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Núñez A, Ntumngia FB, Guerra Y, Adams JH, Sáenz FE. Genetic diversity and natural selection of Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte invasion genes in Ecuador. Malar J 2023; 22:225. [PMID: 37537581 PMCID: PMC10398936 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04640-0] [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: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of the diversity of invasion ligands in malaria parasites in endemic regions is essential to understand how natural selection influences genetic diversity of these ligands and their feasibility as possible targets for future vaccine development. In this study the diversity of four genes for merozoite invasion ligands was studied in Ecuadorian isolates of Plasmodium vivax. METHODS Eighty-eight samples from P. vivax infected individuals from the Coast and Amazon region of Ecuador were obtained between 2012 and 2015. The merozoite invasion genes pvmsp-1-19, pvdbpII, pvrbp1a-2 and pvama1 were amplified, sequenced, and compared to the Sal-1 strain. Polymorphisms were mapped and genetic relationships between haplotypes were determined. RESULTS Only one nonsynonymous polymorphism was detected in pvmsp-1-19, while 44 nonsynonymous polymorphisms were detected in pvdbpII, 56 in pvrbp1a-2 and 33 in pvama1. While haplotypes appeared to be more related within each area of study and there was less relationship between parasites of the coastal and Amazon regions of the country, diversification processes were observed in the two Amazon regions. The highest haplotypic diversity for most genes occurred in the East Amazon of the country. The high diversity observed in Ecuadorian samples is closer to Brazilian and Venezuelan isolates, but lower than reported in other endemic regions. In addition, departure from neutrality was observed in Ecuadorian pvama1. Polymorphisms for pvdbpII and pvama1 were associated to B-cell epitopes. CONCLUSIONS pvdbpII and pvama1 genetic diversity found in Ecuadorian P. vivax was very similar to that encountered in other malaria endemic countries with varying transmission levels and segregated by geographic region. The highest diversity of P. vivax invasion genes in Ecuador was found in the Amazonian region. Although selection appeared to have small effect on pvdbpII and pvrbp1a-2, pvama1 was influenced by significant balancing selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Núñez
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Francis B Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL, Tampa, USA
| | - Yasel Guerra
- Grupo de Bio-Quimioinformática, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Interdisciplinary Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL, Tampa, USA
| | - Fabián E Sáenz
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.
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da Veiga GTS, Moriggi MR, Vettorazzi JF, Müller-Santos M, Albrecht L. Plasmodium vivax vaccine: What is the best way to go? Front Immunol 2023; 13:910236. [PMID: 36726991 PMCID: PMC9885200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most devastating human infectious diseases caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites. A search for an effective and safe vaccine is the main challenge for its eradication. Plasmodium vivax is the second most prevalent Plasmodium species and the most geographically distributed parasite and has been neglected for decades. This has a massive gap in knowledge and consequently in the development of vaccines. The most significant difficulties in obtaining a vaccine against P. vivax are the high genetic diversity and the extremely complex life cycle. Due to its complexity, studies have evaluated P. vivax antigens from different stages as potential targets for an effective vaccine. Therefore, the main vaccine candidates are grouped into preerythrocytic stage vaccines, blood-stage vaccines, and transmission-blocking vaccines. This review aims to support future investigations by presenting the main findings of vivax malaria vaccines to date. There are only a few P. vivax vaccines in clinical trials, and thus far, the best protective efficacy was a vaccine formulated with synthetic peptide from a circumsporozoite protein and Montanide ISA-51 as an adjuvant with 54.5% efficacy in a phase IIa study. In addition, the majority of P. vivax antigen candidates are polymorphic, induce strain-specific and heterogeneous immunity and provide only partial protection. Nevertheless, immunization with recombinant proteins and multiantigen vaccines have shown promising results and have emerged as excellent strategies. However, more studies are necessary to assess the ideal vaccine combination and test it in clinical trials. Developing a safe and effective vaccine against vivax malaria is essential for controlling and eliminating the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to determine what is already known to propose and identify new candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Tatiane Soares da Veiga
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Müller-Santos
- Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Letusa Albrecht
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,*Correspondence: Letusa Albrecht,
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3
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Cui YB, Shen HM, Chen SB, Kassegne K, Shi TQ, Xu B, Chen JH, Wu JH, Wang Y. Genetic Diversity and Selection of Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen-1 in China-Myanmar Border of Yunnan Province, China, 2009-2016. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:742189. [PMID: 35071030 PMCID: PMC8766981 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.742189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (PvAMA-1) is an important vaccine candidate for vivax malaria. However, antigenic variation within PvAMA-1 is a major obstacle to the design of a global protective malaria vaccine. In this study, we analyzed the genetic polymorphism and selection of the PvAMA-1 gene from 152 P. vivax isolates from imported cases to China, collected in the China–Myanmar border (CMB) area in Yunnan Province (YP) during 2009–2011 (n = 71) and 2014–2016 (n = 81), in comparison with PvAMA-1 gene information from Myanmar (n = 73), collected from public data. The overall nucleotide diversity of the PvAMA-1 gene from the 152 YP isolates was 0.007 with 76 haplotypes identified (Hd = 0.958). Results from the population structure suggested three groups among the YP and Myanmar isolates with optimized clusters value of K = 7. In addition, YP (2014–2016) isolates generally lacked some K components that were commonly found in YP (2009–2011) and Myanmar. Meanwhile, PvAMA-1 domain I is found to be the dominant target of positive diversifying selection and most mutation loci were found in this domain. The mutation frequencies of D107N/A, R112K/T, K120R, E145A, E277K, and R438H in PvAMA-1 were more than 70% in the YP isolates. In conclusion, high genetic diversity and positive selection were found in the PvAMA-1 gene from YP isolates, which are significant findings for the design and development of PvAMA-1-based malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Bing Cui
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Mo Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen-Bo Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Kokouvi Kassegne
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Qi Shi
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Hu Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Hong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Parasitology, Provincial Key Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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De SL, Ntumngia FB, Nicholas J, Adams JH. Progress towards the development of a P. vivax vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:97-112. [PMID: 33481638 PMCID: PMC7994195 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1880898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plasmodium vivax causes significant public health problems in endemic regions. A vaccine to prevent disease is critical, considering the rapid spread of drug-resistant parasite strains, and the development of hypnozoites in the liver with potential for relapse. A minimally effective vaccine should prevent disease and transmission while an ideal vaccine provides sterile immunity. AREAS COVERED Despite decades of research, the complex life cycle, technical challenges and a lack of funding have hampered progress of P. vivax vaccine development. Here, we review the progress of potential P. vivax vaccine candidates from different stages of the parasite life cycle. We also highlight the challenges and important strategies for rational vaccine design. These factors can significantly increase immune effector mechanisms and improve the protective efficacy of these candidates in clinical trials to generate sustained protection over longer periods of time. EXPERT OPINION A vaccine that presents functionally-conserved epitopes from multiple antigens from various stages of the parasite life cycle is key to induce broadly neutralizing strain-transcending protective immunity to effectively disrupt parasite development and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Lata De
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
| | - Francis B. Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
| | - Justin Nicholas
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
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Lei Y, Shen F, Zhu H, Zhu L, Chu R, Tang J, Yao W, Zhu G, Zhang D, Cao J, Cheng Y. Low genetic diversity and strong immunogenicity within the apical membrane antigen-1 of plasmodium ovale spp. imported from africa to china. Acta Trop 2020; 210:105591. [PMID: 32562621 PMCID: PMC7456792 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is still an important challenge for global public health because of its extensive mortality and morbidity. Plasmodium ovale is mainly distributed in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. it includes two distinct ovale malaria species, which are P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri. Apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) is an asexual blood-stage protein which is essential for Plasmodium. Thus far, no study on gene polymorphism and immunogenicity of P. ovale AMA-1 (PoAMA-1) has been conducted. Amplified poama1 gene products from 14 P ovale curtisi samples and 12 P ovale wallikeri samples imported from Africa to Jiangsu Province, China were sequenced and their polymorphisms were analyzed. We expressed recombinant PoAMA-1 (rPoAMA-1, 53 kDa) proteins in an E. coli expression system and evaluated immune responses against the rPoAMA-1 in BALB/c mice. We identified a synonymous mutation in nucleotide position 333 of the pocama-1 gene and powama-1 did not reveal any variation. The humoral and cellular immune responses to rPoAMA-1 were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry. rPoAMA-1-immunized mice produced specific antibodies as verified by immunoblotting. The rPoAMA-1 induced high antibody titers (1: 640,000), and had high avidity indexes (an average of 78.63% and 83.40%). The antibodies also recognized the native proteins, namely, crude antigen from blood stages. Cross-reactivity between rPocAMA-1 and rPowAMA-1 was observed. Moreover, rPoAMA-1 s induced interferon (IFN)-gamma-secreting cells in mice and increased lymphocyte proliferation response. Low genetic diversity was observed in poama-1 from the Jiangsu Province imported malaria cases, and further studies conclusively showed its strong immunogenicity. Significant cross-reactivity was found between rPocAMA-1 and rPowAMA-1, suggesting that a single PoAMA-1 antigen could be used to diagnose P. ovale curtisi or P. ovale wallikeri patient simultaneously. However, further evaluation needs to be carried out to validate the potential and limitations of PoAMA-1 as a candidate vaccine.
