentially lowered the infection at early time points post-challenge but not at later weeks. Collectively, DC prime-DNA boost was found to be a promising approach for Th1 polarization however the constituent epitopes undoubtedly make a significant contribution in the protection outcome of the vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Sadeghi Shermeh
- Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Zahedifard
- Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Habibzadeh
- Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Understanding the immune responses involved in mediating protection or immunopathology during leishmaniasis. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:297-311. [PMID: 33449103 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) transmitted by the sand fly and is a major public health problem worldwide. Infections caused by Leishmania clinically manifest as a wide range of diseases, such as cutaneous (CL), diffuse cutaneous (DCL), mucosal (MCL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The host innate and adaptative immune responses play critical roles in the defense against leishmaniasis. However, Leishmania parasites also manipulate the host immune response for their survival and replication. In addition, other factors such as sand fly salivary proteins and microbiota also promote disease susceptibility and parasite spread by modulating local immune response. Thus, a complex interplay between parasite, sand fly and the host immunity governs disease severity and outcome. In this review, we discuss the host immune response during Leishmania infection and highlight the factors associated with resistance or susceptibility.
Collapse
|
14
|
Keshavarzian N, Noroozbeygi M, Haji Molla Hoseini M, Yeganeh F. Evaluation of Leishmanization Using Iranian Lizard Leishmania Mixed With CpG-ODN as a Candidate Vaccine Against Experimental Murine Leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1725. [PMID: 33193290 PMCID: PMC7645074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The live non-pathogenic Leishmania tarantolae has recently provided a promising approach as an effective vaccine candidate against experimental leishmaniasis (ILL). Here, we evaluated the immunoprotective potential of the live Iranian Lizard Leishmania mixed with CpG adjuvant against L. major infection in BALB/c mice. Methods: Four groups of female BALB/c mice were included in the study. The first and second groups received PBS and CpG, respectively. The immunized groups received 2 × 105 ILL promastigotes and the CpG-mixed ILL (ILL+CpG). Injections were performed subcutaneously in the right footpad. Three weeks later, all mice were challenged with 2 × 105 metacyclic promastigotes of Leishmania majorEGFP; inoculation was done in the left footpad. The measurement of footpad swelling and in vivo fluorescent imaging were used to evaluate disease progress during infection course. Eight weeks after challenge, all mice were sacrificed and the cytokines levels (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10) and sera antibodies concentrations (IgG2a and IgG1) using ELISA assay, nitric oxide production using Griess assay, and arginase activity in cultured splenocytes, were measured. In addition, direct fluorescent microscopy analysis and qPCR assay were used to quantify the splenic parasite burden. Result: The results showed that mice immunized with ILL+CpG were protected against the development of the dermal lesion. Moreover, they showed a significant reduction in the parasite load, in comparison to the control groups. The observed protection was associated with higher production of IFN-γ, as well as a reduction in IL-4 level. Additionally, the results demonstrated that arginase activity was decreased in ILL+CpG group compared to other groups. Conclusion: Immunization using ILL+CpG induces a protective immunity; indicating that ILL with an appropriate adjuvant would be a suitable choice for vaccination against leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Keshavarzian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Noroozbeygi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Haji Molla Hoseini
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Yeganeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu Z, Kundu R, Damena S, Biter AB, Nyon MP, Chen WH, Zhan B, Strych U, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME. A scalable and reproducible manufacturing process for Phlebotomus papatasi salivary protein PpSP15, a vaccine candidate for leishmaniasis. Protein Expr Purif 2020; 177:105750. [PMID: 32920041 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2020.105750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a parasitic and neglected tropical disease transmitted by the bites of sandflies. The emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in areas of war, conflict, political instability, and climate change has prompted efforts to develop a preventive vaccine. One vaccine candidate antigen is PpSP15, a 15 kDa salivary antigen from the sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi that facilitates the infection of the Leishmania parasite and has been shown to induce parasite-specific cell-mediated immunity. Previously, we developed a fermentation process for producing recombinant PpSP15 in Pichia pastoris and a two-chromatographic-step purification process at 100 mL scale. Here we expand the process design to the 10 L scale and examine its reproducibility by performing three identical process runs, an essential transition step towards technology transfer for pilot manufacture. The process was able to reproducibly recover 81% of PpSP15 recombinant protein with a yield of 0.75 g/L of fermentation supernatant, a purity level of 97% and with low variance among runs. Additionally, a freeze-thaw stability study indicated that the PpSP15 recombinant protein remains stable after undergoing three freeze-thaw cycles, and an accelerated stability study confirmed its stability at 37 °C for at least one month. A research cell bank for the expression of PpSP15 was generated and fully characterized. Collectively, the cell bank and the production process are ready for technology transfer for future cGMP pilot manufacturing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuyun Liu
