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Chayé MAM, Gasan TA, Ozir-Fazalalikhan A, Scheenstra MR, Zawistowska-Deniziak A, van Hengel ORJ, Gentenaar M, Manurung MD, Harvey MR, Codée JDC, Chiodo F, Heijke AM, Kalinowska A, van Diepen A, Hensbergen PJ, Yazdanbakhsh M, Guigas B, Hokke CH, Smits HH. Schistosoma mansoni egg-derived thioredoxin and Sm14 drive the development of IL-10 producing regulatory B cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011344. [PMID: 37363916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic schistosome infections, a complex regulatory network is induced to regulate the host immune system, in which IL-10-producing regulatory B (Breg) cells play a significant role. Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigens (SEA) are bound and internalized by B cells and induce both human and mouse IL-10 producing Breg cells. To identify Breg-inducing proteins in SEA, we fractionated SEA by size exclusion chromatography and found 6 fractions able to induce IL-10 production by B cells (out of 18) in the high, medium and low molecular weight (MW) range. The high MW fractions were rich in heavily glycosylated molecules, including multi-fucosylated proteins. Using SEA glycoproteins purified by affinity chromatography and synthetic glycans coupled to gold nanoparticles, we investigated the role of these glycan structures in inducing IL-10 production by B cells. Then, we performed proteomics analysis on active low MW fractions and identified a number of proteins with putative immunomodulatory properties, notably thioredoxin (SmTrx1) and the fatty acid binding protein Sm14. Subsequent splenic murine B cell stimulations and hock immunizations with recombinant SmTrx1 and Sm14 showed their ability to dose-dependently induce IL-10 production by B cells both in vitro and in vivo. Identification of unique Breg cells-inducing molecules may pave the way to innovative therapeutic strategies for inflammatory and auto-immune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde A M Chayé
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas A Gasan
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maaike R Scheenstra
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Zawistowska-Deniziak
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Oscar R J van Hengel
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Max Gentenaar
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mikhael D Manurung
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Michael R Harvey
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen D C Codée
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fabrizio Chiodo
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Anouk M Heijke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alicja Kalinowska
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Angela van Diepen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno Guigas
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hermelijn H Smits
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Schistosoma mansoni egg-derived extracellular vesicles: A promising vaccine candidate against murine schistosomiasis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009866. [PMID: 34644290 PMCID: PMC8544836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are protein-loaded nano-scaled particles that are extracellularly released by eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Parasite's EVs manipulate the immune system, making them probable next-generation vaccines. Schistosomal EVs carry different proteins of promising immunizing potentials. For evaluating the immune-protective role of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) egg-derived EVs against murine schistosomiasis, EVs were isolated from cultured S. mansoni eggs by progressive sequential cooling ultra-centrifugation technique. Isolated EVs were structurally identified using transmission electron microscope and their protein was quantified by Lowry's technique. Experimental mice were subcutaneously immunized with three doses of 20 μg EVs (with or without alum adjuvant); every two weeks, then were challenged with S. mansoni cercariae two weeks after the last immunizing dose. Six weeks post infection, mice were sacrificed for vaccine candidate assessment. EVs protective efficacy was evaluated through parasitological, histopathological, and immunological parameters. Results showed significant reduction of tegumentally deranged adult worms, hepatic and intestinal egg counts reduction by 46.58%, 93.14% and 93.17% respectively, accompanied by remarkable amelioration of sizes, numbers and histopathology of hepatic granulomata mediated by high interferon gamma (IFN γ) and antibody level. Using sera from vaccinated mice, the molecular weight of EVs' protein components targeted by the antibody produced was recognized by western immunoblot. Results revealed two bands of ~ 14 KDa and ~ 21 KDa, proving that EVs are able to stimulate specific antibodies response. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the role of S. mansoni-egg derived EVs as a potential vaccine candidate against murine schistosomiasis mansoni.
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Lam HYP, Huang SP, Liang TR, Wu WJ, Cheng PC, Chang KC, Peng SY. Increased immunogenicity and protection of recombinant Sm14 antigens by heat-killed Cutibacterium acnes in BALB/c mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Int 2021; 86:102446. [PMID: 34481947 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
After many years of the excessive use of praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), it has already led to the development of drug resistance. While schistosomiasis is still affecting millions of people every year, vaccination may be one realistic alternative way to control the disease. Currently, S. mansoni 14-kDa fatty acid-binding protein (Sm14) has shown promising results as a vaccine antigen. Yet, the use of an adjuvant may be necessary to further increase the effectiveness of the vaccine. Herein, we investigated the potential of using heat-killed Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) as an adjuvant for recombinant Sm14 (rSm14). Immunization of mice with C. acnes-adjuvanted rSm14 showed increased humoral immune responses, compared with mice immunized with rSm14 alone. Additionally, C. acnes-adjuvanted rSm14 vaccination provided higher protection to mice against S. mansoni infection and liver injuries. These results suggest that C. acnes increases the immunogenicity of rSm14, which leads to better protection against S. mansoni infection. Therefore, heat-killed C. acnes may be a promising adjuvant to use with rSm14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yin Pekkle Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ping Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ruei Liang
- PhD Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jui Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; Research Center of International Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chih Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Yi Peng
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan; PhD Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan.
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Panzner U, Excler JL, Kim JH, Marks F, Carter D, Siddiqui AA. Recent Advances and Methodological Considerations on Vaccine Candidates for Human Schistosomiasis. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.719369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a neglected tropical disease of major public health concern with high levels of morbidity in various parts of the world. Although considerable efforts in implementing mass drug administration programs utilizing praziquantel have been deployed, schistosomiasis is still not contained. A vaccine may therefore be an essential part of multifaceted prevention control efforts. In the 1990s, a joint United Nations committee promoting parasite vaccines shortlisted promising candidates including for schistosomiasis discussed below. After examining the complexity of immune responses in human hosts infected with schistosomes, we review and discuss the antigen design and preclinical and clinical development of the four leading vaccine candidates: Sm-TSP-2 in Phase 1b/2b, Sm14 in Phase 2a/2b, Sm-p80 in Phase 1 preparation, and Sh28GST in Phase 3. Our assessment of currently leading vaccine candidates revealed some methodological issues that preclude a fair comparison between candidates and the rationale to advance in clinical development. These include (1) variability in animal models - in particular non-human primate studies - and predictive values of each for protection in humans; (2) lack of consensus on the assessment of parasitological and immunological parameters; (3) absence of reliable surrogate markers of protection; (4) lack of well-designed parasitological and immunological natural history studies in the context of mass drug administration with praziquantel. The controlled human infection model - while promising and unique - requires validation against efficacy outcomes in endemic settings. Further research is also needed on the impact of advanced adjuvants targeting specific parts of the innate immune system that may induce potent, protective and durable immune responses with the ultimate goal of achieving meaningful worm reduction.
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Sanches RCO, Tiwari S, Ferreira LCG, Oliveira FM, Lopes MD, Passos MJF, Maia EHB, Taranto AG, Kato R, Azevedo VAC, Lopes DO. Immunoinformatics Design of Multi-Epitope Peptide-Based Vaccine Against Schistosoma mansoni Using Transmembrane Proteins as a Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:621706. [PMID: 33737928 PMCID: PMC7961083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.621706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a serious health issue nowadays for an estimated one billion people in 79 countries around the world. Great efforts have been made to identify good vaccine candidates during the last decades, but only three molecules reached clinical trials so far. The reverse vaccinology approach has become an attractive option for vaccine design, especially regarding parasites like Schistosoma spp. that present limitations for culture maintenance. This strategy also has prompted the construction of multi-epitope based vaccines, with great immunological foreseen properties as well as being less prone to contamination, autoimmunity, and allergenic responses. Therefore, in this study we applied a robust immunoinformatics approach, targeting S. mansoni transmembrane proteins, in order to construct a chimeric antigen. Initially, the search for all hypothetical transmembrane proteins in GeneDB provided a total of 584 sequences. Using the PSORT II and CCTOP servers we reduced this to 37 plasma membrane proteins, from which extracellular domains were used for epitope prediction. Nineteen common MHC-I and MHC-II binding epitopes, from eight proteins, comprised the final multi-epitope construct, along with suitable adjuvants. The final chimeric multi-epitope vaccine was predicted as prone to induce B-cell and IFN-γ based immunity, as well as presented itself as stable and non-allergenic molecule. Finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics foresee stable interactions between the putative antigen and the immune receptor TLR 4. Our results indicate that the multi-epitope vaccine might stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses and could be a potential vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo C. O. Sanches
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Sandeep Tiwari
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laís C. G. Ferreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Flávio M. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Marcelo D. Lopes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Maria J. F. Passos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Eduardo H. B. Maia
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
- Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais (CEFET-MG), Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Alex G. Taranto
- Laboratório de Química Farmacêutica Medicinal, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Kato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vasco A. C. Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioinformática, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Debora O. Lopes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
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Tang CL, Xie YP, Yu WH, Jin L, Xie ZL, Li XR. Effects of regulatory T cells on glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase vaccine efficacy against Schistosoma japonicum. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105239. [PMID: 31669534 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a candidate subunit vaccine that induces protective immunity and elicits partial resistance to Schistosoma japonicum upon mouse and livestock vaccination. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which were defined as CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells, on the efficacy of a GAPDH vaccine against S. japonicum. BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into five groups as follows: normal, infected control, anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD25 mAb), GAPDH group, and co-treated with anti-CD25 mAb and GAPDH group. The worm reduction and liver egg reduction rates in the GAPDH group were 32.46% and 35.43%, respectively, which increased to 60.09% and 58.78%, respectively, after anti-CD25 mAb administration. Compared with those in the infected control group, the percentage of Tregs in the spleen decreased significantly when GAPDH and anti-CD25 mAb were used either alone or in combination. Furthermore, secretions associated with the Th1 response increased in splenocytes of the anti-CD25 mAb group, whereas the Th1 and Th2 responses increased in splenocytes of the GAPDH and co-treated groups. Compared to that in the infected control group, granuloma diameter in the GAPDH and co-treated groups increased slightly, but there were no significant differences among the groups. Our results indicate that the protective effect of the GAPDH vaccines can be improved by decreasing Tregs and enhancing the Th1- and Th2-type immune responses. Therefore, anti-CD25 mAb and GAPDH might exert synergistic effects to clear parasites by decreasing the frequency of Tregs and increasing the Th1- and Th2-type immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lian Tang
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Ya-Ping Xie
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Wen-Hui Yu
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Zhao-Lan Xie
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China.
| | - Xiu-Rong Li
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430063, China.
