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Benazzouz SM, Benlouahmia N, Bouhadida K, Benlamara M, Arezki N, Sadeddine OEK, Issad M, Attal N, Mansouri K, Derrar F, Djidjik R. Evaluation of the immunoprotective power of a multiple antigenic peptide against Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion. Vaccine X 2024; 19:100503. [PMID: 38868522 PMCID: PMC11167365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100503] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Scorpion envenoming (SE) is a public health problem in developing countries. In Algeria, the population exposed to the risk of SE was estimated at 86.45% in 2019. Thus, the development of a vaccine to protect the exposed population against scorpion toxins would be a major advance in the fight against this disease. This work aimed to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of a Multiple Antigenic Peptide against the Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion, the most dangerous scorpion species in Algeria. The immunogen MAP1Aah2 was designed and tested accordingly. This molecule contains a B epitope, derived from Aah II toxin, linked by a spacer to a universal T epitope, derived from the tetanus toxin. The results showed that MAP1Aah2 was non-toxic despite the fact that its sequence was derived from Aah II toxin. The immunoenzymatic assay revealed that the 3 immunization regimens tested generated specific anti-MAP1Aah2 antibodies and cross-reacted with the toxin. Mice immunized with this immunogen were partially protected against mortality caused by challenge doses of 2 and 3 LD50 of the toxin. The survival rate and developed symptoms varied depending on the adjuvant and the challenge dose used. In the in vitro neutralization test, the immune sera of mice having received the immunogen with incomplete Freund's adjuvant neutralized a challenge dose of 2 LD50. Hence, the concept of using peptide dendrimers, based on linear epitopes of scorpion toxins, as immunogens against the parent toxin was established. However, the protective properties of the tested immunogen require further optimizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safouane M. Benazzouz
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Nesrine Benlouahmia
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Karima Bouhadida
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Meriem Benlamara
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Naziha Arezki
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Oum El Kheir Sadeddine
- Laboratoire des Sérums Thérapeutiques, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Mourad Issad
- Laboratoire des Vaccins Viraux Humains, Département des Produits Biologiques Humains, Direction de la Production, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Nabila Attal
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Département d’Immunologie, Direction des Laboratoires, de la Recherche et du Développement, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie, Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
| | - Kamel Mansouri
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Fawzi Derrar
- Laboratoire de la Grippe et autres Virus Respiratoires, Département de Virologie, Direction des Laboratoires, de la Recherche et du Développement, Institut Pasteur d’Algérie. Rue du Petit Staoueli, Dely Ibrahim, Alger 16320, Algeria
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
| | - Reda Djidjik
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie, Faculté de Pharmacie d’Alger, Université d’Alger 1. 8 Rue du Lieutenant Mohamed Benarfa, El Biar, Alger 16000, Algeria
- Laboratoire d’Immunologie Médicale, CHU Issaad Hassani, Rue Ibrahim Hadjeras, Beni Messous, Alger 16206, Algeria
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Arafa FM, Mogahed NMFH, Eltarahony MM, Diab RG. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles: trace element with promising anti-toxoplasma effect. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:639-654. [PMID: 36871204 PMCID: PMC10498805 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2186079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the coccidian Toxoplasma gondii which represents a food and water contaminant. The available chemotherapeutic agents for toxoplasmosis are limited and the choice is difficult when considering the side effects. Selenium is an essential trace element. It is naturally found in dietary sources, especially seafood, and cereals. Selenium and selenocompounds showed anti-parasitic effects through antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The present study evaluated the potential efficacy of environmentally benign selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) against acute toxoplasmosis in a mouse model. SeNPs were fabricated by nanobiofactory Streptomyces fulvissimus and characterized by different analytical techniques including, UV-spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, EDX, and XRD. Swiss albino mice were infected with Toxoplasma RH strain in a dose of 3500 tachyzoites in 100 μl saline to induce acute toxoplasmosis. Mice were divided into five groups. Group I: non-infected, non-treated, group II: infected, non-treated, group III: non-infected, treated with SeNPs, group IV: infected, treated with co-trimoxazole (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) and group V: infected, treated with SeNPs. There was a significant increase in survival time in the SeNPs-treated group and minimum parasite count was observed compared to untreated mice in hepatic and splenic impression smears. Scanning electron microscopy showed tachyzoites deformity with multiple depressions and protrusions, while transmission electron microscopy showed excessive vacuolization and lysis of the cytoplasm, especially in the area around the nucleus and the apical complex, together with irregular cell boundary and poorly demarcated cell organelles. The present study demonstrated that the biologically synthesized SeNPs can be a potential natural anti-Toxoplasma agent in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa M. Arafa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermine M. F. H. Mogahed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. Eltarahony
- Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), Universities and Research centers District, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Radwa G. Diab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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3
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Fasihi-Ramandi M, Valadan R, Asgarian-Omran H, Ajami A, Khalilian A, Hosseininejad Z, Dodangeh S, Javidnia J, Daryani A. Enhancement of immune responses by vaccine potential of three antigens, including ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1 against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 244:108427. [PMID: 36379272 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes considerable financial losses in the livestock industry and can present serious threats to pregnant women, as well as immunocompromised patients. Therefore, it is required to design and produce an efficient vaccine for controlling toxoplasmosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective immunity induced by RMS protein (ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1) with Freund adjuvant, calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs), and chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) in BALB/c mice. The RMS protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified using a HisTrap HP column. Thereafter, cellular and humoral immunity was assessed by injecting RMS protein on days 0, 21, and 35 into four groups [RMS, RMS-chitosan nanoparticles (RMS-CNs), RMS-calcium phosphate nanoparticles (RMS-CaPNs), and RMS-Freund]. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), CNs, CaPNs, and Freund served as the four control groups. The results displayed that vaccination with RMS protein and adjuvants significantly elicited the levels of specific IgG antibodies and cytokines against toxoplasmosis. There were high levels of total IgG, IgG2a, and IFN-γ in vaccinated mice, compared to those in the control groups, especially in the RMS-Freund, indicating a Th-1 type response. The vaccinated and control mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 1 × 103 tachyzoites of the T. gondii RH strain four weeks after the last injection, and in RMS-Freund and RMS-CaPNs groups, the highest increase in survival time was observed (15 days). The RMS can significantly increase Th1 and Th2 responses; moreover, multi-epitope vaccines with adjuvants can be a promising strategy for the production of a vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fasihi-Ramandi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Khalilian