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Rakhi Kundu
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Amadeo B Biter
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mun Peak Nyon
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wen-Hsiang Chen
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bin Zhan
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; National School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Th1 concomitant immune response mediated by IFN-γ protects against sand fly delivered Leishmania infection: Implications for vaccine design. Cytokine 2020; 147:155247. [PMID: 32873468 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is an unresolved global health problem with a high socio-economic impact. Data generated in mouse models has revealed that the Th1 response, with IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 as prominent cytokines, predominantly controls the disease progression. Premised on these findings, all examined vaccine formulations have been aimed at generating a long-lived memory Th1 response. However, all vaccine formulations with the exception of live Leishmania inoculation (leishmanization) have failed to sufficiently protect against sand fly delivered infection. It has been recently unraveled that sand fly dependent factors may compromise pre-existing Th1 memory. Further scrutinizing the immune response after leishmanization has uncovered the prominent role of early (within hours) and robust IFN-γ production (Th1 concomitant immunity) in controlling the sand fly delivered secondary infection. The response is dependent upon parasite persistence and subclinical ongoing primary infection. The immune correlates of concomitant immunity (Resident Memory T cells and Effector T subsets) mitigate the early effects of sand fly delivered infection and help to control the disease. In this review, we have described the early events after sand fly challenge and the role of Th1 concomitant immunity in the protective immune response in leishmanized resistant mouse model, although leishmanization is under debate for human use. Undoubtedly, the lessons we learn from leishmanization must be further implemented in alternative vaccine approaches.
Collapse
|
17
|
Salari S, Sharifi I, Keyhani AR, Ghasemi Nejad Almani P. Evaluation of a new live recombinant vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:415. [PMID: 32787908 PMCID: PMC7425157 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniasis is a serious health problem in some parts of the world. In spite of the many known leishmaniasis control measures, the disease has continued to increase in endemic areas, and no effective vaccine has been discovered. Methods In this study, Leishmania tarentulae was used as a living factory for the production of two LACK and KMP11 immunogenic antigens in the mice body, and safety profiles were investigated. The sequences of the KMP11 and LACK L. major antigens were synthesized in the pLEXSY-neo 2.1 plasmid and cloned into E. coli strain Top10, and after being linearized with the SwaI enzyme, they were transfected into the genome of L. tarentolae. The L. tarentolae-LACK/KMP11/EGFP in the stationary phase with CpG ODN as an adjuvant was used for vaccination in BALB/c mice. Vaccination was performed into the left footpad. Three weeks later, the booster was injected in the same manner. To examine the effectiveness of the injected vaccine, pathogenic L. major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) was injected into the right footpad of all mice three weeks following the booster vaccination. In order to assess humoral immunity, the levels of IgG1, and IgG2a antibodies before and 6 weeks after the challenge were studied in the groups. In addition, in order to investigate cellular immunity in the groups, the study measured IFN-γ, IL-5, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17 cytokines before, 3 weeks and 8 weeks after the challenge, and also the parasite load in the lymph node with real-time PCR. Results The lowest level of the parasitic load was observed in the G1 group (mice vaccinated with L. tarentolae-LACK/KMP11/EGFP with CpG) in comparison with other groups (L. tarentolae-LACK/KMP11/EGFP +non-CpG (G2); L. tarentolae-EGFP + CpG (G3, control); L. tarentolae-EGFP + non-CpG (G4, control); and mice injected with PBS (G5, control). Moreover, the evaluation of immune response showed a delayed-type hypersensitivity towards Th1. Conclusions According to the results of this study, the live recombinant vaccine of L. tarentolae-LACK/KMP11/EGFP with the CpG adjuvant reduced the parasitic load and footpad induration in infected mice. The long-term effects of this vaccine can be evaluated in volunteers as a clinical trial in future planning.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samira Salari
