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Puchner KP, Bottazzi ME, Periago V, Grobusch M, Maizels R, McCarthy J, Lee B, Gaspari E, Diemert D, Hotez P. Vaccine value profile for Hookworm. Vaccine 2024; 42:S25-S41. [PMID: 37863671 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.05.013] [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: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Hookworm, a parasitic infection, retains a considerable burden of disease, affecting the most underprivileged segments of the general population in endemic countries and remains one of the leading causes of mild to severe anemia in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), particularly in pregnancy and children under 5. Despite repeated large scale Preventive Chemotherapy (PC) interventions since more than 3 decades, there is broad consensus among scholars that elimination targets set in the newly launched NTD roadmap will require additional tools and interventions. Development of a vaccine could constitute a promising expansion of the existing arsenal against hookworm. Therefore, we have evaluated the biological and implementation feasibility of the vaccine development as well as the added value of such a novel tool. Based on pipeline landscaping and the current knowledge on key biological aspects of the pathogen and its interactions with the host, we found biological feasibility of development of a hookworm vaccine to be moderate. Also, our analysis on manufacturing and regulatory issues as well as potential uptake yielded moderate implementation feasibility. Modelling studies suggest a that introduction of a vaccine in parallel with ongoing integrated interventions (PC, WASH, shoe campaigns), could substantially reduce burden of disease in a cost - saving mode. Finally a set of actions are recommended that might impact positively the likelihood of timely development and introduction of a hookworm vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor, TX, USA
| | | | - Martin Grobusch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - James McCarthy
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bruce Lee
- Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erika Gaspari
- European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - David Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Peter Hotez
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor, TX, USA
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Keiser J, Bouchery T. A step forward in the journey towards hookworm vaccines. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:673-674. [PMID: 38513685 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00145-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tiffany Bouchery
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Zinsou JF, Diemert DJ, Dejon-Agobé JC, Adégbité BR, Honkpehedji YJ, Vodonou KG, Bikangui R, Edoa JR, Massinga Loembe M, Li G, Yazdanbakhsh M, Bottazzi ME, van Leeuwen R, Kremsner PG, Hotez PJ, Bethony JM, Grobusch MP, Adegnika AA. Safety and immunogenicity of the co-administered Na-APR-1 and Na-GST-1 hookworm vaccines in school-aged children in Gabon: a randomised, controlled, observer-blind, phase 1, dose-escalation trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:760-774. [PMID: 38513684 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00104-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A human hookworm vaccine is being developed to protect children against iron deficiency and anaemia associated with chronic infection with hookworms. Necator americanus aspartic protease-1 (Na-APR-1) and N americanus glutathione S-transferase-1 (Na-GST-1) are components of the blood digestion pathway critical to hookworm survival in the host. Recombinant Na-GST-1 and catalytically inactive Na-APR-1 (Na-APR-1[M74]) adsorbed to Alhydrogel were safe and immunogenic when delivered separately or co-administered to adults in phase 1 trials in non-endemic and endemic areas. We aimed to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of these antigens in healthy children in a hookworm-endemic area. METHODS This was a randomised, controlled, observer-blind, phase 1, dose-escalation trial, conducted in a clinical research centre, in 60 children aged six to ten years in Lambaréné, a hookworm-endemic region of Gabon. Healthy children (determined by clinical examination and safety laboratory testing) were randomised 4:1 to receive co-administered Na-GST-1 on Alhydrogel plus Na-APR-1(M74) on Alhydrogel and glucopyranosyl lipid A in aqueous formulation (GLA-AF), or co-administered ENGERIX-B hepatitis B vaccine (HBV) and saline placebo, injected into the deltoid of each arm. Allocation to vaccine groups was observer-masked. In each vaccine group, children were randomised 1:1 to receive intramuscular injections into each deltoid on two vaccine schedules, one at months 0, 2, and 4 or at months 0, 2, and 6. 10 μg, 30 μg, and 100 μg of each antigen were administered in the first, second, and third cohorts, respectively. The intention-to-treat population was used for safety analyses; while for immunogenicity analyses, the per-protocol population was used (children who received all scheduled vaccinations). The primary outcome was to evaluate the vaccines' safety and reactogenicity in healthy children aged between six and ten years. The secondary outcome was to measure antigen-specific serum IgG antibody levels at pre-vaccination and post-vaccination timepoints by qualified ELISAs. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02839161, and is completed. FINDINGS Between Jan 23 and Oct 3, 2017, 137 children were screened, of whom 76 were eligible for this trial. 60 children were recruited, and allocated to either 10 μg of the co-administered antigens (n=8 for each injection schedule), 30 μg (n=8 for each schedule), 100 μg (n=8 for each schedule), or HBV and placebo (n=6 for each schedule) in three sequential cohorts. Co-administration of the vaccines was well tolerated; the most frequent solicited adverse events were mild-to-moderate injection-site pain, observed in up to 12 (75%) of 16 participants per vaccine group, and mild headache (12 [25%] of 48) and fever (11 [23%] of 48). No vaccine-related serious adverse events were observed. Significant anti-Na-APR-1(M74) and anti-Na-GST-1 IgG levels were induced in a dose-dependent manner, with peaks seen 14 days after the third vaccinations, regardless of dose (for Na-APR-1[M74], geometric mean levels [GML]=2295·97 arbitrary units [AU] and 726·89 AU, while for Na-GST-1, GMLs=331·2 AU and 21·4 AU for the month 0, 2, and 6 and month 0, 2, and 4 schedules, respectively). The month 0, 2, and 6 schedule induced significantly higher IgG responses to both antigens (p=0·01 and p=0·04 for Na-APR-1[M74] and Na-GST-1, respectively). INTERPRETATION Co-administration of recombinant Na-APR-1(M74) and Na-GST-1 to school-aged Gabonese children was well tolerated and induced significant IgG responses. These results justify further evaluation of this antigen combination in proof-of-concept controlled-infection and efficacy studies in hookworm-endemic areas. FUNDING European Union Seventh Framework Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannot F Zinsou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen and German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany; Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique (FORS), Cotonou, Benin
| | - David J Diemert
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.