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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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Tang CL, Zhang RH, Liu ZM, Jin H, He L. Effect of regulatory T cells on the efficacy of the fatty acid-binding protein vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:559-566. [PMID: 30607606 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most devastating parasitic diseases, making it imperative to develop efficient vaccines to control the causative flatworms called schistosomes. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the Th1 immune response have been implicated in the effectiveness of vaccines to control schistosomiasis, but the mechanisms underlying their effects are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the role of Tregs on the efficacy of the 14 kDa FABP (fatty acid-binding protein) vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum. BALB/c female mice were randomly divided into five groups: an uninfected group, infected control group, anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD25 mAb) group, FABP group, and combined anti-CD25 mAb and FABP group. Compared with FABP alone, a combined treatment with FABP and anti-CD25 mAb increased the rate of S. japonicum inhibition in mice from 30.3 to 56.08% and decreased the number of eggs per gram of liver. Compared with that of the infected control group, the percentage of Tregs in the spleen decreased significantly after single or combined treatment with FABP and anti-CD25 mAb, while it increased gradually in the anti-CD25 mAb group. Further, the secretion of Th1 cytokines, IFN-γ, and IL-2 increased in splenocytes in the anti-CD25 mAb group. Our results indicate that anti-CD25 mAb partially blocks Tregs and concomitantly enhances the Th1 type immune response, thereby enhancing the protective effect of the FABP vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lian Tang
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430063, China
| | - Rong-Hui Zhang
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430063, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Liu
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430063, China
| | - Huang Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Fourth Hospital; Pu'ai hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430033, China.
| | - Long He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital; School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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Hameed A, Natarajan M, Jabbar S, Dhanasekaran JJ, Kumar K, Sivanesan S, Kron M, Dhanasekaran A. Immune Response to Brugia malayi Asparaginyl-tRNA Synthetase in Balb/c Mice and Human Clinical Samples of Lymphatic Filariasis. Lymphat Res Biol 2018; 17:447-456. [PMID: 30570354 DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2018.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a global health problem, with a peculiar nature of parasite-specific immunosuppression that promotes long-term pathology and disability. Immune modulation in the host by parasitic antigens is an integral part of this disease. The current study attempts to dissect the immune responses of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) with emphasis on Brugia malayi asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase (BmAsnRS), since it is one among the highly expressed excretory/secretory proteins expressed in all stages of the parasite life cycle, whereas its role in filarial pathology has not been elaborately studied. Methods and Results: In this study, recombinant BmAsnRS (rBmAsnRS) immunological effects were studied in semipermissive filarial animal model Balb/c mice and on clinically defined human samples for LF. In mice study, humoral responses showed considerable titer levels with IgG2a isotype followed by IgG2b and IgG1. Immunoreactivity studies with clinical samples showed significant humoral responses especially in endemic normal with marked levels of IgG1 and IgG2 followed by IgG3. The cell-mediated immune response, evaluated by splenocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells proliferation, did not yield significant difference when compared with control groups. Cytokine profiling and qRT-PCR analysis of mice samples immunized with rBmAsnRS showed elevated levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, inhibitory factor-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-A (CTLA-4) and Treg cell marker-Forkhead Box P3 (FoxP3). Conclusions: These observations suggest that rBmAsnRS has immunomodulatory effects with modified Th2 response along with suppressed cellular proliferation indicating the essence of this molecule for immune evasion by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaq Hameed
- 1Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India.,2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Thi-Qar University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Salih Jabbar
- 3Bint Al-Huda Teaching Hospital, Health Ministry, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | | | - Krishna Kumar
- 1Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India
| | | | - Michael Kron
- 5Department of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,6Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Aly I, ELnain G, Hamad RS, Kilany M, Ghramh HA, Alshehri A, Dajem SM, Ibrahim EH. DNA vaccination using recombinant Schistosoma mansoni fatty acid binding protein (smFABP) gene. Exp Parasitol 2018; 194:53-59. [PMID: 30266572 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a fatal disease that has a negative impact on health and economics. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for schistosomiasis treatment, but it has no prophylactic effect; therefore, vaccination is an essential requirement in schistosomiasis control. This work was carried out to investigate the possible effect of DNA vaccination against Schistosoma mansoni infection using recombinant S. mansoni fatty acid binding protein (rsmFABP). The smFABP gene was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNAI/Amp in order to obtain an smFABP-pcDNAI recombinant plasmid (DNA vaccine) and was used for the intramuscular DNA vaccination of out-bread Swiss albino mice prior to infection with S. mansoni cercariae. Infected groups, either DNA vaccinated or unvaccinated, were treated with PZQ at week 6 post-infection. After 8 weeks post-infection, all mouse groups were sacrificed and parasitological, immunological and histopathological parameters were studied. DNA vaccinated mice showed a high titer of anti-smFABP-IgG antibodies and acquired significant protection (74.2%, p < 0.01) against S. mansoni infection, with a reduction in ova and granuloma counts. DNA vaccinated and PZQ treated animals had higher titers of anti-smFABP-IgG antibodies and decreased (87%, P < 0.001) parenchymal granulomas compared to the DNA vaccinated PZQ untreated group. Infected mice, either non DNA vaccinated or vaccinated, had very high collagen content and fibrous granulomas (74%) compared to the PZQ treated group (10.3% fibrous granuloma) and PZQ treated + DNA vaccinated group (0% fibrous granuloma). In conclusion, DNA vaccination had protective and anti-pathological effects in naive mice and greatly improved the pathological status in PZQ-treated animals, suggesting an immunological and pathological modulating effect of PZQ treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Aly
- Parasitology Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gehan ELnain
- Parasitology Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, Egypt; Natural Science, Mathan Science Program, University College, Abu Dhabi University, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabab S Hamad
- Parasitology Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza, Egypt; Biological Science Department, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Kilany
- Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, King Khalid University, Dhahran Al Janoub, Saudi Arabia; Department of Microbiology, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hamed A Ghramh
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; Unit of Bee Research and Honey Production, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aly Alshehri
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad M Dajem
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam H Ibrahim
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia; Blood Products Quality Control and Research Department, National Organization for Research and Control of Biologicals, Cairo, Egypt.
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11
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Morais SB, Figueiredo BC, Assis NRG, Homan J, Mambelli FS, Bicalho RM, Souza C, Martins VP, Pinheiro CS, Oliveira SC. Schistosoma mansoni SmKI-1 or Its C-Terminal Fragment Induces Partial Protection Against S. mansoni Infection in Mice. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1762. [PMID: 30105029 PMCID: PMC6077287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Current schistosomiasis control strategies are mainly based on chemotherapy, but the development of a vaccine against this parasitic disease would contribute to a long-lasting decrease in disease spectrum and transmission. When it comes to vaccine candidates, several genes encoding Schistosoma mansoni proteins expressed at the mammalian host-parasite interface have been tested. Among the most promising molecules are the proteins present on the tegument and digestive tract of the parasite. In this study, we evaluate the potential of SmKI-1, the first Kunitz-type protease inhibitor functionally characterized in S. mansoni, as a vaccine candidate. Bioinformatic analysis points to the C-terminal fragment as the main region of the molecule responsible for the development of a potential protective immune response induced by SmKI-1. Therefore, for the vaccine formulations, we produced the recombinant (r) SmKI-1 and two different fragments, its Kunitz (KI) domain and its C-terminal tail. First, we demonstrate that mice immunized with recombinant SmKI-1 (rSmKI-1) or its fragments, formulated with Freund's adjuvant, induced the production of IgG-specific antibodies. Further, all vaccine formulations tested here also induced a Th1-type of immune response, as suggested by the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by protein-stimulated cultured splenocytes. However, the protective effect conferred by vaccination was only observed in groups which received rSmKI-1 or C-terminal domain vaccines. Mice administered with rSmKI-1 demonstrated reduction of 47% in worm burden, 36% in egg number in mouse livers, and 33% in area of liver granulomas. Additionally, mice injected with C-terminal domain showed reduction of 28% in worm burden, 38% in egg number in liver, and 25% in area of liver granulomas. In contrast, KI domain immunization was unable to reduce worm burden and ameliorate liver pathology after challenge infection. Taken together, our data demonstrated that SmKI-1 is a potential candidate for use in a vaccine to control schistosomiasis, and its C-terminal tail seems to be the main region of the molecule responsible for protection conferred by this antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suellen B Morais
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Barbara C Figueiredo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil.,Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica do Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Natan R G Assis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Jane Homan
- ioGenetics LLC, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Fábio S Mambelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M Bicalho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vicente P Martins
- Departamento de Biologia Celular do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carina S Pinheiro
- Departamento de Biointeração do Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Sergio C Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Ministério da Ciência e Tecnologia (MCT), Salvador, Brazil
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12