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Soares RR, Cunha CF, Ferraz‐Nogueira R, Marins‐dos‐Santos A, Rodrigues‐da‐Silva RN, Soares I, Lima‐Junior J, Bertho AL, Ferreira MU, Scopel KKG. Apical membrane protein 1‐specific antibody profile and temporal changes in peripheral blood B‐cell populations in
Plasmodium vivax
malaria. Parasite Immunol 2019; 41:e12662. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Reis Soares
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora Brazil
| | - Clarissa F. Cunha
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Raquel Ferraz‐Nogueira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Flow Cytometry Cell Sorting Core Facility Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | | | - Irene Soares
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical Analyses and Toxicology University of São Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Josué Lima‐Junior
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Alvaro Luiz Bertho
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
- Flow Cytometry Cell Sorting Core Facility Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Marcelo Urbano Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences University of São Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Kézia Katiani Gorza Scopel
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora Brazil
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7
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Salgado-Mejias P, Alves FL, Françoso KS, Riske KA, Silva ER, Miranda A, Soares IS. Structure of Rhoptry Neck Protein 2 is essential for the interaction in vitro with Apical Membrane Antigen 1 in Plasmodium vivax. Malar J 2019; 18:25. [PMID: 30683104 PMCID: PMC6347818 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2649-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In several Apicomplexa, the formation of moving junctions (MJs) at the interface between the external membranes of the invading parasite and the host cell is essential for the process of parasite invasion. In Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii, the MJ is composed of the Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA1) and Rhoptry Neck Proteins (RONs) complex; specifically, AMA1 interacts with RON2 during host cell invasion. METHODS Recombinant proteins based on Plasmodium vivax RON2 (A2033-P2100) and its synthetic peptide fragments, one cyclic and one linear, based on PvRON2 (D2035-T2074) were generated and used to evaluate the interaction with P. vivax AMA1 (PvAMA1) by the far western blot, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) methods. The structural studies of peptides were performed by circular dichroism, and the structural analysis of the complex of PvAMA1 with peptides based on PvRON2 (D2035-T2074) was conducted with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). RESULTS Surface plasmon resonance (KD = 23.91 ± 2.078 μmol/L) and ITC (K = 3 × 105 mol/L) studies conclusively showed an interaction between the cyclic peptide based on PvRON2 and PvAMA1-His6. In contrast, the linear peptide and recombinant PvRON2 (GST fusion protein) did not show an interaction with PvAMA1. However, the interaction among recombinant proteins PvRON2.2 and PvAMA1-His6 was possible to show by far western blot. CONCLUSIONS The results show that the PvRON2 structure, particularly the S-S bond between C2051 and C2063, is determinant for the existence of the interaction between PvAMA1 and PvRON2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla Salgado-Mejias
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Department of Chemical Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Flavio L Alves
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kátia S Françoso
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Karin A Riske
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Emerson R Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Miranda
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Irene S Soares
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Bittencourt NC, Leite JA, Silva ABIE, Pimenta TS, Silva-Filho JL, Cassiano GC, Lopes SCP, Dos-Santos JCK, Bourgard C, Nakaya HI, da Silva Ventura AMR, Lacerda MVG, Ferreira MU, Machado RLD, Albrecht L, Costa FTM. Genetic sequence characterization and naturally acquired immune response to Plasmodium vivax Rhoptry Neck Protein 2 (PvRON2). Malar J 2018; 17:401. [PMID: 30382855 PMCID: PMC6208078 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The genetic diversity of malaria antigens often results in allele variant-specific immunity, imposing a great challenge to vaccine development. Rhoptry Neck Protein 2 (PvRON2) is a blood-stage antigen that plays a key role during the erythrocyte invasion of Plasmodium vivax. This study investigates the genetic diversity of PvRON2 and the naturally acquired immune response to P. vivax isolates. Results Here, the genetic diversity of PvRON21828–2080 and the naturally acquired humoral immune response against PvRON21828–2080 in infected and non-infected individuals from a vivax malaria endemic area in Brazil was reported. The diversity analysis of PvRON21828–2080 revealed that the protein is conserved in isolates in Brazil and worldwide. A total of 18 (19%) patients had IgG antibodies to PvRON21828–2080. Additionally, the analysis of the antibody response in individuals who were not acutely infected with malaria, but had been infected with malaria in the past indicated that 32 patients (33%) exhibited an IgG immune response against PvRON2. Conclusions PvRON2 was conserved among the studied isolates. The presence of naturally acquired antibodies to this protein in the absence of the disease suggests that PvRON2 induces a long-term antibody response. These results indicate that PvRON2 is a potential malaria vaccine candidate. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2543-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najara C Bittencourt
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana A Leite
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Tamirys S Pimenta
- Laboratório de Ensaios Clínicos e Imunogenética em Malária, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, PA, Brazil
| | - João Luiz Silva-Filho
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo C Cassiano
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Stefanie C P Lopes
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Manaus, AM, Brazil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical-Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Joao C K Dos-Santos
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Catarina Bourgard
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Helder I Nakaya
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcus V G Lacerda
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Manaus, AM, Brazil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical-Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo L D Machado
- Laboratório de Ensaios Clínicos e Imunogenética em Malária, Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua, PA, Brazil
| | - Letusa Albrecht
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Fabio T M Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases-Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Afridi SG, Irfan M, Ahmad H, Aslam M, Nawaz M, Ilyas M, Khan A. Population genetic structure of domain I of apical membrane antigen-1 in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Hazara division of Pakistan. Malar J 2018; 17:389. [PMID: 30367656 PMCID: PMC6203999 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2539-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen-1 (PfAMA1) is considered as an ideal vaccine candidate for malaria control due to its high level of immunogenicity and essential role in parasite survival. Among the three domains of PfAMA1 protein, hyper-variable region (HVR) of domain I is the most immunogenic. The present study was conducted to evaluate the extent of genetic diversity across HVR domain I of the pfama1 gene in P. falciparum isolates from Hazara division of Pakistan. Methods The HVR domain I of the pfama1 was amplified and sequenced from 20 P. falciparum positive cases from Hazara division of Pakistan. The sequences were analysed in context of global population data of P. falciparum from nine malaria endemic countries. The DNA sequence reads quality assessment, reads assembling, sequences alignment/phylogenetic and population genetic analyses were performed using Staden, Lasergene v. 7.1, MEGA7 and DnaSP v.5 software packages respectively. Results Total 14 mutations were found in Pakistani isolates with 12 parsimony informative sites. During comparison with global isolates, a novel non-synonymous mutation (Y240F) was found specifically in a single Pakistani sample with 5% frequency. The less number of mutations, haplotypes, recombination and low pairwise nucleotide differences revealed tightly linked uniform genetic structure with low genetic diversity at HVR domain I of pfama1 among P. falciparum isolates from Hazara region of Pakistan. This uniform genetic structure may be shaped across Pakistani P. falciparum isolates by bottleneck or natural selection events. Conclusion The Pakistani P. falciparum isolates were found to maintain a distinct genetic pattern at HVR pfama1 with some extent of genetic relationship with geographically close Myanmar and Indian samples. However, the exact pattern of gene flow and demographic events may infer from whole genome sequence data with large sample size of P. falciparum collected from broad area of Pakistan. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2539-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahib Gul Afridi