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Keyhani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Pooya Ghasemi Nejad Almani
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. .,Students Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. .,Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Process Characterization and Biophysical Analysis for a Yeast-Expressed Phlebotomus papatasi Salivary Protein (PpSP15) as a Leishmania Vaccine Candidate. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:1673-1680. [PMID: 32070701 PMCID: PMC7125844 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Leishmania and transmitted by sandflies. It has become a major health problem in many tropical and subtropical countries, especially in regions of conflict and political instability. Currently, there are only limited drug treatments and no available licensed vaccine; thus, the need for more therapeutic interventions remains urgent. Previously, a DNA vaccine encoding a 15 kDa sandfly (Phlebotomus papatasi) salivary protein (PpSP15) and recombinant nonpathogenic Leishmania tarentolae secreting PpSP15 have been shown to induce protective immunity against Leishmania major in mice, demonstrating that PpSP15 is a promising vaccine candidate. In this study, we developed a fermentation process in yeast with a yield of ~1g PpSP15/L and a scalable purification process consisting of only 2 chromatographic purification steps with high binding capacity for PpSP15, suggesting that PpSP15 can be produced economically. The biophysical/biochemical analysis of the purified PpSP15 indicated that the protein was of high purity (>97%) and conformationally stable between pH 4.4 and 9.0. More importantly, the recombinant protein had a defined structure similar to that of the related PdSP15 from Phlebotomus duboscqi, implying the suitability of the yeast expression system for producing a correctly folded PpSP15.
Collapse
|
19
|
Davarpanah E, Seyed N, Bahrami F, Rafati S, Safaralizadeh R, Taheri T. Lactococcus lactis expressing sand fly PpSP15 salivary protein confers long-term protection against Leishmania major in BALB/c mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007939. [PMID: 31899767 PMCID: PMC6941807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasisis a vector-borne disease transmitted by Leishmania infected sand flies. PpSP15 is an immunogenic salivary protein from the sand fly Phlebotomus papatasi. Immunization with PpSP15 was shown to protect against Leishmania major infection. Lactococcus lactis is a safe non-pathogenic delivery system that can be used to express antigens in situ. Here, the codon-optimized Ppsp15-egfp gene was cloned in pNZ8121 vector downstream of the PrtP signal peptide that is responsible for expression and secretion of the protein on the cell wall. Expression of PpSP15-EGFP recombinant protein was monitored by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and Western blot. Also, expression of protein in cell wall compartment was verified using whole cell ELISA, Western blot and TEM microscopy. BALB/c mice were immunized three times with recombinant L. lactis-PpSP15-EGFPcwa, and the immune responses were followed up, at short-term (ST, 2 weeks) and long-term (LT, 6 months) periods. BALB/c mice were challenged with L. major plus P. papatasi Salivary Gland Homogenate. Evaluation of footpad thickness and parasite burden showed a delay in the development of the disease and significantly decreased parasite numbers in PpSP15 vaccinated animals as compared to control group. In addition, immunized mice showed Th1 type immune responses. Importantly, immunization with L. lactis-PpSP15-EGFPcwa stimulated the long-term memory in mice which lasted for at least 6 months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Davarpanah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariborz Bahrami
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Safaralizadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Coutinho De Oliveira B, Duthie MS, Alves Pereira VR. Vaccines for leishmaniasis and the implications of their development for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:919-930. [PMID: 31634036 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1678998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The leishmaniases are a collection of vector-borne parasitic diseases caused by a number of different Leishmania species that are distributed worldwide. Clinical and laboratory research have together revealed several important immune components that control Leishmania infection and indicate the potential of immunization to prevent leishmaniasis. In this review we introduce previous and ongoing experimental research efforts to develop vaccines against Leishmania species. First, second and third generation vaccine strategies that have been proposed to counter cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (CL and VL, respectively) are summarized. One of the major bottlenecks in development is the transition from results in animal model studies to humans, and we highlight that although American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL; New World CL) can progress to destructive and disfiguring mucosal lesions, most research has been conducted using mouse models and Old World Leishmania species. We conclude that assessment of vaccine candidates in ATL settings therefore appears merited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Coutinho De Oliveira
- Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Klatt S, Simpson L, Maslov DA, Konthur Z. Leishmania tarentolae: Taxonomic classification and its application as a promising biotechnological expression host. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007424. [PMID: 31344033 PMCID: PMC6657821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the eukaryotic protozoan parasite Leishmania tarentolae, with a main focus on its potential for biotechnological applications. We will also discuss the genus, subgenus, and species-level classification of this parasite, its life cycle and geographical distribution, and similarities and differences to human-pathogenic species, as these aspects are relevant for the evaluation of biosafety aspects of L. tarentolae as host for recombinant DNA/protein applications. Studies indicate that strain LEM-125 but not strain TARII/UC of L. tarentolae might also be capable of infecting mammals, at least transiently. This could raise the question of whether the current biosafety level of this strain should be reevaluated. In addition, we will summarize the current state of biotechnological research involving L. tarentolae and explain why this eukaryotic parasite is an advantageous and promising human recombinant protein expression host. This summary includes overall biotechnological applications, insights into its protein expression machinery (especially on glycoprotein and antibody fragment expression), available expression vectors, cell culture conditions, and its potential as an immunotherapy agent for human leishmaniasis treatment. Furthermore, we will highlight useful online tools and, finally, discuss possible future applications such as the humanization of the glycosylation profile of L. tarentolae or the expression of mammalian recombinant proteins in amastigote-like cells of this species or in amastigotes of avirulent human-pathogenic Leishmania species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Klatt
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- * E-mail: (SK); (ZK)
| | - Larry Simpson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Dmitri A. Maslov
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Zoltán Konthur
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
- * E-mail: (SK); (ZK)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ansari N, Rafati S, Taheri T, Roohvand F, Farahmand M, Hajikhezri Z, Keshavarz A, Samimi-Rad K. A non-pathogenic Leishmania tarentolae vector based- HCV polytope DNA vaccine elicits potent and long lasting Th1 and CTL responses in BALB/c mice model. Mol Immunol 2019; 111:152-161. [PMID: 31054409 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite successful anti-viral (DAAs) treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, recent data indicated the need for an effective vaccine. Preexisting anti-vector immunity is an obstacle for application of live vectors for antigen delivery and development of effective T-cell based HCV vaccines. Herein, we report construction of recombinant Leishmania tarentolae, a lizard (non-human) parasite, expressing an HCV polytope DNA, PT-NT(gp96), encoding for several immunogenic HCV epitopes and evaluation of its immunogenicity in three different prime/boost immunization groups (G) of BALB/c mice. Homologous prime/boost immunization by L.tarentolae-PT-NT(gp96) either with or without CpG (G1 and G2 respectively) and heterologous immunization with a PT-NT(gp96) encoding-pCDNA plasmid followed by L.tarentolae-PT-NT (G3) was undertaken. Immune responses were measured three and nine weeks (W) post immunization. Splenocytes (cultured with antigen-stimulant) of mice in G1 showed the highest percentage of specific CTL-cytolytic activity compared to G2 and G3 at both short (W3:70.98% versus 41.29% and 13.12%) and long (W9: 50% versus 24.5% and 20%) term periods, accompanied with high levels of secreted IFN-γ. Comparison of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and TNF-α cytokines levels obtained from the supernatant of antigen-stimulated splenocytes as well as antibodies level (as IgG1/IgG2a ratio; obtained from sera of immunized mice) indicated higher Th1 oriented responses for G1, G2 groups and balanced Th1-Th17 for G3. Results indicated the potential of L.tarentolae (+CpG), as a non-pathogenic live vaccine vector, for delivery and enhancement of immune responses against HCV-polytope antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Ansari
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Farahmand
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zamaneh Hajikhezri
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Keshavarz
