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Nicholas J, Kolli SK, Subramani PA, De SL, Ogbondah MM, Barnes SJ, Ntumngia FB, Adams JH. Comparative analyses of functional antibody-mediated inhibition with anti-circumsporozoite monoclonal antibodies against transgenic Plasmodium berghei. Malar J 2023; 22:335. [PMID: 37936181 PMCID: PMC10629016 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04765-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired functional inhibitory antibodies are one of several humoral immune mechanisms used to neutralize foreign pathogens. In vitro bioassays are useful tools for quantifying antibody-mediated inhibition and evaluating anti-parasite immune antibodies. However, a gap remains in understanding of how antibody-mediated inhibition in vitro translates to inhibition in vivo. In this study, two well-characterized transgenic Plasmodium berghei parasite lines, PbmCh-luc and Pb-PfCSP(r), and murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to P. berghei and Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP), 3D11 and 2A10, respectively, were used to evaluate antibody-mediated inhibition of parasite development in both in vitro and in vivo functional assays. METHODS IC50 values of mAbs were determined using an established inhibition of liver-stage development assay (ILSDA). For the in vivo inhibition assay, mice were passively immunized by transfer of the mAbs and subsequently challenged with 5.0 × 103 sporozoites via tail vein injection. The infection burden in both assays was quantified by luminescence and qRT-PCR of P. berghei 18S rRNA normalized to host GAPDH. RESULTS The IC50 values quantified by relative luminescence of mAbs 3D11 and 2A10 were 0.396 µg/ml and 0.093 µg/ml, respectively, against transgenic lines in vitro. Using the highest (> 90%) inhibitory antibody concentrations in a passive transfer, an IC50 of 233.8 µg/ml and 181.5 µg/ml for mAbs 3D11 and 2A10, respectively, was observed in vivo. At 25 µg (250 µg/ml), the 2A10 antibody significantly inhibited liver burden in mice compared to control. Additionally, qRT-PCR of P. berghei 18S rRNA served as a secondary validation of liver burden quantification. CONCLUSIONS Results from both experimental models, ILSDA and in vivo challenge, demonstrated that increased concentrations of the homologous anti-CSP repeat mAbs increased parasite inhibition. However, differences in antibody IC50 values between parasite lines did not allow a direct correlation between the inhibition of sporozoite invasion in vitro by ILSDA and the inhibition of mouse liver stage burden. Further studies are needed to establish the conditions for confident predictions for the in vitro ILSDA to be a predictor of in vivo outcomes using this model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Nicholas
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Surendra Kumar Kolli
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Pradeep Annamalai Subramani
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Sai Lata De
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
- Department of Infectious Disease & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Madison M Ogbondah
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Samantha J Barnes
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Francis Babila Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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Rajneesh, Tiwari R, Singh VK, Kumar A, Gupta RP, Singh AK, Gautam V, Kumar R. Advancements and Challenges in Developing Malaria Vaccines: Targeting Multiple Stages of the Parasite Life Cycle. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1795-1814. [PMID: 37708228 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, remains a major global health concern, causing millions of deaths annually. While the introduction of the RTS,S vaccine has shown promise, there is a pressing need for more effective vaccines due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant vectors. However, the complex life cycle and genetic diversity of the parasite, technical obstacles, limited funding, and the impact of the 2019 pandemic have hindered progress in malaria vaccine development. This review focuses on advancements in malaria vaccine development, particularly the ongoing clinical trials targeting antigens from different stages of the Plasmodium life cycle. Additionally, we discuss the rationale, strategies, and challenges associated with vaccine design, aiming to enhance the immune response and protective efficacy of vaccine candidates. A cost-effective and multistage vaccine could hold the key to controlling and eradicating malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajneesh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rahul Tiwari
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vishal K Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Awnish Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rohit P Gupta
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Akhilesh K Singh
- Faculty of Dental Science, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vibhav Gautam
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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3
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Leusmann S, Ménová P, Shanin E, Titz A, Rademacher C. Glycomimetics for the inhibition and modulation of lectins. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:3663-3740. [PMID: 37232696 PMCID: PMC10243309 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00954d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Carbohydrates are essential mediators of many processes in health and disease. They regulate self-/non-self- discrimination, are key elements of cellular communication, cancer, infection and inflammation, and determine protein folding, function and life-times. Moreover, they are integral to the cellular envelope for microorganisms and participate in biofilm formation. These diverse functions of carbohydrates are mediated by carbohydrate-binding proteins, lectins, and the more the knowledge about the biology of these proteins is advancing, the more interfering with carbohydrate recognition becomes a viable option for the development of novel therapeutics. In this respect, small molecules mimicking this recognition process become more and more available either as tools for fostering our basic understanding of glycobiology or as therapeutics. In this review, we outline the general design principles of glycomimetic inhibitors (Section 2). This section is then followed by highlighting three approaches to interfere with lectin function, i.e. with carbohydrate-derived glycomimetics (Section 3.1), novel glycomimetic scaffolds (Section 3.2) and allosteric modulators (Section 3.3). We summarize recent advances in design and application of glycomimetics for various classes of lectins of mammalian, viral and bacterial origin. Besides highlighting design principles in general, we showcase defined cases in which glycomimetics have been advanced to clinical trials or marketed. Additionally, emerging applications of glycomimetics for targeted protein degradation and targeted delivery purposes are reviewed in Section 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Leusmann