| | | | - Bayodé R Adégbité
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen and German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany; Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Yabo Josiane Honkpehedji
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique (FORS), Cotonou, Benin; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Kafui G Vodonou
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Rodrigue Bikangui
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Jean Ronald Edoa
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | | | - Guangzhao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Departments of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Remko van Leeuwen
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen and German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen and German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany; Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ayola A Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universität Tübingen and German Center for Infection Research, Tübingen, Germany; Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique (FORS), Cotonou, Benin; Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Sánchez Pérez LDC, Zubillaga RA, García-Gutiérrez P, Landa A. Sigma-Class Glutathione Transferases (GSTσ): A New Target with Potential for Helminth Control. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:85. [PMID: 38668546 PMCID: PMC11053550 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9040085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutathione transferases (GSTs EC 2.5.1.18) are critical components of phase II metabolism, instrumental in xenobiotics' metabolism. Their primary function involves conjugating glutathione to both endogenous and exogenous toxic compounds, which increases their solubility and enables their ejection from cells. They also play a role in the transport of non-substrate compounds and immunomodulation, aiding in parasite establishment within its host. The cytosolic GST subfamily is the most abundant and diverse in helminths, and sigma-class GST (GSTσ) belongs to it. This review focuses on three key functions of GSTσ: serving as a detoxifying agent that provides drug resistance, functioning as an immune system modulator through its involvement in prostaglandins synthesis, and acting as a vaccine antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael A. Zubillaga
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City C.P. 09310, Mexico; (L.d.C.S.P.); (P.G.-G.)
| | - Ponciano García-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City C.P. 09310, Mexico; (L.d.C.S.P.); (P.G.-G.)
| | - Abraham Landa
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City C.P. 04510, Mexico
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Shanley HT, Taki AC, Nguyen N, Wang T, Byrne JJ, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Nie S, Williamson N, Zheng Y, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Wells TNC, Häberli C, Keiser J, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Structure-activity relationship and target investigation of 2-aryl quinolines with nematocidal activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 24:100522. [PMID: 38295619 PMCID: PMC10845918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100522] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Within the context of our anthelmintic discovery program, we recently identified and evaluated a quinoline derivative, called ABX464 or obefazimod, as a nematocidal candidate; synthesised a series of analogues which were assessed for activity against the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; and predicted compound-target relationships by thermal proteome profiling (TPP) and in silico docking. Here, we logically extended this work and critically evaluated the anthelmintic activity of ABX464 analogues on Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm) - a highly pathogenic nematode of ruminant livestock. First, we tested a series of 44 analogues on H. contortus (larvae and adults) to investigate the nematocidal pharmacophore of ABX464, and identified one compound with greater potency than the parent compound and showed moderate activity against a select number of other parasitic nematodes (including Ancylostoma, Heligmosomoides and Strongyloides species). Using TPP and in silico modelling studies, we predicted protein HCON_00074590 (a predicted aldo-keto reductase) as a target candidate for ABX464 in H. contortus. Future work aims to optimise this compound as a nematocidal candidate and investigate its pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, this study presents a first step toward the development of a new nematocide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Shanley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael G Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Yuanting Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; National Reference Centre for Authentic Food, Max Rubner-Institut, 95326, Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tim N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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Hoogerwerf MA, Janse JJ, Kuiper VP, van Schuijlenburg R, Kruize YC, Sijtsma JC, Nosoh BA, Koopman JPR, Verbeek-Menken PH, Westra IM, Meij P, Brienen EA, Visser LG, van Lieshout L, Jochems SP, Yazdanbakhsh M, Roestenberg M. Protective efficacy of short-term infection with Necator americanus hookworm larvae in healthy volunteers in the Netherlands: a single-centre, placebo-controlled, randomised, controlled, phase 1 trial. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e1024-e1034. [PMID: 38042152 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00218-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine development against hookworm is hampered by the absence of the development of protective immunity in populations repeatedly exposed to hookworm, limiting identification of mechanisms of protective immunity and new vaccine targets. Immunisation with attenuated larvae has proven effective in dogs and partial immunity has been achieved using an irradiated larvae model in healthy volunteers. We aimed to investigate the protective efficacy of immunisation with short-term larval infection against hookworm challenge. METHODS We did a single-centre, placebo-controlled, randomised, controlled, phase 1 trial at Leiden University Medical Center (Leiden, Netherlands). Healthy volunteers (aged 18-45 years) were recruited using advertisements on social media and in publicly accessible areas. Volunteers were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive three short-term infections with 50 infectious Necator americanus third-stage filariform larvae (50L3) or placebo. Infection was abrogated with a 3-day course of albendazole 400 mg, 2 weeks after each exposure. Subsequently all volunteers were challenged with two doses of 50L3 at a 2-week interval. The primary endpoint was egg load (geometric mean per g faeces) measured weekly between weeks 12 and 16 after first challenge, assessed in the per-protocol population, which included all randomly assigned volunteers with available data on egg counts at week 12-16 after challenge. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03702530. FINDINGS Between Nov 8 and Dec 14, 2018, 26 volunteers were screened, of whom 23 enrolled in the trial. The first immunisation was conducted on Dec 18, 2018. 23 volunteers were randomly assigned (15 to the intervention group and eight to the placebo group). Egg load after challenge was lower in the intervention group than the placebo group (geometric mean 571 eggs per g [range 372-992] vs 873 eggs per g [268-1484]); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0·10). Five volunteers in the intervention group developed a severe skin rash, which was associated with 40% reduction in egg counts after challenge (geometric mean 742 eggs per g [range 268-1484] vs 441 eggs per g [range 380-520] after challenge; p=0·0025) and associated with higher peak IgG1 titres. INTERPRETATION To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe a protective effect of short-term exposure to hookworm larvae and show an association with skin response, eosinophilic response, and IgG1. These findings could inform future hookworm vaccine development. FUNDING Dioraphte Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Astrid Hoogerwerf
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline J Janse
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Vincent P Kuiper
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Yvonne Cm Kruize
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen C Sijtsma
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Beckley A Nosoh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan-Pieter R Koopman
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Petra H Verbeek-Menken
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Inge M Westra
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, and Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Pauline Meij
- Leiden University Center for Infectious Diseases, and Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eric At Brienen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Leo G Visser
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lisette van Lieshout
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Simon P Jochems
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands; Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.
