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Korsah MA, Johnston ST, Tiedje KE, Day KP, Flegg JA, Walker CR. Mathematical Assessment of the Role of Intervention Programs for Malaria Control. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:91. [PMID: 38888640 PMCID: PMC11189351 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health problem despite the many attempts to control and eradicate it. There is an urgent need to understand the current transmission dynamics of malaria and to determine the interventions necessary to control malaria. In this paper, we seek to develop a fit-for-purpose mathematical model to assess the interventions needed to control malaria in an endemic setting. To achieve this, we formulate a malaria transmission model to analyse the spread of malaria in the presence of interventions. A sensitivity analysis of the model is performed to determine the relative impact of the model parameters on disease transmission. We explore how existing variations in the recruitment and management of intervention strategies affect malaria transmission. Results obtained from the study imply that the discontinuation of existing interventions has a significant effect on malaria prevalence. Thus, the maintenance of interventions is imperative for malaria elimination and eradication. In a scenario study aimed at assessing the impact of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and localized individual measures, our findings indicate that increased LLINs utilization and extended IRS coverage (with longer-lasting insecticides) cause a more pronounced reduction in symptomatic malaria prevalence compared to a reduced LLINs utilization and shorter IRS coverage. Additionally, our study demonstrates the impact of localized preventive measures in mitigating the spread of malaria when compared to the absence of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maame Akua Korsah
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Stuart T Johnston
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kathryn E Tiedje
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen P Day
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Flegg
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Camelia R Walker
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Lyimo BM, Bakari C, Popkin-Hall ZR, Giesbrecht DJ, Seth MD, Pereus D, Shabani ZI, Moshi R, Boniface R, Mandara CI, Madebe R, Juliano JJ, Bailey JA, Ishengoma DS. Genetic polymorphism and evidence of signatures of selection in the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein gene in Tanzanian regions with different malaria endemicity. Malar J 2024; 23:139. [PMID: 38720288 PMCID: PMC11080125 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04974-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2021 and 2023, the World Health Organization approved RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix M malaria vaccines, respectively, for routine immunization of children in African countries with moderate to high transmission. These vaccines are made of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP), but polymorphisms in the gene raise concerns regarding strain-specific responses and the long-term efficacy of these vaccines. This study assessed the Pfcsp genetic diversity, population structure and signatures of selection among parasites from areas of different malaria transmission intensities in Mainland Tanzania, to generate baseline data before the introduction of the malaria vaccines in the country. METHODS The analysis involved 589 whole genome sequences generated by and as part of the MalariaGEN Community Project. The samples were collected between 2013 and January 2015 from five regions of Mainland Tanzania: Morogoro and Tanga (Muheza) (moderate transmission areas), and Kagera (Muleba), Lindi (Nachingwea), and Kigoma (Ujiji) (high transmission areas). Wright's inbreeding coefficient (Fws), Wright's fixation index (FST), principal component analysis, nucleotide diversity, and Tajima's D were used to assess within-host parasite diversity, population structure and natural selection. RESULTS Based on Fws (< 0.95), there was high polyclonality (ranging from 69.23% in Nachingwea to 56.9% in Muheza). No population structure was detected in the Pfcsp gene in the five regions (mean FST = 0.0068). The average nucleotide diversity (π), nucleotide differentiation (K) and haplotype diversity (Hd) in the five regions were 4.19, 0.973 and 0.0035, respectively. The C-terminal region of Pfcsp showed high nucleotide diversity at Th2R and Th3R regions. Positive values for the Tajima's D were observed in the Th2R and Th3R regions consistent with balancing selection. The Pfcsp C-terminal sequences revealed 50 different haplotypes (H_1 to H_50), with only 2% of sequences matching the 3D7 strain haplotype (H_50). Conversely, with the NF54 strain, the Pfcsp C-terminal sequences revealed 49 different haplotypes (H_1 to H_49), with only 0.4% of the sequences matching the NF54 strain (Hap_49). CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate high diversity of the Pfcsp gene with limited population differentiation. The Pfcsp gene showed positive Tajima's D values, consistent with balancing selection for variants within Th2R and Th3R regions. The study observed differences between the intended haplotypes incorporated into the design of RTS,S and R21 vaccines and those present in natural parasite populations. Therefore, additional research is warranted, incorporating other regions and more recent data to comprehensively assess trends in genetic diversity within this important gene. Such insights will inform the choice of alleles to be included in the future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatus M Lyimo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dativa Pereus
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Zulfa I Shabani
- Dar Es Salaam University College of Education, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ramadhan Moshi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ruth Boniface
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Wang N, Wang T. Innovative translational platforms for rapid developing clinical vaccines against COVID-19 and other infectious disease. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300658. [PMID: 38403469 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
A vaccine is a biological preparation that contains the antigen capable of stimulating the immune system to form the defense against pathogens. Vaccine development often confronts big challenges, including time/energy-consuming, low efficacy, lag to pathogen emergence and mutation, and even safety concern. However, these seem now mostly conquerable through constructing the advanced translational platforms that can make innovative vaccines, sometimes, potentiated with a distinct multifunctional VADS (vaccine adjuvant delivery system), as evidenced by the development of various vaccines against the covid-19 pandemic at warp speed. Particularly, several covid-19 vaccines, such as the viral-vectored vaccines, mRNA vaccines and DNA vaccines, regarded as the innovative ones that are rapidly made via the high technology-based translational platforms. These products have manifested powerful efficacy while showing no unacceptable safety profile in clinics, allowing them to be approved for massive vaccination at also warp speed. Now, the proprietary translational platforms integrated with the state-of-the-art biotechnologies, and even the artificial intelligence (AI), represent an efficient mode for rapid making innovative clinical vaccines against infections, thus increasingly attracting interests of vaccine research and development. Herein, the advanced translational platforms for making innovative vaccines, together with their design principles and immunostimulatory efficacies, are comprehensively elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- School of Food and Biological engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
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4
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Lyimo BM, Bakari C, Popkin-Hall ZR, Giesbrecht DJ, Seth MD, Pereus D, Moshi R, Boniface R, Mandara CI, Madebe R, Juliano JJ, Bailey JA, Ishengoma DS. Genetic polymorphism and evidence of signatures of selection in the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein gene in Tanzanian regions with different malaria endemicity. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.23.24301587. [PMID: 38343796 PMCID: PMC10854334 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.23.24301587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Background In 2021 and 2023, the World Health Organization approved RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix M malaria vaccines, respectively, for routine immunization of children in African countries with moderate to high transmission. These vaccines are made of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (Pfcsp) but polymorphisms in this gene raises concerns regarding strain-specific responses and the long-term efficacy of these vaccines. This study assessed the Pfcsp genetic diversity, population structure and signatures of selection among parasites from areas of different malaria transmission in mainland Tanzania, to generate baseline data before the introduction of the malaria vaccines in the country. Methods The analysis involved 589 whole genome sequences generated by and as part of the MalariaGEN Community Project. The samples were collected between 2013 and January 2015 from five regions of mainland Tanzania: Morogoro and Tanga (Muheza) (moderate transmission areas), and Kagera (Muleba), Lindi (Nachingwea), and Kigoma (Ujiji) (high transmission areas). Wright's inbreeding coefficient (Fws), Wright's fixation index (FST), principal component analysis, nucleotide diversity, and Tajima's D were used to assess within-host parasite diversity, population structure and natural selection. Results Based on Fws (< 0.95), there was high polyclonality (ranged from 69.23% in Nachingwea to 56.9% in Muheza). No population structure was detected in the Pfcsp gene in the five regions (mean FST= 0.0068). The average nucleotide diversity (π), nucleotide differentiation (K) and haplotype diversity (Hd) in the five regions were 4.19, 0.973 and 0.0035, respectively. The C-terminal region of Pfcsp showed high nucleotide diversity at Th2R and Th3R regions. Positive values for the Tajima's D were observed in the Th2R and Th3R regions consistent with balancing selection. The Pfcsp C-terminal sequences had 50 different haplotypes (H_1 to H_50) and only 2% of sequences matched the 3D7 strain haplotype (H_50). Conclusions The findings demonstrate high diversity of the Pfcsp gene with limited population differentiation. The Pfcsp gene showed positive Tajima's D values for parasite populations, consistent with balancing selection for variants within Th2R and Th3R regions. This data is consistent with other studies conducted across Africa and worldwide, which demonstrate low 3D7 haplotypes and little population structure. Therefore, additional research is warranted, incorporating other regions and more recent data to comprehensively assess trends in genetic diversity within this important gene. Such insights will inform the choice of alleles to be included in the future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatus M. Lyimo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Misago D. Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dativa Pereus
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ramadhan Moshi
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ruth Boniface
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Rashid Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Deus S. Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Jiao S, Tan N, Zhu C, Ding Y, Xu W. Malaria sporozoites evade host complement attack. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13012. [PMID: 37859300 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Complement is the first line of the host innate immune response against bacterial and viral infections; however, its role in the development of the malaria liver stage remains undefined. We found that sporozoite infection by either a mosquito bite or intravenous injection activated systemic complement, but neither depletion of C3 nor knockout of C3 had a significant effect on malaria liver stage development. Incubation of mouse serum with trypsin-treated sporozoites, but not naive sporozoites, led to the deposition of a membrane attack complex (MAC) on the surface of sporozoites and greatly reduced the number of exo-erythrocytic forms (EEF). Further studies have shown that the recruitment of complement H factor (CFH) may be associated with the prevention of MAC deposition on the surface of naïve sporozoites. Our data strongly suggest that sporozoites can escape complement attacks and provide us with a novel strategy to prevent malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming Jiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- The School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nie Tan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chengyu Zhu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- The School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyue Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- The School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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6
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Liu S, Ebel ER, Luniewski A, Zulawinska J, Simpson ML, Kim J, Ene N, Braukmann TWA, Congdon M, Santos W, Yeh E, Guler JL. Direct long read visualization reveals metabolic interplay between two antimalarial drug targets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528367. [PMID: 36824743 PMCID: PMC9948948 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Increases in the copy number of large genomic regions, termed genome amplification, are an important adaptive strategy for malaria parasites. Numerous amplifications across the Plasmodium falciparum genome contribute directly to drug resistance or impact the fitness of this protozoan parasite. During the characterization of parasite lines with amplifications of the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) gene, we detected increased copies of an additional genomic region that encompassed 3 genes (~5 kb) including GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCH1 amplicon). While this gene is reported to increase the fitness of antifolate resistant parasites, GCH1 amplicons had not previously been implicated in any other antimalarial resistance context. Here, we further explored the association between GCH1 and DHODH copy number. Using long read sequencing and single read visualization, we directly observed a higher number of tandem GCH1 amplicons in parasites with increased DHODH copies (up to 9 amplicons) compared to parental parasites (3 amplicons). While all GCH1 amplicons shared a consistent structure, expansions arose in 2-unit steps (from 3 to 5 to 7, etc copies). Adaptive evolution of DHODH and GCH1 loci was further bolstered when we evaluated prior selection experiments; DHODH amplification was only successful in parasite lines with pre-existing GCH1 amplicons. These observations, combined with the direct connection between metabolic pathways that contain these enzymes, lead us to propose that the GCH1 locus is beneficial for the fitness of parasites exposed to DHODH inhibitors. This finding highlights the importance of studying variation within individual parasite genomes as well as biochemical connections of drug targets as novel antimalarials move towards clinical approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Liu