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Petra Ménová
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 16628 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Elena Shanin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Titz
- Chemical Biology of Carbohydrates (CBCH), Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Standort Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christoph Rademacher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunobiology and Genetics, Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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4
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Nunes-Cabaço H, Moita D, Prudêncio M. Five decades of clinical assessment of whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines. Front Immunol 2022; 13:977472. [PMID: 36159849 PMCID: PMC9493004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.977472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1967, pioneering work by Ruth Nussenzweig demonstrated for the first time that irradiated sporozoites of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei protected mice against a challenge with infectious parasites of the same species. This remarkable finding opened up entirely new prospects of effective vaccination against malaria using attenuated sporozoites as immunization agents. The potential for whole-sporozoite-based immunization in humans was established in a clinical study in 1973, when a volunteer exposed to X-irradiated P. falciparum sporozoites was found to be protected against malaria following challenge with a homologous strain of this parasite. Nearly five decades later, much has been achieved in the field of whole-sporozoite malaria vaccination, and multiple reports on the clinical evaluation of such candidates have emerged. However, this process has known different paces before and after the turn of the century. While only a few clinical studies were published in the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s, remarkable progress was made in the 2000’s and beyond. This article reviews the history of the clinical assessment of whole-sporozoite malaria vaccines over the last forty-nine years, highlighting the impressive achievements made over the last few years, and discussing some of the challenges ahead.
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5
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Konozy EHE, Osman MEFM, Ghartey-Kwansah G, Abushama HM. The striking mimics between COVID-19 and malaria: A review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:957913. [PMID: 36081516 PMCID: PMC9445119 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.957913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives COVID-19 is a transmissible illness triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since its onset in late 2019 in Wuhan city of China, it continues to spread universally, leading to an ongoing pandemic that shattered all efforts to restrain it. On the other hand, in Africa, the COVID-19 infection may be influenced by malaria coinfection. Hence, in this review article, we aimed to give a comprehensive account of the similarities between COVID-19 and malaria in terms of symptoms, clinical, immunological, and molecular perspectives. Methodology In this article, we reviewed over 50 research papers to highlight the multilayered similarities between COVID-19 and malaria infections that might influence the ontology of COVID-19. Results Despite the poor health and fragile medical system of many sub-Saharan African countries, they persisted with a statistically significantly low number of COVID-19 cases. This was attributed to many factors such as the young population age, the warm weather, the lack of proper diagnosis, previous infection with malaria, the use of antimalarial drugs, etc. Additionally, population genetics appears to play a significant role in shaping the COVID-19 dynamics. This is evident as recent genomic screening analyses of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and malaria-associated-variants identified 6 candidate genes that might play a role in malaria and COVID-19 incidence and severity. Moreover, the clinical and pathological resemblances between the two diseases have made considerable confusion in the diagnosis and thereafter curb the disease in Africa. Therefore, possible similarities between the diseases in regards to the clinical, pathological, immunological, and genetical ascription were discussed. Conclusion Understanding the dynamics of COVID-19 infection in Sub-Saharan Africa and how it is shaped by another endemic disease like malaria can provide insights into how to tailor a successful diagnostic, intervention, and control plans that lower both disease morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - George Ghartey-Kwansah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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6
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Sharma N, Kashif M, Singh V, Fontinha D, Mukherjee B, Kumar D, Singh S, Prudencio M, Singh AP, Rathi B. Novel Antiplasmodial Compounds Leveraged with Multistage Potency against the Parasite Plasmodium falciparum: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations and Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Med Chem 2021; 64:8666-8683. [PMID: 34124905 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyethylamine (HEA)-based novel compounds were synthesized and their activity against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 was assessed, identifying a few hits without any apparent toxicity. Hits 5c and 5d also exhibited activity against resistant field strains, PfRKL-9 and PfC580Y. A single dose, 50 mg/Kg, of hits administered to the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei ANKA exhibited up to 70% reduction in the parasite load. Compound 5d tested in combination with artesunate produced an additional antiparasitic effect with a prolonged survival period. Additionally, compound 5d showed 50% inhibition against hepatic P. berghei infection at 1.56 ± 0.56 μM concentration. This compound also considerably delayed the progression of transmission stages, ookinete and oocyst. Furthermore, the toxicity of 5d assessed in mice supported the normal liver and kidney functions. Altogether, HEA analogues (5a-m), particularly 5d, are nontoxic multistage antiplasmodial agents with therapeutic and transmission-blocking efficacy, along with favorable preliminary pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Sharma
