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Sang X, Li X, Chen R, Feng Y, He T, Zhang X, El-Ashram S, Al-Olayan E, Yang N. Co-Immunization with DNA Vaccines Expressing SABP1 and SAG1 Proteins Effectively Enhanced Mice Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii Acute Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1190. [PMID: 37515006 PMCID: PMC10384583 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has many intermediate hosts, obligately invades nucleated cells, and seriously threatens human and animal health due to a lack of effective drugs and vaccines. Sialic acid-binding protein 1 (SABP1) is a novel invasion-related protein that, like surface antigen 1 (SAG1), is found on the plasma membrane of T. gondii. To investigate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of DNA vaccines expressing SABP1 and SAG1 proteins against T. gondii acute infection, the recombinant plasmids pVAX1-SABP1 and pVAX1-SAG1 were produced and administered intramuscularly in Balb/c mice. Serum antibody levels and subtypes, lymphocyte proliferation, and cytokines were used to assess immunized mice's humoral and cellular immune responses. Furthermore, the ability of DNA vaccines to protect mice against T. gondii RH tachyzoites was tested. Immunized mice exhibited substantially higher IgG levels, with IgG2a titers higher than IgG1. When the immune group mice's splenocytes were stimulated with T. gondii lysate antigen, Th1-type cytokines (IL-12p70, IFN-γ, and IL-2) and Th2-type cytokine (IL-4) increased significantly. The combined DNA vaccine significantly increased the immunized mouse survival compared to the control group, with an average death time extended by 4.33 ± 0.6 days (p < 0.0001). These findings show that DNA vaccines based on the SABP1 and SAG1 genes induced robust humoral and cellular immunity in mice, effectively protecting against acute toxoplasmosis and potentially serving as a viable option for vaccination to prevent T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ting He
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Ebtsam Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Na Yang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
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Britez JD, Rodriguez AE, Di Ciaccio L, Marugán-Hernandez V, Tomazic ML. What Do We Know about Surface Proteins of Chicken Parasites Eimeria? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1295. [PMID: 37374079 DOI: 10.3390/life13061295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Poultry is the first source of animal protein for human consumption. In a changing world, this sector is facing new challenges, such as a projected increase in demand, higher standards of food quality and safety, and reduction of environmental impact. Chicken coccidiosis is a highly widespread enteric disease caused by Eimeria spp. which causes significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide; however, the impact on family poultry holders or backyard production-which plays a key role in food security in small communities and involves mainly rural women-has been little explored. Coccidiosis disease is controlled by good husbandry measures, chemoprophylaxis, and/or live vaccination. The first live vaccines against chicken coccidiosis were developed in the 1950s; however, after more than seven decades, none has reached the market. Current limitations on their use have led to research in next-generation vaccines based on recombinant or live-vectored vaccines. Next-generation vaccines are required to control this complex parasitic disease, and for this purpose, protective antigens need to be identified. In this review, we have scrutinised surface proteins identified so far in Eimeria spp. affecting chickens. Most of these surface proteins are anchored to the parasite membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) molecule. The biosynthesis of GPIs, as well as the role of currently identified surface proteins and interest as vaccine candidates has been summarised. The potential role of surface proteins in drug resistance and immune escape and how these could limit the efficacy of control strategies was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica Daiana Britez
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
| | - Anabel Elisa Rodriguez
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
| | - Lucía Di Ciaccio
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
| | | | - Mariela Luján Tomazic
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, IPVET, INTA-CONICET, Nicolás Repetto y Los Reseros, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina
- Cátedra de Biotecnología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1113, Argentina