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan
- Center for Human Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21310, Pakistan
| | - Habib Ahmad
- Center for Human Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21310, Pakistan.,Center for OMIC Studies, Islamia College University, Peshawar, 25000, Pakistan
| | - Muneeba Aslam
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Nawaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ilyas
- Center for Human Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21310, Pakistan
| | - Asifullah Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 23200, Pakistan.
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10
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Kang JM, Lee J, Moe M, Jun H, Lê HG, Kim TI, Thái TL, Sohn WM, Myint MK, Lin K, Shin HJ, Kim TS, Na BK. Population genetic structure and natural selection of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen-1 in Myanmar isolates. Malar J 2018; 17:71. [PMID: 29415731 PMCID: PMC5804060 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen-1 (PfAMA-1) is one of leading blood stage malaria vaccine candidates. However, genetic variation and antigenic diversity identified in global PfAMA-1 are major hurdles in the development of an effective vaccine based on this antigen. In this study, genetic structure and the effect of natural selection of PfAMA-1 among Myanmar P. falciparum isolates were analysed. Methods Blood samples were collected from 58 Myanmar patients with falciparum malaria. Full-length PfAMA-1 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into a TA cloning vector. PfAMA-1 sequence of each isolate was sequenced. Polymorphic characteristics and effect of natural selection were analysed with using DNASTAR, MEGA4, and DnaSP programs. Polymorphic nature and natural selection in 459 global PfAMA-1 were also analysed. Results Thirty-seven different haplotypes of PfAMA-1 were identified in 58 Myanmar P. falciparum isolates. Most amino acid changes identified in Myanmar PfAMA-1 were found in domains I and III. Overall patterns of amino acid changes in Myanmar PfAMA-1 were similar to those in global PfAMA-1. However, frequencies of amino acid changes differed by country. Novel amino acid changes in Myanmar PfAMA-1 were also identified. Evidences for natural selection and recombination event were observed in global PfAMA-1. Among 51 commonly identified amino acid changes in global PfAMA-1 sequences, 43 were found in predicted RBC-binding sites, B-cell epitopes, or IUR regions. Conclusions Myanmar PfAMA-1 showed similar patterns of nucleotide diversity and amino acid polymorphisms compared to those of global PfAMA-1. Balancing natural selection and intragenic recombination across PfAMA-1 are likely to play major roles in generating genetic diversity in global PfAMA-1. Most common amino acid changes in global PfAMA-1 were located in predicted B-cell epitopes where high levels of nucleotide diversity and balancing natural selection were found. These results highlight the strong selective pressure of host immunity on the PfAMA-1 gene. These results have significant implications in understanding the nature of Myanmar PfAMA-1 along with global PfAMA-1. They also provide useful information for the development of effective malaria vaccine based on this antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.,Department of Infection Biology, Zoonosis Research Center, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Mya Moe
- Department of Medical Research Pyin Oo Lwin Branch, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
| | - Hojong Jun
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Im Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.,Planning and Management Division, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju, 37242, Republic of Korea
| | - Thị Lam Thái
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon-Mok Sohn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Moe Kyaw Myint
- Department of Medical Research Pyin Oo Lwin Branch, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
| | - Khin Lin
- Department of Medical Research Pyin Oo Lwin Branch, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
| | - Ho-Joon Shin
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University College of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea. .,BK21Plus Team for Anti-aging Biotechnology and Industry, Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Arévalo-Pinzón G, Bermúdez M, Hernández D, Curtidor H, Patarroyo MA. Plasmodium vivax ligand-receptor interaction: PvAMA-1 domain I contains the minimal regions for specific interaction with CD71+ reticulocytes. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9616. [PMID: 28855657 PMCID: PMC5577344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The malarial parasite’s invasion is complex, active and coordinated, involving many low and high affinity interactions with receptors on target cell membrane. Proteomics analysis has described around 40 proteins in P. vivax which could be involved in reticulocyte invasion; few have been studied with the aim of elucidating how many of them establish specific interactions with their respective host cells. Given the importance of knowing which of the parasite’s protein regions are functionally important for invasion, minimum regions mediating specific interaction between Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 (PvAMA-1) and its host cell were here elucidated. The region covering PvAMA-1 domains I and II (PvAMA-DI-II) specifically bound to the CD71+ red blood cell subpopulation. A 20 residue-long region (81EVENAKYRIPAGRCPVFGKG100) located in domain I was capable of inhibiting PvAMA-DI-II recombinant protein binding to young reticulocytes (CD71+CD45−) and rosette formation. This conserved peptide specifically interacted with high affinity with reticulocytes (CD71+) through a neuraminidase- and chymotrypsin-treatment sensitive receptor. Such results showed that, despite AMA-1 having universal functions during late Plasmodium invasion stages, PvAMA-1 had reticulocyte-preferring binding regions, suggesting that P. vivax target cell selection is not just restricted to initial interactions but maintained throughout the erythrocyte invasion cycle, having important implications for designing a specific anti-P. vivax vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Arévalo-Pinzón
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50 # 26-20, Bogotá, Colombia.,PhD Program in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 #, 63C-69, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Maritza Bermúdez
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50 # 26-20, Bogotá, Colombia.,MSc Program in Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 # 40-62, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Diana Hernández
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50 # 26-20, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Hernando Curtidor
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50 # 26-20, Bogotá, Colombia.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 #, 63C-69, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50 # 26-20, Bogotá, Colombia. .,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 #, 63C-69, Bogotá, Colombia.