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Eraky MA, El-Kholy AAEM, Rashed GAER, Hammam OA, Moharam AF, Abou-Ouf EAR, Aly NSM, Kishik SM, Abdallah KF, Hamdan DI. Dose-response relationship in Schistosoma mansoni juvenile and adult stages following limonin treatment in experimentally infected mice. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4045-54. [PMID: 27325399 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5177-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel is the mainstay of schistosomiasis control. However, drug resistance is an imminent threat, particularly with large-scale administration of praziquantel, in addition to much less efficacy against young schistosomes. Several biological activities of limonin have been explored such as insecticidal, insect antifeedant, and growth-regulating activity on insects as well as antimalarial, antiviral, anticancer, cholesterol-lowering, and antioxidant activities. This study investigates limonin as an alternative antischistosomal compound using two novel, single, oral dose regimens. In the current work, the therapeutic efficacy of different limonin dosing protocols was evaluated in experimentally infected mice harboring Schistosoma mansoni (Egyptian strain) juvenile or adult stages. Oral administration of limonin in a single dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg on day 21 post-infection (p.i.) resulted in a significant worm burden reduction of 70.0 and 83.33 %, respectively. The same dose given on day 56 p.i. reduced total worm burdens by 41.09 and 60.27 %, respectively. In addition, significant reductions of 34.90 and 47.16 % in the hepatic and 46.67 and 56.1 % in the intestinal tissue egg loads, respectively, associated with significant alterations in the oogram pattern with elevated dead egg levels. Limonin produced ameliorations of hepatic pathology with reduction in dimensions and number of granulomas. Limonin also produced a variety of tegumental alterations in treated worms including tubercular disruption, edema, blebbing, and ulcerations. Results obtained by this work elucidated promising limonin bioactivity against S. mansoni juvenile and adult stages and provided a basis for subsequent experimental and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysa Ahmad Eraky
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Olfat Ali Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahlam Farag Moharam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt
| | | | | | - Shereen Magdy Kishik
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt
| | - Karim Fetouh Abdallah
- Medical Parasitology Department, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dalia Ibrahim Hamdan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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13
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Cheng PC, Lin CN, Peng SY, Kang TF, Lee KM. Combined IL-12 Plasmid and Recombinant SjGST Enhance the Protective and Anti-pathology Effect of SjGST DNA Vaccine Against Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004459. [PMID: 26891172 PMCID: PMC4758724 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is listed as one of most important tropical diseases and more than 200 million people are estimated to be infected. Development of a vaccine is thought to be the most effective way to control this disease. Recombinant 26-kDa glutathione S-transferase (rSjGST) has previously been reported to achieve a worm reduction rate of 42-44%. To improve the efficiency of the vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum, we immunized mice with a combination of pcDNA vector-encoded 26-kDa SjGST (pcDNA/SjGST), IL-12 expressing-plasmid (pIL-12), and rSjGST. Co-vaccination with pcDNA/SjGST, pIL-12, and rSjGST led to a reduction in worm burden, hepatic egg burden, and the size of liver tissue granulomas than that in the untreated infection controls. In addition, we detected high levels of specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a against the rSjGST antigen in infected mice vaccinated with this combination of pcDNA/SjGST, pIL-12, and rSjGST. Moreover, high expression levels of Th2 cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-10, were also detected in this group, without diminished levels of IL-12, INF-γ, and TNF-α cytokines that are related to parasite killing. In conclusion, we have developed a new vaccination regimen against S. japonicum infection and shown that co-immunization with pcDNA/SjGST vaccine, pIL-12, and rSjGST has significant anti-parasite, anti-hepatic egg and anti-pathology effects in mice. The efficacy of this vaccination method should be further validated in large animals such as water buffalo. This method may help to reduce the transmission of zoonotic schistosomiasis japonica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (PCC); (KML)
| | - Ching-Nan Lin
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Mng University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, National Yang-Mng University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Peng
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Fu Kang
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, National Yang-Mng University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kin-Mu Lee
- Institute of Biotechnology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (PCC); (KML)
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14
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Tendler M, Almeida M, Simpson A. Development of the Brazilian Anti Schistosomiasis Vaccine Based on the Recombinant Fatty Acid Binding Protein Sm14 Plus GLA-SE Adjuvant. Front Immunol 2015; 6:218. [PMID: 26029206 PMCID: PMC4429245 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Data herein reported and discussed refer to vaccination with the recombinant fatty acid binding protein (FABP) family member of the schistosomes, called Sm14. This antigen was discovered and developed under a Brazilian platform led by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, from the Health Ministry in Brazil, and was assessed for safety and immunogenicity in healthy volunteers. This paper reviews past and recent outcomes of developmental phases of the Sm14-based anti schistosomiasis vaccine addressed to, ultimately, impact transmission of the second most prevalent parasitic endemic disease worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Tendler
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marilia Almeida
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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15
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Fusion protein comprised of the two schistosomal antigens, Sm14 and Sm29, provides significant protection against Schistosoma mansoni in murine infection model. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:147. [PMID: 25887456 PMCID: PMC4389862 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-0906-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosoma mansoni infection represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in many areas of the developing world. Effective vaccines against schistosomiasis are not available and disease management relies mainly on treatment with the anthelmintic drug praziquantel. Several promising schistosomal antigens have been evaluated for vaccine efficacy such as Sm14, Sm29 and tetraspanins. However, most investigators examine these promising antigens in animal models individually rather than in properly adjuvanted antigen combinations. METHODS In the present study, we made a recombinant fusion protein comprised of the promising schistosomal antigens Sm14 and Sm29. The fusion protein, FSm14/29, was administered to Swiss albino mice either unadjuvanted or adjuvanted with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid adjuvant, poly(I:C). Mice were challenged with S. mansoni cercariae and different parasitological/immunological parameters were assessed seven weeks post-challenge. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA test with post-hoc Tukey-Kramer test. RESULTS Mice pre-immunized with unadjuvanted or poly(I:C)-adjuvanted fusion protein showed reduction of adult worm burden of 44.7 and 48.4%, respectively. In addition, significant reduction of tissue egg burdens was observed in mice immunized with the fusion protein when compared with the infected saline/adjuvant negative control groups and groups immunized with the individual Sm14 and Sm29 antigens. Light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation of adult worms recovered from FSm14/29-immunized mice revealed appreciable morphological damage and tegumental deformities. Histopathological examination of liver sections of immunized mice demonstrated reduced granulomatous and inflammatory reactions when compared with infected unvaccinated mice or mice immunized with the individual Sm14 and Sm29 antigens. CONCLUSION The findings presented in this study highlight the importance of the fusion protein FSm14/29 as a potential vaccine candidate that is worthy of further investigation.
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16
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Fonseca CT, Oliveira SC, Alves CC. Eliminating Schistosomes through Vaccination: What are the Best Immune Weapons? Front Immunol 2015; 6:95. [PMID: 25806033 PMCID: PMC4353369 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful development of vaccines depends on the knowledge of the immunological mechanisms associated with the elimination of the pathogen. In the case of schistosomes, its complex life cycle and the mechanisms developed to evade host immune system, turns the development of a vaccine against the disease into a very difficult task. Identifying the immunological effector mechanisms involved in parasite attrition and the major targets for its response is a key step to formulate an effective vaccine. Recent studies have described some promising antigens to compose a subunit vaccine and have pointed to some immune factors that play a role in parasite elimination. Here, we review the immune components and effector mechanisms associated with the protective immunity induced by those vaccine candidates and the lessons we have learned from the studies of the acquired resistance to infection in humans. We will also discuss the immune factors that correlate with protection and therefore could help to evaluate those vaccine formulations in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose do Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Sergio Costa Oliveira
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Clarice Carvalho Alves
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose do Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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17
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Alves CC, Araujo N, dos Santos VCF, Couto FB, Assis NRG, Morais SB, Oliveira SC, Fonseca CT. Sm29, but not Sm22.6 retains its ability to induce a protective immune response in mice previously exposed to a Schistosoma mansoni infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003537. [PMID: 25723525 PMCID: PMC4344193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A vaccine against schistosomiasis would have a great impact in disease elimination. Sm29 and Sm22.6 are two parasite tegument proteins which represent promising antigens to compose a vaccine. These antigens have been associated with resistance to infection and reinfection in individuals living in endemic area for the disease and induced partial protection when evaluated in immunization trials using naïve mice. Methodology/principals findings In this study we evaluated rSm29 and rSm22.6 ability to induce protection in Balb/c mice that had been previously infected with S. mansoni and further treated with Praziquantel. Our results demonstrate that three doses of the vaccine containing rSm29 were necessary to elicit significant protection (26%–48%). Immunization of mice with rSm29 induced a significant production of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-4; significant production of specific antibodies; increased percentage of CD4+ central memory cells in comparison with infected and treated saline group and increased percentage of CD4+ effector memory cells in comparison with naïve Balb/c mice immunized with rSm29. On the other hand, although immunization with Sm22.6 induced a robust immune response, it failed to induce protection. Conclusion/significance Our results demonstrate that rSm29 retains its ability to induce protection in previously infected animals, reinforcing its potential as a vaccine candidate. The development of a vaccine against schistosomiasis together with chemotherapy would have a great impact in the disease control and elimination. Sm29 and Sm22.6 are two promising antigens that have been associated with resistance to infection/reinfection in humans and also successfully induce protection in trials using C57BL/6 naïve mice. Despite the great results observed in C57BL/6 naïve mice, rSm29 and rSm22.6 ability to induce protection has never been assessed in mice previously exposed to the parasite antigens. In the case of schistosomiasis, this is an important assessment to be done, since the residents of endemic areas, the population mostly affected by the disease, are exposed to several infections through life. Here we evaluated these antigens in immunization trials using mice that had been submitted to a previous infection and treatment with Praziquantel. Both antigens induced a robust immune response triggering both cellular and humoral responses, but only rSm29 was able to induce a significant reduction on parasite burden and increased percentage of CD4+ memory cells. Our date reinforce Sm29 potential to compose an anti-schistosomiasis vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarice Carvalho Alves
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Neusa Araujo
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | | | - Flávia Bubula Couto
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Natan R. G. Assis
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Suellen B. Morais
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