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Zhang X, Yuan H, Mahmmod YS, Yang Z, Zhao M, Song Y, Luo S, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. Insight into the current Toxoplasma gondii DNA vaccine: a review article. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:66-89. [PMID: 36508550 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2157818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is a widespread protozoan with significant economic losses and public health importance. But so far, the protective effect of reported DNA-based vaccines fluctuates widely, and no study has demonstrated complete protection. AREAS COVERED This review provides an inclusive summary of T. gondii DNA vaccine antigens, adjuvants, and some other parameters. A total of 140 articles from 2000 to 2021 were collected from five databases. By contrasting the outcomes of acute and chronic challenges, we aimed to investigate and identify viable immunological strategies for optimum protection. Furthermore, we evaluated and discussed the impact of several parameters on challenge outcomes in the hopes of developing some recommendations to assist better future horizontal comparisons among research. EXPERT OPINION In the coming five years of research, the exploration of vaccine cocktails combining invasion antigens and metabolic antigens with genetic adjuvants or novel DNA delivery methods may offer us desirable protection against this multiple stage of life parasite. In addition to finding a better immune strategy, developing better in silico prediction methods, solving problems posed by variables in practical applications, and gaining a more profound knowledge of T.gondii-host molecular interaction is also crucial towards a successful vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, 17155, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zipeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mengpo Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yining Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
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Mahdi Ghahari SM, Ajami A, Sadeghizadeh M, Esmaeili Rastaghi AR, Mahdavi M. Nanocurcumin as an adjuvant in killed Toxoplasma gondii vaccine formulation: An experience in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 243:108404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Xiao J, Zheng R, Bai X, Pu J, Chen H, Gu X, Xie Y, He R, Xu J, Jing B, Peng X, Yang G. Preliminary evaluation of the protective effects of recombinant AMA1 and IMP1 against Eimeria stiedae infection in rabbits. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:400. [PMID: 36316714 PMCID: PMC9623944 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05492-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eimeria stiedae parasitizes the bile duct, causing hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits. Coccidiosis control using anticoccidials led to drug resistance and residues; therefore, vaccines are required as an alternative control strategy. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and immune mapped protein 1 (IMP1) are surface-located proteins that might contribute to host cell invasion, having potential as candidate vaccine antigens. METHODS Herein, we cloned and expressed the E. stiedae EsAMA1 and EsIMP1 genes. The reactogenicity of recombinant AMA1 (rEsAMA1) and IMP1 (rEsIMP1) proteins were investigated using immunoblotting. For the vaccination-infection trial, rabbits were vaccinated with rEsAMA1 and rEsIMP1 (both 100 μg/rabbit) twice at 2-week intervals. After vaccination, various serum cytokines were measured. The protective effects of rEsAMA1 and rEsIMP1 against E. stiedae infection were assessed using several indicators. Sera were collected weekly to detect the specific antibody levels. RESULTS Both rEsAMA1 and rEsIMP1 showed strong reactogenicity. Rabbits vaccinated with rEsAMA1 and rEsIMP1 displayed significantly increased serum IL-2 (F (4, 25) = 9.53, P = 0.000), IL-4 (F (4, 25) = 7.81, P = 0.000), IL-17 (F (4, 25) = 8.55, P = 0.000), and IFN-γ (F (4, 25) = 6.89, P = 0.001) levels; in the rEsIMP1 group, serum TGF-β1 level was also elevated (F (4, 25) = 3.01, P = 0.037). After vaccination, the specific antibody levels increased and were maintained at a high level. The vaccination-infection trial showed that compared with the positive control groups, rabbits vaccinated with the recombinant proteins showed significantly reduced oocyst output (F (5, 54) = 187.87, P = 0.000), liver index (F (5, 54) = 37.52, P = 0.000), and feed conversion ratio; body weight gain was significantly improved (F (5, 54) = 28.82, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS rEsAMA1 and rEsIMP1 could induce cellular and humoral immunity, protecting against E. stiedae infection. Thus, rEsAMA1 and rEsIMP1 are potential vaccine candidates against E. stiedae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiao
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Ruoyu Zheng
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Xin Bai
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Jiayan Pu
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Hao Chen
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Xiaobin Gu
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Yue Xie
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Ran He
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Jing Xu
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Bo Jing
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Xuerong Peng
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Basic Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
| | - Guangyou Yang
- grid.80510.3c0000 0001 0185 3134Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Wenjiang, 611130 China