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12
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Generation, characterization and immunogenicity of a novel chimeric recombinant protein based on Plasmodium vivax AMA-1 and MSP1 19. Vaccine 2017; 35:2463-2472. [PMID: 28341111 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed malaria species and the most prevalent species of malaria in America and Asia. Vaccine development against P. vivax is considered a priority in the global program for the eradication of malaria. Earlier studies have characterized the Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (AMA-1) ectodomain and the C-terminal region (19kDa) of the Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP-1) of P. vivax as immunodominant antigens. Based on this characterization, we designed a chimeric recombinant protein containing both merozoite immunodominant domains (PvAMA166-MSP119). The recombinant PvAMA166-MSP119 was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris and used to immunize two different mouse strains (BALB/c and C57BL/6) in the presence of the Poly (I:C) as an adjuvant. Immunization with the chimeric protein induced high antibody titers against both proteins in both strains of mice as detected by ELISA. Antisera also recognized the native proteins expressed on the merozoites of mature P. vivax schizonts. Moreover, this antigen was able to induce IFN-gamma-secreting cells in C57BL/6 mice. These findings indicate that this novel yeast recombinant protein containing PvAMA166 and PvMSP119 is advantageous, because of improved antibody titers and cellular immune response. Therefore, this formulation should be further developed for pre-clinical trials in non-human primates as a potential candidate for a P. vivax vaccine.
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13
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López C, Yepes-Pérez Y, Hincapié-Escobar N, Díaz-Arévalo D, Patarroyo MA. What Is Known about the Immune Response Induced by Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Candidates? Front Immunol 2017; 8:126. [PMID: 28243235 PMCID: PMC5304258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax continues being one of the most important infectious diseases around the world; P. vivax is the second most prevalent species and has the greatest geographic distribution. Developing an effective antimalarial vaccine is considered a relevant control strategy in the search for means of preventing the disease. Studying parasite-expressed proteins, which are essential in host cell invasion, has led to identifying the regions recognized by individuals who are naturally exposed to infection. Furthermore, immunogenicity studies have revealed that such regions can trigger a robust immune response that can inhibit sporozoite (hepatic stage) or merozoite (erythrocyte stage) invasion of a host cell and induce protection. This review provides a synthesis of the most important studies to date concerning the antigenicity and immunogenicity of both synthetic peptide and recombinant protein candidates for a vaccine against malaria produced by P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina López
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yoelis Yepes-Pérez
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; MSc Programme in Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Hincapié-Escobar
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC) , Bogotá , Colombia
| | - Diana Díaz-Arévalo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (UDCA), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Basic Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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14
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Zhu X, Zhao P, Wang S, Liu F, Liu J, Wang J, Yang Z, Yan G, Fan Q, Cao Y, Cui L. Analysis of Pvama1 genes from China-Myanmar border reveals little regional genetic differentiation of Plasmodium vivax populations. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:614. [PMID: 27899135 PMCID: PMC5129220 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1899-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the premise of diminishing parasite genetic diversity following the reduction of malaria incidence, the analysis of polymorphic antigenic markers may provide important information about the impact of malaria control on local parasite populations. Here we evaluated the genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 (Pvama1) gene in a parasite population from the China-Myanmar border and compared it with global P. vivax populations. Methods We performed evolutionary analysis to examine the genetic diversity, natural selection, and population differentiation of 73 Pvama1 sequences acquired from the China-Myanmar border as well as 615 publically available Pvama1 sequences from seven global P. vivax populations. Results A total of 308 Pvama1 haplotypes were identified among the global P. vivax isolates. The overall nucleotide diversity of Pvama1 gene among the 73 China-Myanmar border parasite isolates was 0.008 with 41 haplotypes being identified (Hd = 0.958). Domain I (DI) harbored the majority (26/33) of the polymorphic sites. The McDonald Kreitman test showed a significant positive selection across the ectodomain and the DI of Pvama1. The fixation index (FST) estimation between the China-Myanmar border, Thailand (0.01) and Myanmar (0.10) showed only slight geographical genetic differentiation. Notably, the Sal-I haplotype was not detected in any of the analyzed global isolates, whereas the Belem strain was restricted to the Thai population. The detected mutations are mapped outside the overlapped region of the predicted B-cell epitopes and intrinsically unstructured/disordered regions. Conclusions This study revealed high levels of genetic diversity of Pvama1 in the P. vivax parasite population from the China-Myanmar border with DI displaying stronger diversifying selection than other domains. There were low levels of population subdivision among parasite populations from the Greater Mekong Subregion. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1899-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Pan Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Si Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China.
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China. .,Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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15
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Fong MY, Wong SS, Silva JRD, Lau YL. Genetic polymorphism in domain I of the apical membrane antigen-1 among Plasmodium knowlesi clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia. Acta Trop 2015; 152:145-150. [PMID: 26384455 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The simian malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi is now recognized as a species that can cause human malaria. The first report of large scale human knowlesi malaria was in 2004 in Malaysia Borneo. Since then, hundreds of human knowlesi malaria cases have been reported in Southeast Asia. The present study investigates the genetic polymorphism of P. knowlesi DI domain of the apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1), a protein considered as a promising vaccine candidate for malaria. The DI domain of AMA-1 gene of P. knowlesi clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia was amplified by PCR, cloned into Escherichia coli, then sequenced and analysed. Ninety-seven DI domain sequences were obtained. Comparison at the nucleotide level against P. knowlesi strain H as reference sequence showed 21 synonymous and 25 nonsynonymous mutations. Nonetheless, nucleotide sequence analysis revealed low genetic diversity of the DI domain, and it was under purifying (negative) selection. At the amino acid level, 26 different haplotypes were identified and 2 were predominant haplotypes (H1, H2) with high frequencies. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 26 haplotypes could be clustered into 2 distinct groups (I and II). Members of the groups were basically derived from haplotypes H1 and H2, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mun Yik Fong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Shen Siang Wong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Jeremy Ryan De Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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16
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Kang JM, Lee J, Cho PY, Moon SU, Ju HL, Ahn SK, Sohn WM, Lee HW, Kim TS, Na BK. Population genetic structure and natural selection of apical membrane antigen-1 in Plasmodium vivax Korean isolates. Malar J 2015; 14:455. [PMID: 26572984 PMCID: PMC4647566 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0942-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (PvAMA-1) is a leading candidate antigen for blood stage malaria vaccine. However, antigenic variation is a major obstacle in the development of an effective vaccine based on this antigen. In this study, the genetic structure and the effect of natural selection of PvAMA-1 among Korean P. vivax isolates were analysed. Methods Blood samples were collected from 66 Korean patients with vivax malaria. The entire PvAMA-1 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into a TA cloning vector. The PvAMA-1 sequence of each isolate was sequenced and the polymorphic characteristics and effect of natural selection were analysed using the DNASTAR, MEGA4, and DnaSP programs. Results Thirty haplotypes of PvAMA-1, which were further classified into seven different clusters, were identified in the 66 Korean P. vivax isolates. Domain II was highly conserved among the sequences, but substantial nucleotide diversity was observed in domains I and III. The difference between the rates of non-synonymous and synonymous mutations suggested that the gene has evolved under natural selection. No strong evidence indicating balancing or positive selection on PvAMA-1 was identified. Recombination may also play a role in the resulting genetic diversity of PvAMA-1. Conclusions This study is the first comprehensive analysis of nucleotide diversity across the entire PvAMA-1 gene using a single population sample from Korea. Korean PvAMA-1 had limited genetic diversity compared to PvAMA-1 in global isolates. The overall pattern of genetic polymorphism of Korean PvAMA-1 differed from other global isolates and novel amino acid changes were also identified in Korean PvAMA-1. Evidences for natural selection and recombination event were observed, which is likely to play an important role in generating genetic diversity across the PvAMA-1. These results provide useful information for the understanding the population structure of P. vivax circulating in Korea and have important implications for the design of a vaccine incorporating PvAMA-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Pyo-Yun Cho