- Department of Biostatistics and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Hosseininejad
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Medical Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Hagras NAE, Mogahed NMFH, Sheta E, Darwish AAE, El-hawary MA, Hamed MT, Elwakil BH. The powerful synergistic effect of spiramycin/propolis loaded chitosan/alginate nanoparticles on acute murine toxoplasmosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010268. [PMID: 35294434 PMCID: PMC8926208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel formula of spiramycin/propolis loaded chitosan (CS)/alginate (Alg) nanoparticles (NPs) was assessed for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) treatment in comparison with the commercially available spiramycin regarding tissue penetration and blood brain barrier (BBB) passage. Swiss Albino mice were inoculated intraperitoneally by 2500 tachyzoites of the virulent T. gondii RH strain. The experimental groups were treated with oral spiramycin, propolis, CS/Alg NPs, spiramycin loaded CS/Alg NPs, propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs, and spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs. The results demonstrated that spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs exerted the longest survival time with no mortality on the sacrifice day (8th) in addition to representing the highest significant parasite percent reduction of (≥96% reduction) in liver, spleen and brain designating successful tissue penetration and BBB passage. Tachyzoites treated with spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs demonstrated the most disfigured rapturing organism via scanning electron microscope examination along with representing an overall remarkable improvement of the histopathological pictures of liver, spleen and brain. In conclusion, spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs showed the uppermost efficacy in the treatment of acute murine toxoplasmosis. The safe nature and the anti-parasitic effect of each of CS, Alg, spiramycin and propolis encourage the synergistic use of spiramycin/propolis loaded CS/Alg NPs as a potent treatment for human toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Abd-elkader Hagras
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Eman Sheta
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira Abd-elfattah Darwish
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ali El-hawary
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Moaaz Tarek Hamed
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Bassma Hassan Elwakil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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5
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Sun HC, Huang J, Fu Y, Hao LL, Liu X, Shi TY. Enhancing Immune Responses to a DNA Vaccine Encoding Toxoplasma gondii GRA7 Using Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles as an Adjuvant. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:787635. [PMID: 34976863 PMCID: PMC8716823 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.787635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. DNA vaccines are an effective strategy against T. gondii infection, but these vaccines have often been poorly immunogenic due to the poor distribution of plasmids or degradation by lysosomes. It is necessary to evaluate the antigen delivery system for optimal vaccination strategy. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been shown to modulate and enhance the cellular humoral immune response. Here, we studied the immunological properties of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs) as nanoadjuvants to enhance the protective effect of T. gondii dense granule protein (GRA7). BALB/c mice were injected three times and then challenged with T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites. Mice vaccinated with GRA7-pEGFP-C2+nano-adjuvant (CaPNs) showed a strong cellular immune response, as monitored by elevated levels of anti-T. gondii-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), a higher IgG2a-to-IgG1 ratio, elevated interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ production, and low IL-4 levels. We found that a significantly higher level of splenocyte proliferation was induced by GRA7-pEGFP-C2+nano-adjuvant (CaPNs) immunization, and a significantly prolonged survival time and decreased parasite burden were observed in vaccine-immunized mice. These data indicated that CaPN-based immunization with T. gondii GRA7 is a promising approach to improve vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Chao Sun
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Animal Epidemic Surveillance, Zhejiang Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Fu
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Hao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tuan-Yuan Shi
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Science, Hangzhou, China
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Immunogenicity of in-silico designed multi-epitope DNA vaccine encoding SAG1, SAG3 and SAG5 of Toxoplasma gondii adjuvanted with CpG-ODN against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice. Acta Trop 2021; 216:105836. [PMID: 33485872 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The causative agent of toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is able to influence the health of humans and other vertebrates. Toxoplasma may cause severe illness in the fetus and immunocompromised individuals. The high incidence and intense damages of Toxoplasma infection clearly shows the need to achieve the safe and suitable vaccine. In this study, an immunoinformatics approach was employed to design a multi-epitope DNA vaccine encoding the T. gondii SAG1, SAG3 and SAG5. The bioinformatic outputs supported the immunogenic and non-allergic natures of multi-epitope vaccine. Thereafter, the protective efficacy of the vaccine was evaluated with/without CpG-ODN adjuvant in a laboratory animal model. BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with multi-epitope DNA vaccine. The in vivo findings indicated that the multi-epitope DNA vaccine elicited significant production of IgG antibodies (472.90 ± 2.74 ng/ml) as well as IFN-γ (173.71 ± 26.39 pg/ml) (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant reduced parasite-burden (17,470 per mg of spleen) and prolonged survival time (9 days) were observed in the immunized groups compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The low values of IL-4 (22.5 ± 0.16 pg/ml) were detected in vaccinated mice compared to the control (PBS) (p > 0.05). In addition, CpG-ODN as an adjuvant increased the immune efficacy of the multi-epitope DNA vaccine. In multi-epitope vaccine+CpG-ODN group, the values of IgG antibodies (535.90 ±7.29 ng/ml) and IFN-γ (358.21 ± 32.70 pg/ml) were significanly higher than the multi-epitope vaccine group. Meanwhile, an increased survival time (10 days) and fewer parasite load (15,485 per mg of spleen) were observed in multi-epitope vaccine+CpG-ODN group. The results revealed that the DNA vaccine containing epitopes of SAG1, SAG3 and SAG5 adjuvanted with CpG-ODN might be a new model for further investigations against acute T. gondii infection.