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Mohammad Kashif
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Vigyasa Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Diana Fontinha
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Budhaditya Mukherjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, Amity University, Noida 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Miguel Prudencio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, Lisboa 1649-028, Portugal
| | - Agam P Singh
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Brijesh Rathi
- Laboratory for Translational Chemistry and Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College University Enclave, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India
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7
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Reshitko GS, Yamansarov EY, Evteev SA, Lopatukhina EV, Shkil' DO, Saltykova IV, Lopukhov AV, Kovalev SV, Lobov AN, Kislyakov IV, Burenina OY, Klyachko NL, Garanina AS, Dontsova OA, Ivanenkov YA, Erofeev AS, Gorelkin PV, Beloglazkina EK, Majouga AG. Synthesis and Evaluation of New Trivalent Ligands for Hepatocyte Targeting via the Asialoglycoprotein Receptor. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 31:1313-1319. [PMID: 32379426 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the asialoglycoprotein receptor (also known as the "Ashwell-Morell receptor" or ASGPR) was discovered as the first cellular mammalian lectin, numerous drug delivery systems have been developed and several gene delivery systems associated with multivalent ligands for liver disease targeting are undergoing clinical trials. The success of these systems has facilitated the further study of new ligands with comparable or higher affinity and less synthetic complexity. Herein, we designed two novel trivalent ligands based on the esterification of tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS) followed by the azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition with azido N-acetyl-d-galactosamine. The presented triazolyl glycoconjugates exhibited good binding to ASGPR, which was predicted using in silico molecular docking and assessed by a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. Moreover, we demonstrated the low level of in vitro cytotoxicity, as well as the optimal spatial geometry and the required amphiphilic balance, for new, easily accessible ligands. The conjugate of a new ligand with Cy5 dye exhibited selective penetration into HepG2 cells in contrast to the ASGPR-negative PC3 cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina S Reshitko
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Emil Yu Yamansarov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.,National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, 119049, Russian Federation
| | - Sergei A Evteev
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Elena V Lopatukhina
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry O Shkil'
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Irina V Saltykova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Anton V Lopukhov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey V Kovalev
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander N Lobov
- Ufa Institute of Chemistry of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, 450054, Russian Federation
| | - Ivan V Kislyakov
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Olga Yu Burenina
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 143026, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia L Klyachko
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 143026, Russian Federation
| | - Anastasiia S Garanina
- National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, 119049, Russian Federation
| | - Olga A Dontsova
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.,Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, 143026, Russian Federation
| | - Yan A Ivanenkov
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny City, Moscow Region 141700, Russian Federation.,Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Russian Academy of Science (IBG RAS) of the Ufa Federal Research Centre, Ufa, 450054, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander S Erofeev
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.,National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, 119049, Russian Federation
| | - Peter V Gorelkin
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.,National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, 119049, Russian Federation
| | - Elena K Beloglazkina
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander G Majouga
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation.,National University of Science and Technology MISiS, Moscow, 119049, Russian Federation.,Dmitry Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Moscow, 125047, Russian Federation
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8
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Sun Y, Xiang D, Chen C, He S, Qi H, Wang C. Infected RBC flag/parameter provided by Mindray BC-6800 haematology analyzer aid the diagnosis of malaria. Malar J 2019; 18:262. [PMID: 31366365 PMCID: PMC6668162 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2890-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Mindray BC-6800 haematology analyzer (BC-6800) provides a dedicated flag ‘Infected RBC’ (InR) and the number of InR (InR#)/the permillage of InR (InR‰) in routine blood testing as a screening tool for malaria in endemic areas. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the BC-6800 flag parameter for aiding the diagnosis of malaria. Methods A total of 181 samples were tested using the Mindray BC-6800 haematology analyzer, including 117 malaria-infected samples collected from Yunnan, China, and 64 samples from healthy controls. Microscopy examination was conducted as reference when stained thick blood film revealed the presence of malaria parasites identified as Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was developed using Analyse-it v4.92.3. The Kappa value was determined to evaluate the agreement between BC-6800 and light microscopy. Results The sensitivity of InR‰ generated by BC-6800 for P. vivax and P. falciparum was 88.3 and 24.1%, respectively; specificity of InR‰ for malaria parasites was 84.3 and 84.3%, respectively; positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 89.4 and 82.7% for P. vivax, and 52.8 and 60.3% for P. falciparum. There was a strong correlation between ΔWBC and InR‰ (R2 = 0.9731 for P. vivax and R2 = 0.9757 for P. falciparum). There was also a significant correlation between parasitaemia and InR# in P. vivax-infected samples (R2 = 0.734). InR# was evaluated using ROC curve analysis, the area under the ROC curve is 0.95 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.926 to 0.974, and the cut-off value is 0.01 × 109/L for P. vivax. However, the ring stage and the early trophozoite stage of Plasmodium cannot be detected easily on BC-6800, possibly because of the small size and low nucleic acid content of these stages. Conclusions The findings suggest that the flag ‘InR’ and the parameters ‘InR#/InR‰’ provided by the BC-6800 haematology analyzer could be used to screen for malaria in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Daijun Xiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Shang He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Huan Qi