- University of Virginia, Department of Biology, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Current affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Emily R. Ebel
- Stanford, Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Julia Zulawinska
- University of Virginia, Department of Biology, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Jane Kim
- University of Virginia, Department of Biology, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Nnenna Ene
- University of Virginia, Department of Biology, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Molly Congdon
- Virginia Tech, Department of Chemistry, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Webster Santos
- Virginia Tech, Department of Chemistry, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ellen Yeh
- Stanford University, Departments of Pathology and Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Guler
- University of Virginia, Department of Biology, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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7
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Korsah MA, Johnston ST, Tiedje KE, Day KP, Flegg JA, Walker CR. Mathematical assessment of the role of intervention programs for malaria control. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.18.23300185. [PMID: 38196597 PMCID: PMC10775318 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.23300185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health problem despite the many attempts to control and eradicate it. There is an urgent need to understand the current transmission dynamics of malaria and to determine the interventions necessary to control malaria. In this paper, we seek to develop a fit-for-purpose mathematical model to assess the interventions needed to control malaria in an endemic setting. To achieve this, we formulate a malaria transmission model to analyse the spread of malaria in the presence of interventions. A sensitivity analysis of the model is performed to determine the relative impact of the model parameters on disease transmission. We explore how existing variations in the recruitment and management of intervention strategies affect malaria transmission. Results obtained from the study imply that the discontinuation of existing interventions has a significant effect on malaria prevalence. Thus, the maintenance of interventions is imperative for malaria elimination and eradication. In a scenario study aimed at assessing the impact of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and localized individual measures, our findings indicate that increased LLINs utilization and extended IRS coverage (with longer-lasting insecticides) cause a more pronounced reduction in symptomatic malaria prevalence compared to a reduced LLINs utilization and shorter IRS coverage. Additionally, our study demonstrates the impact of localized preventive measures in mitigating the spread of malaria when compared to the absence of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maame Akua Korsah
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart T Johnston
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kathryn E Tiedje
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen P Day
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Flegg
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Camelia R Walker
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Powell TJ, Tang J, Mitchell R, DeRome ME, Jacobs A, Palath N, Cardenas E, Yorke M, Boyd JG, Kaba SA, Nardin E. Immunogenicity, Efficacy, and Safety of a Novel Synthetic Microparticle Pre-Erythrocytic Malaria Vaccine in Multiple Host Species. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1789. [PMID: 38140193 PMCID: PMC10748200 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported a protective antibody response in mice immunized with synthetic microparticle vaccines made using layer-by-layer fabrication (LbL-MP) and containing the conserved T1BT* epitopes from the P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein. To further optimize the vaccine candidate, a benchtop tangential flow filtration method (LbL-by-TFF) was developed and utilized to produce vaccine candidates that differed in the status of base layer crosslinking, inclusion of a TLR2 ligand in the antigenic peptide, and substitution of serine or alanine for an unpaired cysteine residue in the T* epitope. Studies in mice revealed consistent superiority of the Pam3Cys-modified candidates and a modest benefit of base layer crosslinking, as evidenced by higher and more persistent antibody titers (up to 18 months post-immunization), a qualitative improvement of T-cell responses toward a Th1 phenotype, and greater protection from live parasite challenges compared to the unmodified prototype candidate. Immunogenicity was also tested in a non-human primate model, the rhesus macaque. Base layer-crosslinked LbL-MP loaded with T1BT* peptide with or without covalently linked Pam3Cys elicited T1B-specific antibody responses and T1BT*-specific T-cell responses dominated by IFNγ secretion with lower levels of IL-5 secretion. The Pam3Cys-modified construct was more potent, generating antibody responses that neutralized wild-type P. falciparum in an in vitro hepatocyte invasion assay. IgG purified from individual macaques immunized with Pam3Cys.T1BT* LbL-MP protected naïve mice from challenges with transgenic P. berghei sporozoites that expressed the full-length PfCS protein, with 50-88% of passively immunized mice parasite-free for ≥15 days. Substitution of serine for an unpaired cysteine in the T* region of the T1BT* subunit did not adversely impact immune potency in the mouse while simplifying the manufacture of the antigenic peptide. In a Good Laboratory Practices compliant rabbit toxicology study, the base layer-crosslinked, Pam3Cys-modified, serine-substituted candidate was shown to be safe and immunogenic, eliciting parasite-neutralizing antibody responses and establishing the dose/route/regimen for a clinical evaluation of this novel synthetic microparticle pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Powell
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Jie Tang
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Robert Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA; (R.M.); (E.N.)
| | - Mary E. DeRome
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
- Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
| | - Andrea Jacobs
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Naveen Palath
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
- Pfizer, Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Edwin Cardenas
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Michelle Yorke
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
| | - James G. Boyd
- Artificial Cell Technologies, Inc., 5 Science Park, Suite 13, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (J.T.); (M.E.D.); (A.J.); (N.P.); (E.C.); (M.Y.); (J.G.B.)
| | - Stephen A. Kaba
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA;
- GreenLight Biosciences, Inc., Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nardin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10010, USA; (R.M.); (E.N.)
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9
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Siqueira-Neto JL, Wicht KJ, Chibale K, Burrows JN, Fidock DA, Winzeler EA. Antimalarial drug discovery: progress and approaches. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:807-826. [PMID: 37652975 PMCID: PMC10543600 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00772-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent antimalarial drug discovery has been a race to produce new medicines that overcome emerging drug resistance, whilst considering safety and improving dosing convenience. Discovery efforts have yielded a variety of new molecules, many with novel modes of action, and the most advanced are in late-stage clinical development. These discoveries have led to a deeper understanding of how antimalarial drugs act, the identification of a new generation of drug targets, and multiple structure-based chemistry initiatives. The limited pool of funding means it is vital to prioritize new drug candidates. They should exhibit high potency, a low propensity for resistance, a pharmacokinetic profile that favours infrequent dosing, low cost, preclinical results that demonstrate safety and tolerability in women and infants, and preferably the ability to block Plasmodium transmission to Anopheles mosquito vectors. In this Review, we describe the approaches that have been successful, progress in preclinical and clinical development, and existing challenges. We illustrate how antimalarial drug discovery can serve as a model for drug discovery in diseases of poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathryn J Wicht
- Holistic Drug Discovery and Development (H3D) Centre, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Kelly Chibale
- Holistic Drug Discovery and Development (H3D) Centre, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Drug Discovery and Development Research Unit, Department of Chemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | | | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Malaria Therapeutics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Zheng Y, Matheeussen A, Maes L, Caljon G, Sterk GJ, Leurs R. Structural Optimization of BIPPO Analogs as Potent Antimalarials. Molecules 2023; 28:4939. [PMID: 37446602 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria continues to pose a significant health threat, causing thousands of deaths each year. The limited availability of vaccines and medications, combined with the emergence of drug resistance, further complicates the fight against this disease. In this study, we aimed to enhance the antimalarial potency of the previously reported hit compound BIPPO (pIC50 5.9). Through systematic modification of pyrazolopyrimidinone analogs, we discovered the promising analog 30 (NPD-3547), which exhibited approximately one log unit higher in vitro potency (pIC50 6.8) against Plasmodium falciparum. Furthermore, we identified several other BIPPO analogs (23, 28, 29 and 47a) with potent antimalarial activity (pIC50 > 6.0) and favorable metabolic stability in mouse liver microsomes. These compounds can serve as new tools for further optimization towards the development of potential candidates for antimalarial studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - An Matheeussen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Geert Jan Sterk
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems, Faculty of Science, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1083, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Oludada OE, Costa G, Burn Aschner C, Obraztsova AS, Prieto K, Canetta C, Hoffman SL, Kremsner PG, Mordmüller B, Murugan R, Julien JP, Levashina EA, Wardemann H. Molecular and functional properties of human Plasmodium falciparum CSP C-terminus antibodies. EMBO Mol Med 2023:e17454. [PMID: 37082831 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the central repeat and junction domain of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) have been studied extensively to guide malaria vaccine design compared to antibodies against the PfCSP C terminus. Here, we describe the molecular characteristics and protective potential of 73 germline and mutated human mAbs against the highly immunogenic PfCSP C-terminal domain. Two mAbs recognized linear epitopes in the C-terminal linker with sequence similarity to repeat and junction motifs, whereas all others targeted conformational epitopes in the α-thrombospondin repeat (α-TSR) domain. Specificity for the polymorphic Th2R/Th3R but not the conserved RII+/CS.T3 region in the α-TSR was associated with IGHV3-21/IGVL3-21 or IGLV3-1 gene usage. Although the C terminus specific mAbs showed signs of more efficient affinity maturation and class-switching compared to anti-repeat mAbs, live sporozoite binding and inhibitory activity was limited to a single C-linker reactive mAb with cross-reactivity to the central repeat and junction. The data provide novel insights in the human anti-C-linker and anti-α-TSR antibody response that support exclusion of the PfCSP C terminus from malaria vaccine designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Ernest Oludada
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biosciences Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giulia Costa
- Vector Biology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anna S Obraztsova
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Biosciences Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katherine Prieto
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Caterina Canetta
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Tübingen, Germany
- Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rajagopal Murugan
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elena A Levashina
- Vector Biology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hedda Wardemann
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Kekani LN, Witika BA. Current advances in nanodrug delivery systems for malaria prevention and treatment. DISCOVER NANO 2023; 18:66. [PMID: 37382765 PMCID: PMC10409709 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening, blood-borne disease with over two hundred million cases throughout the world and is more prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa than anywhere else in the world. Over the years, several treatment agents have been developed for malaria; however, most of these active pharmaceutical ingredients exhibit poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability and may result in drug-resistant parasites, thus increasing malaria cases and eventually, deaths. Factors such as these in therapeutics have led to a better appreciation of nanomaterials. The ability of nanomaterials to function as drug carriers with a high loading capacity and targeted drug delivery, good biocompatibility, and low toxicity renders them an appealing alternative to conventional therapy. Nanomaterials such as dendrimers and liposomes have been demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. This review discusses the recent development of nanomaterials and their benefits in drug delivery for the potential treatment of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda N Kekani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa
| | - Bwalya A Witika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa.