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Katayoun Samimi-Rad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gholami E, Oliveira F, Taheri T, Seyed N, Gharibzadeh S, Gholami N, Mizbani A, Zali F, Habibzadeh S, Bakhadj DO, Meneses C, Kamyab-Hesari K, Sadeghipour A, Taslimi Y, khadir F, Kamhawi S, Mazlomi MA, Valenzuela JG, Rafati S. DNA plasmid coding for Phlebotomus sergenti salivary protein PsSP9, a member of the SP15 family of proteins, protects against Leishmania tropica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007067. [PMID: 30633742 PMCID: PMC6345478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vector-borne disease leishmaniasis is transmitted to humans by infected female sand flies, which transmits Leishmania parasites together with saliva during blood feeding. In Iran, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by Leishmania (L.) major and L. tropica, and their main vectors are Phlebotomus (Ph.) papatasi and Ph. sergenti, respectively. Previous studies have demonstrated that mice immunized with the salivary gland homogenate (SGH) of Ph. papatasi or subjected to bites from uninfected sand flies are protected against L. major infection. METHODS AND RESULTS In this work we tested the immune response in BALB/c mice to 14 different plasmids coding for the most abundant salivary proteins of Ph. sergenti. The plasmid coding for the salivary protein PsSP9 induced a DTH response in the presence of a significant increase of IFN-γ expression in draining lymph nodes (dLN) as compared to control plasmid and no detectable PsSP9 antibody response. Animals immunized with whole Ph. sergenti SGH developed only a saliva-specific antibody response and no DTH response. Mice immunized with whole Ph. sergenti saliva and challenged intradermally with L. tropica plus Ph. sergenti SGH in their ears, exhibited no protective effect. In contrast, PsSP9-immunized mice showed protection against L. tropica infection resulting in a reduction in nodule size, disease burden and parasite burden compared to controls. Two months post infection, protection was associated with a significant increase in the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-5 expression in the dLN compared to controls. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that while immunity to the whole Ph. sergenti saliva does not induce a protective response against cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice, PsSP9, a member of the PpSP15 family of Ph. sergenti salivary proteins, provides protection against L. tropica infection. These results suggest that this family of proteins in Ph. sergenti, Ph. duboscqi and Ph. papatasi may have similar immunogenic and protective properties against different Leishmania species. Indeed, this anti-saliva immunity may act as an adjuvant to accelerate the cell-mediated immune response to co-administered Leishmania antigens, or even cause the activation of infected macrophages to remove parasites more efficiently. These findings highlight the idea of applying arthropod saliva components in vaccination approaches for diseases caused by vector-borne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Gholami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoora Gharibzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Disease, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Gholami
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mizbani
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fatemeh Zali
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Habibzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Daniel Omid Bakhadj
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Claudio Meneses
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kambiz Kamyab-Hesari
- Department of Dermatopathology, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadeghipour
- Department of Pathology, Hazrat-e-Rasoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh khadir
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Ali Mazlomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jesus G. Valenzuela
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abdossamadi Z, Taheri T, Seyed N, Montakhab-Yeganeh H, Zahedifard F, Taslimi Y, Habibzadeh S, Gholami E, Gharibzadeh S, Rafati S. Live Leishmania tarentolae secreting HNP1 as an immunotherapeutic tool against Leishmania infection in BALB/c mice. Immunotherapy 2018; 9:1089-1102. [PMID: 29032739 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0076] [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: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Several disadvantages about chemotherapy for leishmaniasis has reinforced discovery of novel therapeutic agents especially immunotherapeutics. HNP1, as a member of the mammalian antimicrobial peptides family, is an attractive molecule due to its broad functional spectrum. Here, the in vivo potency of HNP1 in transgenic Leishmania tarentolae as an immunotherapy tool against Leishmania major-infected BALB/c mice was examined. METHODS & RESULTS 3 weeks after infection with L. major, the treatment effect of L. tarentolae-HNP1-EGFP was pursued. The results were promising in respect to parasite load control and Th1 immune response polarization compared with controls. CONCLUSION Immunotherapy by live L. tarentolae secreting HNP1 can elicit cellular immune response in a susceptible mouse model in order to control L. major infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abdossamadi
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Hossein Montakhab-Yeganeh
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Farnaz Zahedifard
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Yasaman Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Sima Habibzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Elham Gholami
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| | - Safoora Gharibzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy & Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran, 13194