- Algorithm and Clinical Research Department, Haematology, IVD, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Chengbin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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9
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Penha-Gonçalves C. Genetics of Malaria Inflammatory Responses: A Pathogenesis Perspective. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1771. [PMID: 31417551 PMCID: PMC6682681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in combating malaria in recent years the burden of severe disease and death due to Plasmodium infections remains a global public health concern. Only a fraction of infected people develops severe clinical syndromes motivating a longstanding search for genetic determinants of malaria severity. Strong genetic effects have been repeatedly ascribed to mutations and allelic variants of proteins expressed in red blood cells but the role of inflammatory response genes in disease pathogenesis has been difficult to discern. We revisited genetic evidence provided by inflammatory response genes that have been repeatedly associated to malaria, namely TNF, NOS2, IFNAR1, HMOX1, TLRs, CD36, and CD40LG. This highlighted specific genetic variants having opposing roles in the development of distinct malaria clinical outcomes and unveiled diverse levels of genetic heterogeneity that shaped the complex association landscape of inflammatory response genes with malaria. However, scrutinizing genetic effects of individual variants corroborates a pathogenesis model where pro-inflammatory genetic variants acting in early infection stages contribute to resolve infection but at later stages confer increased vulnerability to severe organ dysfunction driven by tissue inflammation. Human genetics studies are an invaluable tool to find genes and molecular pathways involved in the inflammatory response to malaria but their precise roles in disease pathogenesis are still unexploited. Genome editing in malaria experimental models and novel genotyping-by-sequencing techniques are promising approaches to delineate the relevance of inflammatory response gene variants in the natural history of infection thereby will offer new rational angles on adjuvant therapeutics for prevention and clinical management of severe malaria.
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10
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Mendes AM, Machado M, Gonçalves-Rosa N, Reuling IJ, Foquet L, Marques C, Salman AM, Yang ASP, Moser KA, Dwivedi A, Hermsen CC, Jiménez-Díaz B, Viera S, Santos JM, Albuquerque I, Bhatia SN, Bial J, Angulo-Barturen I, Silva JC, Leroux-Roels G, Janse CJ, Khan SM, Mota MM, Sauerwein RW, Prudêncio M. A Plasmodium berghei sporozoite-based vaccination platform against human malaria. NPJ Vaccines 2018; 3:33. [PMID: 30155278 PMCID: PMC6109154 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-018-0068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a pressing need for safe and highly effective Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria vaccines. The circumsporozoite protein (CS), expressed on sporozoites and during early hepatic stages, is a leading target vaccine candidate, but clinical efficacy has been modest so far. Conversely, whole-sporozoite (WSp) vaccines have consistently shown high levels of sterilizing immunity and constitute a promising approach to effective immunization against malaria. Here, we describe a novel WSp malaria vaccine that employs transgenic sporozoites of rodent P. berghei (Pb) parasites as cross-species immunizing agents and as platforms for expression and delivery of PfCS (PbVac). We show that both wild-type Pb and PbVac sporozoites unabatedly infect and develop in human hepatocytes while unable to establish an infection in human red blood cells. In a rabbit model, similarly susceptible to Pb hepatic but not blood infection, we show that PbVac elicits cross-species cellular immune responses, as well as PfCS-specific antibodies that efficiently inhibit Pf sporozoite liver invasion in human hepatocytes and in mice with humanized livers. Thus, PbVac is safe and induces functional immune responses in preclinical studies, warranting clinical testing and development. A genetically engineered parasite, related to malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum, excels as a vaccine in preclinical tests. A team led by Miguel Prudêncio, of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, developed a genetically altered vaccine candidate based on Plasmodium berghei, which is pathogenic to rodents but, in humans, fails to progress from a harmless, transient liver infection to causing full, blood-borne malaria. The candidate expresses a human form of ‘circumsporozoite protein,’ a known antigen, and is designed to provoke a more comprehensive immune response as it presents a whole pathogen to the host. In preclinical tests, the candidate generated antibodies able to neutralize infection in human hepatocytes and also provoked a cellular immune response in rabbits. The team’s candidate proved safe and efficacious, warranting further trials and clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- António M Mendes
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Machado
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nataniel Gonçalves-Rosa
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isaie J Reuling
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lander Foquet
- 3Center for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Departments of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cláudia Marques
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ahmed M Salman
- 5Leiden Malaria Research Group, Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,6The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Annie S P Yang
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kara A Moser
- 7Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Ankit Dwivedi
- 7Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Cornelus C Hermsen
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Belén Jiménez-Díaz
- 8Diseases of the Developing World, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa, 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid Spain
| | - Sara Viera