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, 400-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Ung Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, 463-707, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye-Lim Ju
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong Kyu Ahn
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, 400-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woon-Mok Sohn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyeong-Woo Lee
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, J-566, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, 400-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Someabozorg MA, Mirkazemi S, Mehrizi AA, Shokri F, Djadid ND, Zakeri S. Administration of naloxone in combination with recombinant Plasmodium vivax AMA-1 in BALB/c mice induces mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses. Parasite Immunol 2015; 37:521-532. [PMID: 26234932 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Naloxone (NLX) has the ability to shift the immune response to a Th1 profile. Therefore, the adjuvant efficacy of NLX with recombinant P. vivax apical membrane antigen-1(rPvAMA-1) in BALB/c mice was evaluated. Mice were immunized subcutaneously with purified rPvAMA-1 formulated with NLX (doses of 5 mg/kg body weight) alone or in combination with IFA. A significant increase in anti-PvAMA-1 IgG antibody after the second boost (mean OD490 = 2·08 and 2·17, in groups received, rPvAMA-1/NLX and rPvAMA-1/NLX/IFA, respectively) was detected. IgG1 and IgG2b were the predominant isotypes in all immunized mouse groups. In immunized mice with rPvAMA-1/NLX (mean: 1036 pg/mL) and with rPvAMA-1/NLX/IFA (mean: 1024 pg/mL), IFN-γ was elicited in response to rPvAMA-1 after the second boost. No detectable IL-4 secretion was determined in all tested groups. In conclusion, the administration of NLX alone or NLX/IFA with rPvAMA-1 in BALB/c mice, which induced mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses, was comparable with that of the same recombinant antigen with CFA/IFA adjuvant. The results indicate that NLX alone may possibly not be considered as a potent Th1 adjuvant in PvAMA-1-based vaccine. However, in order to modulate immune responses from mixed Th1/Th2 to strong and protective Th1 response, further study is warranted on combination of NLX with other adjuvants such as CpG motifs or MPL in proper vaccine formulation. Additionally, dose-response study is necessary to determine the effect of different doses of antigen combined with NLX (at various doses) in Balb/c mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Someabozorg
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Mirkazemi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - A A Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - N D Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Salavatifar M, Zakeri S, Hayati Roodbari N, Djadid ND. High-Level Expression, Purification and Characterization of A Recombinant Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen 1: Implication for vivax Malaria Vaccine Development. CELL JOURNAL 2015; 17:520-31. [PMID: 26464824 PMCID: PMC4601873 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2015.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective The apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) is considered as a promising candidate for development of a malaria vaccine against Plasmodium parasites. The correct
conformation of this protein appears to be necessary for the stimulation of parasite-inhibitory responses, and these responses, in turn, seem to be antibody-mediated. Therefore, in
the present investigation, we expressed the Plasmodium vivax AMA-1 (PvAMA-1) ectodomain in Escherichia coli (E. coli), purified it using standard procedures and characterized
it to determine its biological activities for it to be used as a potential target for developing
a protective and safe vivax malaria vaccine.
Materials and Methods In this experimental investigation, the ectodomain of PvAMA-1 antigen (GenBank accession no. JX624741) was expressed in the E. coli M15pQE30 expression system and purified with immobilized-metal affinity chromatography. The correct conformation of the recombinant protein was evaluated by Western
blotting and indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test. In addition, the immunogenic properties of PvAMA-1 were evaluated in BALB/c mice with the purified protein
emulsified in Freund’s adjuvant.
Results In the present study, the PvAMA-1 ectodomain was expressed at a high-level
(65 mg/L) using a bacterial system. Reduced and non-reduced sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) as well as Western blot analysis
confirmed the appropriate conformation and folding of PvAMA-1. The evaluation of
immunogenic properties of PvAMA-1 showed that both T helper-1 and 2 cells (Th1
and Th2) responses were present in mice after three immunizations and persisted up
to one year after the first immunization. Moreover, the antibodies raised against the
recombinant PvAMA-1 in injected mice could recognize the native protein localized on
P. vivax parasites.
Conclusion We demonstrate that our recombinant protein had proper conformation
and folding. Also, there were common epitopes in the recombinant forms corresponding to native proteins. These results; therefore, indicate that the expressed PvAMA-1
has the potential to be used as a vivax malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Salavatifar
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BCR), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasim Hayati Roodbari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BCR), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Barry AE, Arnott A. Strategies for designing and monitoring malaria vaccines targeting diverse antigens. Front Immunol 2014; 5:359. [PMID: 25120545 PMCID: PMC4112938 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
After more than 50 years of intensive research and development, only one malaria vaccine candidate, “RTS,S,” has progressed to Phase 3 clinical trials. Despite only partial efficacy, this candidate is now forecast to become the first licensed malaria vaccine. Hence, more efficacious second-generation malaria vaccines that can significantly reduce transmission are urgently needed. This review will focus on a major obstacle hindering development of effective malaria vaccines: parasite antigenic diversity. Despite extensive genetic diversity in leading candidate antigens, vaccines have been and continue to be formulated using recombinant antigens representing only one or two strains. These vaccine strains represent only a small fraction of the diversity circulating in natural parasite populations, leading to escape of non-vaccine strains and challenging investigators’ abilities to measure strain-specific efficacy in vaccine trials. Novel strategies are needed to overcome antigenic diversity in order for vaccine development to succeed. Many studies have now cataloged the global diversity of leading Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax vaccine antigens. In this review, we describe how population genetic approaches can be applied to this rich data source to predict the alleles that best represent antigenic diversity, polymorphisms that contribute to it, and to identify key polymorphisms associated with antigenic escape. We also suggest an approach to summarize the known global diversity of a given antigen to predict antigenic diversity, how to select variants that best represent the strains circulating in natural parasite populations and how to investigate the strain-specific efficacy of vaccine trials. Use of these strategies in the design and monitoring of vaccine trials will not only shed light on the contribution of genetic diversity to the antigenic diversity of malaria, but will also maximize the potential of future malaria vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa E Barry
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research , Parkville, VIC , Australia ; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC , Australia
| | - Alicia Arnott
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research , Parkville, VIC , Australia ; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, VIC , Australia
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Arnott A, Wapling J, Mueller I, Ramsland PA, Siba PM, Reeder JC, Barry AE. Distinct patterns of diversity, population structure and evolution in the AMA1 genes of sympatric Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax populations of Papua New Guinea from an area of similarly high transmission. Malar J 2014; 13:233. [PMID: 24930015 PMCID: PMC4085730 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax co-exist in most malaria-endemic regions outside sub-Saharan Africa, malaria control strategies in these areas must target both species in order to succeed. Population genetic analyses can predict the effectiveness of interventions including vaccines, by providing insight into patterns of diversity and evolution. The aim of this study was to investigate the population genetics of leading malaria vaccine candidate AMA1 in sympatric P. falciparum and P. vivax populations of Papua New Guinea (PNG), an area of similarly high prevalence (Pf = 22.3 to 38.8%, Pv = 15.3 to 31.8%). Methods A total of 72 Pfama1 and 102 Pvama1 sequences were collected from two distinct areas, Madang and Wosera, on the highly endemic PNG north coast. Results Despite a greater number of polymorphic sites in the AMA1 genes of P. falciparum (Madang = 52; Wosera = 56) compared to P. vivax (Madang = 36, Wosera = 34), the number of AMA1 haplotypes, haplotype diversity (Hd) and recombination (R) was far lower for P. falciparum (Madang = 12, Wosera = 20; Hd ≤0.92, R ≤45.8) than for P. vivax (Madang = 50, Wosera = 38; Hd = 0.99, R = ≤70.9). Balancing selection was detected only within domain I of AMA1 for P. vivax, and in both domains I and III for P. falciparum. Conclusions Higher diversity in the genes encoding P. vivax AMA1 than in P. falciparum AMA1 in this highly endemic area has important implications for development of AMA1-based vaccines in PNG and beyond. These results also suggest a smaller effective population size of P. falciparum compared to P. vivax, a finding that warrants further investigation. Differing patterns of selection on the AMA1 genes indicate that critical antigenic sites may differ between the species, highlighting the need for independent investigations of these two leading vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alyssa E Barry
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia.