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13
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Ludwig J, Scally SW, Costa G, Hoffmann S, Murugan R, Lossin J, Prieto K, Obraztcova A, Lobeto N, Franke-Fayard B, Janse CJ, Lebas C, Collin N, Binter S, Kellam P, Levashina EA, Wardemann H, Julien JP. Glycosylated nanoparticle-based PfCSP vaccine confers long-lasting antibody responses and sterile protection in mouse malaria model. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:52. [PMID: 37029167 PMCID: PMC10080175 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00653-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an effective and durable vaccine remains a central goal in the fight against malaria. Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is the major surface protein of sporozoites and the target of the only licensed Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01. However, vaccine efficacy is low and short-lived, highlighting the need for a second-generation vaccine with superior efficacy and durability. Here, we report a Helicobacter pylori apoferritin-based nanoparticle immunogen that elicits strong B cell responses against PfCSP epitopes that are targeted by the most potent human monoclonal antibodies. Glycan engineering of the scaffold and fusion of an exogenous T cell epitope enhanced the anti-PfCSP B cell response eliciting strong, long-lived and protective humoral immunity in mice. Our study highlights the power of rational vaccine design to generate a highly efficacious second-generation anti-infective malaria vaccine candidate and provides the basis for its further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ludwig
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephen W Scally
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Giulia Costa
- Vector Biology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandro Hoffmann
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rajagopal Murugan
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jana Lossin
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katherine Prieto
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Obraztcova
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nina Lobeto
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Blandine Franke-Fayard
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J Janse
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Celia Lebas
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Collin
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Spela Binter
- Kymab a Sanofi Company, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul Kellam
- Kymab a Sanofi Company, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elena A Levashina
- Vector Biology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hedda Wardemann
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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14
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Dieng CC, Ford CT, Lerch A, Doniou D, Vegesna K, Janies D, Cui L, Amoah L, Afrane Y, Lo E. Genetic variations of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein and the impact on interactions with human immunoproteins and malaria vaccine efficacy. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 110:105418. [PMID: 36841398 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
In October 2021, the world's first malaria vaccine RTS,S was endorsed by WHO for broad use in children, despite its low efficacy. This study examined polyclonal infections and the associations of parasite genetic variations with binding affinity to human leukocyte antigen (HLA). Multiplicity of infection was determined by amplicon deep sequencing of PfMSP1. Genetic variations in PfCSP were examined across 88 samples from Ghana and analyzed together with 1655 PfCSP sequences from other African and non-African isolates. Binding interactions of PfCSP peptide variants and HLA were predicted using NetChop and HADDOCK. High polyclonality was detected among infections, with each infection harboring multiple non-3D7 PfCSP variants. Twenty-seven PfCSP haplotypes were detected in the Ghanaian samples, and they broadly represented PfCSP diversity across Africa. The number of genetic differences between 3D7 and non-3D7 PfCSP variants does not influence binding to HLA. However, CSP peptide length after proteolytic degradation significantly affects its molecular weight and binding affinity to HLA. Despite the high diversity of HLA, the majority of the HLAI and II alleles interacted/bound with all Ghana CSP peptides. Multiple non-3D7 strains among P. falciparum infections could impact the effectiveness of RTS,S. Longer peptides of the Th2R/Th3R CSP regions should be considered in future versions of RTS,S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheikh Cambel Dieng
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Colby T Ford
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA; School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Anita Lerch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Dickson Doniou
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kovidh Vegesna
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Daniel Janies
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Linda Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; West Africa Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Afrane
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA; School of Data Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
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15
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Belmonte M, Ganeshan H, Huang J, Belmonte A, Inoue S, Velasco R, Acheampong N, Ofori EA, Akyea-Mensah K, Frimpong A, Ennuson NA, Frempong AF, Kyei-Baafour E, Amoah LE, Edgel K, Peters B, Villasante E, Kusi KA, Sedegah M. Immunodominant T cell peptides from four candidate malarial antigens as biomarkers of protective immunity against malaria. Vaccine 2023; 41:1265-1273. [PMID: 36642628 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A malaria vaccine with high efficacy and capable of inducing sterile immunity against malaria within genetically diverse populations is urgently needed to complement ongoing disease control and elimination efforts. Parasite-specific IFN-γ and granzyme B-secreting CD8 + T cells have been identified as key mediators of protection and the rapid identification of malaria antigen targets that elicit these responses will fast-track the development of simpler, cost-effective interventions. This study extends our previous work which used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from adults with life-long exposure to malaria parasites to identify immunodominant antigen-specific peptide pools composed of overlapping 15mer sequences spanning full length proteins of four malarial antigens. Our current study aimed to identify CD8 + T cell epitopes within these previously identified positive peptide pools. Cryopreserved PBMCs from 109 HLA-typed subjects were stimulated with predicted 9-11mer CD8 + T cell epitopes from P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP), apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), thrombospondin related anonymous protein (TRAP) and cell traversal for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS) in FluoroSpot assays. A total of 135 epitopes out of 297 tested peptides from the four antigens were experimentally identified as positive for IFN-γ and/or granzyme B production in 65 of the 109 subjects. Forty-three of 135 epitopes (32 %) were promiscuous for HLA binding, with 31 of these promiscuous epitopes (72 %) being presented by HLA alleles that fall within at least two different HLA supertypes. Furthermore, about 52 % of identified epitopes were conserved when the respective sequences were aligned with those from 16 highly diverse P. falciparum parasite strains. In summary, we have identified a number of conserved epitopes, immune responses to which could be effective against multiple P. falciparum parasite strains in genetically diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Belmonte
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Harini Ganeshan
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jun Huang
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arnel Belmonte
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA; GDIT, MD 20817, USA
| | - Sandra Inoue
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA; GDIT, MD 20817, USA
| | - Rachel Velasco
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA; GDIT, MD 20817, USA
| | - Neda Acheampong
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA; GDIT, MD 20817, USA
| | - Ebenezer Addo Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Akyea-Mensah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Augustina Frimpong
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Nana Aba Ennuson
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Abena Fremaah Frempong
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Eric Kyei-Baafour
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Kimberly Edgel
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA
| | - Bjoern Peters
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
| | - Martha Sedegah
- Malaria Department, Naval Medical Research Center, MD, USA
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16
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Chandley P, Ranjan R, Kumar S, Rohatgi S. Host-parasite interactions during Plasmodium infection: Implications for immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1091961. [PMID: 36685595 PMCID: PMC9845897 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1091961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a global infectious disease that remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Multiple environmental and host and parasite factors govern the clinical outcomes of malaria. The host immune response against the Plasmodium parasite is heterogenous and stage-specific both in the human host and mosquito vector. The Plasmodium parasite virulence is predominantly associated with its ability to evade the host's immune response. Despite the availability of drug-based therapies, Plasmodium parasites can acquire drug resistance due to high antigenic variations and allelic polymorphisms. The lack of licensed vaccines against Plasmodium infection necessitates the development of effective, safe and successful therapeutics. To design an effective vaccine, it is important to study the immune evasion strategies and stage-specific Plasmodium proteins, which are targets of the host immune response. This review provides an overview of the host immune defense mechanisms and parasite immune evasion strategies during Plasmodium infection. Furthermore, we also summarize and discuss the current progress in various anti-malarial vaccine approaches, along with antibody-based therapy involving monoclonal antibodies, and research advancements in host-directed therapy, which can together open new avenues for developing novel immunotherapies against malaria infection and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Chandley
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Ravikant Ranjan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Soma Rohatgi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India,*Correspondence: Soma Rohatgi,
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17
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Bolhassani A. Lipid-Based Delivery Systems in Development of Genetic and Subunit Vaccines. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 65:669-698. [PMID: 36462102 PMCID: PMC9734811 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00624-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Lipidic carriers are composed of natural, synthetic, or physiological lipid/phospholipid materials. The flexibility of lipid-based delivery systems for transferring a variety of molecules such as immunomodulators, antigens, and drugs play a key role in design of effective vaccination and therapeutic strategies against infectious and non-infectious diseases. Genetic and subunit vaccines are two major groups of promising vaccines that have the potential for improving the protective potency against different diseases. These vaccine strategies rely greatly on delivery systems with various functions, including cargo protection, targeted delivery, high bioavailability, controlled release of antigens, selective induction of antigen-specific humoral or cellular immune responses, and low side effects. Lipidic carriers play a key role in local tissue distribution, retention, trafficking, uptake and processing by antigen-presenting cells. Moreover, lipid nanoparticles have successfully achieved to the clinic for the delivery of mRNA. Their broad potential was shown by the recent approval of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. However, size, charge, architecture, and composition need to be characterized to develop a standard lipidic carrier. Regarding the major roles of lipid-based delivery systems in increasing the efficiency and safety of vaccine strategies against different diseases, this review concentrates on their recent advancements in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Hayashi CTH, Cao Y, Clark LC, Tripathi AK, Zavala F, Dwivedi G, Knox J, Alameh MG, Lin PJC, Tam YK, Weissman D, Kumar N. mRNA-LNP expressing PfCSP and Pfs25 vaccine candidates targeting infection and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:155. [PMID: 36456563 PMCID: PMC9715627 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00577-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a deadly disease responsible for between 550,000 and 627,000 deaths annually. There is a pressing need to develop vaccines focused on malaria elimination. The complex lifecycle of Plasmodium falciparum provides opportunities not only to target the infectious sporozoite stage, introduced by anopheline mosquitoes, but also the sexual stages, which are ingested by mosquitoes during blood feeding, leading to parasite transmission. It is widely recognized that a vaccine targeting multiple stages would induce efficacious transmission reducing immunity. Technological advancements offer new vaccine platforms, such as mRNA-LNPs, which can be used to develop highly effective malarial vaccines. We evaluated the immunogenicity of two leading P. falciparum vaccine candidates, Pfs25 and PfCSP, delivered as mRNA-LNP vaccines. Both vaccines induced extremely potent immune responses when administered alone or in combination, which were superior to Pfs25 and PfCSP DNA vaccine formulations. Purified IgGs from Pfs25 mRNA-LNPs immunized mice were highly potent in reducing malaria transmission to mosquitoes. Additionally, mice after three and four immunizations with PfCSP mRNA-LNP provided evidence for varying degrees of protection against sporozoite challenge. The comparison of immune responses and stage-specific functional activity induced by each mRNA-LNP vaccine, administered alone or in combination, also supports the development of an effective combination vaccine without any risk of immune interference for targeting malaria parasites at various life cycle stages. A combination of vaccines targeting both the infective stage and sexual/midgut stages is expected to interrupt malaria transmission, which is critical for achieving elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford T H Hayashi
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Leor C Clark
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Abhai K Tripathi
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21215, USA
| | - Fidel Zavala
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21215, USA
| | - Garima Dwivedi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James Knox
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
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19
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Feng G, Kurtovic L, Agius PA, Aitken EH, Sacarlal J, Wines BD, Hogarth PM, Rogerson SJ, Fowkes FJI, Dobaño C, Beeson JG. Induction, decay, and determinants of functional antibodies following vaccination with the RTS,S malaria vaccine in young children. BMC Med 2022; 20:289. [PMID: 36002841 PMCID: PMC9402280 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02466-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RTS,S is the first malaria vaccine recommended for implementation among young children at risk. However, vaccine efficacy is modest and short-lived. Antibodies play the major role in vaccine-induced immunity, but knowledge on the induction, decay, and determinants of antibody function is limited, especially among children. Antibodies that promote opsonic phagocytosis and other cellular functions appear to be important contributors to RTS,S immunity. METHODS We studied a phase IIb trial of RTS,S/AS02 conducted in young children in malaria-endemic regions of Mozambique. We evaluated the induction of antibodies targeting the circumsporozoite protein (CSP, vaccine antigen) that interact with Fcγ-receptors (FcRγs) and promote phagocytosis (neutrophils, monocytes, THP-1 cells), antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB) by neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cell activity, as well as the temporal kinetics of responses over 5 years of follow-up (ClinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT00197041). RESULTS RTS,S vaccination induced CSP-specific IgG with FcγRIIa and FcγRIII binding activity and promoted phagocytosis by neutrophils, THP-1 monocytes, and primary human monocytes, neutrophil ADRB activity, and NK cell activation. Responses were highly heterogenous among children, and the magnitude of neutrophil phagocytosis by antibodies was relatively modest, which may reflect modest vaccine efficacy. Induction of functional antibodies was lower among children with higher malaria exposure. Functional antibody magnitude and the functional activity of antibodies largely declined within a year post-vaccination, and decay were highest in the first 6 months, consistent with the decline in vaccine efficacy over that time. Decay rates varied for different antibody parameters and decay was slower for neutrophil phagocytosis. Biostatistical modelling suggested IgG1 and IgG3 contribute in promoting FcγR binding and phagocytosis, and IgG targeting the NANP-repeat and C-terminal regions CSP were similarly important for functional activities. CONCLUSIONS Results provide new insights to understand the modest and time-limited efficacy of RTS,S in children and the induction of antibody functional activities. Improving the induction and maintenance of antibodies that promote phagocytosis and cellular functions, and combating the negative effect of malaria exposure on vaccine responses are potential strategies for improving RTS,S efficacy and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoqian Feng
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liriye Kurtovic
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul A Agius
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elizabeth H Aitken
- Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jahit Sacarlal
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Bruce D Wines
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - P Mark Hogarth
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Freya J I Fowkes
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carlota Dobaño
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - James G Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
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20
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Egbewande OM. The RTS,S malaria vaccine: Journey from conception to recommendation. PUBLIC HEALTH IN PRACTICE 2022; 4:100283. [PMID: 36570405 PMCID: PMC9773038 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhip.2022.100283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The RTS,S malaria vaccine was recently recommended for use among children at risk in malaria endemic regions. Although significant efforts have been made to minimise malaria cases, the results of these innovations have not been totally satisfactory due to specific limitations. However, this revolutionary vaccine has a great tendency to put an end to malaria. Being the first vaccine against malaria, this commentary examines its journey from the idealisation and conception to the recommendation by the World Health Organization. The commentary also examines some of the challenges that might affect the execution of the vaccination programme in sub-Saharan Africa and other malaria endemic regions and suggest recommendations to overcome the possible them.