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7
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Mules TC, Inns S, Le Gros G. Helminths' therapeutic potential to treat intestinal barrier dysfunction. Allergy 2023; 78:2892-2905. [PMID: 37449458 DOI: 10.1111/all.15812] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal barrier is a dynamic multi-layered structure which can adapt to environmental changes within the intestinal lumen. It has the complex task of allowing nutrient absorption while limiting entry of harmful microbes and microbial antigens present in the intestinal lumen. Excessive entry of microbial antigens via microbial translocation due to 'intestinal barrier dysfunction' is hypothesised to contribute to the increasing incidence of allergic, autoimmune and metabolic diseases, a concept referred to as the 'epithelial barrier theory'. Helminths reside in the intestinal tract are in intimate contact with the mucosal surfaces and induce a range of local immunological changes which affect the layers of the intestinal barrier. Helminths are proposed to prevent, or even treat, many of the diseases implicated in the epithelial barrier theory. This review will focus on the effect of helminths on intestinal barrier function and explore whether this could explain the proposed health benefits delivered by helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Mules
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
- University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Graham Le Gros
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
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White R, Blow F, Buck AH, Duque-Correa MA. Organoids as tools to investigate gastrointestinal nematode development and host interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:976017. [PMID: 36034712 PMCID: PMC9411932 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.976017] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes are a diverse class of pathogens that colonise a quarter of the world's human population and nearly all grazing livestock. These macroparasites establish, and some migrate, within host gastrointestinal niches during their life cycles and release molecules that condition the host mucosa to enable chronic infections. Understanding how helminths do this, and defining the molecules and mechanisms involved in host modulation, holds promise for novel strategies of anthelmintics and vaccines, as well as new knowledge of immune regulation and tissue repair. Yet the size and complexity of these multicellular parasites, coupled with the reliance on hosts to maintain their life cycles, present obstacles to interrogate how they interact with the gastric and intestinal epithelium, stroma and immune cells during infection, and also to develop protocols to genetically modify these parasites. Gastrointestinal organoids have transformed research on gastric and gut physiology during homeostasis and disease, including investigations on host-pathogen interactions with viruses, bacteria, protozoa and more recently, parasitic nematodes. Here we outline applications and important considerations for the best use of organoids to study gastrointestinal nematode development and interactions with their hosts. The careful use of different organoid culture configurations in order to achieve a closer replication of the in vivo infection context will lead not only to new knowledge on gastrointestinal nematode infection biology, but also towards the replication of their life cycles in vitro, and the development of valuable experimental tools such as genetically modified parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby White
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Maria A. Duque-Correa, ; Ruby White,
| | - Frances Blow
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Amy H. Buck
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - María A. Duque-Correa
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Maria A. Duque-Correa, ; Ruby White,
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Transgenesis in parasitic helminths: a brief history and prospects for the future. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:110. [PMID: 35346328 PMCID: PMC8962113 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05211-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections impact the health of hundreds of millions of persons globally and also cause important economic losses in livestock farming. Methodological limitations as well as the low attention given to the study of helminths have impacted biological research and, thus, the procurement of accurate diagnosis and effective treatments. Understanding the biology of helminths using genomic and proteomic approaches could contribute to advances in understanding host-helminth interactions and lead to new vaccines, drugs and diagnostics. Despite the significant advances in genomics in the last decade, the lack of methodological adaptation of current transgenesis techniques has hampered the progression of post-genomic research in helminthology. However, the application of new techniques, such as CRISPR, to the study of trematodes and nematodes has opened new avenues for genome editing-powered functional genomics for these pathogens. This review summarises the historical advances in functional genomics in parasitic helminths and highlights pending limitations that will need to be overcome to deploy transgenesis tools.
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10
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Koda S, Zhu XQ, Zheng KY, Yan C. Molecular Mechanisms of Clonorchis sinensis-Host Interactions and Implications for Vaccine Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:781768. [PMID: 35118069 PMCID: PMC8804234 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.781768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Clonorchis sinensis remain a significant public health challenge for both humans and animals, causing pyogenic cholangitis, cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, biliary fibrosis, and even cholangiocarcinoma. However, the strategies used by the parasite and the immunological mechanisms used by the host have not yet been fully understood. With the advances in technologies and the accumulated knowledge of host-parasite interactions, many vaccine candidates against liver flukes have been investigated using different strategies. In this review, we explore and analyze in-depth the immunological mechanisms involved in the pathogenicity of C. sinensis. We highlight the different mechanisms by which the parasite interacts with its host to induce immune responses. All together, these data will allow us to have a better understanding of molecular mechansism of host-parasite interactions, which may shed lights on the development of an effective vaccine against C. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Koda
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Kui-Yang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kui-Yang Zheng, ; Chao Yan,
| | - Chao Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, National Experimental Demonstration Center for Basic Medicine Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kui-Yang Zheng, ; Chao Yan,
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11
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Lubisch M, Moyzio S, Kaiser CS, Krafeld I, Leusder D, Scholz M, Hoepfner L, Hippler M, Liebau E, Kahl J. Using Caenorhabditis elegans to produce functional secretory proteins of parasitic nematodes. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106176. [PMID: 34627755 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106176] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The expression of antigens in their immunologically-active form remains a challenge, both in the analysis of regulatory pathways exploited by parasitic nematodes or in the development of vaccines. Despite the success of native proteins to induce protective immunity, recombinant proteins expressed in bacteria, yeast or insect cells offer only limited protective capacities, presumably due to incorrect folding or missing complex posttranslational modifications. The present study investigates the feasibility of using the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as an alternative expression system for proteins found in the secretome of parasitic nematodes. Exemplified by the expression of the extracellular superoxide dismutase from Haemonchus contortus (HcSODe) and the extracellular and glycosylated glutathione S-transferase from the filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus (OvGST1), we continue our efforts to improve production and purification of recombinant proteins expressed in C. elegans. We demonstrate that sufficient quantities of functional proteins can be expressed in C. elegans for subsequent immunological and biochemical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Lubisch
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Sven Moyzio
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Charlotte Sophia Kaiser
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Isabel Krafeld
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Dustin Leusder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Scholz
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Lara Hoepfner
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Hippler
- Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
| | - Eva Liebau
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany.