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21
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Vicentin EC, Françoso KS, Rocha MV, Iourtov D, dos Santos FL, Kubrusly FS, Sakauchi MA, Raw I, Nosten F, Rénia L, Rodrigues MM, Russell B, Soares IS. Invasion-inhibitory antibodies elicited by immunization with Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 expressed in Pichia pastoris yeast. Infect Immun 2014; 82:1296-307. [PMID: 24379279 PMCID: PMC3958008 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01169-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In a recent vaccine trial performed with African children, immunization with a recombinant protein based on Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) conferred a significant degree of strain-specific resistance against malaria. To contribute to the efforts of generating a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax malaria, we expressed the ectodomain of P. vivax AMA-1 (PvAMA-1) as a secreted soluble protein in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Recognized by a high percentage of sera from individuals infected by P. vivax, this recombinant protein was found to have maintained its antigenicity. The immunogenicity of this protein was evaluated in mice using immunization protocols that included homologous and heterologous prime-boost strategies with plasmid DNA and recombinant protein. We used the following formulations containing different adjuvants: aluminum salts (Alum), Bordetella pertussis monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), flagellin FliC from Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, saponin Quil A, or incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA). The formulations containing the adjuvants Quil A or IFA elicited the highest IgG antibody titers. Significant antibody titers were also obtained using a formulation developed for human use containing MPLA or Alum plus MPLA. Recombinant PvAMA-1 produced under "conditions of good laboratory practice" provided a good yield, high purity, low endotoxin levels, and no microbial contaminants and reproduced the experimental immunizations. Most relevant for vaccine development was the fact that immunization with PvAMA-1 elicited invasion-inhibitory antibodies against different Asian isolates of P. vivax. Our results show that AMA-1 expressed in P. pastoris is a promising antigen for use in future preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C. Vicentin
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Kátia S. Françoso
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana V. Rocha
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Isaias Raw
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand
- Mahidol-Oxford University Research Unit, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Rénia
- Singapore Immunology Network, Biopolis, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Mauricio M. Rodrigues
- CTCMOL, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruce Russell
- Singapore Immunology Network, Biopolis, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Irene S. Soares
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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22
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Patarroyo MA, Calderón D, Moreno-Pérez DA. Vaccines againstPlasmodium vivax: a research challenge. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 11:1249-60. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.12.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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23
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Arnott A, Mueller I, Ramsland PA, Siba PM, Reeder JC, Barry AE. Global Population Structure of the Genes Encoding the Malaria Vaccine Candidate, Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (PvAMA1). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2506. [PMID: 24205419 PMCID: PMC3814406 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (PvAMA1) is a promising malaria vaccine candidate, however it remains unclear which regions are naturally targeted by host immunity and whether its high genetic diversity will preclude coverage by a monovalent vaccine. To assess its feasibility as a vaccine candidate, we investigated the global population structure of PvAMA1. Methodology and Principal Findings New sequences from Papua New Guinea (PNG, n = 102) were analysed together with published sequences from Thailand (n = 158), India (n = 8), Sri Lanka (n = 23), Venezuela (n = 74) and a collection of isolates from disparate geographic locations (n = 8). A total of 92 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified including 22 synonymous SNPs and 70 non-synonymous (NS) SNPs. Polymorphisms and signatures of balancing (positive Tajima's D and low FST values) selection were predominantly clustered in domain I, suggesting it is a dominant target of protective immune responses. To estimate global antigenic diversity, haplotypes comprised of (i) non-singleton (n = 40) and (ii) common (≥10% minor allele frequency, n = 23) polymorphic amino acid sites were then analysed revealing a total of 219 and 210 distinct haplotypes, respectively. Although highly diverse, the 210 haplotypes comprised of only common polymorphisms were grouped into eleven clusters, however substantial geographic differentiation was observed, and this may have implications for the efficacy of PvAMA1 vaccines in different malaria-endemic areas. The PNG haplotypes form a distinct group of clusters not found in any other geographic region. Vaccine haplotypes were rare and geographically restricted, suggesting potentially poor efficacy of candidate PvAMA1 vaccines. Conclusions It may be possible to cover the existing global PvAMA1 diversity by selection of diverse alleles based on these analyses however it will be important to first define the relationships between the genetic and antigenic diversity of this molecule. Traditionally misclassified as benign and neglected as a research priority, it is now understood that P. vivax is an increasingly important cause of human malaria. This important human pathogen poses an enormous obstacle to malaria control and elimination efforts due its broad geographic distribution, ability to cause recurring episodes of malaria after long periods of inactivity and extreme biodiversity. Vaccines are an essential component of global malaria control and elimination campaigns but the diversity of malaria antigens is thought to be a major cause of vaccine failure. Furthermore, at present the majority of current vaccine research is directed toward P. falciparum. The aims of this study were to investigate the global diversity of the P. vivax vaccine candidate, Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (PvAMA1), to determine the feasibility of designing a globally effective PvAMA1 vaccine and to determine which region of PvAMA1 is targeted by host immune responses, in order to identify the most promising vaccine candidates. We report that PvAMA1 diversity is extremely high, and that PvAMA1 domain I is a dominant target of host immune responses. These analyses of PvAMA1 diversity from several geographic regions provide a framework to guide development of a broadly efficacious P. vivax vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Arnott
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Barcelona, Spain
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Paul A. Ramsland
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, CHIRI Biosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Peter M. Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - John C. Reeder
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alyssa E. Barry
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Moreno-Pérez DA, Saldarriaga A, Patarroyo MA. Characterizing PvARP, a novel Plasmodium vivax antigen. Malar J 2013; 12:165. [PMID: 23688042 PMCID: PMC3662610 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax continues to be the most widely distributed malarial parasite species in tropical and sub-tropical areas, causing high morbidity indices around the world. Better understanding of the proteins used by the parasite during the invasion of red blood cells is required to obtain an effective vaccine against this disease. This study describes characterizing the P. vivax asparagine-rich protein (PvARP) and examines its antigenicity in natural infection. METHODS The target gene in the study was selected according to a previous in silico analysis using profile hidden Markov models which identified P. vivax proteins that play a possible role in invasion. Transcription of the arp gene in the P. vivax VCG-1 strain was here evaluated by RT-PCR. Specific human antibodies against PvARP were used to confirm protein expression by Western blot as well as its subcellular localization by immunofluorescence. Recognition of recombinant PvARP by sera from P. vivax-infected individuals was evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS VCG-1 strain PvARP is a 281-residue-long molecule, which is encoded by a single exon and has an N-terminal secretion signal, as well as a tandem repeat region. This protein is expressed in mature schizonts and is located on the surface of merozoites, having an apparent accumulation towards their apical pole. Sera from P. vivax-infected patients recognized the recombinant, thereby suggesting that this protein is targeted by the immune response during infection. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the characterization of PvARP and its antigenicity. Further assays orientated towards evaluating this antigen's functional importance during parasite invasion are being carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin A Moreno-Pérez
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50 No, 26-20, Bogotá, Colombia.