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Iborra S, Solana JC, Requena JM, Soto M. Vaccine candidates against leishmania under current research. Expert Rev Vaccines 2018; 17:323-334. [PMID: 29589966 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2018.1459191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The search for vaccines to prevent human leishmaniasis is an active field of investigation aimed to prevent the devastating effects of this family of diseases on human health. The design and commercialization of several vaccines against canine leishmaniasis is a hopeful advance toward the achievement of a human vaccine. AREAS COVERED This review includes a summary of the most relevant immunological aspects accompanying leishmaniasis in natural hosts as well as a description of the latest advances in the multiple strategies that are being followed to develop leishmanial prophylactic vaccines. We have combined citations of the latest specialized reviews with research articles presenting the most recent results. EXPERT COMMENTARY Achieving safe, effective, durable and low-cost prophylactic vaccines against leishmaniasis is still a major challenge. These vaccines should control not only parasite progression, but also the accompanying pathology, which results from an imbalanced interaction between the infectious agent and the human host immune system. Different strategies for development of vaccines are currently under investigation. They range from the use of live non-pathogenic vectors to the employment of subunit vaccines combined with adjuvants and/or delivery systems inducing cell-mediated immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Iborra
- a Department of Vascular Biology and Inflammation Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) , Immunobiology of Inflammation Laboratory , Madrid , Spain.,b School of Medicine , Universidad Complutense de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - José Carlos Solana
- c Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Nicolás Cabrera 1 , Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - José María Requena
- c Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Nicolás Cabrera 1 , Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| | - Manuel Soto
- c Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Departamento de Biología Molecular, Nicolás Cabrera 1 , Universidad Autónoma de Madrid , Madrid , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Almeida APMM, Machado LFM, Doro D, Nascimento FC, Damasceno L, Gazzinelli RT, Fernandes AP, Junqueira C. New Vaccine Formulations Containing a Modified Version of the Amastigote 2 Antigen and the Non-Virulent Trypanosoma cruzi CL-14 Strain Are Highly Antigenic and Protective against Leishmania infantum Challenge. Front Immunol 2018; 9:465. [PMID: 29599776 PMCID: PMC5863692 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a major public health issue reported as the second illness in mortality among all tropical diseases. Clinical trials have shown that protection against VL is associated with robust T cell responses, especially those producing IFN-γ. The Leishmania amastigote 2 (A2) protein has been repeatedly described as immunogenic and protective against VL in different animal models; it is recognized by human T cells, and it is also commercially available in a vaccine formulation containing saponin against canine VL. Moving toward a more appropriate formulation for human vaccination, here, we tested a new optimized version of the recombinant protein (rA2), designed for Escherichia coli expression, in combination with adjuvants that have been approved for human use. Moreover, aiming at improving the cellular immune response triggered by rA2, we generated a recombinant live vaccine vector using Trypanosoma cruzi CL-14 non-virulent strain, named CL-14 A2. Mice immunized with respective rA2, adsorbed in Alum/CpG B297, a TLR9 agonist recognized by mice and human homologs, or with the recombinant CL-14 A2 parasites through homologous prime-boost protocol, were evaluated for antigen-specific immune responses and protection against Leishmania infantum promastigote challenge. Immunization with the new rA2/Alum/CpG formulations and CL-14 A2 transgenic vectors elicited stronger cellular immune responses than control groups, as shown by increased levels of IFN-γ, conferring protection against L. infantum challenge. Interestingly, the use of the wild-type CL-14 alone was enough to boost immunity and confer protection, confirming the previously reported immunogenic potential of this strain. Together, these results support the success of both the newly designed rA2 antigen and the ability of T. cruzi CL-14 to induce strong T cell-mediated immune responses against VL in animal models when used as a live vaccine vector. In conclusion, the vaccination strategies explored here reveal promising alternatives for the development of new rA2 vaccine formulations to be translated human clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula M M Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Leopoldo F M Machado
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Doro
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Frederico C Nascimento
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Tostes Gazzinelli