| | - Janina Kahl
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Institute of Animal Physiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Schlossplatz 8, 48143 Münster, Germany
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12
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The yin and yang of human soil-transmitted helminth infections. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1243-1253. [PMID: 34774540 PMCID: PMC9145206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The major soil-transmitted helminths that infect humans are the roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Soil-transmitted helminth infections rank among the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity, and almost one billion people are still infected with at least one species. While anthelmintic drugs are available, they do not offer long term protection against reinfection, precipitating the need for vaccines that provide long-term immunologic defense. Vaccine discovery and development is in advanced clinical development for hookworm infection, with a bivalent human hookworm vaccine in clinical trials in Brazil and Africa, but is in its infancy for both roundworm (ascariasis) and whipworm (trichuriasis) infections. One of the greatest hurdles to developing soil-transmitted helminth vaccines is the potent immunoregulatory properties of these helminths, creating a barrier to the induction of meaningful long-term protective immunity. While challenging for vaccinologists, this phenomenon presents unique opportunities to develop an entirely new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that capitalise on these immunomodulatory strategies. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials employing experimental soil-transmitted helminth challenge models, when coupled with findings from animal models, show that at least some soil-transmitted helminth-derived molecules can protect against the onset of autoimmune, allergic and metabolic disorders, and several natural products with the desired bioactivity have been isolated and tested in pre-clinical settings. The yin and yang of soil-transmitted helminth infections reflect both the urgency for effective vaccines and the potential for new immunoregulatory molecules from parasite products.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Human infections with helminth worm parasites are extraordinarily prevalent across tropical and subtropical parts of the world, and control relies primarily on drugs that offer short-term suppression of infection. There is an urgent need for new vaccines that would confer long-lived immunity, protecting children in particular and minimizing community transmission. AREAS COVERED : This article discusses the development of helminth vaccines, from the first successful veterinary vaccines that demonstrated the feasibility of inducing protective immunity to helminths, to more recent initiatives to test human helminth antigens. The field has focussed primarily on evaluating individual antigens that could constitute targets amenable to antibody attack to inhibit parasite establishment. In a new direction, vaccines employing extracellular vesicles released by helminths have also given exciting results. EXPERT OPINION : Taking into account the complex life cycles and sophisticated immune evasion strategies of many helminths, a combination of antigens and approaches designed to target essential functional pathways of the parasite will be required to achieve a high level of protection in future anti-helminth vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick M. Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK,CONTACT Rick M. Maizels Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, GlasgowG12 8TA, UK
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14
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Brindley PJ, Bachini M, Ilyas SI, Khan SA, Loukas A, Sirica AE, Teh BT, Wongkham S, Gores GJ. Cholangiocarcinoma. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:65. [PMID: 34504109 PMCID: PMC9246479 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal adenocarcinoma of the hepatobiliary system, which can be classified as intrahepatic, perihilar and distal. Each anatomic subtype has distinct genetic aberrations, clinical presentations and therapeutic approaches. In endemic regions, liver fluke infection is associated with CCA, owing to the oncogenic effect of the associated chronic biliary tract inflammation. In other regions, CCA can be associated with chronic biliary tract inflammation owing to choledocholithiasis, cholelithiasis, or primary sclerosing cholangitis, but most CCAs have no identifiable cause. Administration of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel decreases the risk of CCA from liver flukes, but reinfection is common and future vaccination strategies may be more effective. Some patients with CCA are eligible for potentially curative surgical options, such as resection or liver transplantation. Genetic studies have provided new insights into the pathogenesis of CCA, and two aberrations that drive the pathogenesis of non-fluke-associated intrahepatic CCA, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 fusions and isocitrate dehydrogenase gain-of-function mutations, can be therapeutically targeted. CCA is a highly desmoplastic cancer and targeting the tumour immune microenvironment might be a promising therapeutic approach. CCA remains a highly lethal disease and further scientific and clinical insights are needed to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Sumera I. Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shahid A. Khan
- Liver Unit, Division of Digestive Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alphonse E. Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Bin Tean Teh
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sopit Wongkham
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Gregory J. Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA,
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15
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Taki AC, Byrne JJ, Wang T, Sleebs BE, Nguyen N, Hall RS, Korhonen PK, Chang BC, Jackson P, Jabbar A, Gasser RB. High-Throughput Phenotypic Assay to Screen for Anthelmintic Activity on Haemonchus contortus. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070616. [PMID: 34206910 PMCID: PMC8308562 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic worms cause very significant diseases in animals and humans worldwide, and their control is critical to enhance health, well-being and productivity. Due to widespread drug resistance in many parasitic worms of animals globally, there is a major, continuing demand for the discovery and development of anthelmintic drugs for use to control these worms. Here, we established a practical, cost-effective and semi-automated high throughput screening (HTS) assay, which relies on the measurement of motility of larvae of the barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) using infrared light-interference. Using this assay, we screened 80,500 small molecules and achieved a hit rate of 0.05%. We identified three small molecules that reproducibly inhibited larval motility and/or development (IC50 values of ~4 to 41 µM). Future work will critically assess the potential of selected hits as candidates for subsequent optimisation or repurposing against parasitic nematodes. This HTS assay has a major advantage over most previous assays in that it achieves a ≥ 10-times higher throughput (i.e., 10,000 compounds per week), and is thus suited to the screening of libraries of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of compounds for subsequent hit-to-lead optimisation or effective repurposing and development. The current assay should be adaptable to many socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes, including those that cause neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This aspect is of relevance, given the goals of the World Health Organization (WHO) Roadmap for NTDs 2021–2030, to develop more effective drugs and drug combinations to improve patient outcomes and circumvent the ineffectiveness of some current anthelmintic drugs and possible drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya C. Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Joseph J. Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Brad E. Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Ross S. Hall