- 8Diseases of the Developing World, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa, 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid Spain
| | - Jorge M Santos
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.,12Present Address: Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, 02115 Boston, MA USA
| | - Inês Albuquerque
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sangeeta N Bhatia
- 9Health Sciences and Technology/Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - John Bial
- 10Yecuris Corporation, PO Box 4645, Tualatin, OR 97062 USA
| | - Iñigo Angulo-Barturen
- 8Diseases of the Developing World, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa, 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid Spain
| | - Joana C Silva
- 7Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.,11Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- 3Center for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chris J Janse
- 5Leiden Malaria Research Group, Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Shahid M Khan
- 5Leiden Malaria Research Group, Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M Mota
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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11
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Roth A, Maher SP, Conway AJ, Ubalee R, Chaumeau V, Andolina C, Kaba SA, Vantaux A, Bakowski MA, Thomson-Luque R, Adapa SR, Singh N, Barnes SJ, Cooper CA, Rouillier M, McNamara CW, Mikolajczak SA, Sather N, Witkowski B, Campo B, Kappe SHI, Lanar DE, Nosten F, Davidson S, Jiang RHY, Kyle DE, Adams JH. A comprehensive model for assessment of liver stage therapies targeting Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1837. [PMID: 29743474 PMCID: PMC5943321 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04221-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria liver stages represent an ideal therapeutic target with a bottleneck in parasite load and reduced clinical symptoms; however, current in vitro pre-erythrocytic (PE) models for Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum lack the efficiency necessary for rapid identification and effective evaluation of new vaccines and drugs, especially targeting late liver-stage development and hypnozoites. Herein we report the development of a 384-well plate culture system using commercially available materials, including cryopreserved primary human hepatocytes. Hepatocyte physiology is maintained for at least 30 days and supports development of P. vivax hypnozoites and complete maturation of P. vivax and P. falciparum schizonts. Our multimodal analysis in antimalarial therapeutic research identifies important PE inhibition mechanisms: immune antibodies against sporozoite surface proteins functionally inhibit liver stage development and ion homeostasis is essential for schizont and hypnozoite viability. This model can be implemented in laboratories in disease-endemic areas to accelerate vaccine and drug discovery research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Roth
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Steven P Maher
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, 500 DW Brooks Dr. Suite 370, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Amy J Conway
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Ratawan Ubalee
- Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), 315/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Victor Chaumeau
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 68/30 Bantung Rd, Mae Sot, Tak, 63110, Thailand
| | - Chiara Andolina
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 68/30 Bantung Rd, Mae Sot, Tak, 63110, Thailand
| | - Stephen A Kaba
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Amélie Vantaux
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, 5 Boulevard Monivong-PO Box 983, Phnom Penh, 12 201, Cambodia
| | - Malina A Bakowski
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr), 11119N. Torrey Pines Rd, Suite 100, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Richard Thomson-Luque
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Swamy Rakesh Adapa
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Naresh Singh
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Samantha J Barnes
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Caitlin A Cooper
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, 500 DW Brooks Dr. Suite 370, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Mélanie Rouillier
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Pré-Bois Rd 20, Meyrin, 1215, Switzerland
| | - Case W McNamara
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr), 11119N. Torrey Pines Rd, Suite 100, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Sebastian A Mikolajczak
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, 307 Westlake Ave N Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Noah Sather
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, 307 Westlake Ave N Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Benoît Witkowski
- California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr), 11119N. Torrey Pines Rd, Suite 100, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Brice Campo
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Pré-Bois Rd 20, Meyrin, 1215, Switzerland
| | - Stefan H I Kappe
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, 307 Westlake Ave N Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - David E Lanar
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - François Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 68/30 Bantung Rd, Mae Sot, Tak, 63110, Thailand
| | - Silas Davidson
- Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), 315/6 Rajvithi Rd, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Rays H Y Jiang
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Dennis E Kyle
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, 500 DW Brooks Dr. Suite 370, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - John H Adams
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd 404, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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12
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Matuschewski K. Vaccines against malaria-still a long way to go. FEBS J 2017; 284:2560-2568. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Matuschewski
- Department of Molecular Parasitology; Institute of Biology; Humboldt University Berlin; Germany
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13