| | - Sérgio Costa Oliveira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq, MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Laboratório de Esquistossomose, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq, MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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18
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El-Shabasy EA, Reda ES, Abdeen SH, Said AE, Ouhtit A. Transmission electron microscopic observations on ultrastructural alterations in Schistosoma mansoni adult worms recovered from C57BL/6 mice treated with radiation-attenuated vaccine and/or praziquantel in addition to passive immunization with normal and vaccinated rabbit sera against infection. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1563-80. [PMID: 25786393 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4341-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the current treatment of schistosomiasis relies largely on praziquantel (PZQ), it has not been successful in significantly reducing the overall rate of disease cases, one of the suggested reasons being the inevitable resistance to PZQ. Previous studies showed that radiation-attenuated vaccine provides protection against Schistosoma mansoni in a host of various species. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of various vaccination strategies in C57BL/6 mice, including single or multiple vaccination strategy, subcurative dose (20 mg/kg) of PZQ, and a combination of single vaccination with subcurative dose of PZQ. Treatment either with subcurative dose of PZQ or with a single vaccination of attenuated cercariae (500 per mouse), caused significant reduction in total worm burden, hepatic, and intestinal ova counts of 43.03, 73.2, and 59.5 and 37.97, 52.02, and 26.3%, respectively. Furthermore, tegumental changes were observed. In multiple vaccinated group, there was an extensive lysis in tegumental layers. High deformations in gastrodermis, testis cells, vitelline cells, and oocytes were recorded. Also, this study is to explore the role of humoral immunity using highly resistant rabbits that had been exposed to three immunizations with ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated cercariae (8000 per rabbit in each immunization), and their sera were tested for their ability to transfer protection. The reduction in challenge worm burden had reached 32.76-43.64% when compared with recipients of normal serum or no serum. The reduction in hepatic and intestinal ova counts reached to 74.4 and 71.08% in group immunized with vaccinated rabbit sera. Swelling and extensive lysis of tegumental layers, gastrodermis lumen, spermatocytes, and deformation of oocytes were recorded with more severity than that recorded in normal rabbit sera group. Our findings recorded that multiple vaccination strategy is the most effective strategy then passive transfer of vaccinated rabbit. This gives guiding in the design the appropriate therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A El-Shabasy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt,
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19
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Mbanefo EC, Kumagai T, Kodama Y, Kurosaki T, Furushima-Shimogawara R, Cherif MS, Mizukami S, Kikuchi M, Huy NT, Ohta N, Sasaki H, Hirayama K. Immunogenicity and anti-fecundity effect of nanoparticle coated glutathione S-transferase (SjGST) DNA vaccine against murine Schistosoma japonicum infection. Parasitol Int 2015; 64:24-31. [PMID: 25603531 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
There is still urgent need for a vaccine against schistosomiasis, especially in Schistosoma japonicum endemic areas where even a vaccine that will interrupt zoonotic transmission will be potentially effective as an intervention tool. We had developed a novel nanoparticle gene delivery system, which has proven efficacious in gene transfection to target immune cells with complementary adjuvant effect and high protective efficacy in several diseases. Here, we applied this nanoparticle system in combination with S. japonicum glutathione S-transferase (SjGST) DNA vaccine to show the immunogenicity and anti-fecundity effect of the nanoparticle coated vaccine formulation against murine schistosomiasis. The nanoparticle-coated DNA vaccine formulation induced desired immune responses. In comparison with the nanoparticle coated empty vector, it produced significantly increased antigen-specific humoral response, T-helper 1 polarized cytokine environment, higher proportion of IFN-γ producing CD4(+) T-cells and the concomitant decrease in IL-4 producing CD4(+) T-cells. Although there was no effect on worm burden, we recorded a marked reduction in tissue egg burden. There was up to 71.3% decrease in tissue egg burden and 55% reduction in the fecundity of female adult worms. Our data showed that SjGST DNA vaccine, delivered using the nanoparticle gene delivery system, produced anti-fecundity effect on female adult schistosomes as previously described by using conventional subunit vaccine with adjuvant, proving this DNA vaccine formulation as a promising candidate for anti-pathology and transmission blocking application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evaristus Chibunna Mbanefo
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan; Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Bioscience, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Takashi Kumagai
- Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Yukinobu Kodama
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Kurosaki
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Rieko Furushima-Shimogawara
- Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Mahamoud Sama Cherif
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Shusaku Mizukami
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Mihoko Kikuchi
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan; Department of Clinical Product Development, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Nobuo Ohta
- Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sasaki
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN) and Global COE Program, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, 852-8523, Japan.
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20
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Pinheiro CS, Ribeiro APD, Cardoso FC, Martins VP, Figueiredo BCP, Assis NRG, Morais SB, Caliari MV, Loukas A, Oliveira SC. A multivalent chimeric vaccine composed of Schistosoma mansoni SmTSP-2 and Sm29 was able to induce protection against infection in mice. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:303-12. [PMID: 24749785 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a blood fluke parasite responsible for schistosomiasis. The best long-term strategy to control schistosomiasis is through immunization combined with drug treatment. In this study, we cloned, expressed and purified SmTSP-2 fused to the N- and C-terminal halves of Sm29 and tested these chimeras as vaccine candidates using an adjuvant approved to be used in humans. The results demonstrated that vaccination with SmTSP-2 fused to N- or C-terminus of Sm29-induced reduction in worm burden and liver pathology when compared to control animals. Additionally, we detected high levels of mouse-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a against both chimeras and significant amounts of IFN-γ and TNF-α and no IL-4. Finally, studies with sera from patients resistant to infection and living in schistosomiasis endemic areas revealed high levels of specific IgG to both chimeras when compared to healthy individuals. In conclusion, SmTSP-2/Sm29 chimeras tested here induced partial protection against infection and might be a potential vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Pinheiro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Departamento de Biointeração do Instituto de ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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21
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Stephenson R, You H, McManus DP, Toth I. Schistosome Vaccine Adjuvants in Preclinical and Clinical Research. Vaccines (Basel) 2014; 2:654-85. [PMID: 26344751 PMCID: PMC4494218 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines2030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no vaccine available for human use for any parasitic infections, including the helminth disease, schistosomiasis. Despite many researchers working towards this goal, one of the focuses has been on identifying new antigenic targets. The bar to achieve protective efficacy in humans was set at a consistent induction of 40% protection or better by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and although this is a modest goal, it is yet to be reached with the six most promising schistosomiasis vaccine candidates (Sm28GST, IrV5, Sm14, paramyosin, TPI, and Sm23). Adjuvant selection has a large impact on the effectiveness of the vaccine, and the use of adjuvants to aid in the stimulation of the immune system is a critical step and a major variable affecting vaccine development. In addition to a comprehensive understanding of the immune system, level of protection and the desired immune response required, there is also a need for a standardised and effective adjuvant formulation. This review summarises the status of adjuvants that have been or are being employed in schistosomiasis vaccine development focusing on immunisation outcomes at preclinical and clinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stephenson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland Q4006, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland Q4006, Australia.
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
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22
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Schistosome syntenin partially protects vaccinated mice against Schistosoma mansoni infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3107. [PMID: 25144756 PMCID: PMC4140676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by several species of trematode of the genus Schistosoma. The disease affects more than 200 million people in the world and causes up to 280,000 deaths per year, besides having high morbidity due to chronic illness that damages internal organs. Current schistosomiasis control strategies are mainly based on chemotherapy, but many researchers believe that the best long-term strategy to control disease is a combination of drug treatment and immunization with an anti-schistosome vaccine. Among the most promising molecules as vaccine candidates are the proteins present in the tegument and digestive tract of the parasite. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we describe for the first time Schistosoma mansoni syntenin (SmSynt) and we evaluate its potential as a recombinant vaccine. We demonstrate by real-time PCR that syntenin is mainly expressed in intravascular life stages (schistosomula and adult worms) of the parasite life cycle and, by confocal microscopy, we localize it in digestive epithelia in adult worms and schistosomula. Administration of siRNAs targeting SmSynt leads to the knock-down of syntenin gene and protein levels, but this has no demonstrable impact on parasite morphology or viability, suggesting that high SmSynt gene expression is not essential for the parasites in vitro. Mice immunization with rSmSynt, formulated with Freund's adjuvant, induces a Th1-type response, as suggested by the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by rSmSynt-stimulated cultured splenocytes. The protective effect conferred by vaccination with rSmSynt was demonstrated by 30–37% reduction of worm burden, 38–43% reduction in the number, and 35–37% reduction in the area, of liver granulomas. Conclusions/Significance Our report is the first characterization of syntenin in Schistosoma mansoni and our data suggest that this protein is a potential candidate for the development of a multi-antigen vaccine to control schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis affects more than 200 million people worldwide and causes up to 280,000 deaths per year. In terms of global mortality and morbidity, this disease is the most important human helminth infection. Current control strategies are based on chemotherapy, but recurrent re-infection of people living in endemic areas makes many researchers, and also the World Health Organization, search for an effective vaccine to provide protection against schistosomiasis. Substantial efforts have been committed to the characterization of new antigens for an anti-schistosome vaccine and, in order to find new targets for vaccine and/or drug development, we searched transcriptomics and proteomics of Schistosoma mansoni and identified the protein syntenin (SmSynt) for analysis. In this study, we characterize SmSynt and evaluate its potential as a vaccine candidate to protect mice against S. mansoni infection. We demonstrate that SmSynt is expressed in schistosomula and adult worms, the intravascular stages of S. mansoni and it is located in the intestinal tract of the worms, an important host/parasite interface. Furthermore, vaccination of mice with rSmSynt confers partial protection against S. mansoni challenge infection and ameliorates parasite-induced liver pathology. Our data suggest that SmSynt is a potential candidate in the development of a vaccine against schistosomiasis.