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25
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Antigenicity and immunogenicity of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-3. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56061. [PMID: 23457498 PMCID: PMC3573074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent clinical trial in African children demonstrated the potential utility of merozoite surface protein (MSP)-3 as a vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The present study evaluated the use of Plasmodium vivax MSP-3 (PvMSP-3) as a target antigen in vaccine formulations against malaria caused by P. vivax. Recombinant proteins representing MSP-3α and MSP-3β of P. vivax were expressed as soluble histidine-tagged bacterial fusions. Antigenicity during natural infection was evaluated by detecting specific antibodies using sera from individuals living in endemic areas of Brazil. A large proportion of infected individuals presented IgG antibodies to PvMSP-3α (68.2%) and at least 1 recombinant protein representing PvMSP-3β (79.1%). In spite of the large responder frequency, reactivity to both antigens was significantly lower than was observed for the immunodominant epitope present on the 19-kDa C-terminal region of PvMSP-1. Immunogenicity of the recombinant proteins was studied in mice in the absence or presence of different adjuvant formulations. PvMSP-3β, but not PvMSP-3α, induced a TLR4-independent humoral immune response in the absence of any adjuvant formulation. The immunogenicity of the recombinant antigens were also tested in formulations containing different adjuvants (Alum, Salmonella enterica flagellin, CpG, Quil A,TiterMax® and incomplete Freunds adjuvant) and combinations of two adjuvants (Alum plus flagellin, and CpG plus flagellin). Recombinant PvMSP-3α and PvMSP-3β elicited higher antibody titers capable of recognizing P. vivax-infected erythrocytes harvested from malaria patients. Our results confirm that P. vivax MSP-3 antigens are immunogenic during natural infection, and the corresponding recombinant proteins may be useful in elucidating their vaccine potential.
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26
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Lopez AC, Ortiz A, Coello J, Sosa-Ochoa W, Torres REM, Banegas EI, Jovel I, Fontecha GA. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum in Honduras. Malar J 2012. [PMID: 23181845 PMCID: PMC3519596 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the population structure of Plasmodium species through genetic diversity studies can assist in the design of more effective malaria control strategies, particularly in vaccine development. Central America is an area where malaria is a public health problem, but little is known about the genetic diversity of the parasite's circulating species. This study aimed to investigate the allelic frequency and molecular diversity of five surface antigens in field isolates from Honduras. METHODS Five molecular markers were analysed to determine the genotypes of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum from endemic areas in Honduras. Genetic diversity of ama-1, msp-1 and csp was investigated for P. vivax, and msp-1 and msp-2 for P. falciparum. Allelic frequencies were calculated and sequence analysis performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION A high genetic diversity was observed within Plasmodium isolates from Honduras. A different number of genotypes were elucidated: 41 (n = 77) for pvama-1; 23 (n = 84) for pvcsp; and 23 (n = 35) for pfmsp-1. Pvcsp sequences showed VK210 as the only subtype present in Honduran isolates. Pvmsp-1 (F2) was the most polymorphic marker for P. vivax isolates while pvama-1 was least variable. All three allelic families described for pfmsp-1 (n = 30) block 2 (K1, MAD20, and RO33), and both allelic families described for the central domain of pfmsp-2 (n = 11) (3D7 and FC27) were detected. However, K1 and 3D7 allelic families were predominant. All markers were randomly distributed across the country and no geographic correlation was found. To date, this is the most complete report on molecular characterization of P. vivax and P. falciparum field isolates in Honduras with regards to genetic diversity. These results indicate that P. vivax and P. falciparum parasite populations are highly diverse in Honduras despite the low level of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cecilia Lopez
- MEIZ-Microbiology School, National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), Tegucigalpa, Honduras
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27
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Chenet SM, Tapia LL, Escalante AA, Durand S, Lucas C, Bacon DJ. Genetic diversity and population structure of genes encoding vaccine candidate antigens of Plasmodium vivax. Malar J 2012; 11:68. [PMID: 22417572 PMCID: PMC3330009 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A major concern in malaria vaccine development is genetic polymorphisms typically observed among Plasmodium isolates in different geographical areas across the world. Highly polymorphic regions have been observed in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax antigenic surface proteins such as Circumsporozoite protein (CSP), Duffy-binding protein (DBP), Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), Apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) and Thrombospondin related anonymous protein (TRAP). Methods Genetic variability was assessed in important polymorphic regions of various vaccine candidate antigens in P. vivax among 106 isolates from the Amazon Region of Loreto, Peru. In addition, genetic diversity determined in Peruvian isolates was compared to population studies from various geographical locations worldwide. Results The structured diversity found in P. vivax populations did not show a geographic pattern and haplotypes from all gene candidates were distributed worldwide. In addition, evidence of balancing selection was found in polymorphic regions of the trap, dbp and ama-1 genes. Conclusions It is important to have a good representation of the haplotypes circulating worldwide when implementing a vaccine, regardless of the geographic region of deployment since selective pressure plays an important role in structuring antigen diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella M Chenet
- Parasitology Program, Naval Medical Research Unit No, 6, Lima, Peru
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28
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Fernando GJP, Chen X, Primiero CA, Yukiko SR, Fairmaid EJ, Corbett HJ, Frazer IH, Brown LE, Kendall MAF. Nanopatch targeted delivery of both antigen and adjuvant to skin synergistically drives enhanced antibody responses. J Control Release 2012; 159:215-21. [PMID: 22306334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Revised: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Many vaccines make use of an adjuvant to achieve stronger immune responses. Alternatively, potent immune responses have also been generated by replacing the standard needle and syringe (which places vaccine into muscle) with devices that deliver vaccine antigen to the skin's abundant immune cell population. However it is not known if the co-delivery of antigen plus adjuvant directly to thousands of skin immune cells generates a synergistic improvement of immune responses. In this paper, we investigate this idea, by testing if Nanopatch delivery of vaccine - both the antigen and the adjuvant - enhances immunogenicity, compared to intramuscular injection. As a test-case, we selected a commercial influenza vaccine as the antigen (Fluvax 2008®) and the saponin Quil-A as the adjuvant. We found, after vaccinating mice, that anti-influenza IgG antibody and haemagglutinin inhibition assay titre response induced by the Nanopatch (with delivered dose of 6.5ng of vaccine and 1.4μg of Quil-A) were equivalent to that of the conventional intramuscular injection using needle and syringe (6000ng of vaccine injected without adjuvant). Furthermore, a similar level of antigen dose sparing (up to 900 fold) - with equivalent haemagglutinin inhibition assay titre responses - was also achieved by delivering both antigen and adjuvant (1.4μg of Quil-A) to skin (using Nanopatches) instead of muscle (intramuscular injection). Collectively, the unprecedented 900 fold antigen dose sparing demonstrates the synergistic improvement to vaccines by co-delivery of both antigen and adjuvant directly to skin immune cells. Successfully extending these findings to humans with a practical delivery device - like the Nanopatch - could have a huge impact on improving vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germain J P Fernando