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Warner RC, Chapman RC, Davis BN, Davis PH. REVIEW OF DNA VACCINE APPROACHES AGAINST THE PARASITE TOXOPLASMA GONDII. J Parasitol 2021; 107:882-903. [PMID: 34852176 DOI: 10.1645/20-157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that affects both humans and livestock. Transmitted to humans through ingestion, it is the second-leading cause of foodborne illness-related death. Currently, there exists no approved vaccine for humans or most livestock against the parasite. DNA vaccines, a type of subunit vaccine which uses segments of the pathogen's DNA to generate immunity, have shown varying degrees of experimental efficacy against infection caused by the parasite. This review compiles DNA vaccine efforts against Toxoplasma gondii, segmenting the analysis by parasite antigen, as well as a review of concomitant adjuvant usage. No single antigenic group was consistently more effective within in vivo trials relative to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie C Warner
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Ryan C Chapman
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Brianna N Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Paul H Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
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7
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Song PX, Yao SH, Yao Y, Zhou J, Li QF, Cao YH, He SY. Epitope Analysis and Efficacy Evaluation of Phosphatase 2C (PP2C) DNA Vaccine Against Toxoplasma gondii Infection. J Parasitol 2021; 106:513-521. [PMID: 32791522 DOI: 10.1645/18-210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects almost all warm-blooded animals and negatively affects the health of a wide range of these animals, including humans. Protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) is a T. gondii protein secreted by rhoptry organelles during host cell invasion. However, very little is known about whether this protein can induce protective immunity against T. gondii. In this study, bioinformatics analysis of PP2C revealed some useful information in the context of anti-toxoplasmosis treatments and vaccine research. In addition, the PP2C gene was amplified, and a eukaryotic expression vector (pEGFP-PP2C) was successfully constructed to express PP2C. Finally, the constructed pEGFP-PP2C was injected into mice to evaluate whether it could induce immunoprotection. Compared with the control groups, we found that immunizations with the pEGFP-PP2C plasmid could elicit specific IgG antibodies and cytokines against T. gondii infection. The survival of mice immunized with the pEGFP-PP2C plasmid was significantly prolonged compared with that of the control group mice. Based on the ability of pEGFP-PP2C to induce specific immune responses against T. gondii, we propose that PP2C merits consideration as a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P X Song
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China.,Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - S H Yao
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - Y Yao
- Department of Medical Test, Shandong Medical College, Linyi, Shandong 276000, People's Republic of China
| | - J Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Q F Li
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - Y H Cao
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - S Y He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Basic Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
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8
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Ma C, Li G, Chen W, Jia Z, Yang X, Pan X, Ma D. Eimeria tenella: IMP1 protein delivered by Lactococcus lactis induces immune responses against homologous challenge in chickens. Vet Parasitol 2021; 289:109320. [PMID: 33248421 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Avian coccidiosis leads to severe economic losses on the global poultry industry. Immune mapped protein-1 (IMP1) is a novel membrane protein, and was reported to be a candidate protective antigen. However, production and utilization modes of IMP1 using Lactococcus lactis as delivery vector were not reported untill now. In the present study, Eimeria tenella IMP1 (EtIMP1) protein was expressed in L. lactis under the nisin-inducible promoter, and EtIMP1 protein was produced in cytoplasmic, cell wall-anchored and secreted forms. Each chicken was orally immunized with one of the three live EtIMP1-expressing lactococci three times at 2 weeks intervals (immunized group), or with live bacteria harboring empty vector (immunized control group). Chickens in immunized and immunized control group were challenged with E. tenella sporulated oocysts to assess the immune responses. The results showed that proliferative responses of peripheral blood T lymphocytes, mRNA expression levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in spleen tissues, levels of serum IgG and secretory IgA (sIgA) in cecal lavage fluids from chickens in immunized group were all significantly elevated compared to that in immunized control group. All three the live EtIMP1-expressing lactococci significantly decreased oocyst shedding, alleviated pathological damage in cecum and improved weight gain compared with bacteria harboring empty vector. These results suggested EtIMP1 protein delivered by L. lactis might be a promising candidate in developing novel vaccines against Eimeria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Ma
- Food College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Guanghao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Wenjing Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Xuelian Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Xinghui Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China
| | - Dexing Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, PR China.