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Ewaisha RE, Bahey-El-Din M, Mossallam SF, Amer EI, Aboushleib HM, Khalil AM. Combination of the two schistosomal antigens Sm14 and Sm29 elicits significant protection against experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145:51-60. [PMID: 25092439 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 07/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis continues to be a serious helminthic disease that is widespread in many regions in the world. Disease management relies mainly on early treatment with praziquantel, nevertheless, re-infection rates can still be high. An effective vaccine against Schistosoma mansoni is still lacking; a situation which hinders the efforts to eradicate the disease worldwide. Most investigators test S. mansoni antigens individually, rather than in combination, in their vaccine trials. A single-antigen vaccine is likely to elicit less protection against schistosomiasis than a multi-antigen vaccine. In the current study, we have selected two promising S. mansoni antigens, Sm14 and Sm29, and investigated their combination as a potential vaccine. Recombinant Sm14 and a truncated form of Sm29, designated TrSm29, were successfully expressed in Escherichiacoli. The two antigens were purified using affinity chromatography and administered to Swiss albino mice individually and in combination. Significant protection against S. mansoni infection was observed in mice immunized with the Sm14/TrSm29 combination in the presence/absence of the immunoadjuvant poly (I:C). The poly (I:C)-adjuvanted combination resulted in 40.3%, 68.2%, and 57.9% reduction in adult worm burden, liver egg burden and intestinal eggs, respectively. Granuloma size and count were also reduced besides improvement of the histopathological picture of livers of immunized mice. This study demonstrates the importance of using multi-antigen vaccines as an effective and simple approach to fulfill enhanced protection against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa E Ewaisha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Bahey-El-Din
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Shereen F Mossallam
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eglal I Amer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hamida M Aboushleib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amal M Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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24
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Madbouly NA, Shalash IR, El Deeb SO, El Amir AM. Effect of artemether on cytokine profile and egg induced pathology in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. J Adv Res 2014; 6:851-7. [PMID: 26644922 PMCID: PMC4642152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemether (ART), the methylated derivative of artemisinin, is an efficacious antimalarial drug that also displays antischistosomal properties. This study was designed to evaluate the immunomodulatory action of a single intramuscular dose (50 mg/kg body weight) of ART in comparison with PZQ treatment (42 days PI). ART administration was 7, 14, 21 and 45 days PI. ART effect was studied parasitologically, histopathologically and immunologically. It was found that maximum effect was reached when ART treatment interfered with 14 or 21 days old schistosomula. ART treatment 14 or 21 days PI was associated with shift from Th2 to Th1 predominancy (decrease in IL-4 and upgrading of serum IFN-γ levels). In conclusion, ART is a promising drug in control of schistosomiasis mansoni due to its reductive effect on worm burden and its role in improvement of hepatic granulomatous lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Azza M El Amir
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
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25
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Successful detection, expression and purification of the alternatively spliced truncated Sm14 antigen of an Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni. J Helminthol 2014; 89:764-8. [PMID: 25058316 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x14000571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni causes intestinal schistosomiasis, a disease that is prevalent in several regions worldwide. To date, a protective vaccine against S. mansoni is still lacking. Several promising antigens have been discovered and evaluated for vaccine protection, such as Sm14 and Sm28GST. In this short communication, we report the successful detection of an alternatively spliced truncated form of Sm14 which was highly expressed in an Egyptian strain of S. mansoni. This truncated Sm14 (TrSm14) protein was formerly reported to be practically non-existent and its complementary DNA (cDNA) was thought to be 'a rare misprocessing of mRNA precursor'. Our finding demonstrates that there is inter-strain variation in the S. mansoni transcriptome and subsequently in the role/function of the expressed proteins. We expressed TrSm14 successfully in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with the schistosomal antigen Sm28GST. The fusion protein was purified using metal affinity chromatography and was found to be reactive with serum from S. mansoni-infected patients. This suggests a possible diagnostic value for this protein in detection of anti-schistosomal antibodies. In addition, this fusion protein could offer a potential bivalent vaccine candidate against S. mansoni that is worthy of further investigation.
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26
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Dias SRC, Boroni M, Rocha EA, Dias TL, de Laet Souza D, Oliveira FMS, Bitar M, Macedo AM, Machado CR, Caliari MV, Franco GR. Evaluation of the Schistosoma mansoni Y-box-binding protein (SMYB1) potential as a vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis. Front Genet 2014; 5:174. [PMID: 24966869 PMCID: PMC4052899 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, and after malaria, is the second most important tropical disease in public health. A vaccine that reduces parasitemia is desirable to achieve mass treatment with a low cost. Although potential antigens have been identified and tested in clinical trials, no effective vaccine against schistosomiasis is available. Y-box-binding proteins (YBPs) regulate gene expression and participate in a variety of cellular processes, including transcriptional and translational regulation, DNA repair, cellular proliferation, drug resistance, and stress responses. The Schistosoma mansoni ortholog of the human YB-1, SMYB1, is expressed in all stages of the parasite life cycle. Although SMYB1 binds to DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, immunohistochemistry assays demonstrated that it is primarily localized in the cytoplasm of parasite cells. In addition, SMYB1 interacts with a protein involved in mRNA processing, suggesting that SMYB1 functions in the turnover, transport, and/or stabilization of RNA molecules during post-transcriptional gene regulation. Here we report the potential of SMYB1 as a vaccine candidate. We demonstrate that recombinant SMYB1 stimulates the production of high levels of specific IgG1 antibodies in a mouse model. The observed levels of specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies indicate an actual protection against cercariae challenge. Animals immunized with rSMYB1 exhibited a 26% reduction in adult worm burden and a 28% reduction in eggs retained in the liver. Although proteins from the worm tegument are considered optimal targets for vaccine development, this study demonstrates that unexposed cytoplasmic proteins can reduce the load of intestinal worms and the number of eggs retained in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia R C Dias
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mariana Boroni
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Elizângela A Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thomaz L Dias
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Laet Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabrício M S Oliveira
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mainá Bitar
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Andrea M Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Machado
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Caliari
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Glória R Franco
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Espíndola MS, Frantz FG, Soares LS, Masson AP, Tefé-Silva C, Bitencourt CS, Oliveira SC, Rodrigues V, Ramos SG, Silva CL, Faccioli LH. Combined immunization using DNA-Sm14 and DNA-Hsp65 increases CD8+ memory T cells, reduces chronic pathology and decreases egg viability during Schistosoma mansoni infection. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:263. [PMID: 24886395 PMCID: PMC4031977 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected diseases found in developing countries and affects 249 million people worldwide. The development of an efficient vaccination strategy is essential for the control of this disease. Previous work showed partial protection induced by DNA-Sm14 against Schistosoma mansoni infection, whereas DNA-Hsp65 showed immunostimulatory properties against infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer and antifibrotic properties in an egg-induced granuloma model. METHODS C57BL/6 mice received 4 doses of DNA-Sm14 (100 μg/dose) and DNA-Hsp65 (100 μg/dose), simultaneously administrated, or DNA-Sm14 alone, once a week, during four weeks. Three groups were included: 1- Control (no immunization); 2- DNA-Sm14; 3- DNA-Sm14/DNA-Hsp65. Two weeks following last immunization, animals were challenged subcutaneously with 30 cercariae. Fifteen, 48 and 69 days after infection splenocytes were collected to evaluate the number of CD8+ memory T cells (CD44(high)CD62(low)) using flow cytometry. Forty-eight days after challenge adult worms were collected by portal veins perfusion and intestines were collected to analyze the intestinal egg viability. Histological, immunohistochemical and soluble quantification of collagen and α-SMA accumulation were performed on the liver. RESULTS In the current work, we tested a new vaccination strategy using DNA-Sm14 with DNA-Hsp65 to potentiate the protection against schistosomiasis. Combined vaccination increased the number of CD8+ memory T cells and decreased egg viability on the intestinal wall of infected mice. In addition, simultaneous vaccination with DNA-Sm14/DNA-Hsp65 reduced collagen and α-SMA accumulation during the chronic phase of granuloma formation. CONCLUSION Simultaneous vaccination with DNA-Sm14/DNA-Hsp65 showed an immunostimulatory potential and antifibrotic property that is associated with the reduction of tissue damage on Schistosoma mansoni experimental infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lúcia Helena Faccioli
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av, do Café s/n 14040-903 Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Immunological characterization of a chimeric form of Schistosoma mansoni aquaporin in the murine model. Parasitology 2014; 141:1277-88. [PMID: 24786243 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182014000468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporin (SmAQP) is the most abundant transmembrane protein in the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni. This protein is expressed in all developmental stages and seems to be essential in parasite survival since it plays a crucial role in osmoregulation, nutrient transport and drug uptake. In this study, we utilized the murine model to evaluate whether this protein was able to induce protection against challenge infection with S. mansoni cercariae. A chimeric (c) SmAQP was formulated with Freund's adjuvant for vaccination trial and evaluation of the host's immune response was performed. Our results demonstrated that immunization with cSmAQP induced the production of high levels of specific anti-cSmAQP IgG antibodies and a Th1/Th17 type of immune response characterized by IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17 cytokines. However, vaccination of mice with cSmAQP failed to reduce S. mansoni worm burden and liver pathology. Finally, we were unable to detect humoral immune response anti-cSmAQP in the sera of S. mansoni-infected human patients. Our results lead us to believe that SmAQP, as formulated in this study, may not be a good target in the search for an anti-schistosomiasis vaccine.
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29
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Evaluation of the use of C-terminal part of the Schistosoma mansoni 200kDa tegumental protein in schistosomiasis diagnosis and vaccine formulation. Exp Parasitol 2014; 139:24-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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30
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Martins VP, Morais SB, Pinheiro CS, Assis NRG, Figueiredo BCP, Ricci ND, Alves-Silva J, Caliari MV, Oliveira SC. Sm10.3, a member of the micro-exon gene 4 (MEG-4) family, induces erythrocyte agglutination in vitro and partially protects vaccinated mice against Schistosoma mansoni infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2750. [PMID: 24651069 PMCID: PMC3961193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni is a blood fluke that causes schistosomiasis. Current schistosomiasis control strategies are mainly based on chemotherapy, but many researchers believe that the best long-term strategy to control disease is a combination of drug treatment and immunization with an anti-schistosome vaccine. Numerous antigens that are expressed at the interface between the parasite and the mammalian host have been assessed. Among the most promising molecules are the proteins present in the tegument and digestive tract of the parasite. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we evaluated the potential of Sm10.3, a member of the micro-exon gene 4 (MEG-4) family, for use as part of a recombinant vaccine. We confirmed by real-time PCR that Sm10.3 was expressed at all stages of the parasite life cycle. The localization of Sm10.3 on the surface and lumen of the esophageal and intestinal tract in adult worms and lung-stage schistosomula was confirmed by confocal microscopy. We also show preliminary evidence that rSm10.3 induces erythrocyte agglutination in vitro. Immunization of mice with rSm10.3 induced a mixed Th1/Th2-type response, as IFN-γ, TNF-α, and low levels of IL-5 were detected in the supernatant of cultured splenocytes. The protective effect conferred by vaccination with rSm10.3 was demonstrated by 25.5-32% reduction in the worm burden, 32.9-43.6% reduction in the number of eggs per gram of hepatic tissue, a 23.8% reduction in the number of granulomas, an 11.8% reduction in the area of the granulomas and a 39.8% reduction in granuloma fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that Sm10.3 is a potential candidate for use in developing a multi-antigen vaccine to control schistosomiasis and provide the first evidence for a possible role for Sm10.3 in the blood feeding process.