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21
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Aleshnick M, Florez-Cuadros M, Martinson T, Wilder BK. Monoclonal antibodies for malaria prevention. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1810-1821. [PMID: 35395399 PMCID: PMC8979832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific proteins that are cloned from a single B cell and bind to a single epitope on a pathogen. These laboratory-made molecules can serve as prophylactics or therapeutics for infectious diseases and have an impressive capacity to modulate the progression of disease, as demonstrated for the first time on a large scale during the COVID-19 pandemic. The high specificity and natural starting point of monoclonal antibodies afford an encouraging safety profile, yet the high cost of production remains a major limitation to their widespread use. While a monoclonal antibody approach to abrogating malaria infection is not yet available, the unique life cycle of the malaria parasite affords many opportunities for such proteins to act, and preliminary research into the efficacy of monoclonal antibodies in preventing malaria infection, disease, and transmission is encouraging. This review examines the current status and future outlook for monoclonal antibodies against malaria in the context of the complex life cycle and varied antigenic targets expressed in the human and mosquito hosts, and provides insight into the strengths and limitations of this approach to curtailing one of humanity’s oldest and deadliest diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Aleshnick
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Thomas Martinson
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Brandon K Wilder
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA; Department of Parasitology, U.S. Naval Medical Research 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
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22
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Beutler N, Pholcharee T, Oyen D, Flores-Garcia Y, MacGill RS, Garcia E, Calla J, Parren M, Yang L, Volkmuth W, Locke E, Regules JA, Dutta S, Emerling D, Early AM, Neafsey DE, Winzeler EA, King CR, Zavala F, Burton DR, Wilson IA, Rogers TF. A novel CSP C-terminal epitope targeted by an antibody with protective activity against Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010409. [PMID: 35344575 PMCID: PMC8989322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Potent and durable vaccine responses will be required for control of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf). RTS,S/AS01 is the first, and to date, the only vaccine that has demonstrated significant reduction of clinical and severe malaria in endemic cohorts in Phase 3 trials. Although the vaccine is protective, efficacy declines over time with kinetics paralleling the decline in antibody responses to the Pf circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP). Although most attention has focused on antibodies to repeat motifs on PfCSP, antibodies to other regions may play a role in protection. Here, we expressed and characterized seven monoclonal antibodies to the C-terminal domain of CSP (ctCSP) from volunteers immunized with RTS,S/AS01. Competition and crystal structure studies indicated that the antibodies target two different sites on opposite faces of ctCSP. One site contains a polymorphic region (denoted α-ctCSP) and has been previously characterized, whereas the second is a previously undescribed site on the conserved β-sheet face of the ctCSP (denoted β-ctCSP). Antibodies to the β-ctCSP site exhibited broad reactivity with a diverse panel of ctCSP peptides whose sequences were derived from field isolates of P. falciparum whereas antibodies to the α-ctCSP site showed very limited cross reactivity. Importantly, an antibody to the β-site demonstrated inhibition activity against malaria infection in a murine model. This study identifies a previously unidentified conserved epitope on CSP that could be targeted by prophylactic antibodies and exploited in structure-based vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Beutler
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Tossapol Pholcharee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - David Oyen
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Yevel Flores-Garcia
- Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Randall S. MacGill
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Elijah Garcia
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Jaeson Calla
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Mara Parren
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Linlin Yang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Wayne Volkmuth
- Atreca Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Emily Locke
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Jason A. Regules
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sheetij Dutta
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel Emerling
- Atreca Inc., South San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Angela M. Early
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Neafsey
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Winzeler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - C. Richter King
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Fidel Zavala
- Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dennis R. Burton
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ian A. Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Thomas F. Rogers
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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23
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Santiago HC, Pereira-Neto TA, Gonçalves-Pereira MH, Terzian ACB, Durbin AP. Peculiarities of Zika Immunity and Vaccine Development: Lessons from Dengue and the Contribution from Controlled Human Infection Model. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030294. [PMID: 35335618 PMCID: PMC8951202 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated from a rhesus macaque in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947. Isolated cases were reported until 2007, when the first major outbreaks of Zika infection were reported from the Island of Yap in Micronesia and from French Polynesia in 2013. In 2015, ZIKV started to circulate in Latin America, and in 2016, ZIKV was considered by WHO to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to cases of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a ZIKV-associated complication never observed before. After a peak of cases in 2016, the infection incidence dropped dramatically but still causes concern because of the associated microcephaly cases, especially in regions where the dengue virus (DENV) is endemic and co-circulates with ZIKV. A vaccine could be an important tool to mitigate CZS in endemic countries. However, the immunological relationship between ZIKV and other flaviviruses, especially DENV, and the low numbers of ZIKV infections are potential challenges for developing and testing a vaccine against ZIKV. Here, we discuss ZIKV vaccine development with the perspective of the immunological concerns implicated by DENV-ZIKV cross-reactivity and the use of a controlled human infection model (CHIM) as a tool to accelerate vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helton C. Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (T.A.P.-N.); (M.H.G.-P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-31-3409-2664
| | - Tertuliano A. Pereira-Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (T.A.P.-N.); (M.H.G.-P.)
| | - Marcela H. Gonçalves-Pereira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30270-901, MG, Brazil; (T.A.P.-N.); (M.H.G.-P.)
| | - Ana C. B. Terzian
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Rene Rachou Institute, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, MG, Brazil;
| | - Anna P. Durbin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
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24
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Frasse PM, Miller JJ, Polino AJ, Soleimani E, Zhu JS, Jakeman DL, Jez JM, Goldberg DE, Odom John AR. Enzymatic and structural characterization of HAD5, an essential phosphomannomutase of malaria-causing parasites. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101550. [PMID: 34973333 PMCID: PMC8808168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for over 200 million infections and 400,000 deaths per year. At multiple stages during its complex life cycle, P. falciparum expresses several essential proteins tethered to its surface by glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors, which are critical for biological processes such as parasite egress and reinvasion of host red blood cells. Targeting this pathway therapeutically has the potential to broadly impact parasite development across several life stages. Here, we characterize an upstream component of parasite GPI anchor biosynthesis, the putative phosphomannomutase (PMM) (EC 5.4.2.8), HAD5 (PF3D7_1017400). We confirmed the PMM and phosphoglucomutase activities of purified recombinant HAD5 by developing novel linked enzyme biochemical assays. By regulating the expression of HAD5 in transgenic parasites with a TetR-DOZI-inducible knockdown system, we demonstrated that HAD5 is required for malaria parasite egress and erythrocyte reinvasion, and we assessed the role of HAD5 in GPI anchor synthesis by autoradiography of radiolabeled glucosamine and thin layer chromatography. Finally, we determined the three-dimensional X-ray crystal structure of HAD5 and identified a substrate analog that specifically inhibits HAD5 compared to orthologous human PMMs in a time-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that the GPI anchor biosynthesis pathway is exceptionally sensitive to inhibition in parasites and that HAD5 has potential as a specific, multistage antimalarial target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Frasse
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Justin J Miller
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alexander J Polino
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ebrahim Soleimani
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Jian-She Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David L Jakeman
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Joseph M Jez
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Daniel E Goldberg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Audrey R Odom John
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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25
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Virnik K, Zhou W, Medvedev A, Walsh G, Perry-Anderson J, Majam V, Felber BK, Kumar S, Berkower I. Live attenuated rubella vectors expressing Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (Pf-CSP) provide a novel malaria vaccine platform in the rhesus macaque. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 577:58-63. [PMID: 34507066 PMCID: PMC10167915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for a malaria vaccine that can prevent severe disease in young children and adults. Despite earlier work showing an immunological mechanism for preventing infection and reducing disease severity, there is currently no reliable vaccine that can provide durable protection. In part, this may reflect a limited number of ways that the host can respond to the NANP repeat sequences of circumsporozoite protein (CSP) in the parasite. In addition, it may reflect antigenic escape by the parasite from protective antibodies. To be successful, a vaccine must protect against repeated exposure to infected mosquitoes in endemic areas. We have created a series of live viral vectors based on the rubella vaccine strain that express multiple tandem repeats of NANP, and we demonstrate immunogenicity in a rhesus macaque model. We tested the vectors in a sequential immunization strategy. In the first step, the animals were primed with CSP-DNA vaccine and boosted with rubella/CSP vectors. In the second step, we gave rubella/CSP vectors again, followed by recombinant CSP protein. Following the second step, antibody titers were comparable to adult exposure to malaria in an endemic area. The antibodies were specific for native CSP protein on sporozoites, and they persisted for at least 1½ years in two out of three macaques. Given the safety profile of rubella vaccine in children, these vectors could be most useful in protecting young children, who are at greatest risk of severe malarial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Virnik
- Lab of Immunoregulation, Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Wenshuo Zhou
- Lab of Immunoregulation, Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Alexei Medvedev
- Lab of Immunoregulation, Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Gabrielle Walsh
- Lab of Immunoregulation, Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Jasper Perry-Anderson
- Lab of Immunoregulation, Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Victoria Majam
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, CBER, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Sanjai Kumar
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, CBER, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Ira Berkower
- Lab of Immunoregulation, Division of Viral Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics, FDA, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA.