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Corigliano MG, Sander VA, Sánchez López EF, Ramos Duarte VA, Mendoza Morales LF, Angel SO, Clemente M. Heat Shock Proteins 90 kDa: Immunomodulators and Adjuvants in Vaccine Design Against Infectious Diseases. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:622186. [PMID: 33553125 PMCID: PMC7855457 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.622186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat shock proteins 90 kDa (Hsp90s) were originally identified as stress-responsive proteins and described to participate in several homeostatic processes. Additionally, extracellular Hsp90s have the ability to bind to surface receptors and activate cellular functions related to immune response (cytokine secretion, cell maturation, and antigen presentation), making them very attractive to be studied as immunomodulators. In this context, Hsp90s are proposed as new adjuvants in the design of novel vaccine formulations that require the induction of a cell-mediated immune response to prevent infectious diseases. In this review, we summarized the adjuvant properties of Hsp90s when they are either alone, complexed, or fused to a peptide to add light to the knowledge of Hsp90s as carriers and adjuvants in the design of vaccines against infectious diseases. Besides, we also discuss the mechanisms by which Hsp90s activate and modulate professional antigen-presenting cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana G Corigliano
- Unidad Biotecnológica 6-UB6, Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Valeria A Sander
- Unidad Biotecnológica 6-UB6, Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Edwin F Sánchez López
- Unidad Biotecnológica 6-UB6, Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Víctor A Ramos Duarte
- Unidad Biotecnológica 6-UB6, Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Luisa F Mendoza Morales
- Unidad Biotecnológica 6-UB6, Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Sergio O Angel
- Unidad Biotecnológica 2-UB2, Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Marina Clemente
- Unidad Biotecnológica 6-UB6, Laboratorio de Molecular Farming y Vacunas, INTECH, UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
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Karimi M, Seyyed Tabaei SJ, Ranjbar MM, Fathi F, Jalili A, zamini G, Javadi Mamaghani A, Nazari J, Roshani D, Bagherani N, Khademerfan MB. Construction of A Synthetic Gene Encoding the Multi-Epitope of Toxoplasma gondii and Demonstration of the Relevant Recombinant Protein Production: A Vaccine Candidate. Galen Med J 2020; 9:e1708. [PMID: 34466573 PMCID: PMC8343506 DOI: 10.31661/gmj.v9i0.1708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a widely-distributed parasite all over the world whose attributed severe afflicting complications in human necessitate the development of serodiagnostic tests and vaccines for it. Immunological responses to monovalent vaccines and the application of diagnostic reagents including single antigens are not optimally effective. Bioinformatics approaches were used to introduce these epitopes, predict their immunogenicity and preliminarily evaluate their potential as an effective DNA vaccine and for serodiagnostic goals. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 3D structure of proteins was predicted by I-TASSER server, and linear and conformational B cell and T cell epitopes were predicted using the online servers. Then, the predicted epitopes were constructed and called Toxoeb, and their expression in the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells was demonstrated using SDS-PAGE. In the next step, Western blotting with pooled sera of mice infected with T. gondii was done. RESULTS The current in silico analysis revealed that the B cell epitopes with high immunogenicity for GRA4 protein were located in the residues 34-71, and 230-266, for GRA14 in 308-387, for SAG1 in 182-195, 261-278, and for GRA7 in residues 101-120, 160-176. The T cell epitopes were selected in overlapping regions with the B cell epitopes. The immunogenic region for GRA4 are in the residues 245-253, 50-58, and 40-54, for GRA14 in 307-315, 351-359, and 308- 322, for SAG1 261-269, and 259-267, and for GRA7 in the residues 103-112, and 167-175. The results of the western blotting showed that the expressed protein had immunogenicity. CONCLUSION Our constructed multi-epitope of T. gondii could be considered as a candidate for diagnostic and vaccination purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Karimi
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Seyyed Javad Seyyed Tabaei
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ranjbar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Science, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ali Jalili
- Cancer and Immunology Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Ghasem zamini
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science
| | - Amirreza Javadi Mamaghani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Nazari
- Medical Department, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
| | - Daem Roshani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Nooshin Bagherani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bagher Khademerfan
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Science
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Şahar EA, Can H, İz SG, Döşkaya AD, Kalantari-Dehaghi M, Deveci R, Gürüz AY, Döşkaya M. Development of a hexavalent recombinant protein vaccine adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 50 V and determination of its protective efficacy against acute toxoplasmosis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:493. [PMID: 32650739 PMCID: PMC7348124 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, avian species and humans. Toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in healthy individuals, whereas it may lead to death in immune suppressed or deficient patients. A vaccine against T. gondii is required to prevent consequences of the infection. The aim of this study is to generate a multivalent recombinant protein vaccine against T. gondii. Methods 49 previously discovered antigenic proteins of T gondii were evaluated by their expression level in E. coli and by comprehensive bioinformatics analyses to determine antigenic epitopes. Based on these analyses, six vaccine candidate proteins were selected to generate a hexavalent recombinant protein vaccine adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 50 V. Humoral and cellular immune responses were determined by flow cytometry and ELISA. Vaccinated mice were challenged with T. gondii Ankara strain tachyzoites. Results In mice vaccinated with hexavalent vaccine, strong total IgG (P < 0.0001) and IgG2a (P < 0.001) responses were induced compared to controls, the ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ increased, and significantly higher extracellular IFN-γ secretion was achieved compared to the controls (P < 0.001). The survival time of the vaccinated mice increased to 8.38 ± 2.13 days which was significantly higher than controls (P < 0.01). Conclusions Altogether, these results show that the hexavalent vaccine which is developed for the first time against T. gondii induced strong and balanced Th1 and Th2 immune responses as well as conferred significant protection against challenge with lethal toxoplasmosis in murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Atalay Şahar
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, 35100, Bornova, Turkey.,Department of Biotechnology, Ege University Faculty of Science, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, 35100, Bornova, Turkey
| | - Sultan Gülçe İz
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University Faculty of Engineering, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Remziye Deveci
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, 35100, Bornova, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey.
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Design of an Epitope-Based Vaccine Ensemble for Animal Trypanosomiasis by Computational Methods. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010130. [PMID: 32188062 PMCID: PMC7157688 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
African animal trypanosomiasis is caused by vector-transmitted parasites of the genus Trypanosoma. T. congolense and T. brucei brucei are predominant in Africa; T. evansi and T. vivax in America and Asia. They have in common an extracellular lifestyle and livestock tropism, which provokes huge economic losses in regions where vectors are endemic. There are licensed drugs to treat the infections, but adherence to treatment is poor and appearance of resistances common. Therefore, the availability of a prophylactic vaccine would represent a major breakthrough towards the management and control of the disease. Selection of the most appropriate antigens for its development is a bottleneck step, especially considering the limited resources allocated. Herein we propose a vaccine strategy based on multiple epitopes from multiple antigens to counteract the parasites´ biological complexity. Epitopes were identified by computer-assisted genome-wide screenings, considering sequence conservation criteria, antigens annotation and sub-cellular localization, high binding affinity to antigen presenting molecules, and lack of cross-reactivity to proteins in cattle and other breeding species. We ultimately provide 31 B-cell, 8 CD4 T-cell, and 15 CD8 T-cell epitope sequences from 30 distinct antigens for the prospective design of a genetic ensemble vaccine against the four trypanosome species responsible for African animal trypanosomiasis.