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MESH Headings
- Agglutination
- Animal Structures/chemistry
- Animals
- Antigens, Helminth/analysis
- Antigens, Helminth/genetics
- Antigens, Helminth/immunology
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Erythrocytes/parasitology
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Parasite Load
- Schistosoma mansoni/immunology
- Schistosomiasis mansoni/immunology
- Schistosomiasis mansoni/prevention & control
- Vaccination/methods
- Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente P. Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Geral do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia Celular do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Suellen B. Morais
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Carina S. Pinheiro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Departamento de Biointeração do Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natan R. G. Assis
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Barbara C. P. Figueiredo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Natasha D. Ricci
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Juliana Alves-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V. Caliari
- Departamento de Patologia Geral do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sergio C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq MCT, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Guo P, Dai W, Liu S, Yang P, Cheng J, Liang L, Chen Z, Gao H. Construction and expression of bivalent membrane-anchored DNA vaccine encoding Sjl4FABP and Sj26GST genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 26:493-6. [PMID: 17219949 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-006-0501-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to construct a eukaryotic co-expression plasmid containing membrane-anchored Sjcl4FABP and Sjc26GST genes and identify their expression in vitro, Sj14 and Sj26 genes were obtained by RT-PCR with total RNA of Schistosoma japonicum adult worms as the template and cloned into eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAC to construct recombinant plasmids pVAC-Sj14 and pVAC-Sj26. Then a 23 amino-acid signal peptide of human interleukin-2 (IL-2) upstream Sj14 or Sj26 gene and a membrane-anchored sequence containing 32 amino-acids of carboxyl-terminal of human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) downstream were amplified by PCR as the template of plasmid pVAC-Sj14 or pVAC-Sj26 only to get two gene fragments including Sj14 gene and Sj26 gene. The two modified genes were altogether cloned into a eukaryotic co-expression plasmid pIRES, resulting in another new recombinant plasmid pIRES-Sj26-Sj14. The expression of Sj14 and Sj26 genes was detected by RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescent assays (IFA) when the plasmid pIRES-Sj26-Sj14 was transfected into eukaryotic Hela cells. Restriction enzyme analysis, PCR and sequencing results revealed that the recombinant plasmids pVAC-Sj14, pVAC-Sj26 and plRES-Sj26-Sj14 were successfully constructed and the expression of modified Sj14 and Sj26 genes could be detected by RT-PCR and IFA. A bivalent membrane-anchored DNA vaccine encoding Sj14 and Sj26 genes was acquired and expressed proteins were proved to be mostly anchored in cellular membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Tongii Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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A study of immunomodulatory genes responses to macrophages of Schistosoma japonicum infection during different stages by microarray analysis. Acta Trop 2013; 127:251-60. [PMID: 23732117 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages initiate, modulate, and also serve as final effector cells in immune responses during the course of schistosomal infections. In this study, we investigated the gene expression profile and functional changes of macrophages in immune responses against the Schistosoma japonicum by microarray analysis. Hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated that a significant switch in gene transformation associated with a type-1 response and linked with a type-2 cytokine phenotype occurs between 4.5 and 8 weeks post-infection. Moreover, the gene profiles at 3 later time-points following egg challenge were similar in complexity and magnitude. The data also showed that there were mostly inhibition of gene expression related TLR, IFN, MHC and TNFrsf at the switch between 4.5 and 8 weeks post-infection, It is suggested that these immunomodulatory genes may be down-regulated in defense against S. japonicum eggs and granuloma pathology. The induction of alternatively activated macrophage (AAMϕ) was important for dampening the inflammation in hepatic granulomas and contributing to a decrease in cytotoxicity. The gene expressions involved in repair/remodeling during liver fibrosis were also observed after egg production. Understanding the immune mechanisms associated with parasitic resistance, pathology of parasite infection, and parasite growth will provide useful insight on host-schistosome interactions and for the control of schistosomiasis.
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Araujo JM, Melo TTD, Sena ICD, Alves CC, Araujo N, Durães FDV, Oliveira SC, Fonseca CT. Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) immunization in absence of adjuvant induce IL-10 production by CD4+ cells and failed to protect mice against challenge infection. Acta Trop 2012; 124:140-6. [PMID: 22842304 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Schistosoma mansoni tegument interaction with the immune system plays a key role in disease establishment or elimination. We have recently demonstrated that S. mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) is able to activate innate immune response and to induce protective immunity in a vaccine formulation with Freunds adjuvant. In this work, we evaluated the ability of Smteg to elicit protection in the absence of adjuvant. Smteg mice immunization resulted in significant antibody production, increased percentage of CD4+IFN-g+ and CD4+IL-10+ cells in spleen and increased production of IFN-g and IL-10 by spleen cells, but failed to reduce parasite burden, female fecundity and morbidity. We also demonstrated that BMDC stimulation with Smteg resulted in significant IL-10 production. Our results demonstrate that Smteg has immune modulatory proprieties.
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Teixeira de Melo T, Araujo JM, Campos de Sena I, Carvalho Alves C, Araujo N, Toscano Fonseca C. Evaluation of the protective immune response induced in mice by immunization with Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) in association with CpG-ODN. Microbes Infect 2012; 15:28-36. [PMID: 23099420 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In schistosomiasis, the current control strategy does not prevent reinfection, therefore, vaccine strategies are essential to combat the Schistosoma mansoni. The efficacy vaccine depends on parasite stage and effective adjuvant. We have recently demonstrated that S. mansoni schistosomula tegument (Smteg) is able to activate dendritic cells up regulate CD40 and CD86 molecules and induce a partial protection in mice (43-48%) when formulated with Freund's adjuvant. In this study we evaluated the ability of Smteg + alum or Smteg + alum + CpG-ODN to induce protection in mice. Our results demonstrate that Smteg + alum + CpG-ODN induced a partial reduction in worm burden (43.1%), reduction in the number of eggs eliminated in the feces. The protective response was associated with a predominant Th1 type of immune response, with increased production of specific IgG2c, IFN-γ and TNF-α, B cells proliferation and CD4 cells and macrophages activation.
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Vaccination with enzymatically cleaved GPI-anchored proteins from Schistosoma mansoni induces protection against challenge infection. Clin Dev Immunol 2012; 2012:962538. [PMID: 22927873 PMCID: PMC3426240 DOI: 10.1155/2012/962538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The flatworm Schistosoma mansoni is a blood fluke parasite that causes schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease that occurs throughout the developing world. Current schistosomiasis control strategies are mainly based on chemotherapy, but many researchers believe that the best long-term strategy to control schistosomiasis is through immunization with an antischistosomiasis vaccine combined with drug treatment. In the search for potential vaccine candidates, numerous tegument antigens have been assessed. As the major interface between parasite and mammalian host, the tegument plays crucial roles in the establishment and further course of schistosomiasis. Herein, we evaluated the potential of a GPI fraction, containing representative molecules located on the outer surface of adult worms, as vaccine candidate. Immunization of mice with GPI-anchored proteins induced a mixed Th1/Th2 type of immune response with production of IFN-γ and TNF-α, and low levels of IL-5 into the supernatant of splenocyte cultures. The protection engendered by this vaccination protocol was confirmed by 42% reduction in worm burden, 45% reduction in eggs per gram of hepatic tissue, 29% reduction in the number of granulomas per area, and 53% reduction in the granuloma fibrosis. Taken together, the data herein support the potential of surface-exposed GPI-anchored antigens from the S. mansoni tegument as vaccine candidate.