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26
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Seaton KE, Spreng RL, Abraha M, Reichartz M, Rojas M, Feely F, Huntwork RHC, Dutta S, Mudrak SV, Alam SM, Gregory S, Jongert E, Coccia M, Ulloa-Montoya F, Wille-Reece U, Tomaras GD, Dennison SM. Subclass and avidity of circumsporozoite protein specific antibodies associate with protection status against malaria infection. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:110. [PMID: 34462438 PMCID: PMC8405700 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RTS,S/AS01 is an advanced pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine candidate with demonstrated vaccine efficacy up to 86.7% in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) studies; however, reproducible immune correlates of protection (CoP) are elusive. To identify candidates of humoral correlates of vaccine mediated protection, we measured antibody magnitude, subclass, and avidity for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) circumsporozoite protein (CSP) by multiplex assays in two CHMI studies with varying RTS,S/AS01B vaccine dose and timing regimens. Central repeat (NANP6) IgG1 magnitude correlated best with protection status in univariate analyses and was the most predictive for protection in a multivariate model. NANP6 IgG3 magnitude, CSP IgG1 magnitude, and total serum antibody dissociation phase area-under-the-curve for NANP6, CSP, NPNA3, and N-interface binding were also associated with protection status in the regimen adjusted univariate analysis. Identification of multiple immune response features that associate with protection status, such as antibody subclasses, fine specificity and avidity reported here may accelerate development of highly efficacious vaccines against P. falciparum.
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Grants
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- OPP1151372, OPP12109388 Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- United States Department of Defense | United States Army | Army Medical Command | Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)
- PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative
- GlaxoSmithKline (GlaxoSmithKline plc.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Seaton
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Rachel L Spreng
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Milite Abraha
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew Reichartz
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Frederick Feely
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard H C Huntwork
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sheetij Dutta
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Sarah V Mudrak
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA
| | - S Munir Alam
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Department of Pathology, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott Gregory
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ulrike Wille-Reece
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, USA
- GSK, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke University Department of Immunology, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke University Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - S Moses Dennison
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke Center for Human Systems Immunology, Durham, NC, USA.
- Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, USA.
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27
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Singer M, Frischknecht F. Fluorescent tagging of Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein allows imaging of sporozoite formation but blocks egress from oocysts. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13321. [PMID: 33600048 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The circumsporozoite protein, CSP, is the major surface protein of Plasmodium sporozoites, the form of malaria parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. CSP is involved in sporozoite formation within and egress from oocysts, entry into mosquito salivary glands and mammalian liver as well as migration in the skin. Yet, how CSP facilitates sporozoite formation, oocyst egress and hepatocyte specific invasion is still not fully understood. Here, we aimed at generating a series of parasites expressing full-length versions of CSP with internally inserted green fluorescent protein between known domains at the endogenous csp locus. This enabled the investigation of sporozoite formation in living oocysts. GFP insertion after the signal peptide leads to cleavage of GFP before the fusion protein reached the plasma membrane while insertion of GFP before or after the TSR domain prevented sporozoite egress and liver invasion. These data suggest different strategies for obtaining mature salivary gland sporozoites that express GFP-CSP fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Singer
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
- Experimental Parasitology, Department for Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
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28
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Cai J, Chen S, Zhu F, Lu X, Liu T, Xu W. Whole-Killed Blood-Stage Vaccine: Is It Worthwhile to Further Develop It to Control Malaria? Front Microbiol 2021; 12:670775. [PMID: 33995336 PMCID: PMC8119638 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.670775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Major challenges have been encountered regarding the development of highly efficient subunit malaria vaccines, and so whole-parasite vaccines have regained attention in recent years. The whole-killed blood-stage vaccine (WKV) is advantageous as it can be easily manufactured and efficiently induced protective immunity against a blood-stage challenge, as well as inducing cross-stage protection against both the liver and sexual-stages. However, it necessitates a high dose of parasitized red blood cell (pRBC) lysate for immunization, and this raises concerns regarding its safety and low immunogenicity. Knowledge of the major components of WKV that can induce or evade the host immune response, and the development of appropriate human-compatible adjuvants will greatly help to optimize the WKV. Therefore, we argue that the further development of the WKV is worthwhile to control and potentially eradicate malaria worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Cai
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Suilin Chen
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Taiping Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyue Xu
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
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29
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Chatterjee D, Lewis FJ, Sutton HJ, Kaczmarski JA, Gao X, Cai Y, McNamara HA, Jackson CJ, Cockburn IA. Avid binding by B cells to the Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein repeat suppresses responses to protective subdominant epitopes. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108996. [PMID: 33852850 PMCID: PMC8052187 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies targeting the NANP/NVDP repeat domain of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSPRepeat) can protect against malaria. However, it has also been suggested that the CSPRepeat is a decoy that prevents the immune system from mounting responses against other domains of CSP. Here, we show that, following parasite immunization, B cell responses to the CSPRepeat are immunodominant over responses to other CSP domains despite the presence of similar numbers of naive B cells able to bind these regions. We find that this immunodominance is driven by avid binding of the CSPRepeat to cognate B cells that are able to expand at the expense of B cells with other specificities. We further show that mice immunized with repeat-truncated CSP molecules develop responses to subdominant epitopes and are protected against malaria. These data demonstrate that the CSPRepeat functions as a decoy, but truncated CSP molecules may be an approach for malaria vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepyan Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Fiona J Lewis
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Henry J Sutton
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Joe A Kaczmarski
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yeping Cai
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Hayley A McNamara
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Colin J Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Ian A Cockburn
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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30
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Kurtovic L, Wetzel D, Reiling L, Drew DR, Palmer C, Kouskousis B, Hanssen E, Wines BD, Hogarth PM, Suckow M, Jenzelewski V, Piontek M, Chan JA, Beeson JG. Novel Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Encoding the Circumsporozoite Protein of Plasmodium falciparum Is Immunogenic and Induces Functional Antibody Responses in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:641421. [PMID: 33815393 PMCID: PMC8010251 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RTS,S is the leading malaria vaccine in development, but has demonstrated only moderate protective efficacy in clinical trials. RTS,S is a virus-like particle (VLP) that uses the human hepatitis B virus as scaffold to display the malaria sporozoite antigen, circumsporozoite protein (CSP). Particle formation requires four-fold excess scaffold antigen, and as a result, CSP represents only a small portion of the final vaccine construct. Alternative VLP or nanoparticle platforms that reduce the amount of scaffold antigen and increase the amount of the target CSP antigen present in particles may enhance vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy. Here, we describe the production and characterization of a novel VLP that uses the small surface antigen (dS) of duck hepatitis B virus to display CSP. The CSP-dS fusion protein successfully formed VLPs without the need for excess scaffold antigen, and thus CSP represented a larger portion of the vaccine construct. CSP-dS formed large particles approximately 31-74 nm in size and were confirmed to display CSP on the surface. CSP-dS VLPs were highly immunogenic in mice and induced antibodies to multiple regions of CSP, even when administered at a lower vaccine dosage. Vaccine-induced antibodies demonstrated relevant functional activities, including Fc-dependent interactions with complement and Fcγ-receptors, previously identified as important in malaria immunity. Further, vaccine-induced antibodies had similar properties (epitope-specificity and avidity) to monoclonal antibodies that are protective in mouse models. Our novel platform to produce VLPs without excess scaffold protein has wide implications for the future development of vaccines for malaria and other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liriye Kurtovic
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Departments of Immunology and Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Linda Reiling
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Damien R. Drew
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Eric Hanssen
- The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruce D. Wines
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Departments of Immunology and Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - P. Mark Hogarth
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Departments of Immunology and Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Jo-Anne Chan
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Departments of Immunology and Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - James G. Beeson
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Departments of Immunology and Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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31
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Pholcharee T, Oyen D, Flores-Garcia Y, Gonzalez-Paez G, Han Z, Williams KL, Volkmuth W, Emerling D, Locke E, Richter King C, Zavala F, Wilson IA. Structural and biophysical correlation of anti-NANP antibodies with in vivo protection against P. falciparum. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1063. [PMID: 33594061 PMCID: PMC7887213 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21221-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The most advanced P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein-based malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S), confers partial protection but with antibody titers that wane relatively rapidly, highlighting the need to elicit more potent and durable antibody responses. Here, we elucidate crystal structures, binding affinities and kinetics, and in vivo protection of eight anti-NANP antibodies derived from an RTS,S phase 2a trial and encoded by three different heavy-chain germline genes. The structures reinforce the importance of homotypic Fab-Fab interactions in protective antibodies and the overwhelmingly dominant preference for a germline-encoded aromatic residue for recognition of the NANP motif. In this study, antibody apparent affinity correlates best with protection in an in vivo mouse model, with the more potent antibodies also recognizing epitopes with repeating secondary structural motifs of type I β- and Asn pseudo 310 turns; such insights can be incorporated into design of more effective immunogens and antibodies for passive immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tossapol Pholcharee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - David Oyen
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yevel Flores-Garcia
- Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gonzalo Gonzalez-Paez
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhen Han
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Wondfo USA Co., Ltd, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emily Locke
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Fidel Zavala
- Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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32
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Chatterjee D, Cockburn IA. The challenges of a circumsporozoite protein-based malaria vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:113-125. [PMID: 33554669 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1874924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A safe and effective vaccine will likely be necessary for the control or eradication of malaria which kills 400,000 annually. Our most advanced vaccine candidate to date is RTS,S which is based on the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) of the malaria parasite. However, protection by RTS,S is incomplete and short-lived. AREAS COVERED Here we summarize results from recent clinical trials of RTS,S and critically evaluate recent studies that aim to understand the correlates of protective immunity and why vaccine-induced protection is short-lived. In particular, recent systems serology studies have highlighted a key role for the necessity of inducing functional antibodies. In-depth analyses of immune responses to CSP in both mouse models and vaccinated humans have also highlighted difficulties in generating the maintaining high-quality antibody responses. Finally, in recent years biophysical and structural studies of antibody binding to PfCSP have led to a better understanding of how highly potent antibodies can block infection, which can inform vaccine design. EXPERT OPINION We highlight how both structure-guided vaccine design and a better understanding of the immune response to PfCSP can inform a second generation of PfCSP-based vaccines stimulating a broader range of protective targets within PfCSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepyan Chatterjee
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Ian Andrew Cockburn
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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33
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Dennison SM, Reichartz M, Abraha M, Spreng RL, Wille-Reece U, Dutta S, Jongert E, Alam SM, Tomaras GD. Magnitude, Specificity, and Avidity of Sporozoite-Specific Antibodies Associate With Protection Status and Distinguish Among RTS,S/AS01 Dose Regimens. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, demonstrated an enhanced efficacy (86.7%) in a delayed third fractional dose (0.1.7Fx) regimen in controlled human malaria infection trials compared with a standard full-dose (0.1.2) regimen (62.5%). To understand the humoral component of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine-induced protection against sporozoite infection in these 2 regimens, we investigated the serum antibody dynamics of 0.1.2 and 0.1.7Fx groups vaccinees.