- The University of Queensland, Delivery of Drugs and Genes Group, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Arnott A, Barry AE, Reeder JC. Understanding the population genetics of Plasmodium vivax is essential for malaria control and elimination. Malar J 2012; 11:14. [PMID: 22233585 PMCID: PMC3298510 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, infection with Plasmodium vivax was thought to be benign and self-limiting, however, recent evidence has demonstrated that infection with P. vivax can also result in severe illness and death. Research into P. vivax has been relatively neglected and much remains unknown regarding the biology, pathogenesis and epidemiology of this parasite. One of the fundamental factors governing transmission and immunity is parasite diversity. An understanding of parasite population genetic structure is necessary to understand the epidemiology, diversity, distribution and dynamics of natural P. vivax populations. In addition, studying the population structure of genes under immune selection also enables investigation of the dynamic interplay between transmission and immunity, which is crucial for vaccine development. A lack of knowledge regarding the transmission and spread of P. vivax has been particularly highlighted in areas where malaria control and elimination programmes have made progress in reducing the burden of Plasmodium falciparum, yet P. vivax remains as a substantial obstacle. With malaria elimination back on the global agenda, mapping of global and local P. vivax population structure is essential prior to establishing goals for elimination and the roll-out of interventions. A detailed knowledge of the spatial distribution, transmission and clinical burden of P. vivax is required to act as a benchmark against which control targets can be set and measured. This paper presents an overview of what is known and what is yet to be fully understood regarding P. vivax population genetics, as well as the importance and application of P. vivax population genetics studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Arnott
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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30
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Bouillet LÉM, Dias MO, Dorigo NA, Moura AD, Russell B, Nosten F, Renia L, Braga ÉM, Gazzinelli RT, Rodrigues MM, Soares IS, Bruna-Romero O. Long-term humoral and cellular immune responses elicited by a heterologous Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 protein prime/adenovirus boost immunization protocol. Infect Immun 2011; 79:3642-52. [PMID: 21730090 PMCID: PMC3165491 DOI: 10.1128/iai.05048-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) is an invasion-related Plasmodium antigen that is expressed during both intracellular and extracellular asexual stages of the parasite's life cycle, making it an ideal target for induction of humoral and cellular immune responses that can protect against malaria. We show here that when it is administered as a recombinant protein (P) in Montanide ISA720 adjuvant, followed by a recombinant human type 5 adenovirus (Ad), intense and long-lasting Plasmodium vivax AMA-1-specific antibody responses (including both IgG1 and IgG2a), as well as proliferative memory T cell responses, can be detected in immunized mice. Memory T cells displayed both central (CD44(hi) CD62L(hi)) and effector (CD44(hi) CD62L(lo)) phenotypes, with the central memory phenotype prevailing (56% of AMA-1-specific proliferating cells). Considering the main traits of the memory immune responses induced against AMA-1, this particular sequence of immunogens (P followed by Ad), but no others (Ad/Ad, Ad/P, or P/P), displayed an optimal synergistic effect. These results give further support to the need for preclinical studies of P. vivax vaccine candidate AMA-1 administered in prime/boost protocols that include recombinant proteins and adenoviral vectors.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Hyaluronan Receptors/biosynthesis
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunity, Humoral
- Immunization
- Immunization, Secondary
- Immunologic Memory
- L-Selectin/biosynthesis
- Malaria Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/prevention & control
- Mannitol/administration & dosage
- Mannitol/analogs & derivatives
- Mannitol/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Oleic Acids/administration & dosage
- Oleic Acids/immunology
- Plasmodium vivax/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/administration & dosage
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bruce Russell
- Singapore Immunology Network, Biopolis, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Center for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Laurent Renia
- Singapore Immunology Network, Biopolis, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore
| | | | - Ricardo Tostes Gazzinelli
- Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil
- René Rachou Research Center, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maurício M. Rodrigues
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Irene S. Soares
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Oscar Bruna-Romero
- Departments of Microbiology
- René Rachou Research Center, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Identification of a highly antigenic linear B cell epitope within Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1). PLoS One 2011; 6:e21289. [PMID: 21713006 PMCID: PMC3119695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) is considered to be a major candidate antigen for a malaria vaccine. Previous immunoepidemiological studies of naturally acquired immunity to Plasmodium vivax AMA-1 (PvAMA-1) have shown a higher prevalence of specific antibodies to domain II (DII) of AMA-1. In the present study, we confirmed that specific antibody responses from naturally infected individuals were highly reactive to both full-length AMA-1 and DII. Also, we demonstrated a strong association between AMA-1 and DII IgG and IgG subclass responses. We analyzed the primary sequence of PvAMA-1 for B cell linear epitopes co-occurring with intrinsically unstructured/disordered regions (IURs). The B cell epitope comprising the amino acid sequence 290–307 of PvAMA-1 (SASDQPTQYEEEMTDYQK), with the highest prediction scores, was identified in domain II and further selected for chemical synthesis and immunological testing. The antigenicity of the synthetic peptide was identified by serological analysis using sera from P. vivax-infected individuals who were knowingly reactive to the PvAMA-1 ectodomain only, domain II only, or reactive to both antigens. Although the synthetic peptide was recognized by all serum samples specific to domain II, serum with reactivity only to the full-length protein presented 58.3% positivity. Moreover, IgG reactivity against PvAMA-1 and domain II after depletion of specific synthetic peptide antibodies was reduced by 18% and 33% (P = 0.0001 for both), respectively. These results suggest that the linear epitope SASDQPTQYEEEMTDYQK is highly antigenic during natural human infections and is an important antigenic region of the domain II of PvAMA-1, suggesting its possible future use in pre-clinical studies.
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