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Pasi K. Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Bill C.H. Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Paul Jackson
- Johnson & Johnson, Global Public Health, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (A.C.T.); (J.J.B.); (T.W.); (B.E.S.); (R.S.H.); (P.K.K.); (B.C.H.C.); (A.J.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Li G, Hoeweler L, Keegan B, Peng J, Scholte L, Hotez P, Bottazzi ME, Diemert D, Bethony J. Potency testing for a recombinant protein vaccine early in clinical development: Lessons from the Schistosoma mansoni Tetraspanin 2 vaccine. Vaccine X 2021; 8:100100. [PMID: 34169270 PMCID: PMC8209742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2021.100100] [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: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction As a primary stability-indicating parameter, potency should be strategically evaluated during each phase of vaccine development. Herein, we present potency testing during the early clinical development of the Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) Tetraspanin-2 vaccine formulated on Alhydrogel (Sm-TSP-2/Al). As Sm-TSP-2/Al does not induce sterilizing immunity against its target pathogen (Sm) in animal models, potency is measured by “serological substitution”, a method that can add significant variation to the potency metric, especially when used in a compliance (or ‘single data point’) approach. Methods Potency data were analyzed using the compliance approach to determine if two clinical lots of Sm-TSP-2/Al retained potency over 84 and 36 months post-release, respectively. These same data were also analyzed by: i) least-squares regression with a joinpoint regression analysis; ii) control charting of stability slopes; and iii) bootstrap modeling. Nested-regression and bootstrapping were used to compare the potency of the first (#11-69F-003) and second (#1975) clinical lots of Sm-TSP-2/Al. Results Despite significant variability in the immune assay, both clinical lots of Sm-TSP-2/Al remained potent for 84 and 36 months, respectively, in all four statistical approaches. The first lot of Sm-TSP-2/Al showed a gain in potency starting at 36 months post-release as captured by joinpoint regression. The two clinical lots of Sm-TSP-2/Al had comparable long-term potency. Conclusion While a compliance approach can monitor the long-term stability of Sm-TSP-2/Al, it risks putting this critical stability-indicating parameter out of specification with each time point tested due to statistical multiplicity. Alternative statistical methods, such as joinpoint regression or bootstrapping, do not have this limitation and offer even more precise estimations of potency, with the added benefit of also providing predictive analytics. Nested regression and bootstrapping were shown to be a viable alternatives for lot-to-lot comparisons of the stability of Sm-TSP-2/Al. Instructions for implementing both these potency testing approaches are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Lara Hoeweler
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Brian Keegan
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jin Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Larissa Scholte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Peter Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.,Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Jeffrey Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
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Zaini A, Good-Jacobson KL, Zaph C. Context-dependent roles of B cells during intestinal helminth infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009340. [PMID: 33983946 PMCID: PMC8118336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The current approaches to reduce the burden of chronic helminth infections in endemic areas are adequate sanitation and periodic administration of deworming drugs. Yet, resistance against some deworming drugs and reinfection can still rapidly occur even after treatment. A vaccine against helminths would be an effective solution at preventing reinfection. However, vaccines against helminth parasites have yet to be successfully developed. While T helper cells and innate lymphoid cells have been established as important components of the protective type 2 response, the roles of B cells and antibodies remain the most controversial. Here, we review the roles of B cells during intestinal helminth infection. We discuss the potential factors that contribute to the context-specific roles for B cells in protection against diverse intestinal helminth parasite species, using evidence from well-defined murine model systems. Understanding the precise roles of B cells during resistance and susceptibility to helminth infection may offer a new perspective of type 2 protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidil Zaini
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim L. Good-Jacobson
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Colby Zaph
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Ilgová J, Salát J, Kašný M. Molecular communication between the monogenea and fish immune system. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 112:179-190. [PMID: 32800986 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Monogeneans parasitise mainly the outer structures of fish, such as the gills, fins, and skin, that is, tissues covered with a mucous layer. While attached by sclerotised structures to host's surface, monogeneans feed on its blood or epidermal cells and mucus. Besides being a rich source of nutrients, these tissues also contain humoral immune factors and immune cells, which are ready to launch defence mechanisms against the tegument or gastrointestinal tract of these invaders. The exploitation of hosts' resources by the Monogenea must, therefore, be accompanied by suppressive and immunomodulatory mechanisms which protect the parasites against attacks by host immune system. Elimination of hosts' cytotoxic molecules and evasion of host immune response is often mediated by proteins secreted by the parasites. The aim of this review is to summarise existing knowledge on fish immune responses against monogeneans. Results gleaned from experimental infections illustrate the various interactions between parasites and the innate and adaptive immune system of the fish. The involvement of monogenean molecules (mainly inhibitors of peptidases) in molecular communication with host immune system is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Ilgová
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Salát
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, Brno, 621 00, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kašný
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, 611 37, Czech Republic
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19
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Montaño KJ, Cuéllar C, Sotillo J. Rodent Models for the Study of Soil-Transmitted Helminths: A Proteomics Approach. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:639573. [PMID: 33968800 PMCID: PMC8100317 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.639573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) affect hundreds of millions worldwide and are some of the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity. Due to the difficulty in studying STH human infections, rodent models have become increasingly used, mainly because of their similarities in life cycle. Ascaris suum and Trichuris muris have been proven appropriate and low maintenance models for the study of ascariasis and trichuriasis. In the case of hookworms, despite most of the murine models do not fully reproduce the life cycle of Necator americanus, their proteomic similarity makes them highly suitable for the development of novel vaccine candidates and for the study of hookworm biological features. Furthermore, these models have been helpful in elucidating some basic aspects of our immune system, and are currently being used by numerous researchers to develop novel molecules with immunomodulatory proteins. Herein we review the similarities in the proteomic composition between Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri and Trichuris muris and their respective human counterpart with a focus on the vaccine candidates and immunomodulatory proteins being currently studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J Montaño