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11
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Pagheh AS, Sarvi S, Sharif M, Rezaei F, Ahmadpour E, Dodangeh S, Omidian Z, Hassannia H, Mehrzadi S, Daryani A. Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) as a potential candidate to develop vaccine against toxoplasmosis: A systematic review. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 69:101414. [PMID: 31958746 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2020.101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects a broad range of animal species and humans. As the main surface antigen of the tachyzoite, SAG1 is involved in the process of recognition, adhesion and invasion of host cells. The aim of the current systematic review study is to clarify the latest status of studies in the literature regarding SAG1-associated recombinant proteins or SAG1-associated recombinant DNAs as potential vaccines against toxoplasmosis. Data were systematically collected from six databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EBSCO and Scopus, up to 1st of January 2019. A total of 87 articles were eligible for inclusion criteria in the current systematic review. The most common antigens used for experimental cocktail vaccines together with SAG1 were ROP2 and SAG2. In addition, the most parasite strains used were RH and ME49. Freund's adjuvant and cholera toxin have been predominantly utilized. Furthermore, regarding the animal models, route and dose of vaccination, challenge methods, measurement of immune responses and cyst burden have been discussed in the text. Most of these experimental vaccines induce immune responses and have a high degree of protection against parasite infections, increase survival rates and duration and reduce cyst burdens. The data demonstrated that SAG1 antigen has a high potential for use as a vaccine and provided a promising approach for protecting humans and animals against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic AZAD University, Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rezaei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samira Dodangeh
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zahra Omidian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Immunonogenetics Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran..
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Javadi Mamaghani A, Fathollahi A, Spotin A, Ranjbar MM, Barati M, Aghamolaie S, Karimi M, Taghipour N, Ashrafi M, Tabaei SJS. Candidate antigenic epitopes for vaccination and diagnosis strategies of Toxoplasma gondii infection: A review. Microb Pathog 2019; 137:103788. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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13
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Successful treatment of acute experimental toxoplasmosis by spiramycin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. Exp Parasitol 2019; 204:107717. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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14
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Lee SH, Chu KB, Kang HJ, Quan FS. Virus-like particles containing multiple antigenic proteins of Toxoplasma gondii induce memory T cell and B cell responses. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220865. [PMID: 31465461 PMCID: PMC6715270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the efforts to develop vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii infection were made for decades, there is currently no licensed vaccine available for humans. Upon discovering a number of T or B cell epitope regions from T. gondii IMC, ROP18 and MIC8, multi-antigen VLPs or combination VLPs were generated. Mice immunized with multi-antigen VLPs or combination VLPs were challenge infected with T. gondii (ME49). T. gondii-specific IgG, IgG isotypes and IgA antibody responses, memory T and B cell responses and protection were evaluated. All the mice survived upon T. gondii challenge infection by multi-antigen VLPs vaccination. Vaccinated mice elicited higher levels of parasite-specific IgG and IgG2a antibody responses in sera, IgA antibody responses in feces, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-10) responses compared to combination VLPs. In particular, the multi-antigen VLPs vaccination showed significantly higher levels of antibody secreting cell (ASC) responses, CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory T cells, and memory B cells than combination VLPs. Multi-antigen VLPs vaccination showed significant reduction of brain cyst counts and size, and all mice survived. Prediction and analysis of epitopes have indicated that IMC, ROP18 and MIC8 showed partially overlapping epitopes for T and B cells. Our results indicated that antibody responses, memory T and B cells induced by multi-antigen VLPs vaccination might contribute to the complete protection upon T. gondii (ME49) challenge infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hwa Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Ji Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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15
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In silico analysis and expression of a novel chimeric antigen as a vaccine candidate against Toxoplasma gondii. Microb Pathog 2019; 132:275-281. [PMID: 31078709 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes one of the most common parasitic infections in humans and other warm-blooded animals. Currently, there are no effective treatments for inhibiting the formation of chronic tissue cysts in infected hosts. Thus, the development of a vaccine to protect against toxoplasmosis is an attractive option for avoiding infection. The aim of this study was to design an epitope-based vaccine for T. gondii. In the present study, an in silico approach was used to predict and analyze B-cell and T-cell epitopes and the transmembrane domain of proteins SAG1, MIC3, and ROP8. We also predicted the antigenicity, allergenicity, secondary and tertiary structures, and physicochemical characteristics of a chimeric protein. Next, codon optimization and mRNA structure prediction were conducted using bioinformatics tools, and the designed construct was chemically synthesized and cloned into the pET28a vector. SAG1 (amino acid positions 85-235), MIC3 (30-180), and ROP8 (85-185) were found to have several strong immunodominant epitopes that were joined with a rigid linker A(EAAAK)2A. Although the resultant protein called MRS (MIC3, ROP8, and SAG1) did not turn out to be an allergen, its antigenicity was estimated to be 0.7983. Additionally, MRS was selected as the best vaccine candidate on the basis of its secondary and tertiary structures. The number of amino acids, molecular weight, and numbers of negatively and positively charged residues of MRS were 427 and 45,661.31 Da, 45, and 50, respectively. ΔG of the best-predicted structure was -413.0 kcal/mol, and the first nucleotides at the 5' end did not form a stable hairpin or pseudoknot. Finally, successful expression and verification of the expressed MRS protein showed that in silico analysis was almost accurate. This vaccine candidate selected by in silico tools should be validated in experimental studies.