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Han Y, Zhang M, Hong Y, Zhu Z, Li D, Li X, Fu Z, Lin J. Characterization of thioredoxin glutathione reductase in Schiotosoma japonicum. Parasitol Int 2012; 61:475-80. [PMID: 22484130 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent and serious parasitic diseases in the world and remains an important public health problem in China. Screening and discovery of an effective vaccine candidate or new drug target is crucial for the control of this disease. In this study, we cloned a cDNA encoding Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) thioredoxin glutathione reductase (SjTGR) from the cDNA of 42-day-old adult worms. The open reading frame (ORF) of the gene was 1791 base pairs (bp) encoding a protein of 596 amino acids. SjTGR was subcloned into pET-32a (+) and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 (DE3). The recombinant protein rSjTGR exhibited enzymatic activity of 5.13U/mg with DTNB as the substrate, and showed strong immunogenecity. Real-time PCR results indicated that SjTGR was expressed at a higher level in 35-day-old schistosome worms in transcript. We vaccinated BALB/c mice with rSjTGR in combination with MONTANIDE™ ISA 206 VG (ISA 206) and observed a 33.50% to 36.51% (P<0.01) decrease in the adult worm burden and a 33.73%to 43.44% (P<0.01) decrease in the number of eggs counted compared to the ISA 206 or blank control groups in two independent vaccination tests. ELISA analysis demonstrated that rSjTGR induced a high level of SjTGR-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG 2a antibodies and induced elevated production of IFN-γ. This study provides the basis for further investigations into the biological function of SjTGR and further evaluation of the potential use of this molecule as a vaccine candidate or new drug target is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai 200241, PR China
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Reda ES, Ouhtit A, Abdeen SH, El-Shabasy EA. Structural changes of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms recovered from C57BL/6 mice treated with radiation-attenuated vaccine and/or praziquantel against infection. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:979-92. [PMID: 21826487 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2583-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although the current treatment of schistosomiasis relies largely on praziquantel (PZQ), it has not significantly reduced the overall number of disease cases, perhaps due to inevitable resistance to PZQ. Previous studies showed that radiation-attenuated vaccine gives protection levels for Schistosoma mansoni in host various species. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of various vaccination strategies in C57BL/6 mice, including single or multiple vaccination strategy, subcurative dose (20 mg/kg) of PZQ, and a combination of single vaccination with subcurative dose of PZQ. Groups of five mice were sacrificed postinfection in 42 days and schistosomes were collected by perfusion and examined by scanning electron microscopy. Treatment either with subcurative dose of PZQ or with a single vaccination of attenuated cercariae (500 per mouse), caused significant reduction in total worm burden, hepatic and intestinal ova counts 43.03%, 73.2%, 59.5% and 37.97%, 52.02%, 26.3%, respectively. Furthermore, tegumental changes were observed, including severe swelling, fusion of tegumental folds, vesicle formation, and loss or shortening of the spines on the tubercles. However, multiple vaccination strategy resulted in much higher reduction in total worm burden, hepatic and intestinal ova count. However, multiple vaccination strategy resulted in high reduction of worm burden, hepatic and intestinal ova counts 72.5%, 90.7%, 65.79%, respectively, and further causing swollen, disruption of tubercles teguments and erosion, extensive peeling, fusion of tegumental folds. Our findings suggest that multiple vaccination strategy is the most effective strategy to clear schistosomal infection, indicating its potential in guiding the design of appropriate therapeutic strategy against schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enayat S Reda
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Cheng YL, Song WJ, Liu WQ, Lei JH, Kong Z, Li YL. The effects of interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 deficiency on worm development and granuloma formation in Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:287-93. [PMID: 21710350 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2487-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CD4(+) T-helper (Th) cell is widely recognized to be capable of influencing worm development and egg granuloma formation after schistosome infection. Interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-4 play key roles in regulation of Th cell differentiation. In the present study, we subcutaneously inoculated mice with hybridoma cells secreting monoclonal antibodies to neutralize IL-12 and IL-4 and explored the effects of IL-12 and IL-4 deficiency on the worm development and granuloma formation in mice infected with cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum. It was found that deficiency of host IL-12 and IL-4 supported normal parasite survival and fecundity. However, worm development (length and female fecundity) was significantly enhanced in anti-IL-12-treated mice. Mean length of worms in anti-IL-12-treated group was significantly greater than that of intact controls on day 28 after infection (females, 11.84 ± 1.20 mm vs. 9.45 ± 1.34; males, 9.35 ± 1.21 mm vs. 8.10 ± 0.85 mm, p < 0.05). Liver egg load per pair of worms (1,770.12 ± 470.67 vs. 806.08 ± 232.37, p < 0.05) and uterine egg load of ovigerous females (93.08 ± 27.85 vs. 46.05 ± 34.24, p < 0.05) in anti-IL-12-treated mice were significantly higher than those in intact control 28 days postinfection. But these effects diminished 42 days postinfection (p > 0.05). Granuloma size in anti-IL-12-treated mice was significantly larger than that in intact mice 42 days postinfection (398.3 ± 80.7 μm vs. 294.4 ± 72.2 μm, p < 0.05). Granuloma fibrosis dramatically intensified in anti-IL-12-treated mice but diminished in anti-IL-4-treated mice. The results suggest that IL-12 may play an impeditive role in the development of S. japonicum and in granuloma formation as well as fibrosis. IL-4 may promote granuloma formation but have no effect on worm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Li Cheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, 430056, People's Republic of China
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Ultrastructural changes of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms recovered from C57BL/6 mice passively immunized with normal and vaccinated rabbit sera in vivo. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:37-47. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2448-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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TEIXEIRA de MELO T, MICHEL de ARAUJO J, Do VALLE DURÃES F, CALIARI MV, OLIVEIRA SC, COELHO PMZ, FONSECA CT. Immunization with newly transformed Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula tegument elicits tegument damage, reduction in egg and parasite burden. Parasite Immunol 2010; 32:749-59. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2010.01244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Immunization with SmIg, a novel tegument protein fromSchistosoma mansoni, fails to induce protection in mice but reduces liver pathology. Parasitology 2009; 137:1079-88. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009991387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYProteins associated with the schistosome tegument are of great importance for the development of new intervention strategies since they may be exposed on the surface of the parasite. Herein, we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding for theSchistosoma mansoniSmIg and its recombinant protein was tested as a potential vaccine candidate. Initially, its amino acid sequence was analysed by bioinformatics and shown to possess an N-terminal signal peptide, a C-terminal transmembrane helix, 4 glycosylation sites, an immunoglobulin conserved domain and 73% similarity with a hypotheticalS. japonicumprotein of unknown function. SmIg was produced byE. colias a recombinant protein (rSmIg) and its protective effectiveness was evaluated againstS. mansoniinfection with 100 cercariae in a murine model. Mice immunized with rSmIg induced an immune response characterized by dominant IgG1 isotype and significant levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4. Although immunogenic, the recombinant vaccine failed to induce worm burden reduction when compared to the infected control group. However, rSmIg-immunized mice had significant reductions of liver granuloma volume and fibrosis content by 31·8% and 49%, respectively. In conclusion, SmIg is a new tegument protein fromS. mansonithat plays an important role in reducing pathology induced by parasite infection.
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DNA vaccination by electroporation and boosting with recombinant proteins enhances the efficacy of DNA vaccines for Schistosomiasis japonica. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2009; 16:1796-803. [PMID: 19812258 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00231-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis japonica is an endemic, zoonotic disease of major public health importance in China. Control programs combining chemotherapy and snail killing have not been able to block transmission of infection in lakes and marsh regions. Vaccination is needed as a complementary approach to the ongoing control programs. In the present study, we wanted to determine if the efficacies of DNA vaccines encoding the 23-kDa tetraspanin membrane protein (SjC23), triose phosphate isomerase (SjCTPI), and sixfold-repeated genes of the complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) in the H chain of NP30 could be enhanced by boosting via electroporation in vivo and/or with cocktail protein vaccines. Mice vaccinated with cocktail DNA vaccines showed a significant worm reduction of 32.88% (P < 0.01) and egg reduction of 36.20% (P < 0.01). Vaccine efficacy was enhanced when animals were boosted with cocktail protein vaccines; adult worm and liver egg burdens were reduced 45.35% and 48.54%, respectively. Nearly identical results were obtained in mice boosted by electroporation in vivo, with adult worm and egg burdens reduced by 45.00% and 50.88%, respectively. The addition of a protein vaccine boost to this regimen further elevated efficacy to approximately 60% for adult worm burden and greater than 60% for liver egg reduction. The levels of interleukin-2, gamma interferon, and the ratios of immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a)/IgG1 clearly showed that cocktail DNA vaccines induced CD4(+) Th1-type responses. Boosting via either electroporation or with recombinant proteins significantly increased associated immune responses over those seen in mice vaccinated solely with DNA vaccines. Thus, schistosome DNA vaccine efficacy was significantly enhanced via boosting by electroporation in vivo and/or cocktail protein vaccines.
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Wei F, Liu Q, Zhai Y, Fu Z, Liu W, Shang L, Men J, Gao S, Lian H, Jin H, Chen C, Lin J, Shi Y, Xia Z, Zhu XQ. IL-18 enhances protective effect in mice immunized with a Schistosoma japonicum FABP DNA vaccine. Acta Trop 2009; 111:284-8. [PMID: 19467215 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Two recombinant plasmids, pVAX/SjFABP and pVAX/mIL-18 containing Schistosoma japonicum 14 kDa fatty acid binding protein (SjFABP) and murine IL-18, were constructed and evaluated for their ability to induce immune responses and to protect against S. japonicum challenge in mice. Mice were intramuscularly immunized twice at three-weekly intervals, and challenged with S. japonicum cercariae at 4 weeks after the last vaccination. All animals vaccinated with pVAX/SjFABP alone or plus pVAX/mIL-18 developed specific anti-SWAP ELISA antibody and T lymphocyte proliferation. Co-injection of pVAX/mIL-18 significantly increased the production of IFN-gamma and IL-2 compared with pVAX/SjFABP alone, indicating that IL-18 enhances the Th1-dominant immune response. The challenge experiment showed that co-injection of plasmid encoding IL-18 significantly enhances protective effect against S. japonicum infection, as demonstrated by worm reduction rates and the hepatic egg reduction rates 45 days post-challenge. These results indicated that IL-18 may become a novel vaccine adjuvant for development of vaccines against schistosomiasis.
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Transforming growth factor-beta and Th17 responses in resistance to primary murine schistosomiasis mansoni. Cytokine 2009; 48:239-45. [PMID: 19717308 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2009.07.581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Revised: 07/23/2009] [Accepted: 07/31/2009] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of the T-helper (Th) 17 cell lineage and functions in immune responses of mouse and man prompted us to investigate the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and interleukin (IL)-17 in innate resistance to murine schistosomiasis mansoni. Schistosoma mansoni-infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were administered with recombinant TGF-beta or mouse monoclonal antibody to TGF-beta to evaluate the impact of this cytokine on host immune responses against lung-stage schistosomula, and subsequent effects on adult worm parameters. Developing schistosomula elicited increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) mRNA expression and/or plasma levels of IL-4, IL-17, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), cytokines known to antagonize each other, resulting in impaired Th1/Th2, and Th17 immune responses and parasite evasion. Mice treated with TGF-beta showed elevated PBMC mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-17, TGF-beta, and TNF-alpha mRNA and increased IL-23 and IL-17 or TGF-beta plasma levels, associated with significantly (P<0.02-<0.0001) lower S. mansoni adult worm burden compared to controls in both mouse strains, thus suggesting that TGF-beta led to heightened Th17 responses that mediated resistance to the infection. Mice treated with antibody to TGF-beta showed increase in PBMC mRNA expression and plasma levels of IL-4, IL-12p70, and IFN-gamma, and significantly (P<0.02 and <0.0001) reduced worm burden and liver worm egg counts than untreated mice, indicating that Th1/Th2 immune responses were potentiated, resulting in significant innate resistance to schistosomiasis. The implications of these observations for schistosome immune evasion and vaccination were discussed.