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Kreutzfeld O, Müller K, Matuschewski K. Engineering of Genetically Arrested Parasites (GAPs) For a Precision Malaria Vaccine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:198. [PMID: 28620583 PMCID: PMC5450620 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous stage conversion and swift changes in the antigenic repertoire in response to acquired immunity are hallmarks of complex eukaryotic pathogens, including Plasmodium species, the causative agents of malaria. Efficient elimination of Plasmodium liver stages prior to blood infection is one of the most promising malaria vaccine strategies. Here, we describe different genetically arrested parasites (GAPs) that have been engineered in Plasmodium berghei, P. yoelii and P. falciparum and compare their vaccine potential. A better understanding of the immunological mechanisms of prime and boost by arrested sporozoites and experimental strategies to enhance vaccine efficacy by further engineering existing GAPs into a more immunogenic form hold promise for continuous improvements of GAP-based vaccines. A critical hurdle for vaccines that elicit long-lasting protection against malaria, such as GAPs, is safety and efficacy in vulnerable populations. Vaccine research should focus on solutions toward turning malaria into a vaccine-preventable disease, which would offer an exciting new path of malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriana Kreutzfeld
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
| | - Katja Müller
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
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14
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Offeddu V, Olotu A, Osier F, Marsh K, Matuschewski K, Thathy V. High Sporozoite Antibody Titers in Conjunction with Microscopically Detectable Blood Infection Display Signatures of Protection from Clinical Malaria. Front Immunol 2017; 8:488. [PMID: 28533773 PMCID: PMC5421148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoepidemiological studies typically reveal slow, age-dependent acquisition of immune responses against Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. Naturally acquired immunity against preerythrocytic stages is considered inadequate to confer protection against clinical malaria. To explore previously unrecognized antisporozoite responses, we measured serum levels of naturally acquired antibodies to whole Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (Pfspz) and the immunodominant (NANP)5 repeats of the major sporozoite surface protein, circumsporozoite protein, in a well-characterized Kenyan cohort. Sera were sampled at the start of the malaria transmission season, and all subjects were prospectively monitored for uncomplicated clinical malaria in the ensuing 6 months. We used Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable regression to investigate the association of antisporozoite immunity with incidence of clinical malaria. Although naturally acquired humoral responses against Pfspz and (NANP)5 were strongly correlated (p < 0.0001), 37% of Pfspz responders did not recognize (NANP)5. The prevalence and magnitude of antisporozoite responses increased with age, although some high Pfspz responders were identified among children. Survival analysis revealed a reduced risk of and increased time to first or only episode of clinical malaria among Pfspz or (NANP)5 responders carrying microscopically detectable Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) parasitemia at the start of the transmission season (p < 0.03). Our Cox regression interaction models indicated a potentially protective interaction between high anti-Pfspz (p = 0.002) or anti-(NANP)5 (p = 0.001) antibody levels and microscopically detectable Pf parasitemia on the risk of subsequent clinical malaria. Our findings indicate that robust antisporozoite immune responses can be naturally acquired already at an early age. A potentially protective role of high levels of anti-Pfspz antibodies against clinical episodes of uncomplicated malaria was detected, suggesting that antibody-mediated preerythrocytic immunity might indeed contribute to protection in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Offeddu
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ally Olotu
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Faith Osier
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.,Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vandana Thathy
- Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research-Coast, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kilifi, Kenya
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15
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Singer M, Frischknecht F. Time for Genome Editing: Next-Generation Attenuated Malaria Parasites. Trends Parasitol 2016; 33:202-213. [PMID: 27793562 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immunization with malaria parasites that developmentally arrest in or immediately after the liver stage is the only way currently known to confer sterilizing immunity in both humans and rodent models. There are various ways to attenuate parasite development resulting in different timings of arrest, which has a significant impact on vaccination efficiency. To understand what most impacts vaccination efficiency, newly developed gain-of-function methods can now be used to generate a wide array of differently attenuated parasites. The combination of multiple attenuation approaches offers the potential to engineer efficiently attenuated Plasmodium parasites and learn about their fascinating biology at the same time. Here we discuss recent studies and the potential of targeted parasite manipulation using genome editing to develop live attenuated malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Singer
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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16
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Matz JM, Kooij TWA. Towards genome-wide experimental genetics in the in vivo malaria model parasite Plasmodium berghei. Pathog Glob Health 2015; 109:46-60. [PMID: 25789828 DOI: 10.1179/2047773215y.0000000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium berghei was identified as a parasite of thicket rats (Grammomys dolichurus) and Anopheles dureni mosquitoes in African highland forests. Successful adaptation to a range of rodent and mosquito species established P. berghei as a malaria model parasite. The introduction of stable transfection technology, permitted classical reverse genetics strategies and thus systematic functional profiling of the gene repertoire. In the past 10 years following the publication of the P. berghei genome sequence, many new tools for experimental genetics approaches have been developed and existing ones have been improved. The infection of mice is the principal limitation towards a genome-wide repository of mutant parasite lines. In the past few years, there have been some promising and most welcome developments that allow rapid selection and isolation of recombinant parasites while simultaneously minimising animal usage. Here, we provide an overview of all the currently available tools and methods.