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Hajissa K, Zakaria R, Suppian R, Mohamed Z. Epitope-based vaccine as a universal vaccination strategy against Toxoplasma gondii infection: A mini-review. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6:174-182. [PMID: 31453188 PMCID: PMC6702889 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2019.f329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant progress in the recent efforts toward developing an effective vaccine against toxoplasmosis, the search for new protective vaccination strategy still remains a challenge and elusive goal because it becomes the appropriate way to prevent the disease. Various experimental approaches in the past few years showed that developing a potential vaccine against the disease can be achievable. The combination of multi-epitopes expressing different stages of the parasite life cycle has become an optimal strategy for acquiring a potent, safe, and effective vaccine. Epitope-based vaccines have gained attention as alternative vaccine candidates due to their ability of inducing protective immune responses. This mini-review highlights the current status and the prospects of Toxoplasma gondii vaccine development along with the application of epitope-based vaccine in the future parasite immunization as a novel under development and evaluation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hajissa
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Robaiza Zakaria
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rapeah Suppian
- Biomedicine Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zeehaida Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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17
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A systematic review of Toxoplasma gondii antigens to find the best vaccine candidates for immunization. Microb Pathog 2018; 126:172-184. [PMID: 30399440 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
At present, there is not any available accepted vaccine for prevention of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in human and animals. We conducted literature search through English (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, EBSCO, ISI Web of Science) scientific paper databases to find the best vaccine candidates against toxoplasmosis among T. gondii antigens. Articles with information on infective stage, pathogenicity, immunogenicity and characterization of antigens were selected. We considered that the ideal and significant vaccines should include different antigens and been expressed in all infective stages of the parasite with a high pathogenicity and immunogenicity. Evaluation within this systematic review indicates that MIC 3, 4, 13, ROP 2, RON 5, GRA 1, 6, 8, 14 are expressed in all three infective stages and have pathogenicity and immunogenicity. MIC 5, ROM 4, GRA 2, 4, 15, ROP 5, 16, 17, 38, RON 4, MIC 1, GRA 10, 12, 16, SAG 3 are expressed in only tachyzoites and bradyzoites stages of T. gondii with pathogenicity/immunogenicity. Some antigens appeared to be expressed in a single stage (tachyzoites) but have high pathogenicity and induce immune response. They include enolase2 (ENO2), SAG 1, SAG5D, HSP 70, ROM 1, ROM 5, AMA 1, ROP 18, RON2 and GRA 24. In conclusion, current vaccination against T. gondii infection is not satisfactory, and with the increasing number of high-risk individuals, the development of an effective and safe specific vaccine is greatly valuable for toxoplasmosis prevention. This systematic review reveals prepare candidates for immunization studies.
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18
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Roozbehani M, Falak R, Mohammadi M, Hemphill A, Razmjou E, Meamar AR, Masoori L, Khoshmirsafa M, Moradi M, Gharavi MJ. Characterization of a multi-epitope peptide with selective MHC-binding capabilities encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles as a novel vaccine candidate against Toxoplasma gondii infection. Vaccine 2018; 36:6124-6132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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19
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Zhou J, Wang W, Song P, Wang L, Han Y, Guo J, Hao Z, Zhu X, Zhou Q, Du X, Lu G, He S, Luo Y. Structural predication and antigenic analysis of Toxoplasma gondii ROP20. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:244-251. [PMID: 29654679 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects almost all the warm-blooded animals. ROP20 protein is expressed in the rhoptry of Toxoplasma gondii. In this study, the secondary structure of ROP20 was analyzed using SMART software. We constructed and analyzed the 3D model of ROP20 protein using SWISS-MODEL online procedure and Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) software. The structure analysis fully indicated that ROP20 protein is an important member of the ROP family. Furthermore, We used DNASTAR software and Epitope Database online service to analyze liner-B cell epitopes and T-cell epitopes of ROP20 protein. All the analysis results of ROP20 protein can provide positive information on treatment and vaccine for toxoplasmosis. Moreover, ROP20 gene was obtained from PCR, and a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector (pEGFP-C1-ROP20) was constructed in the following study. After restriction enzyme digestion, the constructed plasmid was transfected into HEK 293-T cells. The RT-PCR result indicated that the recombinant plasmid could transcribe successfully in HEK 293-T cell. The results of western blotting indicated the expressed proteins can be recognized by anti-STAg mouse sera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
- Department of Sports Medicine Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008 People's Republic of China
| | - Wanchun Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengxia Song
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Electroneurophysiology, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhu
- Department of Lymphoma and Hematology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410000, People's Republic of China
- University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan 410006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiadong Du
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Pathology, Taishan Medical College, Taian, Shandong 271000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingquan Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
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Han Y, Zhou A, Lu G, Zhao G, Wang L, Guo J, Song P, Zhou J, Zhou H, Cong H, He S. Protection via a ROM4 DNA vaccine and peptide against Toxoplasma gondii in BALB/c mice. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:59. [PMID: 28077075 PMCID: PMC5225637 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad host range including most warm-blooded animals, including humans. T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) is a well-characterized T. gondii antigen. T. gondii expresses five nonmitochondrial rhomboid intramembrane proteases, TgROM1-5. TgROM4 is uniformly distributed on the surface of T. gondii and involved in regulating MIC2, MIC3, MIC6, and AMA1 during T. gondii invasion of host cells. Bioinformatics have predicted ROM4 B-cell and T-cell epitopes. Immunization strategy is also a key factor in determining the effectiveness of the immune response and has gained increasing attention in T. gondii vaccine research. In this study, we used a DNA prime-peptide boost vaccination regimen to assess the protective efficacy of various vaccination strategies using TgROM4. Methods We identified a polypeptide (YALLGALIPYCVEYWKSIPR) using a bioinformatics approach, and immunized mice using a DNA-prime and polypeptide-boost regimen. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups, including three experimental groups (peptide, pROM4 and pROM4/peptide) and three control groups (PBS, pEGFP-C1 and pSAG1). Mice were then immunized intramuscularly four times. After immunization, IgG and cytokine productions were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The survival time of mice was evaluated after challenge with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. Additionally, the number of cysts in the brain was determined after intragastric challenge with cysts of T. gondii PRU strain. Results Mice vaccinated with different immunization regimens (peptide, pROM4 and pROM4/peptide) elicited specific humoral and cellular responses, with high levels of IgG, IgG2a, and interferon (IFN)-γ. Moreover, IgG, IgG2a and IFN-γ levels were highest in the pROM4/peptide group. Immunized mice, especially those in the pROM4/peptide group, had prolonged survival times after challenge with tachyzoites and reduced numbers of brain cysts after infection compared with negative controls. Conclusion A DNA prime-peptide boost regimen based on ROM4 elicited the highest level of humoral and cellular immune responses among immunization regimens, and may be a promising approach to increase the efficacy of DNA immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Han
