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Checa J, Salazar C, Goyeche A, Rivera M, Silveira F, Maggioli G. A promising new target to control fasciolosis: Fasciola hepatica leucine aminopeptidase 2. Vet Parasitol 2023; 320:109959. [PMID: 37329826 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109959] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Parasite M17 leucine aminopeptidases (LAPs) have been associated with critical roles in different key functions such as the nutrition, migration, and invasion of the natural host. Native or recombinant LAP used as a vaccine antigen has proved effective to elicit protection against Fasciola hepatica infection in sheep, pointing to potential vaccine candidates against fascioliasis in ruminant species. Previously, the FhLAP1, abundantly secreted in vitro by the mature adult parasite was used as a vaccine antigen obtaining promising protection results against F. hepatica challenge in small ruminants. Here, we report the biochemical characterization of a second recombinant LAP (FhLAP2) associated with the juvenile stage of F. hepatica. FhLAP2 showed aminopeptidase activity using different synthetic substrates, including leucine, arginine, and methionine and was increased in the presence of Mn+ 2 and Mg+ 2. The activity was inhibited by bestatin, 1,10-phenanthroline, and EDTA, specific inhibitors of aminopeptidase and/or metalloproteases. Finally, the recombinant FhLAP2 functional form was tested in combination with Freund's incomplete adjuvant in an immunization trial in mice followed by an experimental challenge with F. hepatica metacercariae. The immunization with FhLAP2/FIA resulted in a significant reduction of parasite recovery compared to control groups. The immunized group elicited total specific IgG and subclasses IgG1 and IgG2 antibody responses. This study highlights the potential of a new candidate vaccine formulation with potential applications in natural ruminant hosts, especially those targeting the juvenile stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackeline Checa
- Unidad de Biología Parasitaria, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Salazar
- Unidad de Biología Parasitaria, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Antonella Goyeche
- Unidad de Biología Parasitaria, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Mariana Rivera
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Fernando Silveira
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Gabriela Maggioli
- Unidad de Biología Parasitaria, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
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Wesołowska A. Sex—the most underappreciated variable in research: insights from helminth-infected hosts. Vet Res 2022; 53:94. [PMID: 36397174 PMCID: PMC9672581 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex of a host affects the intensity, prevalence, and severity of helminth infection. In many cases, one sex has been found to be more susceptible than the other, with the prevalence and intensity of helminth infections being generally higher among male than female hosts; however, many exceptions exist. This observed sex bias in parasitism results primarily from ecological, behavioural, and physiological differences between males and females. Complex interactions between these influences modulate the risk of infection. Indeed, an interplay among sex hormones, sex chromosomes, the microbiome and the immune system significantly contributes to the generation of sex bias among helminth-infected hosts. However, sex hormones not only can modulate the course of infection but also can be exploited by the parasites, and helminths appear to have developed molecules and pathways for this purpose. Furthermore, host sex may influence the efficacy of anti-helminth vaccines; however, although little data exist regarding this sex-dependent efficacy, host sex is known to influence the response to vaccines. Despite its importance, host sex is frequently overlooked in parasitological studies. This review focuses on the key contributors to sex bias in the case of helminth infection. The precise nature of the mechanisms/factors determining these sex-specific differences generally remains largely unknown, and this represents an obstacle in the development of control methods. There is an urgent need to identify any protective elements that could be targeted in future therapies to provide optimal disease management with regard to host sex. Hence, more research is needed into the impact of host sex on immunity and protection.
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Wesołowska A, Basałaj K, Zawistowska-Deniziak A, Januszkiewicz K, Kozak Ljunggren M, Jedlina L, Wędrychowicz H. The failure of a DNA prime/protein boost regime and CTLA-4 mediated targeting to improve the potency of a DNA vaccine encoding Fasciola hepatica phosphoglycerate kinase in sheep. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2019; 217:109941. [PMID: 31550657 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2019.109941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccination in large animals has often been associated with poor immunogenicity, consequently several approaches have been evaluated to enhance its efficacy. Here, we tested a cDNA encoding a phosphoglycerate kinase from Fasciola hepatica (cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV) as a vaccine against ovine fasciolosis and investigated whether a DNA prime/protein boost regime or CTLA-4 (cytotoxic lymphocyte antigen 4) mediated targeting improved DNA vaccine efficacy. No statistically significant differences in the cellular responses were seen in either vaccine trial when compared with the respective control groups. However, specific antibody responses were considerably enhanced in DNA primed/protein boosted sheep, but not among CTLA-4 targeted cDNA-FhPGK/pCMV vaccinated animals. Nevertheless, increased titers of specific IgG1 did not contribute to protection against infection, with no differences in liver fluke recoveries reported. If DNA vaccines against fasciolosis in target species are to reach the market one day, more research in this area is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wesołowska
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Basałaj
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Zawistowska-Deniziak
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Januszkiewicz
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Kozak Ljunggren
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Luiza Jedlina
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Halina Wędrychowicz
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