Methods
The specific binding responses (magnitude) and dissociation rates (avidity) of serum antibodies interaction with a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and peptides corresponding to the central repeat region (NANP6), the C-terminal region (PF16), and the N-terminal junction (N-interface) of CSP, respectively, were measured using a Biolayer Interferometry assay.
Results
On the day of challenge, higher NANP6-specific antibody responses were associated with protection in the 0.1.2 group. In contrast, slower antibody dissociation rates for CSP and PF16 binding were observed in the protected 0.1.7Fx group. Protected vaccinees of both groups exhibited 2- to 3-fold higher N-interface peptide binding antibody responses.
Conclusions
Unlike the standard dose, the delayed-fractional third dose of RTS,S/AS01 induced higher avidity CSP and PF16 binding antibodies that were associated with protection against sporozoite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Moses Dennison
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew Reichartz
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Milite Abraha
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel L Spreng
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ulrike Wille-Reece
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sheetij Dutta
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | - S Munir Alam
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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34
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Amegashie EA, Amenga-Etego L, Adobor C, Ogoti P, Mbogo K, Amambua-Ngwa A, Ghansah A. Population genetic analysis of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in two distinct ecological regions in Ghana. Malar J 2020; 19:437. [PMID: 33246470 PMCID: PMC7694917 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Extensive genetic diversity in the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) is a major contributing factor to the moderate efficacy of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. The transmission intensity and rates of recombination within and between populations influence the extent of its genetic diversity. Understanding the extent and dynamics of PfCSP genetic diversity in different transmission settings will help to interpret the results of current RTS,S efficacy and Phase IV implementation trials conducted within and between populations in malaria-endemic areas such as Ghana. Methods Pfcsp sequences were retrieved from the Illumina-generated paired-end short-read sequences of 101 and 131 malaria samples from children aged 6–59 months presenting with clinical malaria at health facilities in Cape Coast (in the coastal belt) and Navrongo (Guinea savannah region), respectively, in Ghana. The sequences were mapped onto the 3D7 reference strain genome to yield high-quality genome-wide coding sequence data. Following data filtering and quality checks to remove missing data, 220 sequences were retained and analysed for the allele frequency spectrum, genetic diversity both within the host and between populations and signatures of selection. Population genetics tools were used to determine the extent and dynamics of Pfcsp diversity in P. falciparum from the two geographically distinct locations in Ghana. Results Pfcsp showed extensive diversity at the two sites, with the higher transmission site, Navrongo, exhibiting higher within-host and population-level diversity. The vaccine strain C-terminal epitope of Pfcsp was found in only 5.9% and 45.7% of the Navrongo and Cape Coast sequences, respectively. Between 1 and 6 amino acid variations were observed in the TH2R and TH3R epitope regions of PfCSP. Tajima’s D was negatively skewed, especially for the population from Cape Coast, given the expected historical population expansion. In contrast, a positive Tajima’s D was observed for the Navrongo P. falciparum population, consistent with balancing selection acting on the immuno-dominant TH2R and TH3R vaccine epitopes. Conclusion The low frequencies of the Pfcsp vaccine haplotype in the analysed populations indicate a need for additional molecular and immuno-epidemiological studies with broader temporal and geographic sampling in endemic populations targeted for RTS,S application. These results have implications for the efficacy of the vaccine in Ghana and will inform the choice of alleles to be included in future multivalent or chimeric vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elikplim A Amegashie
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Lucas Amenga-Etego
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Courage Adobor
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, , Legon, Ghana
| | - Peter Ogoti
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Kevin Mbogo
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Disease Control and Elimination, Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia Unit, Bakau, The Gambia
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, , Legon, Ghana.
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35
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Friedman-Klabanoff DJ, Travassos MA, Ifeonu OO, Agrawal S, Ouattara A, Pike A, Bailey JA, Adams M, Coulibaly D, Lyke KE, Laurens MB, Takala-Harrison S, Kouriba B, Kone AK, Doumbo OK, Patel JJ, Thera MA, Felgner PL, Tan JC, Plowe CV, Berry AA. Epitope-Specific Antibody Responses to a Plasmodium falciparum Subunit Vaccine Target in a Malaria-Endemic Population. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:1943-1947. [PMID: 32992328 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) coats the Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite surface and is a major malaria subunit vaccine target. We measured epitope-specific reactivity to field-derived CSP haplotypes in serum samples from Malian adults and children on a custom peptide microarray. Compared to children, adults showed greater antibody responses and responses to more variants in regions proximal to and within the central repeat region. Children acquired short-lived immunity to an epitope proximal to the central repeat region but not to the central repeat region itself. This approach has the potential to differentiate immunodominant from protective epitope-specific responses when combined with longitudinal infection data.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeAnna J Friedman-Klabanoff
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark A Travassos
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Olukemi O Ifeonu
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sonia Agrawal
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amed Ouattara
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Pike
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason A Bailey
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Adams
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kirsten E Lyke
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew B Laurens
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K Kone
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Mahamadou A Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Philip L Felgner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - John C Tan
- Roche Sequencing Solutions, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea A Berry
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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36
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Saleh S, El Arnaout N, Abdouni L, Jammoul Z, Hachach N, Dasgupta A. Sijilli: A Scalable Model of Cloud-Based Electronic Health Records for Migrating Populations in Low-Resource Settings. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e18183. [PMID: 32788145 PMCID: PMC7453321 DOI: 10.2196/18183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is witnessing an alarming rate of displacement and migration, with more than 70.8 million forcibly displaced individuals, including 26 million refugees. These populations are known to have increased vulnerability and susceptibility to mental and physical health problems due to the migration journey. Access of these individuals to health services, whether during their trajectory of displacement or in refugee-hosting countries, remains limited and challenging due to multiple factors, including language and cultural barriers and unavailability of the refugees’ health records. Cloud-based electronic health records (EHRs) are considered among the top five health technologies integrated in humanitarian crisis preparedness and response during times of conflict. This viewpoint describes the design and implementation of a scalable and innovative cloud-based EHR named Sijilli, which targets refugees in low-resource settings. This paper discusses this solution compared with other similar practices, shedding light on its potential for scalability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Saleh
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour El Arnaout
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lina Abdouni
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zeinab Jammoul
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Noha Hachach
- Global Health Institute, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.,American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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37
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Marques-da-Silva C, Peissig K, Kurup SP. Pre-Erythrocytic Vaccines against Malaria. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030400. [PMID: 32708179 PMCID: PMC7565498 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, caused by the protozoan Plasmodium, is a devastating disease with over 200 million new cases reported globally every year. Although immunization is arguably the best strategy to eliminate malaria, despite decades of research in this area we do not have an effective, clinically approved antimalarial vaccine. The current impetus in the field is to develop vaccines directed at the pre-erythrocytic developmental stages of Plasmodium, utilizing novel vaccination platforms. We here review the most promising pre-erythrocytic stage antimalarial vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Marques-da-Silva
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.M.-d.-S.); (K.P.)
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Kristen Peissig
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.M.-d.-S.); (K.P.)
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Samarchith P. Kurup
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (C.M.-d.-S.); (K.P.)
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Correspondence:
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38
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Huang HY, Liang XY, Lin LY, Chen JT, Ehapo CS, Eyi UM, Li J, Jiang TT, Zheng YZ, Zha GC, Xie DD, He JQ, Chen WZ, Liu XZ, Mo HT, Chen XY, Lin M. Genetic polymorphism of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea and global comparative analysis. Malar J 2020; 19:245. [PMID: 32660484 PMCID: PMC7359586 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) is a potential malaria vaccine candidate, but various polymorphisms of the pfcsp gene among global P. falciparum population become the major barrier to the effectiveness of vaccines. This study aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphisms and natural selection of pfcsp in Bioko and the comparison among global P. falciparum population. METHODS From January 2011 to December 2018, 148 blood samples were collected from P. falciparum infected Bioko patients and 96 monoclonal sequences of them were successfully acquired and analysed with 2200 global pfcsp sequences mined from MalariaGEN Pf3k Database and NCBI. RESULTS In Bioko, the N-terminus of pfcsp showed limited genetic variations and the numbers of repetitive sequences (NANP/NVDP) were mainly found as 40 (35%) and 41 (34%) in central region. Most polymorphic characters were found in Th2R/Th3R region, where natural selection (p > 0.05) and recombination occurred. The overall pattern of Bioko pfcsp gene had no obvious deviation from African mainland pfcsp (Fst = 0.00878, p < 0.05). The comparative analysis of Bioko and global pfcsp displayed the various mutation patterns and obvious geographic differentiation among populations from four continents (p < 0.05). The global pfcsp C-terminal sequences were clustered into 138 different haplotypes (H_1 to H_138). Only 3.35% of sequences matched 3D7 strain haplotype (H_1). CONCLUSIONS The genetic polymorphism phenomena of pfcsp were found universal in Bioko and global isolates and the majority mutations located at T cell epitopes. Global genetic polymorphism and geographical characteristics were recommended to be considered for future improvement of malaria vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ying Huang
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Yan Liang
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Yun Lin
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Tao Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Huizhou Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
- The Chinese Medical Aid Team to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Carlos Salas Ehapo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Malabo Regional Hospital, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Urbano Monsuy Eyi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Malabo Regional Hospital, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Jiang
- Department of Human Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Zhong Zheng
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Cai Zha
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-De Xie
- The Chinese Medical Aid Team to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Quan He
- The Chinese Medical Aid Team to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Zhong Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Chaozhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Zhi Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Chaozhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan-Tong Mo
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Chaozhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Yao Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Chaozhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Lin
- School of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Hanshan Normal University, Chaozhou, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Chaozhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College, Chaozhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China.