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University School of Medicine, 250021, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- Qilu Hospital of shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Ji Nan Children's Hospital, 250022, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengxia Song
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Y, Wang G, Cai JP. Identifying Novel B Cell Epitopes within Toxoplasma gondii GRA6. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2016; 54:431-7. [PMID: 27658594 PMCID: PMC5040083 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2016.54.4.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The study of antigenic epitopes from Toxoplasma gondii has not only enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of antigens, the reactions between antigens and antibodies, and many other aspects of immunology, but it also plays a significant role in the development of new diagnostic reagents and vaccines. In the present study, T. gondii GRA6 epitopes were identified using bioinformatics tools and a synthetic peptide technique. The potential B cell epitopes of GRA6 predicted by bioinformatics tools concentrated upon 3 regions of GRA6, 1-20 aa, 44-103 aa, and 172-221 aa. Ten shorter peptides from the 3 regions were synthesized and assessed by ELISA using pig sera from different time points after infection. Three of the 10 peptides (amino acids 44-63, 172-191, and 192-211) tested were recognized by all sera and determined to be immunodominant B-cell epitopes of GRA6. The results indicated that we precisely and accurately located the T. gondii GRA6 epitopes using pig sera collected at different time points after infection. The identified epitopes may be very useful for further studies of epitope-based vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Guangxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jian Ping Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
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Castaño P, Fuertes M, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Ferre I, Fernández M, Ferreras MC, Moreno-Gonzalo J, González-Lanza C, Pereira-Bueno J, Katzer F, Ortega-Mora LM, Pérez V, Benavides J. Experimental ovine toxoplasmosis: influence of the gestational stage on the clinical course, lesion development and parasite distribution. Vet Res 2016; 47:43. [PMID: 26983883 PMCID: PMC4793618 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-016-0327-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The relation between gestational age and foetal death risk in ovine toxoplasmosis is already known, but the mechanisms involved are not yet clear. In order to study how the stage of gestation influences these mechanisms, pregnant sheep of the same age and genetic background were orally dosed with 50 oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii (M4 isolate) at days 40 (G1), 90 (G2) and 120 (G3) of gestation. In each group, four animals were culled on the second, third and fourth week post infection (pi) in order to evaluate parasite load and distribution, and lesions in target organs. Ewes from G1 showed a longer period of hyperthermia than the other groups. Abortions occurred in all groups. While in G2 they were more frequent during the acute phase of the disease, in G3 they mainly occurred after day 20 pi. After challenge, parasite and lesions in the placentas and foetuses were detected from day 19 pi in G3 while in G2 or G1 they were only detected at day 26 pi. However, after initial detection at day 19 pi, parasite burden, measured through RT-PCR, in placenta or foetus of G3 did not increase significantly and, at in the third week pi it was lower than that measured in foetal liver or placenta from G1 to G3 respectively. These results show that the period of gestation clearly influences the parasite multiplication and development of lesions in the placenta and foetus and, as a consequence, the clinical course in ovine toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Castaño
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Miguel Fuertes
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Fernández
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - M Carmen Ferreras
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Javier Moreno-Gonzalo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Camino González-Lanza
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Juana Pereira-Bueno
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Edinburgh, EH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentín Pérez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain
| | - Julio Benavides
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Grulleros, 24346, León, Spain.
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Review on the identification and role of Toxoplasma gondii antigenic epitopes. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:459-68. [PMID: 26581372 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad range of hosts, and it causes severe toxoplasmasis in both humans and animals. It is well known that the progression and severity of a disease depend on the immunological status of the host. Immunological studies on antigens indicate that antigens do not exert their functions through the entire protein molecule, but instead, specific epitopes are responsible for the immune response. Protein antigens not only contain epitope structures used by B, T, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), and NK cells to mediate immunological responses but can also contain structures that are unfavorable for protective immunity. Therefore, the study of antigenic epitopes from T. gondii has not only enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of antigens, the reactions between antigens and antibodies, and many other aspects of immunology but it also plays a significant role in the development of new diagnostic reagents and vaccines. In this review, we summarized the immune mechanisms induced by antigen epitopes and the latest advances in identifying T. gondii antigen epitopes. Particular attention was paid to the potential clinical usefulness of epitopes in this context. Through a critical analysis of the current state of knowledge, we elucidated the latest data concerning the biological effects of epitopes and the immune results aimed at the development of future epitope-based applications, such as vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
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Cao A, Liu Y, Wang J, Li X, Wang S, Zhao Q, Cong H, He S, Zhou H. Toxoplasma gondii: Vaccination with a DNA vaccine encoding T- and B-cell epitopes of SAG1, GRA2, GRA7 and ROP16 elicits protection against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Vaccine 2015; 33:6757-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.10.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 09/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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A Multiple Antigenic Peptide Mimicking Peptidoglycan Induced T Cell Responses to Protect Mice from Systemic Infection with Staphylococcus aureus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136888. [PMID: 26317210 PMCID: PMC4552945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the enormous capacity of Staphylococcus aureus to acquire antibiotic resistance, it becomes imperative to develop vaccines for decreasing the risk of its life-threatening infections. Peptidoglycan (PGN) is a conserved and major component of S. aureus cell wall. However, it has not been used as a vaccine candidate since it is a thymus-independent antigen. In this study, we synthesized a multiple antigenic peptide, named MAP27, which comprised four copies of a peptide that mimics the epitope of PGN. After immunization with MAP27 five times and boosting with heat-inactivated bacterium one time, anti-MAP27 serum bound directly to S. aureus or PGN. Immunization with MAP27 decreased the bacterial burden in organs of BALB/c mice and significantly prolonged their survival time after S. aureus lethal-challenge. The percentage of IFN-γ+CD3+ T cells and IL-17+CD4+ T cells in spleen, as well as the levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A/F and CCL3 in spleen and lung, significantly increased in the MAP27-immunized mice after infection. Moreover, in vitro incubation of heat-inactivated S. aureus with splenocytes isolated from MAP27-immunized mice stimulated the production of IFN-γ and IL-17A/F. Our findings demonstrated that MAP27, as a thymus-dependent antigen, is efficient at eliciting T cell-mediated responses to protect mice from S. aureus infection. This study sheds light on a possible strategy to design vaccines against S. aureus.