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Wesołowska A, Kozak Ljunggren M, Jedlina L, Basałaj K, Legocki A, Wedrychowicz H, Kesik-Brodacka M. A Preliminary Study of a Lettuce-Based Edible Vaccine Expressing the Cysteine Proteinase of Fasciola hepatica for Fasciolosis Control in Livestock. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2592. [PMID: 30483259 PMCID: PMC6244665 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral vaccination with edible vaccines is one of the most promising approaches in modern vaccinology. Edible vaccines are an alternative to conventional vaccines, which are typically delivered by injection. Here, freeze-dried transgenic lettuce expressing the cysteine proteinase of the trematode Fasciola hepatica (CPFhW) was used to orally vaccinate cattle and sheep against fasciolosis, which is the most important trematode disease due to the parasite's global distribution, wide spectrum of host species and significant economic losses of farmers. In the study, goals such as reducing the intensity of infection, liver damage and F. hepatica fecundity were achieved. Moreover, we demonstrated that the host sex influenced the outcome of infection following vaccination, with female calves and male lambs showing better protection than their counterparts. Since differences occurred following vaccination and infection, different immunization strategies should be considered for different sexes and host species when developing new control methods. The results of the present study highlight the potential of oral vaccination with plant-made and plant-delivered vaccines for F. hepatica infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wesołowska
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Luiza Jedlina
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Basałaj
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Legocki
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Poznan, Poland
| | - Halina Wedrychowicz
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
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Beesley NJ, Caminade C, Charlier J, Flynn RJ, Hodgkinson JE, Martinez‐Moreno A, Martinez‐Valladares M, Perez J, Rinaldi L, Williams DJL. Fasciola and fasciolosis in ruminants in Europe: Identifying research needs. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 65 Suppl 1:199-216. [PMID: 28984428 PMCID: PMC6190748 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a trematode parasite with a global distribution, which is responsible for considerable disease and production losses in a range of food producing species. It is also identified by WHO as a re-emerging neglected tropical disease associated with endemic and epidemic outbreaks of disease in human populations. In Europe, F. hepatica is mostly associated with disease in sheep, cattle and goats. This study reviews the most recent advances in our understanding of the transmission, diagnosis, epidemiology and the economic impact of fasciolosis. We also focus on the impact of the spread of resistance to anthelmintics used to control F. hepatica and consider how vaccines might be developed and applied in the context of the immune-modulation driven by the parasite. Several major research gaps are identified which, when addressed, will contribute to providing focussed and where possible, bespoke, advice for farmers on how to integrate stock management and diagnosis with vaccination and/or targeted treatment to more effectively control the parasite in the face of increasing the prevalence of infection and spread of anthelmintic resistance that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. J. Beesley
- Institute of Infection and Global
HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - C. Caminade
- Institute of Infection and Global
HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Health Protection Research Unit in
Emerging and Zoonotic InfectionsUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | - R. J. Flynn
- Institute of Infection and Global
HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - J. E. Hodgkinson
- Institute of Infection and Global
HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | | | - J. Perez
- Universidad de CordobaCordobaSpain
| | - L. Rinaldi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine
and Animal ProductionsUniversity of Naples Federico IINapoliItaly
| | - D. J. L. Williams
- Institute of Infection and Global
HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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Wesołowska A, Basałaj K, Norbury LJ, Sielicka A, Wędrychowicz H, Zawistowska-Deniziak A. Sex and vaccination: Insights from female rats vaccinated with juvenile-specific proteases from Fasciola hepatica. Vet Parasitol 2018; 255:91-96. [PMID: 29773143 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Most animal research is less evidence-based for females, with the majority of studies conducted on males. Since immune responses vary between males and females, sexual dimorphism in immunity contributes, among other things, to sex-based differences post-vaccination. However, the issue of sex effects in animal vaccine research is rarely considered in vaccine study design. Previously, we have evaluated the efficacy of cathepsin L3 (FhCL3-1 and FhCL3-2) and B3 proteases (FhCB3) from juvenile Fasciola hepatica as vaccines against fasciolosis in male rats. Their administration resulted in reductions in liver fluke recovery in the range of 47-63% when compared with an infection control group. Here, we investigated if the protective effect of vaccination with these proteins can also be observed for female rats. The data indicates females were not protected from F. hepatica infection when vaccinated with juvenile cathepsins. Only in the FhCL3-2 vaccinated group was a low, non-significant, reduction in worm burden observed (21%). Although liver fluke mean body lengths and wet weights were reduced in vaccinated animals when compared with the infection controls, these effects were adjuvant- not vaccine-induced, while for males changes in these parameters were related primarily to vaccination. Specific humoral responses throughout the study were evident; however, trends in antibody responses in females replicated trends observed previously for male humoral responses. Formerly, elevated levels of FhCL3-1 and FhCL3-2 specific IgG1 and IgG2a were suggested to be correlated with protection. Here, despite increased and clear responses of these antibodies, protection was not observed. Hence, in the present study the roles of IgG1 and IgG2 in liver fluke reduction are questionable. Results demonstrated in our study show that observations obtained in one sex are not always applicable to the other sex. Hopefully, the findings of the study will stimulate discussion of the issue of sex impacts on post-vaccination outcomes and will encourage researchers to consider sex in their future vaccine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wesołowska
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Basałaj
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Luke J Norbury
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland; School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Alicja Sielicka
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Halina Wędrychowicz
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Zawistowska-Deniziak
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland.
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