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17
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Haussig JM, Burgold J, Hafalla JCR, Matuschewski K, Kooij TWA. Signatures of malaria vaccine efficacy in ageing murine immune memory. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:199-206. [PMID: 24495208 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Malaria transmission occurs by mosquito bite. Thereafter, Plasmodium sporozoites specifically invade the liver, where they develop into thousands of merozoites that initiate blood-stage infection and clinical malaria. The pre-erythrocytic phase of a Plasmodium infection is the target of experimental whole-parasite vaccines against malaria. Repeated immunizations with high doses of live, metabolically active sporozoites can induce protracted protection against Plasmodium reinfection. Parasites lacking a Plasmodium-specific apicoplast protein, termed PALM, arrest very late during intrahepatic development just prior to liver merozoite release and can elicit sterile protection with two immunization doses only. In this report, we show in the robust Plasmodium berghei-C57BL/6 model that partial protection extends beyond 1 year after the last immunization. In ageing mice, intracellular cytokine staining of Plasmodium peptide-stimulated intrahepatic CD8+ T cells revealed elevated levels of interferon gamma in vaccinated mice. We conclude that antigen-specific T cells persist in the target organ and are critical signatures of lasting protection. Our data also support the notions that memory T-cell responses generated early in life remain largely intact well into old age and that murine Plasmodium vaccination and infection models are suitable to study the mechanisms of maintenance and efficiency of adaptive immunity during immunosenescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Haussig
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Parasitology Unit, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Daubenberger CA. First clinical trial of purified, irradiated malaria sporozoites in humans. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 11:31-3. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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19
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TREM2 governs Kupffer cell activation and explains belr1 genetic resistance to malaria liver stage infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:19531-6. [PMID: 24218563 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1306873110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium liver stage infection is a target of interest for the treatment of and vaccination against malaria. Here we used forward genetics to search for mechanisms underlying natural host resistance to infection and identified triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) and MHC class II molecules as determinants of Plasmodium berghei liver stage infection in mice. Locus belr1 confers resistance to malaria liver stage infection. The use of newly derived subcongenic mouse lines allowed to map belr1 to a 4-Mb interval on mouse chromosome 17 that contains the Trem2 gene. We show that Trem2 expression in the nonparenchymal liver cells closely correlates with resistance to liver stage infection, implicating TREM2 as a mediator of the belr1 genetic effect. Trem2-deficient mice are more susceptible to liver stage infection than their WT counterparts. We found that Kupffer cells are the principle cells expressing TREM2 in the liver, and that Trem2(-/-) Kupffer cells display altered functional activation on exposure to P. berghei sporozoites. TREM2 expression in Kupffer cells contributes to the limitation of parasite expansion in isolated hepatocytes in vitro, potentially explaining the increased susceptibility of Trem2(-/-) mice to liver stage infection. The MHC locus was also found to control liver parasite burden, possibly owing to the expression of MHC class II molecules in hepatocytes. Our findings implicate unexpected Kupffer-hepatocyte cross-talk in the control Plasmodium liver stage infection and demonstrate that TREM2 is involved in host responses against the malaria parasite.
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20
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Nganou-Makamdop K, Sauerwein RW. Liver or blood-stage arrest during malaria sporozoite immunization: the later the better? Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:304-10. [PMID: 23608185 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
So far, the best immunization strategies to achieve high levels of protection against malaria are based on whole parasites. Complete sterile protection can be obtained in rodent models after immunization with sporozoites and chemoprophylaxis, or with sporozoites attenuated either genetically or by radiation. These approaches target specific stages, with arrests occurring at different time-points of the parasite life cycle. Here, we review these different approaches in relation to their capacity to induce protection in both Plasmodium berghei and Plasmodium yoelii models. The combined data suggest that maximal liver-stage exposure without further development into blood stages may induce the most efficient protection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystelle Nganou-Makamdop
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Medical Microbiology, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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21
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Falkard B, Kumar TRS, Hecht LS, Matthews KA, Henrich PP, Gulati S, Lewis RE, Manary MJ, Winzeler EA, Sinnis P, Prigge ST, Heussler V, Deschermeier C, Fidock D. A key role for lipoic acid synthesis during Plasmodium liver stage development. Cell Microbiol 2013; 15:1585-604. [PMID: 23490300 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The successful navigation of malaria parasites through their life cycle, which alternates between vertebrate hosts and mosquito vectors, requires a complex interplay of metabolite synthesis and salvage pathways. Using the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei, we have explored the synthesis and scavenging pathways for lipoic acid, a short-chain fatty acid derivative that regulates the activity of α-ketoacid dehydrogenases including pyruvate dehydrogenase. In Plasmodium, lipoic acid is either synthesized de novo in the apicoplast or is scavenged from the host into the mitochondrion. Our data show that sporozoites lacking the apicoplast lipoic acid protein ligase LipB are markedly attenuated in their infectivity for mice, and in vitro studies document a very late liver stage arrest shortly before the final phase of intra-hepaticparasite maturation. LipB-deficient asexual blood stage parasites show unimpaired rates of growth in normal in vitro or in vivo conditions. However, these parasites showed reduced growth in lipid-restricted conditions induced by treatment with the lipoic acid analogue 8-bromo-octanoate or with the lipid-reducing agent clofibrate. This finding has implications for understanding Plasmodium pathogenesis in malnourished children that bear the brunt of malarial disease. This study also highlights the potential of exploiting lipid metabolism pathways for the design of genetically attenuated sporozoite vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brie Falkard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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22
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Abstract
Plasmodium vivax represents a special challenge to malaria control because of the ability of a single infection to relapse over months to years. P. vivax is more tolerant of low temperatures than P. falciparum, which spreads its potential range far beyond the tropics into sub-Arctic areas. Ordinary malaria control measures such as residual insecticide spraying and impregnated bed nets are effective for P. vivax, but long-lasting (up to 3 years) residual hepatic parasites (hypnozoites) mean that even well-executed malaria control programs must maintain maximal efforts for an extended period in order to eliminate indigenous infections. Hypnozoites are only eliminated by using an 8-aminoquinoline (currently only primaquine), which requires compliance with a long regimen as well as care to avoid those at risk of haemolysis due to the common genetic polymorphism, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Risk of reintroduction of P. vivax into areas without malaria but still containing competent Anopheles vectors is enhanced as persons carrying hypnozoites are undetectable until they become symptomatic from activation of the quiescent liver parasite. Mass drug administration using drug combinations including primaquine have successfully eliminated malaria from small islands demonstrating proof of principal as a potential elimination method. It will be very difficult to maintain adequate malaria surveillance measures for years after malaria has ceased to be a public health problem, which will clearly be required to eliminate relapsing malaria such as P. vivax. New interventions will likely be required to eliminate vivax malaria; highly desirable new products include transmission-blocking vaccines, new drug combinations to treat chloroquine resistant strains and a safe, long-lasting 8-aminoquinoline.