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Wang Y, Yin H. Research advances in microneme protein 3 of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:384. [PMID: 26194005 PMCID: PMC4509771 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1001-4] [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: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. It has extensive host populations and is prevalent globally; T. gondii infection can cause a zoonotic parasitic disease. Microneme protein 3 (MIC3) is a secreted protein that is expressed in all stages of the T. gondii life cycle. It has strong immunoreactivity and plays an important role in the recognition, adhesion and invasion of host cells by T. gondii. This article reviews the molecular structure of MIC3, its role in the invasion of host cells by parasites, its relationship with parasite virulence, and its induction of immune protection to lay a solid foundation for an in-depth study of potential diagnostic agents and vaccines for preventing toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
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Zhang TE, Yin LT, Li RH, Wang HL, Meng XL, Yin GR. Protective immunity induced by peptides of AMA1, RON2 and RON4 containing T-and B-cell epitopes via an intranasal route against toxoplasmosis in mice. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:15. [PMID: 25582167 PMCID: PMC4297402 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0636-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan intracellular parasite, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, and a worldwide zoonosis. Apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA1) and rhoptry neck protein (RON2, RON4) are involved in the invasion of T. gondii. Methods This study chemically synthesized peptides of TgAMA1, TgRON2 and TgRON4 that contained the T- and B-cell epitopes predicted by bioinformatics analysis. We evaluated the systemic response by proliferation, cytokine and antibody measurements as well as the mucosal response by examining the levels of antigen-specific secretory IgA (SIgA) in the nasal, vesical and intestinal washes obtained from mice after nasal immunization with single (AMA1, RON2, RON4) or mixtures of peptides (A1 + R2, A1 + R4, R2 + R4, A1 + R2 + R4). We also assessed the parasite burdens in the liver and brain as well as the survival of mice challenged with a virulent strain. Results The results showed that the mice immunized with single or mixed peptides produced effective mucosal and systemic immune responses with a high level of specific antibody responses, a strong lymphoproliferative response and significant levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-4 production. These mice also elicited partial protection against acute and chronic T. gondii infection. Moreover, our study indicated that mixtures of peptides, especially the A1 + R2 mixture, were more powerful and efficient than any other single peptides. Conclusions These results demonstrated that intranasal immunisation with peptides of AMA1, RON2 and RON4 containing T- and B-cell epitopes can partly protect mice against toxoplasmosis, and a combination of peptides as a mucosal vaccine strategy is essential for future Toxoplasma vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tie-E Zhang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, China. .,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Central Hospital of the 12th Bureau Group of China Railway, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030053, China.
| | - Li-Tian Yin
- Department of physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology Co-constructed by Province and Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China.
| | - Run-Hua Li
- Department of Biology, Taiyuan Normal University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030031, China.
| | - Hai-Long Wang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, China.
| | - Xiao-Li Meng
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, China.
| | - Guo-Rong Yin
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, 030001, China.
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Lim SSY, Othman RY. Recent advances in Toxoplasma gondii immunotherapeutics. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:581-93. [PMID: 25548409 PMCID: PMC4277020 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.6.581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an opportunistic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is widespread globally and causes severe diseases in individuals with impaired immune defences as well as congenitally infected infants. The high prevalence rate in some parts of the world such as South America and Africa, coupled with the current drug treatments that trigger hypersensitivity reactions, makes the development of immunotherapeutics intervention a highly important research priority. Immunotherapeutics strategies could either be a vaccine which would confer a pre-emptive immunity to infection, or passive immunization in cases of disease recrudescence or recurrent clinical diseases. As the severity of clinical manifestations is often greater in developing nations, the development of well-tolerated and safe immunotherapeutics becomes not only a scientific pursuit, but a humanitarian enterprise. In the last few years, much progress has been made in vaccine research with new antigens, novel adjuvants, and innovative vaccine delivery such as nanoparticles and antigen encapsulations. A literature search over the past 5 years showed that most experimental studies were focused on DNA vaccination at 52%, followed by protein vaccination which formed 36% of the studies, live attenuated vaccinations at 9%, and heterologous vaccination at 3%; while there were few on passive immunization. Recent progress in studies on vaccination, passive immunization, as well as insights gained from these immunotherapeutics is highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherene Swee-Yin Lim
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rofina Yasmin Othman
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Department, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ; Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Norouzpour Deilami K, Daryani A, Ahmadpour E, Sharif M, Dadimoghaddam Y, Sarvi S, Alizadeh A. Excretory–secretory antigens: A suitable candidate for immunization against ocular toxoplasmosis in a murine model. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 37:369-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Wang Y, Wang G, Ou J, Yin H, Zhang D. Analyzing and identifying novel B cell epitopes within Toxoplasma gondii GRA4. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:474. [PMID: 25301141 PMCID: PMC4195951 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The identification of specific epitopes targeted by the host antibody response is important for understanding the natural response to infection and for the development of epitope-based marker vaccines and diagnostic tools for toxoplasmosis. In this study, Toxoplasma gondii GRA4 epitopes were identified using software-based prediction and a synthetic peptide technique. Methods The complete GRA4 gene sequence was obtained from T. gondii of the Gansu Jingtai strain of tachyzoites. The potential B cell epitopes of GRA4 was predicted using the PROTEAN subroutine in the DNASTAR software package. The peptides with good hydrophilicity, high accessibility, high flexibility and strong antigenicity were chemically synthesized and assessed by ELISA using pig sera from different time points after infection. Results The potential B cell epitopes of GRA4 predicted by bioinformatics tools focused on six regions of GRA4, 52–77 aa, 93–112 aa, 127–157 aa, 178–201 aa, 223–252 aa and 314–333 aa. Eleven shorter peptides from the six regions were synthesized and assessed by ELISA using pig sera from different time points after infection. Three of the eleven peptides (amino acids 62–77, 233–252 and 314–333) tested were recognized by all sera. Conclusions We precisely located the T. gondii GRA4 epitopes using pig sera collected at different time points after infection. The identified epitopes may be useful for additional studies of epitope-based vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
| | - Guangxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
| | - Jiangtao Ou
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, 9 Yingbin Road, Yancheng, 224051, China.
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
| | - Delin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
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Research progress on surface antigen 1 (SAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:180. [PMID: 24726014 PMCID: PMC3989796 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that has a wide host range and causes a zoonotic parasitosis called toxoplasmosis. This infection causes significant morbidity, costs for care and loss of productivity and suffering. The most effective measures to minimize this parasite’s harm to patients are prompt diagnosis and treatment and preventing infection. A parasite surface antigen, SAG1, is considered an important antigen for the development of effective diagnostic tests or subunit vaccines. This review covers several aspects of this antigen, including its gene structure, contribution to host invasion, mechanisms of the immune responses and its applications for diagnosis and vaccine development. This significant progress on this antigen provides foundations for further development of more effective and precise approaches to diagnose toxoplasmosis in the clinic, and also have important implications for exploring novel measures to control toxoplasmosis in the near future.