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Cuéllar
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Hayon J, Weatherhead J, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Zhan B. Advances in vaccine development for human trichuriasis. Parasitology 2021; 148:1-12. [PMID: 33757603 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Trichuriasis known as whipworm infection caused by Trichuris trichiura, is a highly prevalent soil-transmitted helminthiasis in low- and middle-income countries located in tropical and subtropical areas and affecting approximately 360 million people. Children typically harbour the largest burden of T. trichiura and they are usually co-infected with other soil-transmitted helminth (STH), including Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm. The consequences of trichuriasis, such as malnutrition and physical and cognitive growth restriction, lead to a massive health burden in endemic regions. Despite the implementation of mass drug administration of anthelminthic treatment to school-age children, T. trichiura infection remains challenging to control due to the low efficacy of current drugs as well as high rates of post-treatment re-infection. Thus, the development of a vaccine that would induce protective immunity and reduce infection rate or community faecal egg output is essential. Hurdles for human whipworm vaccine development include the lack of suitable vaccine antigen targets and animal models for human T. trichiura infection. Instead, rodent whipworm T. muris infected mouse models serve as a major surrogate for testing immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccine candidates. In this review, we summarize recent advances in animal models for T. trichiura antigen discovery and testing of vaccine candidates, while providing an overall view of the current status of T. trichiura vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica Hayon
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jill Weatherhead
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Bin Zhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030, USA
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21
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Douglas B, Oyesola O, Cooper MM, Posey A, Tait Wojno E, Giacomin PR, Herbert DR. Immune System Investigation Using Parasitic Helminths. Annu Rev Immunol 2021; 39:639-665. [PMID: 33646858 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-093019-122827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Coevolutionary adaptation between humans and helminths has developed a finely tuned balance between host immunity and chronic parasitism due to immunoregulation. Given that these reciprocal forces drive selection, experimental models of helminth infection are ideally suited for discovering how host protective immune responses adapt to the unique tissue niches inhabited by these large metazoan parasites. This review highlights the key discoveries in the immunology of helminth infection made over the last decade, from innate lymphoid cells to the emerging importance of neuroimmune connections. A particular emphasis is placed on the emerging areas within helminth immunology where the most growth is possible, including the advent of genetic manipulation of parasites to study immunology and the use of engineered T cells for therapeutic options. Lastly,we cover the status of human challenge trials with helminths as treatment for autoimmune disease, which taken together, stand to keep the study of parasitic worms at the forefront of immunology for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Douglas
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
| | - Oyebola Oyesola
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Martha M Cooper
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - Avery Posey
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; .,Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Elia Tait Wojno
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA; ,
| | - Paul R Giacomin
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; ,
| | - De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA; ,
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22
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Vadakkan K, Cheruvathur MK, Chulliparambil AS, Francis F, Abimannue AP. Proteolytic enzyme arbitrated antagonization of helminthiasis by Cinnamomum cappara leaf extract in Pheretima posthuma. CLINICAL PHYTOSCIENCE 2021. [PMCID: PMC7890104 DOI: 10.1186/s40816-021-00261-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There have been several studies carried out to irradiate Helminthiasis however very little research have been carried out where in the enzymatic activity of plants are exploited to antagonize infections. Here we are analyzing the anthelmintic activity of Cinnamomum cappara leaf extract against Pheretima posthuma complimented by proteolytic action. Results The fresh leaves of Cinnamomum cappara was collected from local areas of Thrissur during December 2019. Plants were identified and authenticated by morphological and molecular characterization. The enzymatic action was analyzed by plotting Lineweaver–Burk plot which suggested that the extract possess the Km 185.77 μM for casein as substrate and obeyed Michaelis–Menten kinetics with typical hyperbolic relation with enzyme and increasing concentration of substrate. The effect of extract upon study subject was in directly proportional with concentration of antagonist where higher activities were obtained in high concentrations. The anatomical and histological studies suggested that the activity of extract was due to the degradation of muscular bundle of subject that resulted in the leakage of ceolomic fluid. Conclusions Cinnamomum cappara leaf extract possessed high degree of protease intervened anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma. As the study subject show immense morphological and physiological resemblance with all other helminthic parasites, this results shall be adopted to further clinical and pharmacological applications.
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23
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Molehin AJ. Current Understanding of Immunity Against Schistosomiasis: Impact on Vaccine and Drug Development. Res Rep Trop Med 2020; 11:119-128. [PMID: 33173371 PMCID: PMC7646453 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease inflicting significant morbidity in humans worldwide. The disease is caused by infections with a parasitic trematode belonging to the genus Schistosoma. Over 250 million people are currently infected globally, with an estimated disability-adjusted life-years of 1.9 million attributed to the disease. Current understanding, based on several immunological studies using experimental and human models of schistosomiasis, reveals that complex immune mechanisms play off each other in the acquisition of immune resistance to infection/reinfection. Nevertheless, the precise characteristics of these responses, the specific antigens against which they are elicited, and how these responses are intricately regulated are still being investigated. What is apparent is that immunity to schistosome infections develops slowly and over a prolonged period of time, augmented by the death of adult worms occurring naturally or by praziquantel therapy. In this review, aspects of immunity to schistosomiasis, host–parasite interactions and their impact on schistosomiasis vaccine development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebayo J Molehin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.,Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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24