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23
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Matuschewski K. Murine infection models for vaccine development: the malaria example. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 9:450-6. [PMID: 23249712 DOI: 10.4161/hv.23218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are developed and eventually licensed following consecutive human clinical trials. Malaria is a potential fatal vector-borne infectious disease caused by blood infection of the single-cell eukaryote Plasmodium. Pathogen stage conversion is a hallmark of parasites in general and permits unprecedented vaccine strategies. In the case of malaria, experimental human challenge infections with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites can be performed under rigorous clinical supervision. This rare opportunity in vaccinology has permitted many small-scale phase II anti-malaria vaccine studies using experimental homologous challenge infections. Demonstration of safety and lasting sterile protection are central endpoints to advance a candidate malaria vaccine approach to phase II field trials. A growing list of antigens as targets for subunit development makes pre-selection and prioritization of vaccine candidates in murine infection models increasingly important. Preclinical assessment in challenge studies with murine Plasmodium species also led to the development of whole organism vaccine approaches. They include live attenuated, metabolically active parasites that educate effector memory T cells to recognize and inactivate developing parasites inside host cells. Here, opportunities from integrating challenge experiments with murine Plasmodium parasites into malaria vaccine development will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Matuschewski
- Parasitology Unit; Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology; Berlin, Germany; Institute of Biology; Humboldt University; Berlin, Germany
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Khan SM, Janse CJ, Kappe SHI, Mikolajczak SA. Genetic engineering of attenuated malaria parasites for vaccination. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2012; 23:908-16. [PMID: 22560204 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination with live-attenuated Plasmodium sporozoites that arrest in the liver can completely protect against a malaria infection both in animal models and in humans; this has provided the conceptual basis for the most promising, but also challenging, approach to develop an efficacious malaria vaccine. Advances in genetic manipulation of Plasmodium in conjunction with improved genomic and biological information has enabled new approaches to design genetically attenuated parasites (GAPs). In this review we discuss the principles in discovery and development of GAPs in preclinical models that are important in selecting GAP parasites for first-in-human clinical studies. Finally, we highlight the challenges in manufacture, formulation and delivery of a live-attenuated whole parasite malaria vaccine, as well as the further refinements that may be implemented in the next generation GAP vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid M Khan
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Offeddu V, Thathy V, Marsh K, Matuschewski K. Naturally acquired immune responses against Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites and liver infection. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:535-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Revised: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Montagna GN, Matuschewski K, Buscaglia CA. Small heat shock proteins in cellular adhesion and migration: evidence from Plasmodium genetics. Cell Adh Migr 2012; 6:78-84. [PMID: 22568951 DOI: 10.4161/cam.20101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular locomotion and adhesion critically depend on regulated turnover of filamentous actin. Biochemical data from diverse model systems support a role for the family of small heat shock proteins (HSPBs) in microfilament regulation. The small chaperones could either act directly, through competition with the motor myosin, or indirectly, through modulation of actin depolymerizing factor/cofilin activity. However, a direct link between HSPBs and actin-based cellular motility remained to be established. In a recent experimental genetics study, we provided evidence for regulation of Plasmodium motility by HSPB6/Hsp20. The infectious forms of malaria parasites, termed sporozoites, display fast and continuous substrate-dependent motility, which is largely driven by turnover of actin microfilaments. Sporozoite gliding locomotion is essential to avoid destruction by host defense mechanisms and to ultimately reach a hepatocyte, the target cell, where to transform and replicate. Genetic ablation of Plasmodium HSP20 dramatically changed sporozoite speed and substrate adhesion, resulting in impaired natural malaria transmission. In this article, we discuss the function of Hsp20 in this fast-moving unicellular protozoan and implications for the roles of HSPBs in adhesion and migration of eukaryotic cells.
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Markus MB. Dormancy in mammalian malaria. Trends Parasitol 2011; 28:39-45. [PMID: 22118814 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Revised: 10/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This analysis principally concerns biological aspects of dormancy in mammalian malaria, with particular reference to the hypnozoite. Research is needed to reveal what happens to sporozoites of Plasmodium cynomolgi between the time of inoculation and when hypnozoites are first seen in the liver 36-40 h later. It is likely that hypnozoites of relapsing malarial parasites will prove to be directly sporozoite-derived rather than merozoite-derived. There is indirect evidence that, contrary to what is generally assumed, activation of hypnozoites might not be the only cause of recurrent Plasmodium vivax malaria. Latent stages pose a threat to success in eradicating malaria; some suggestions are therefore made for demystifying work on hypnozoites and quiescent merozoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles B Markus
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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