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Durães FV, Carvalho NB, Melo TT, Oliveira SC, Fonseca CT. IL-12 and TNF-alpha production by dendritic cells stimulated with Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula tegument is TLR4- and MyD88-dependent. Immunol Lett 2009; 125:72-7. [PMID: 19539649 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula are the most susceptible parasite life stage to host immune system attack. Complex host-parasite interactions take place on Schistosoma tegument, which is a unique double membrane structure involved in nutrition and immune evasion. Herein, we have demonstrated that schistosomula tegument (Smteg) activates Dendritic cells to produce IL-12p40, TNF-alpha and also to up-regulate the co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86. Moreover, using DCs derived from MyD88-, TLR2-, TLR4- and TLR9-deficient mice we have shown that the ability of Smteg to activate DCs to produce IL-12 and TNF-alpha involves TLR4/Smteg interaction and MyD88 signaling pathway. Finally, our findings lead us to conclude that TLR4 is a key receptor involved in Smteg induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda V Durães
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, A. Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Lopes DO, Paiva LF, Martins MA, Cardoso FC, Rajão MA, Pinho JM, Caliari MV, Correa-Oliveira R, Mello SM, Leite LCC, Oliveira SC. Sm21.6 a novel EF-hand family protein member located on the surface of Schistosoma mansoni adult worm that failed to induce protection against challenge infection but reduced liver pathology. Vaccine 2009; 27:4127-35. [PMID: 19409948 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.04.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Revised: 03/26/2009] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant public health problem that affects 200 million people worldwide. This is one of the most important parasitic diseases, and one whose effective control is unlikely in the absence of a vaccine. In this study, we have isolated a cDNA clone encoding the Schistosoma mansoni Sm21.6 protein that has 45% and 44% identity with Sm22.6 and Sj21.7 EF-hand containing antigens, respectively. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that Sm21.6 is a membrane-associated protein localized on the S. mansoni adult worm. Mouse immunization with rSm21.6 induced a mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine profile and no protection against infection. However, vaccination with rSm21.6 reduced by 28% of liver granuloma numbers, 21% of granuloma area and 34% of fibrosis. Finally, rSm21.6 was recognized by sera from individuals resistant to reinfection compared with patients susceptible to reinfection and this molecule should be further studied as potential biomarker for disease resistance. In conclusion, Sm21.6 is a new tegument protein from S. mansoni that plays an important role in reducing pathology induced by parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora O Lopes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antonio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
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Oliveira SC, Fonseca CT, Cardoso FC, Farias LP, Leite LC. Recent advances in vaccine research against schistosomiasis in Brazil. Acta Trop 2008; 108:256-62. [PMID: 18577363 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2007] [Revised: 04/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/29/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant public health problem in tropical countries such as Brazil. Even though drug treatment in endemic areas has been shown to be efficient for controlling morbidity, it does not reduce prevalence due to constant reinfections. Therefore, a long-term disease control strategy is needed combining mass chemotherapy with a protective vaccine. Although the field of vaccine development has experienced more failures than successes, encouraging results have been obtained in recent years using defined recombinant derived Schistosoma mansoni antigens. This article primarily reviews the progress in the development of a vaccine against S. mansoni in Brazil. We discuss here different forms of vaccine tested in Brazil in pre-clinical trials and immunologic studies performed with patients in endemic areas of schistosomiasis. Lastly, we reviewed the S. mansoni genomic projects developed in the country and the recent advances in the identification of new molecules with potential as vaccine targets.
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Cardoso FC, Macedo GC, Gava E, Kitten GT, Mati VL, de Melo AL, Caliari MV, Almeida GT, Venancio TM, Verjovski-Almeida S, Oliveira SC. Schistosoma mansoni tegument protein Sm29 is able to induce a Th1-type of immune response and protection against parasite infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2008; 2:e308. [PMID: 18827884 PMCID: PMC2553283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2008] [Accepted: 09/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis continues to be a significant public health problem. This disease affects 200 million people worldwide and almost 800 million people are at risk of acquiring the infection. Although vaccine development against this disease has experienced more failures than successes, encouraging results have recently been obtained using membrane-spanning protein antigens from the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni. Our group recently identified Sm29, another antigen that is present at the adult worm tegument surface. In this study, we investigated murine cellular immune responses to recombinant (r) Sm29 and tested this protein as a vaccine candidate. Methods and Findings We first show that Sm29 is located on the surface of adult worms and lung-stage schistosomula through confocal microscopy. Next, immunization of mice with rSm29 engendered 51%, 60% and 50% reduction in adult worm burdens, in intestinal eggs and in liver granuloma counts, respectively (p<0.05). Protective immunity in mice was associated with high titers of specific anti-Sm29 IgG1 and IgG2a and elevated production of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12, a typical Th1 response. Gene expression analysis of worms recovered from rSm29 vaccinated mice relative to worms from control mice revealed a significant (q<0.01) down-regulation of 495 genes and up-regulation of only 22 genes. Among down-regulated genes, many of them encode surface antigens and proteins associated with immune signals, suggesting that under immune attack schistosomes reduce the expression of critical surface proteins. Conclusion This study demonstrates that Sm29 surface protein is a new vaccine candidate against schistosomiasis and suggests that Sm29 vaccination associated with other protective critical surface antigens is the next logical strategy for improving protection. Schistosomiasis is the most important human helminth infection in terms of morbidity and mortality. Although the efforts to develop a vaccine against this disease have experienced failures, a new generation of surface antigens revealed by proteomic studies changed this scenario. Our group has characterized the protein Sm29 described previously as one of the most exposed and expressed antigens in the outer tegument of Schistosoma mansoni. Studies in patients living in endemic areas for schistosomiasis revealed high levels of IgG1 and IgG3 anti-Sm29 in resistant individuals. In this study, confocal microscope analysis showed Sm29 present in the surface of lung-stage schistosoluma and adult worms. Recombinant Sm29, when used as vaccine candidate, induced high levels of protection in mice. This protection was associated with a typical Th1 immune response and reduction of worm burden, liver granulomas and in intestinal eggs. Further, microarray analysis of worms recovered from vaccinated mice showed significant down-regulation of several genes encoding previously characterized vaccine candidates and/or molecules exposed on the surface, suggesting an immune evasion strategy of schistosomes under immune attack. These results demonstrated that Sm29 as one of the important antigens with potential to compose a vaccine against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C. Cardoso
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gilson C. Macedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elisandra Gava
- Departamento de Morfologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gregory T. Kitten
- Departamento de Morfologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vitor L. Mati
- Departamento de Parasitologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alan L. de Melo
- Departamento de Parasitologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V. Caliari
- Departamento de Patologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Giulliana T. Almeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. Venancio
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sergio C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Wei F, Liu Q, Gao S, Shang L, Zhai Y, Men J, Jiang L, Zhu XQ, Fu Z, Shi Y, Xia Z, Lin J. Enhancement by IL-18 of the protective effect of a Schistosoma japonicum 26kDa GST plasmid DNA vaccine in mice. Vaccine 2008; 26:4145-9. [PMID: 18562051 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 05/15/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Two recombinant plasmids pVAX/Sj26GST and pVAX/mIL-18 containing Schistosoma japonicum 26kDa GST and murine IL-18 were evaluated for their ability to protect mice against S. japonicum challenge. Mice were given 2 intramuscular immunizations 3 weeks apart, and challenged with S. japonicum cercariae 4 weeks later. Adult worm and egg burdens were determined 48 days post-challenge. All animals vaccinated with pVAX/Sj26GST alone or with pVAX/mIL-18 developed specific anti-SWAP (soluble worm antigen preparation) ELISA antibody and splenocyte proliferation response. Co-injection of pVAX/mIL-18 significantly increased the production of IFN-gamma and IL-12, indicating that IL-18 enhances the Th1-dominant immune response. Challenge experiments showed that worms were reduced in the pVAX/Sj26GST group by 30.1% and by 49.4% in animals given pVAX/mIL-18 additionally. Corresponding hepatic and fecal egg reductions were 44.8% and 53.0%, and 50.6% and 56.6%, respectively. These results indicate that IL-18 may be an effective adjuvant for a schistosomiasis vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wei
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 1068 Qinglong Road, Changchun 130062, China
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Garcia TC, Fonseca CT, Pacifico LG, Durães FDV, Marinho FAV, Penido ML, Caliari MV, de Melo AL, Pinto HA, Barsante MM, Cunha-Neto E, Oliveira SC. Peptides containing T cell epitopes, derived from Sm14, but not from paramyosin, induce a Th1 type of immune response, reduction in liver pathology and partial protection against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice. Acta Trop 2008; 106:162-7. [PMID: 18423420 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2008.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2007] [Revised: 03/07/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Sm14 and paramyosin are two major Schistosoma mansoni vaccine candidate antigens. Recently, we have identified Sm14 and paramyosin epitopes that are recognized by T cells of resistant individuals living in endemic areas for schistosomiasis. Herein, mice were immunized with these peptides separately or in association in order to evaluate their vaccine potential. Immunization of mice with Sm14 peptides alone or mixed with paramyosin peptides was able to induce 26%-36.7% or 28%-29.2% of worm burden reduction, 67% or 46% of intestinal eggs reduction and also 54%-61% or 43%-52% of liver pathology reduction, respectively. Protection was associated with a Th1 type of immune response induced by Sm14 peptide immunization. In contrast, paramyosin peptide vaccination did not engender protective immunity or liver pathology reduction and immunization was associated with a Th2 type of immune response.
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