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Division of Infectious Disease, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ana Paula Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Didwania N, Shadab M, Sabur A, Ali N. Alternative to Chemotherapy-The Unmet Demand against Leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1779. [PMID: 29312309 PMCID: PMC5742582 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected protozoan disease that mainly affects the tropical as well as subtropical countries of the world. The primary option to control the disease still relies on chemotherapy. However, a hindrance to treatments owing to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites, enormous side effects of the drugs, their high cost, and requirement of long course hospitalization has added to the existing problems of leishmaniasis containment program. This review highlights the prospects of immunotherapy and/or immunochemotherapy to address the limitations for current treatment measures for leishmaniasis. In addition to the progress in alternate therapeutic strategies, the possibility and advances in developing preventive measures against the disease have been pointed. The review highlights our recent understandings of the protective immunology that can be exploited to develop an effective vaccine against leishmaniasis. Moreover, an update on the approaches that have evolved over the recent years are predominantly focused to overcome the current challenges in developing immunotherapeutic as well as prophylactic antileishmanial vaccines is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Didwania
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Md Shadab
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Abdus Sabur
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Nahid Ali
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tlili A, Marzouki S, Chabaane E, Abdeladhim M, Kammoun-Rebai W, Sakkouhi R, Belhadj Hmida N, Oliveira F, Kamhawi S, Louzir H, Valenzuela JG, Ben Ahmed M. Phlebotomus papatasi Yellow-Related and Apyrase Salivary Proteins Are Candidates for Vaccination against Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 138:598-606. [PMID: 29054598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, there is no available vaccine for human leishmaniasis. Animal experiments demonstrate that pre-exposure to sand fly saliva confers protection against leishmaniasis. Our preceding work in humans indicates that Phlebotomus papatasi saliva induces the production of IL-10 by CD8+ T lymphocytes. The neutralization of IL-10 enhanced the activation of a T-cell CD4+ population-producing IFN-γ. Herein, we used a biochemical and functional genomics approach to identify the sand fly salivary components that are responsible for the activation of the T helper type 1 immune response in humans, therefore constituting potential vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis. Fractionated P. papatasi salivary extracts were first tested on T lymphocytes of immune donors. We confirmed that the CD4+ lymphocytes proliferate and produce IFN-γ in response to stimulation with the proteins of molecular weight >30 kDa. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from immune donors were transfected with plasmids coding for the most abundant proteins from the P. papatasi salivary gland cDNA library. Our result showed that the "yellow related proteins," PPTSP42 and PPTSP44, and "apyrase," PPTSP36, are the proteins responsible for the aforementioned cellular immune response and IFN-γ production. Strikingly, PPTSP44 triggered the highest level of lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production. Multiplex cytokine analysis confirmed the T helper type 1-polarized response induced by these proteins. Importantly, recombinant PPTSP44 validated the results observed with the DNA plasmid, further supporting that PPTSP44 constitutes a promising vaccine candidate against human leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aymen Tlili
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, LR11IPT02, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Soumaya Marzouki
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, LR11IPT02, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Emna Chabaane
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, LR11IPT02, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maha Abdeladhim
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Wafa Kammoun-Rebai
- Laboratory of Medical Parasitology, Biotechnologies and Biomolecules, LR11IPT06, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rahma Sakkouhi
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, LR11IPT02, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nabil Belhadj Hmida
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, LR11IPT02, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Hechmi Louzir
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, LR11IPT02, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia; Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Jesus G Valenzuela
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Mélika Ben Ahmed
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections, LR11IPT02, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia; Faculté de Médecine de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Montakhab-Yeganeh H, Abdossamadi Z, Zahedifard F, Taslimi Y, Badirzadeh A, Saljoughian N, Taheri T, Taghikhani M, Rafati S. Leishmania tarentolaeexpressing CXCL-10 as an efficient immunotherapy approach againstLeishmania major-infected BALB/c mice. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H. Montakhab-Yeganeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran Iran
| | - Z. Abdossamadi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - F. Zahedifard
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - Y. Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - A. Badirzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - N. Saljoughian