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Srey MT, Taccogna A, Oksov Y, Lustigman S, Tai PY, Acord J, Selkirk ME, Lamb TJ, Guiliano DB. Vaccination with novel low-molecular weight proteins secreted from Trichinella spiralis inhibits establishment of infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008842. [PMID: 33206649 PMCID: PMC7673540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis muscle stage larvae (mL1) produce excretory-secreted products (ESPs), a complex mixture of protein, which are believed to be important for establishing or maintaining an infection niche within skeletal muscle and the intestine. Studies of both whole ESPs and individual cloned proteins have shown that some ESPs are potent immunogens capable of eliciting protective immune responses. Here we describe two novel proteins, Secreted from Muscle stage Larvae SML-4 and SML-5 which are 15 kDa and 12 kDa respectively. The genes encoding these proteins are highly conserved within the Trichinellids, are constituents of mL1 ESP and localized in the parasite stichosome. While SML-5 is only expressed in mL1 and early stages of adult nematode development, SML-4 is a tyvosylated glycoprotein also produced by adult nematodes, indicating it may have a function in the enteral phase of the infection. Vaccination with these proteins resulted in an impaired establishment of adult stages and consequently a reduction in the burden of mL1 in BALB/c mice. This suggests that both proteins may be important for establishment of parasite infection of the intestine and are prophylactic vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellina T. Srey
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Alessia Taccogna
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yelena Oksov
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sara Lustigman
- Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Pei-Yi Tai
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - John Acord
- Cambridge Healthcare Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Murray E. Selkirk
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tracey J. Lamb
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - David B. Guiliano
- School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, University of East London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Weatherhead JE, Gazzinelli-Guimaraes P, Knight JM, Fujiwara R, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Corry DB. Host Immunity and Inflammation to Pulmonary Helminth Infections. Front Immunol 2020; 11:594520. [PMID: 33193446 PMCID: PMC7606285 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.594520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminths, including nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, are complex parasitic organisms that infect at least one billion people globally living in extreme poverty. Helminthic infections are associated with severe morbidity particularly in young children who often harbor the highest burden of disease. While each helminth species completes a distinct life cycle within the host, several helminths incite significant lung disease. This impact on the lungs occurs either directly from larval migration and host immune activation or indirectly from a systemic inflammatory immune response. The impact of helminths on the pulmonary immune response involves a sophisticated orchestration and activation of the host innate and adaptive immune cells. The consequences of activating pulmonary host immune responses are variable with several helminthic infections leading to severe, pulmonary compromise while others providing immune tolerance and protection against the development of pulmonary diseases. Further delineation of the convoluted interface between helminth infection and the pulmonary host immune responses is critical to the development of novel therapeutics that are critically needed to prevent the significant global morbidity caused by these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E. Weatherhead
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - John M. Knight
- Department of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and the Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ricardo Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
- Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University, College State, TX, United States
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David B. Corry
- Department of Medicine, Pathology and Immunology, and the Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine, Immunology, Allergy, Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Michael E. DeBakey VA Center for Translational Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, TX, United States
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26
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Zawawi A, Else KJ. Soil-Transmitted Helminth Vaccines: Are We Getting Closer? Front Immunol 2020; 11:576748. [PMID: 33133094 PMCID: PMC7565266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.576748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminths infect over one-fourth of the human population resulting in significant morbidity, and in some cases, death in endemic countries. Despite mass drug administration (MDA) to school-aged children and other control measures, helminth infections are spreading into new areas. Thus, there is a strong rationale for developing anthelminthic vaccines as cost-effective, long-term immunological control strategies, which, unlike MDA, are not haunted by the threat of emerging drug-resistant helminths nor limited by reinfection risk. Advances in vaccinology, immunology, and immunomics include the development of new tools that improve the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of vaccines; and some of these tools have been used in the development of helminth vaccines. The development of anthelminthic vaccines is fraught with difficulty. Multiple lifecycle stages exist each presenting stage-specific antigens. Further, helminth parasites are notorious for their ability to dampen down and regulate host immunity. One of the first significant challenges in developing any vaccine is identifying suitable candidate protective antigens. This review explores our current knowledge in lead antigen identification and reports on recent pre-clinical and clinical trials in the context of the soil-transmitted helminths Trichuris, the hookworms and Ascaris. Ultimately, a multivalent anthelminthic vaccine could become an essential tool for achieving the medium-to long-term goal of controlling, or even eliminating helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Zawawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,*Correspondence: Ayat Zawawi
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom,Kathryn J. Else
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27
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Drurey C, Coakley G, Maizels RM. Extracellular vesicles: new targets for vaccines against helminth parasites. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:623-633. [PMID: 32659278 PMCID: PMC8313431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hunt for effective vaccines against the major helminth diseases of humans has yet to bear fruit despite much effort over several decades. No individual parasite antigen has proved to elicit full protective immunity, suggesting that combinatorial strategies may be required. Recently it has been discovered that extracellular vesicles released by parasitic helminths contain multiple potential immune modulators, which could together be targeted by a future vaccine. Increasing knowledge of helminth extracellular vesicle components, both enclosed by and exposed on the membrane, will open up a new field of targets for an effective vaccine. This review discusses the interactions between helminth extracellular vesicles and the immune system discovered thus far, and the advantages of targeting these lipid-bound packages with a vaccine. In addition, we also comment upon specific antigens that may be the best targets for an anti-helminth vaccine. In the future, extensive knowledge of the parasites' full arsenal in controlling their host may finally provide us with the ideal target for a fully effective vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Drurey
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Gillian Coakley
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 89 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK.