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Goodswen SJ, Kennedy PJ, Ellis JT. A novel strategy for classifying the output from an in silico vaccine discovery pipeline for eukaryotic pathogens using machine learning algorithms. BMC Bioinformatics 2013; 14:315. [PMID: 24180526 PMCID: PMC3826511 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-14-315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An in silico vaccine discovery pipeline for eukaryotic pathogens typically consists of several computational tools to predict protein characteristics. The aim of the in silico approach to discovering subunit vaccines is to use predicted characteristics to identify proteins which are worthy of laboratory investigation. A major challenge is that these predictions are inherent with hidden inaccuracies and contradictions. This study focuses on how to reduce the number of false candidates using machine learning algorithms rather than relying on expensive laboratory validation. Proteins from Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium sp., and Caenorhabditis elegans were used as training and test datasets. RESULTS The results show that machine learning algorithms can effectively distinguish expected true from expected false vaccine candidates (with an average sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 0.98 respectively), for proteins observed to induce immune responses experimentally. CONCLUSIONS Vaccine candidates from an in silico approach can only be truly validated in a laboratory. Given any in silico output and appropriate training data, the number of false candidates allocated for validation can be dramatically reduced using a pool of machine learning algorithms. This will ultimately save time and money in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John T Ellis
- School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, ithree institute at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Sydney, Australia.
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Meng M, Zhou A, Lu G, Wang L, Zhao G, Han Y, Zhou H, Cong H, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ, He S. DNA prime and peptide boost immunization protocol encoding the Toxoplasma gondii GRA4 induces strong protective immunity in BALB/c mice. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:494. [PMID: 24148219 PMCID: PMC3871000 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread intracellular parasite, which infects most vertebrate animal hosts and causes zoonotic infection in humans. Vaccine strategy remains a promising method for the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis. T. gondii GRA4 protein has been identified as a potential candidate for vaccine development. In our study, we evaluated the immune response induced by four different immunization vaccination strategies encoding TgGRA4. Methods BALB/c mice were intramuscularly (i.m.) immunized four times according to specific immunization schedules. Generally, mice in experimental groups were immunized with polypeptide, pGRA4, peptide/DNA, or DNA/peptide, and mice in the control groups were injected with PBS or pEGFP. After immunization, the levels of IgG antibodies and cytokine productions were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The survival time of mice was also evaluated after challenge infection with the highly virulent T. gondii RH strain. Results The results showed that mice vaccinated with different immunization regimens (polypeptide, pGRA4, peptide/DNA, or DNA/peptide) elicited specific humoral and cellular responses, with high levels of total IgG, IgG2a isotype and gamma interferon (IFN-γ), which suggested a specific Th1 immunity was activated. After lethal challenge, an increased survival time was observed in immunized mice (11.8 ± 4.8 days) compared to the control groups injected with PBS or pEGFP (P < 0.05). Mice injected with PBS or pEGFP died within 8 days, and there was no significant difference in the protection level in two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions These results demonstrated that this DNA prime and peptide boost immunization protocol encoding the TgGRA4 can elicit the highest level of humoral and cellular immune responses compared to other immunized groups, which is a promising approach to increase the efficacy of DNA immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
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Zhang NZ, Chen J, Wang M, Petersen E, Zhu XQ. Vaccines against Toxoplasma gondii: new developments and perspectives. Expert Rev Vaccines 2013; 12:1287-99. [PMID: 24093877 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2013.844652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is a major public health problem, infecting one-third of the world human beings, and leads to abortion in domestic animals. A vaccine strategy would be an ideal tool for improving disease control. Many efforts have been made to develop vaccines against T. gondii to reduce oocyst shedding in cats and tissue cyst formation in mammals over the last 20 years, but only a live-attenuated vaccine based on the S48 strain has been licensed for veterinary use. Here, the authors review the recent development of T. gondii vaccines in cats, food-producing animals and mice, and present its future perspectives. However, a single or only a few antigen candidates revealed by various experimental studies are limited by only eliciting partial protective immunity against T. gondii. Future studies of T. gondii vaccines should include as many CTL epitopes as the live attenuated vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
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35
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Wang Y, Wang G, Zhang D, Yin H, Wang M. Identification of novel B cell epitopes within Toxoplasma gondii GRA1. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:606-10. [PMID: 24090568 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Newly synthesized epitopes are one of the most promising antigens for the development of diagnostic kits and peptide vaccines. Very little is known about the B cell epitopes on GRA1 of Toxoplasma gondii, which are recognized by the humoral immune response in pigs. In this study, epitopes derived from GRA1 of T. gondii were identified using synthetic peptide techniques and bioinformatics. Three (PG10, PG13 and PG18) out of the eighteen peptides tested were recognized by all pig sera from different time points after infection, and the other peptides were recognized by select sera from various time points after infection. Our data indicate that many regions of GRA1, and in particular, the regions represented by the peptides PG10, PG13 and PG18, are involved in the pig antibody response. The identification of specific epitopes targeted by the host antibody response is important both for understanding the natural response to infection and for the development of epitope-based marker vaccines and diagnostic tools for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of the Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China.
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36
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Immunization with excreted–secreted antigens reduces tissue cyst formation in pigs. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3835-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3571-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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37
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Wang Y, Wang G, Zhang D, Yin H, Wang M. Screening and identification of novel B cell epitopes of Toxoplasma gondii SAG1. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:125. [PMID: 23631709 PMCID: PMC3655890 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The identification of protein epitopes is useful for diagnostic purposes and for the development of peptide vaccines. In this study, the epitopes of Toxoplasma gondii SAG1 were identified using synthetic peptide techniques with the aid of bioinformatics. Findings Eleven peptides derived from T. gondii SAG1 were assessed by ELISA using pig sera from different time points after infection. Four (PS4, PS6, PS10 and PS11), out of the eleven peptides tested were recognized by all sera. Then, shorter peptides that were derived from PS4, PS6, PS10 and PS11 were predicted using bioinformatics and tested by experimentation. Four out of nine shorter peptides were identified successfully (amino acids 106–120, 166–180, 289–300 and 313–332). Conclusions We have precisely located the epitopes of T. gondii SAG1 using pig sera collected at different time points after infection. The identified epitopes may be useful for the further study of epitope-based vaccines and diagnostic reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
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