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Sepulveda-Crespo D, Resino S, Martinez I. Innate Immune Response against Hepatitis C Virus: Targets for Vaccine Adjuvants. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020313. [PMID: 32560440 PMCID: PMC7350220 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite successful treatments, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections continue to be a significant world health problem. High treatment costs, the high number of undiagnosed individuals, and the difficulty to access to treatment, particularly in marginalized susceptible populations, make it improbable to achieve the global control of the virus in the absence of an effective preventive vaccine. Current vaccine development is mostly focused on weakly immunogenic subunits, such as surface glycoproteins or non-structural proteins, in the case of HCV. Adjuvants are critical components of vaccine formulations that increase immunogenic performance. As we learn more information about how adjuvants work, it is becoming clear that proper stimulation of innate immunity is crucial to achieving a successful immunization. Several hepatic cell types participate in the early innate immune response and the subsequent inflammation and activation of the adaptive response, principally hepatocytes, and antigen-presenting cells (Kupffer cells, and dendritic cells). Innate pattern recognition receptors on these cells, mainly toll-like receptors, are targets for new promising adjuvants. Moreover, complex adjuvants that stimulate different components of the innate immunity are showing encouraging results and are being incorporated in current vaccines. Recent studies on HCV-vaccine adjuvants have shown that the induction of a strong T- and B-cell immune response might be enhanced by choosing the right adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvador Resino
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (I.M.); Tel.: +34-91-8223266 (S.R.); +34-91-8223272 (I.M.); Fax: +34-91-5097919 (S.R. & I.M.)
| | - Isidoro Martinez
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (I.M.); Tel.: +34-91-8223266 (S.R.); +34-91-8223272 (I.M.); Fax: +34-91-5097919 (S.R. & I.M.)
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Kurtovic L, Atre T, Feng G, Wines BD, Chan JA, Boyle MJ, Drew DR, Hogarth PM, Fowkes FJI, Bergmann-Leitner ES, Beeson JG. Multi-functional antibodies are induced by the RTS,S malaria vaccine and associated with protection in a phase I/IIa trial. J Infect Dis 2020; 224:1128-1138. [PMID: 32236404 PMCID: PMC8514181 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background RTS,S is the leading malaria vaccine candidate but only confers partial efficacy against malaria in children. RTS,S is based on the major Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite surface antigen, circumsporozoite protein (CSP). The induction of anti-CSP antibodies is important for protection; however, it is unclear how these protective antibodies function. Methods We quantified the induction of functional anti-CSP antibody responses in healthy malaria-naive adults (N = 45) vaccinated with RTS,S/AS01. This included the ability to mediate effector functions via the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region, such as interacting with human complement proteins and Fcγ-receptors (FcγRs) that are expressed on immune cells, which promote various immunological functions. Results Our major findings were (1) RTS,S-induced antibodies mediated Fc-dependent effector functions, (2) functional antibodies were generally highest after the second vaccine dose, (3) functional antibodies targeted multiple regions of CSP, (4) participants with higher levels of functional antibodies had a reduced probability of developing parasitemia following homologous challenge (P < .05), and (5) nonprotected subjects had higher levels of anti-CSP IgM. Conclusions Our data suggest a role for Fc-dependent antibody effector functions in RTS,S-induced immunity. Enhancing the induction of these functional activities may be a strategy to improve the protective efficacy of RTS,S or other malaria vaccines. Clinical Trials Registration NCT00075049
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Affiliation(s)
- Liriye Kurtovic
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tanmaya Atre
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, US Military Malaria Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, United States
| | | | - Bruce D Wines
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne Chan
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michelle J Boyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,QIMR Berghofer, Herston, Australia
| | | | - P Mark Hogarth
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Freya J I Fowkes
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine and Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elke S Bergmann-Leitner
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, US Military Malaria Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, United States
| | - James G Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Asgari M, Ilbeigikhamsehnejad M, Rismani E, Dinparast Djadid N, Raz A. Molecular characterization of RNase III protein of Asaia sp. for developing a robust RNAi-based paratransgensis tool to affect the sexual life-cycle of Plasmodium or Anopheles fitness. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:42. [PMID: 31996254 PMCID: PMC6990573 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background According to scientific recommendations, paratransgenesis is one of the solutions for improving the effectiveness of the Global Malaria Eradication Programme. In paratransgenesis, symbiont microorganisms are used for distorting or blocking the parasite life-cycle, affecting the fitness and longevity of vectors or reducing the vectorial competence. It has been revealed recently that bacteria could be used as potent tools for double stranded RNA production and delivery to insects. Moreover, findings showed that RNase III mutant bacteria are more competent for this aim. Asaia spp. have been introduced as potent paratransgenesis candidates for combating malaria and, based on their specific features for this goal, could be considered as effective dsRNA production and delivery tools to Anopheles spp. Therefore, we decided to characterize the rnc gene and its related protein to provide the basic required information for creating an RNase III mutant Asaia bacterium. Methods Asaia bacteria were isolated from field-collected Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The rnc gene and its surrounding sequences were characterized by rapid amplification of genomic ends. RNase III recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 and biological activity of the purified recombinant protein was assayed. Furthermore, Asaia RNaseIII amino acid sequence was analyzed by in silico approaches such as homology modeling and docking to determine its structural properties. Results In this study, the structure of rnc gene and its related operon from Asaia sp. was determined. In addition, by performing superimposition and docking with specific substrate, the structural features of Asaia RNaseIII protein such as critical residues which are involved and essential for proper folding of active site, binding of magnesium ions and double stranded RNA molecule to protein and cleaving of dsRNA molecules, were determined. Conclusions In this study, the basic and essential data for creating an RNase III mutant Asaia sp. strain, which is the first step of developing an efficient RNAi-based paratransgenesis tool, were acquired. Asaia sp. have been found in different medically-important vectors and these data are potentially very helpful for researchers studying paratransgenesis and vector-borne diseases and are interested in applying the RNAi technology in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Asgari
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdokht Ilbeigikhamsehnejad
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Rismani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Ho JKT, Jeevan-Raj B, Netter HJ. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Subviral Particles as Protective Vaccines and Vaccine Platforms. Viruses 2020; 12:v12020126. [PMID: 31973017 PMCID: PMC7077199 DOI: 10.3390/v12020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B remains one of the major global health problems more than 40 years after the identification of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) as the causative agent. A critical turning point in combating this virus was the development of a preventative vaccine composed of the HBV surface (envelope) protein (HBsAg) to reduce the risk of new infections. The isolation of HBsAg sub-viral particles (SVPs) from the blood of asymptomatic HBV carriers as antigens for the first-generation vaccines, followed by the development of recombinant HBsAg SVPs produced in yeast as the antigenic components of the second-generation vaccines, represent landmark advancements in biotechnology and medicine. The ability of the HBsAg SVPs to accept and present foreign antigenic sequences provides the basis of a chimeric particulate delivery platform, and resulted in the development of a vaccine against malaria (RTS,S/AS01, MosquirixTM), and various preclinical vaccine candidates to overcome infectious diseases for which there are no effective vaccines. Biomedical modifications of the HBsAg subunits allowed the identification of strategies to enhance the HBsAg SVP immunogenicity to build potent vaccines for preventative and possibly therapeutic applications. The review provides an overview of the formation and assembly of the HBsAg SVPs and highlights the utilization of the particles in key effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Kha-Tu Ho
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Health, The Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia; (J.K.-T.H.); (B.J.-R.)
| | - Beena Jeevan-Raj
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Health, The Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia; (J.K.-T.H.); (B.J.-R.)
| | - Hans-Jürgen Netter
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Health, The Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia; (J.K.-T.H.); (B.J.-R.)
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, School of Science, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Batista FA, Gyau B, Vilacha JF, Bosch SS, Lunev S, Wrenger C, Groves MR. New directions in antimalarial target validation. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:189-202. [PMID: 31959021 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1691996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Malaria is one of the most prevalent human infections worldwide with over 40% of the world's population living in malaria-endemic areas. In the absence of an effective vaccine, emergence of drug-resistant strains requires urgent drug development. Current methods applied to drug target validation, a crucial step in drug discovery, possess limitations in malaria. These constraints require the development of techniques capable of simplifying the validation of Plasmodial targets.Areas covered: The authors review the current state of the art in techniques used to validate drug targets in malaria, including our contribution - the protein interference assay (PIA) - as an additional tool in rapid in vivo target validation.Expert opinion: Each technique in this review has advantages and disadvantages, implying that future validation efforts should not focus on a single approach, but integrate multiple approaches. PIA is a significant addition to the current toolset of antimalarial validation. Validation of aspartate metabolism as a druggable pathway provided proof of concept of how oligomeric interfaces can be exploited to control specific activity in vivo. PIA has the potential to be applied not only to other enzymes/pathways of the malaria parasite but could, in principle, be extrapolated to other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando A Batista
- Structural Biology Unit, XB20 Drug Design, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Benjamin Gyau
- Structural Biology Unit, XB20 Drug Design, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Juliana F Vilacha
- Structural Biology Unit, XB20 Drug Design, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Soraya S Bosch
- Structural Biology Unit, XB20 Drug Design, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergey Lunev
- Structural Biology Unit, XB20 Drug Design, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Matthew R Groves
- Structural Biology Unit, XB20 Drug Design, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Pholcharee T, Oyen D, Torres JL, Flores-Garcia Y, Martin GM, González-Páez GE, Emerling D, Volkmuth W, Locke E, King CR, Zavala F, Ward AB, Wilson IA. Diverse Antibody Responses to Conserved Structural Motifs in Plasmodium falciparum Circumsporozoite Protein. J Mol Biol 2019; 432:1048-1063. [PMID: 31883801 PMCID: PMC7057269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria vaccine candidate RTS,S/AS01 is based on the central and C-terminal regions of the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of P. falciparum. mAb397 was isolated from a volunteer in an RTS,S/AS01 clinical trial, and it protects mice from infection by malaria sporozoites. However, mAb397 originates from the less commonly used VH3-15 germline gene compared to the VH3-30/33 antibodies generally elicited by RTS,S to the central NANP repeat region of CSP. The crystal structure of mAb397 with an NPNA4 peptide shows that the central NPNA forms a type I β-turn and is the main recognition motif. In most anti-NANP antibodies studied to date, a germline-encoded Trp is used to engage the Pro in NPNA β-turns, but here the Trp interacts with the first Asn. This “conserved” Trp, however, can arise from different germline genes and be located in the heavy or the light chain. Variation in the terminal ψ angles of the NPNA β-turns results in different dispositions of the subsequent NPNA and, hence, different stoichiometries and modes of antibody binding to rsCSP. Diverse protective antibodies against NANP repeats are therefore not limited to a single germline gene response or mode of binding. mAb397 from an RTS,S trial binds NANP repeats of malaria circumsporozoite protein. Protective mAb397 is encoded by the VH3-15 gene that is rare for NANP antibodies. Anti-NANP mAbs bind type I β-turns in three modes using germline-encoded Trp residues. The Trp of mAb397 interacts with Asn instead of Pro in the NPNA type I β-turn. Diversity in NANP immune responses can aid in next-generation vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tossapol Pholcharee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - David Oyen
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jonathan L Torres
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Yevel Flores-Garcia
- Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21204, USA
| | - Gregory M Martin
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Gonzalo E González-Páez
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | | | | | - Emily Locke
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, PATH Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, Washington, DC, 20001, USA
| | - C Richter King
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, PATH Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, Washington, DC, 20001, USA
| | - Fidel Zavala
- Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21204, USA