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28
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Scarff CA, Thompson RF, Newlands GFJ, Jamson AH, Kennaway C, da Silva VJ, Rabelo EM, Song CF, Trinick J, Smith WD, Muench SP. Structure of the protective nematode protease complex H-gal-GP and its conservation across roundworm parasites. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008465. [PMID: 32271834 PMCID: PMC7173941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Roundworm parasite infections are a major cause of human and livestock disease worldwide and a threat to global food security. Disease control currently relies on anthelmintic drugs to which roundworms are becoming increasingly resistant. An alternative approach is control by vaccination and 'hidden antigens', components of the worm gut not encountered by the infected host, have been exploited to produce Barbervax, the first commercial vaccine for a gut dwelling nematode of any host. Here we present the structure of H-gal-GP, a hidden antigen from Haemonchus contortus, the Barber's Pole worm, and a major component of Barbervax. We demonstrate its novel architecture, subunit composition and topology, flexibility and heterogeneity using cryo-electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and modelling. Importantly, we demonstrate that complexes with the same architecture are present in other Strongylid roundworm parasites including human hookworm. This suggests a common ancestry and the potential for development of a unified hidden antigen vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A. Scarff
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca F. Thompson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexander. H. Jamson
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Kennaway
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian J. da Silva
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elida M. Rabelo
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Chun-Feng Song
- Laboratory Center of Electron Microscopy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P.R.China
| | - John Trinick
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Stephen P. Muench
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Biological Sciences & Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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29
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Reguera RM, Rojo-Vázquez F, Balaña-Fouce R, Martínez-Valladares M. Drug discovery technologies: Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for anthelmintic therapeutics. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1715-1753. [PMID: 32166776 DOI: 10.1002/med.21668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthiasis is one of the gravest problems worldwide. There is a growing concern on less available anthelmintics and the emergence of resistance creating a major threat to human and livestock health resources. Novel and broad-spectrum anthelmintics are urgently needed. The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans could address this issue through automated high-throughput technologies for the screening of large chemical libraries. This review discusses the strong advantages and limitations for using C elegans as a screening method for anthelmintic drug discovery. C elegans is the best model available for the validation of novel effective drugs in treating most, if not all, helminth infections, and for the elucidation the mode of action of anthelmintic candidates. This review also focuses on available technologies in the discovery of anthelmintics published over the last 15 years with particular attention to high-throughput technologies over conventional screens. On the other hand, this review highlights how combinatorial and nanomedicine strategies could prolong the use of anthelmintics and control resistance problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rosa M Reguera
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Rojo-Vázquez
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Rafael Balaña-Fouce
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Valladares
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-Universidad de León), León, Spain.,Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de León, León, Spain
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30
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Schistosomiasis and hookworm infection in humans: Disease burden, pathobiology and anthelmintic vaccines. Parasitol Int 2020; 75:102051. [PMID: 31911156 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Helminth diseases are the ancient scourges of humans and their damages are 'silent and insidious'. Of the helminth infections, schistosomiasis and hookworm infection have a great impact. This review covers information regarding vaccine candidates against schistosomiasis and hookworms that reached at least up to the phase-1 trial and literatures regarding other vaccine candidates have been excluded. For clinical manifestations, all available literatures were included, and for epidemiology and global burden of the diseases (GBD), literatures only within 2000-2019 were included. Literatures were searched surfing various databases including PubMED, Google Scholar, and Science Direct and overall over 150 literatures were identified. Globally ~250 million people are suffering from schistosomiasis, resulting 1430 thousand DALY (disability adjusted life year) per year. On the other hand, about 1.3 billion people are infected with hookworm (HW), and according to WHO, ~878 million school-age children (SAC) are at risk. HW is estimated to cause 65,000 deaths annually, accounts for 845 thousand DALYs as well as to cause 6-35.3% loss in productivity. Despite tremendous efforts, very few anthelmintic vaccine candidates such as Na-GST-1, Na-APR-1 and Na-ASP-2 against HW, and Sm28GST/Sh28GST, Sm-p80, Sm14 and Sm-TSP-1/SmTSP-2 against schistosomiasis reached up to the clinical trials. More efforts are needed to achieve the WHO targets taken against the maladies.
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31
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Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ. "Running the Gauntlet": Formidable challenges in advancing neglected tropical diseases vaccines from development through licensure, and a "Call to Action". Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 15:2235-2242. [PMID: 31180271 PMCID: PMC6816440 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1629254] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Translational science for new biotechnologies (e.g. drugs, vaccines, devices, or diagnostics) depend on the development of a robust ‘business case’. This is driven by complex scientific, technical, logistical, financial and operational elements to determine the feasibility and probability of traversing the “valleys of death” leading to licensure. The potential results in terms of profitability and financial realization, called ‘product value proposition’ play a crucial role in establishing incentives for investment during and after development. With this review, our goal is to summarize the challenges in taking vaccines against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) from development through licensure and provide a perspective that these vaccines can have measurable public health and economic profitability and market success. Understanding these processes and its challenges would open the opportunity to accelerate and advance these essential NTD vaccines through the last mile towards licensure and for the delivery to afflicted populations in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University , Waco , TX , USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University , Waco , TX , USA.,James A. Baker III Institute of Public Policy, Rice University , Houston , TX , USA.,Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs, Bush School of Government and Public Policy, Texas A&M University , College Station , TX , USA
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32
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Characterization of a novel glycosylated glutathione transferase of Onchocerca ochengi, closest relative of the human river blindness parasite. Parasitology 2019; 146:1773-1784. [PMID: 31190665 PMCID: PMC6939172 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182019000763] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Filarial nematodes possess glutathione transferases (GSTs), ubiquitous enzymes with the potential to detoxify xenobiotic and endogenous substrates, and modulate the host immune system, which may aid worm infection establishment, maintenance and survival in the host. Here we have identified and characterized a σ class glycosylated GST (OoGST1), from the cattle-infective filarial nematode Onchocerca ochengi, which is homologous (99% amino acid identity) with an immunodominant GST and potential vaccine candidate from the human parasite, O. volvulus, (OvGST1b). Onchocerca ochengi native GSTs were purified using a two-step affinity chromatography approach, resolved by 2D and 1D SDS-PAGE and subjected to enzymic deglycosylation revealing the existence of at least four glycoforms. A combination of lectin-blotting and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses of the released N-glycans indicated that OoGST1 contained mainly oligomannose Man5GlcNAc2 structure, but also hybrid- and larger oligommanose-type glycans in a lower proportion. Furthermore, purified OoGST1 showed prostaglandin synthase activity as confirmed by Liquid Chromatography (LC)/MS following a coupled-enzyme assay. This is only the second reported and characterized glycosylated GST and our study highlights its potential role in host-parasite interactions and use in the study of human onchocerciasis.
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Hotez PJ. Immunizations and vaccines: a decade of successes and reversals, and a call for ‘vaccine diplomacy’. Int Health 2019; 11:331-333. [DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Over the last decade we have seen extraordinary public health gains due to expansions in global vaccination programs led by United Nations (UN) agencies, including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and the WHO. These initiatives have reduced childhood deaths from measles, tetanus and other vaccine-preventable diseases by almost one half. There is additional excitement over the potential development and introduction of new vaccines to prevent highly lethal respiratory virus infections, as well as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS and several neglected tropical diseases. However, these successes are under threat due to political instability, conflict and an accelerating antivaccine movement. New initiatives in vaccine diplomacy will be required to combat these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, 1301 S University Parks Dr, Waco, TX 76706, USA
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