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - T. Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| | - M. Taghikhani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry; Faculty of Medical Sciences; Tarbiat Modares University; Tehran Iran
| | - S. Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research; Pasteur Institute of Iran; Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by multiple Leishmania (L.) species with diverse clinical manifestations. There is currently no vaccine against any form of the disease approved in humans, and chemotherapy is the sole approach for treatment. Unfortunately, treatment options are limited to a small number of drugs, partly due to high cost and significant adverse effects. The other obstacle in leishmaniasis treatment is the potential for drug resistance, which has been observed in multiple endemic countries. Immunotherapy maybe another important avenue for controlling leishmaniasis and could help patients control the disease. There are different approaches for immunotherapy in different infectious diseases, generally with low-cost, limited side-effects and no possibility to developing resistance. In this paper, different immunotherapy approaches as alternatives to routine drug treatment will be reviewed against leishmaniasis.
Collapse
|
31
|
Leishmania-based expression systems. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:7377-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
32
|
Srivastava S, Shankar P, Mishra J, Singh S. Possibilities and challenges for developing a successful vaccine for leishmaniasis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:277. [PMID: 27175732 PMCID: PMC4866332 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1553-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by different species of protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. It is a major health problem yet neglected tropical diseases, with approximately 350 million people worldwide at risk and more than 1.5 million infections occurring each year. Leishmaniasis has different clinical manifestations, including visceral (VL or kala-azar), cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), diffuse cutaneous (DCL) and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). Currently, the only mean to treat and control leishmaniasis is by rational medications and vector control. However, the number of available drugs is limited and even these are either exorbitantly priced, have toxic side effects or prove ineffective due to the emergence of resistant strains. On the other hand, the vector control methods are not so efficient. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine for the prevention of leishmaniasis. Although in recent years a large body of researchers has concentrated their efforts on this issue, yet only three vaccine candidates have gone for clinical trial, until date. These are: (i) killed vaccine in Brazil for human immunotherapy; (ii) live attenuated vaccine for humans in Uzbekistan; and (iii) second-generation vaccine for dog prophylaxis in Brazil. Nevertheless, there are at least half a dozen vaccine candidates in the pipeline. One can expect that, in the near future, the understanding of the whole genome of Leishmania spp. will expand the vaccine discovery and strategies that may provide novel vaccines. The present review focuses on the development and the status of various vaccines and potential vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Srivastava
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Prem Shankar
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Jyotsna Mishra
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Sarman Singh
- Division of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Seyed N, Taheri T, Rafati S. Post-Genomics and Vaccine Improvement for Leishmania. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:467. [PMID: 27092123 PMCID: PMC4822237 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that primarily affects Asia, Africa, South America, and the Mediterranean basin. Despite extensive efforts to develop an effective prophylactic vaccine, no promising vaccine is available yet. However, recent advancements in computational vaccinology on the one hand and genome sequencing approaches on the other have generated new hopes in vaccine development. Computational genome mining for new vaccine candidates is known as reverse vaccinology and is believed to further extend the current list of Leishmania vaccine candidates. Reverse vaccinology can also reduce the intrinsic risks associated with live attenuated vaccines. Individual epitopes arranged in tandem as polytopes are also a possible outcome of reverse genome mining. Here, we will briefly compare reverse vaccinology with conventional vaccinology in respect to Leishmania vaccine, and we will discuss how it influences the aforementioned topics. We will also introduce new in vivo models that will bridge the gap between human and laboratory animal models in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of IranTehran, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gholami E, Zahedifard F, Rafati S. Delivery systems for Leishmania vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:879-95. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2016.1157478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Gholami
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Zahedifard
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran (the Islamic Republic of)
| |
Collapse
|