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA; The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Narula AK, Azad CS, Nainwal LM. New dimensions in the field of antimalarial research against malaria resurgence. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 181:111353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Pirahmadi S, Zakeri S, A Mehrizi A, D Djadid N, Raz AA, J Sani J, Abbasi R, Ghorbanzadeh Z. Cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS) formulated with potent TLR adjuvants induces high-affinity antibodies that inhibit Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles stephensi. Malar J 2019; 18:146. [PMID: 31014347 PMCID: PMC6480871 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2773-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum parasite is the most deadly species of human malaria, and the development of an effective vaccine that prevents P. falciparum infection and transmission is a key target for malarial elimination and eradication programmes. P. falciparum cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (PfCelTOS) is an advanced vaccine candidate. A comparative study was performed to characterize the immune responses in BALB/c mouse immunized with Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant PfCelTOS (rPfCelTOS) in toll-like receptor (TLR)-based adjuvants, CpG and Poly I:C alone or in combination (CpG + Poly I:C), followed by the assessment of transmission-reducing activity (TRA) of anti-rPfCelTOS antibodies obtained from different vaccine groups in Anopheles stephensi. Methods The aim of the current work was achieved by head-to-head comparison of the vaccine groups using conventional and avidity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence test (IFAT), and standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA). Results Comparing to rPfCelTOS alone, administration of rPfCelTOS with two distinct TLR-based adjuvants in vaccine mouse groups showed a significant increase in responses (antibody level, IgG subclass analysis, avidity, and Th1 cytokines) and was able to induce reasonable transmission-reducing activity. Also, comparable functional activity of anti-rPfCelTOS antibodies was found in group that received antigen in either CpG or Poly I:C (69.9%/20% and 73.5%/24.4%, respectively, reductions in intensity/prevalence). However, the vaccine group receiving rPfCelTOS in combination with CpG + Poly I:C showed a significant induction in antibody titers and inhibitory antibodies in oocysts development (78.3%/19.6% reductions in intensity/prevalence) in An. stephensi. Conclusions A key finding in this investigation is that rPfCelTOS administered alone in BALB/c mouse is poorly immunogenic, with relatively low IgG level, avidity, inhibitory antibodies, and mixed Th1/Th2 responses. However, immunological characteristic (IgG level, cytophilic IgG2a and IgG2b, avidity, and Th1 cytokines) and TRA of anti-rPfCelTOS significantly enhanced in the presence of co-administration of TLR-based adjuvants, confirming that targeting TLRs would be an effective means for the enhancement of inducing TRA against rPfCelTOS. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-019-2773-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Akram A Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid D Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas-Ali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar J Sani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ronak Abbasi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghorbanzadeh
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Avenue, P.O. Box 1316943551, Tehran, Iran
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Winkel BM, de Korne CM, van Oosterom MN, Staphorst D, Bunschoten A, Langenberg MC, Chevalley-Maurel SC, Janse CJ, Franke-Fayard B, van Leeuwen FW, Roestenberg M. A tracer-based method enables tracking of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites during human skin infection. Theranostics 2019; 9:2768-2778. [PMID: 31244921 PMCID: PMC6568182 DOI: 10.7150/thno.33467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The skin stage of malaria is a vital and vulnerable migratory life stage of the parasite. It has been characterised in rodent models, but remains wholly uninvestigated for human malaria parasites. To enable in depth analysis of not genetically modified (non-GMO) Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoite behaviour in human skin, we devised a labelling technology (Cy5M2, targeting the sporozoite mitochondrion) that supports tracking of individual non-GMO sporozoites in human skin. Methods: Sporozoite labelling with Cy5M2 was performed in vitro as well as via the feed of infected Anopheles mosquitos. Labelling was validated using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry and the fitness of labelled sporozoites was determined by analysis of infectivity to human hepatocytes in vitro, and in vivo in a rodent infection model. Using confocal video microscopy and custom software, single-sporozoite tracking studies in human skin-explants were performed. Results: Both in vitro and in mosquito labelling strategies yielded brightly fluorescent sporozoites of three different Plasmodium species. Cy5M2 uptake colocalized with MitoTracker® green and could be blocked using the known Translocator protein (TSPO)-inhibitor PK11195. This method supported the visualization and subsequent quantitative analysis of the migration patterns of individual non-GMO Pf sporozoites in human skin and did not affect the fitness of sporozoites. Conclusions: The ability to label and image non-GMO Plasmodium sporozoites provides the basis for detailed studies on the human skin stage of malaria with potential for in vivo translation. As such, it is an important tool for development of vaccines based on attenuated sporozoites and their route of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice M.F. Winkel
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Clarize M. de Korne
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Matthias N. van Oosterom
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diego Staphorst
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Bunschoten
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of BioNanoTechnology Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke C.C. Langenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Chris J. Janse
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Blandine Franke-Fayard
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Fijs W.B. van Leeuwen
- Interventional Molecular Imaging laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meta Roestenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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48
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Heide J, Vaughan KC, Sette A, Jacobs T, Schulze Zur Wiesch J. Comprehensive Review of Human Plasmodium falciparum-Specific CD8+ T Cell Epitopes. Front Immunol 2019; 10:397. [PMID: 30949162 PMCID: PMC6438266 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of malaria is an important global health issue and there is still an urgent need for the development of an effective prophylactic vaccine. Multiple studies have provided strong evidence that Plasmodium falciparum-specific MHC class I-restricted CD8+ T cells are important for sterile protection against Plasmodium falciparum infection. Here, we present an interactive epitope map of all P. falciparum-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes published to date, based on a comprehensive data base (IEDB), and literature search. The majority of the described P. falciparum-specific CD8+ T cells were directed against the antigens CSP, TRAP, AMA1, and LSA1. Notably, most of the epitopes were discovered in vaccine trials conducted with malaria-naïve volunteers. Only few immunological studies of P. falciparum-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes detected in patients suffering from acute malaria or in people living in malaria endemic areas have been published. Further detailed immunological mappings of P. falciparum-specific epitopes of a broader range of P. falciparum proteins in different settings and with different disease status are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role of CD8+ T cell responses for protection, and to better guide vaccine design and to study their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janna Heide
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerrie C Vaughan
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard-Nocht-Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
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49
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Kurtovic L, Agius PA, Feng G, Drew DR, Ubillos I, Sacarlal J, Aponte JJ, Fowkes FJI, Dobaño C, Beeson JG. Induction and decay of functional complement-fixing antibodies by the RTS,S malaria vaccine in children, and a negative impact of malaria exposure. BMC Med 2019; 17:45. [PMID: 30798787 PMCID: PMC6388494 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leading malaria vaccine, RTS,S, is based on the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) of sporozoites. RTS,S confers partial protection against malaria in children, but efficacy wanes relatively quickly after primary immunization. Vaccine efficacy has some association with anti-CSP IgG; however, it is unclear how these antibodies function, and how functional antibodies are induced and maintained over time. Recent studies identified antibody-complement interactions as a potentially important immune mechanism against sporozoites. Here, we investigated whether RTS,S vaccine-induced antibodies could function by interacting with complement. METHODS Serum samples were selected from children in a phase IIb trial of RTS,S/AS02A conducted at two study sites of high and low malaria transmission intensity in Manhiça, Mozambique. Samples following primary immunization and 5-year post-immunization follow-up time points were included. Vaccine-induced antibodies were characterized by isotype, subclass, and epitope specificity, and tested for the ability to fix and activate complement. We additionally developed statistical methods to model the decay and determinants of functional antibodies after vaccination. RESULTS RTS,S vaccination induced anti-CSP antibodies that were mostly IgG1, with some IgG3, IgG2, and IgM. Complement-fixing antibodies were effectively induced by vaccination, and targeted the central repeat and C-terminal regions of CSP. Higher levels of complement-fixing antibodies were associated with IgG that equally recognized both the central repeat and C-terminal regions of CSP. Older age and higher malaria exposure were significantly associated with a poorer induction of functional antibodies. There was a marked decay in functional complement-fixing antibodies within months after vaccination, as well as decays in IgG subclasses and IgM. Statistical modeling suggested the decay in complement-fixing antibodies was mostly attributed to the waning of anti-CSP IgG1, and to a lesser extent IgG3. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate for the first time that RTS,S can induce complement-fixing antibodies in young malaria-exposed children. The short-lived nature of functional responses mirrors the declining vaccine efficacy of RTS,S over time. The negative influence of age and malaria exposure on functional antibodies has implications for understanding vaccine efficacy in different settings. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms and longevity of vaccine-induced immunity that will help inform the future development of highly efficacious and long-lasting malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liriye Kurtovic
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul A Agius
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Itziar Ubillos
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jahit Sacarlal
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - John J Aponte
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Freya J I Fowkes
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carlota Dobaño
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - James G Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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50
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Kingston NJ, Kurtovic L, Walsh R, Joe C, Lovrecz G, Locarnini S, Beeson JG, Netter HJ. Hepatitis B virus-like particles expressing Plasmodium falciparum epitopes induce complement-fixing antibodies against the circumsporozoite protein. Vaccine 2019; 37:1674-1684. [PMID: 30773400 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The repetitive structure of compact virus-like particles (VLPs) provides high density displays of antigenic sequences, which trigger key parts of the immune system. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines exploit the assembly competence of structural proteins, which are the effective immunogenic components of the prophylactic HBV and HPV vaccines, respectively. To optimize vaccine designs and to promote immune responses against protective epitopes, the "Asp-Ala-Asp-Pro" (NANP)-repeat from the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) was expressed within the exposed, main antigenic site of the small HBV envelope protein (HBsAgS); this differs from the RTS,S vaccine, in which CSP epitopes are fused to the N-terminus of HBsAgS. The chimeric HBsAgS proteins are assembly competent, produce VLPs, and provide a high antigenic density of the NANP repeat sequence. Chimeric VLPs with four or nine NANP-repeats (NANP4 and NANP9, respectively) were expressed in mammalian cells, the HBsAgS- and CSP-specific antigenicity of the VLPs was determined, and the immunogenicity of the VLPs assessed in relation to the induction of anti-HBsAgS and anti-CSP antibody responses. The chimeric VLPs induced high anti-CSP titres in BALB/c mice independent of the number of the NANP repeats. However, the number of NANP repeats influenced the activity of vaccine-induced antibodies measured by complement fixation to CSP, one of the proposed effector mechanisms for Plasmodium neutralization in vivo. Sera from mice immunized with VLPs containing nine NANP repeats performed better in the complement fixation assay than the group with four NANP repeats. The effect of the epitope-specific density on the antibody quality may instruct VLP platform designs to optimize immunological outcomes and vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Kingston
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Liriye Kurtovic
- Burnet Institute, Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 2004, Australia
| | - Renae Walsh
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Health, The Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Carina Joe
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, School of Science, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Victoria 3169, Australia
| | - George Lovrecz
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Clayton, Victoria 3169, Australia
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Health, The Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - James G Beeson
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Burnet Institute, Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 2004, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Hans J Netter
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Melbourne Health, The Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia; Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, School of Science, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.
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