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9
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Chen H, Huang C, Chen Y, Mohsin M, Li L, Lin X, Huang Z, Yin G. Efficacy of recombinant N- and C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 against E. maxima infection in chickens. Br Poult Sci 2020; 61:518-522. [PMID: 32347110 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2020.1759787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
1. Immune mapped protein-1 (IMP1) of E. maxima has been identified as a vaccine antigen candidate for E. maxima infection. 2. In the current study, the N- and C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 were expressed in E. coli and administered to chickens. The antibody response, cell-mediated immune (CMI) response and the protective efficacy of the protein vaccines against E. maxima challenge were evaluated. 3. The results showed that C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 vaccination could increase weight gain, reduce enteric lesions, and decrease faecal oocysts shedding. Moreover, the C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 caused reasonable improvement in serum antibodies and the numbers of IFN-γ producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), as compared to the control group. 4. This study demonstrated that the C-terminal derivative of EmIMP1 could be used as a potent immunogenic candidate in the development of subunit vaccines against E. maxima infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Chen
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - C Huang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Y Chen
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - M Mohsin
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - L Li
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - X Lin
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Z Huang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - G Yin
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University , Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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Yang N, Xing M, Ding Y, Wang D, Guo X, Sang X, Li J, Li C, Wang Y, Feng Y, Chen R, Wang X, Jiang N, Chen Q. The Putative TCP-1 Chaperonin Is an Important Player Involved in Sialic Acid-Dependent Host Cell Invasion by Toxoplasma gondii. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:258. [PMID: 32153542 PMCID: PMC7047128 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Host cell invasion by Toxoplasma gondii is crucial for the survival and proliferation of parasite. The process of T. gondii tachyzoite invasion requires interaction between parasite proteins and receptors on the surface of host cells. Sialic acid is one of the important receptors for host cell invasion by T. gondii. However, the parasite-derived proteins interacting with sialic acid have not been well characterized. In this study, a novel protein named putative TCP-1 chaperonin (TGME49_318410) in T. gondii (TgTCP-1) was targeted and characterized. TgTCP-1 protein colocalized with MIC3 protein, which could be secreted from T. gondii tachyzoites, and this protein showed a specific binding activity to sialic acid, and DC and Vero cells in vitro. The binding of TgTCP-1 protein to DC and Vero cells were inhibited by either pre-incubation with free sialic acid or neuraminidase treatment of the cells. Moreover, a significant reduction of T. gondii invasion in Vero cells was observed after pre-incubation of the cells with recombinant TgTCP-1 protein. These results illustrated that TgTCP-1 is an important molecule involved in sialic acid-dependent host cell invasion by T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mengen Xing
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.,The Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingying Ding
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.,The Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,College of Food Science and Engineering, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaogai Guo
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chenghuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.,The Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- College of Basic Sciences, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.,The Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Qijun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China.,The Research Unit for Pathogenic Mechanisms of Zoonotic Parasites, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China
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11
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Li ZY, Guo HT, Tan J, Geng ZY, Zhu XQ. Devitalization of the immune mapped protein 1 undermines the intracellular proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2020; 211:107843. [PMID: 32044321 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii infects approximately one-third of the world's population as well as various animals, causing toxoplasmosis. However, there remains a need to define the functions of newly identified genes of T. gondii. In the present study, a novel molecule, immune mapped protein 1 of T. gondii (TgIMP1), was devitalized by CRISPR/Cas9 system to investigate the phenotypic changes of the parasite. We found that the virulence of ΔTgIMP1 knockout strain was reduced in comparison with wild-type GT1 tachyzoites, showing a statistically decreased plaque in HFF cells and a significantly prolonged survival period of mice (P < 0.05). Moreover, the data of phenotype analyses in vitro showed a different level of the intracellular proliferation and the subsequent egress between ΔTgIMP1 and wild-type GT1 strain (P < 0.05); while no statistically significant difference was detected during the process of attachment or invasion. These results suggested that TgIMP1 is closely associated with the intracellular proliferation of this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yuan Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 541199, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, PR China; 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
| | - Hai-Ting Guo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 541199, PR China
| | - Jie Tan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 541199, PR China
| | - Zhao-Yu Geng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, PR China.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- 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; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China.
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12
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Lu G, Zhou J, Zhao YH, Wang L. DNA vaccine ROP29 from Toxoplasma gondii containing R848 enhances protective immunity in mice. Parasite Immunol 2019; 40:e12578. [PMID: 30091162 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that causes a global epidemic parasitic disease. Studies using DNA vaccines for the control of toxoplasmosis have made considerable progress. ROP proteins were proven to be excellent candidates for T. gondii DNA vaccine development. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, a ROP29 DNA vaccine was successfully produced and injected into mice in combination with R848 to evaluate its ability to provide protection against T. gondii challenge. Compared with other mice, the mice injected with R848/pROP29 produced higher levels of IgG, IgG2a, interleukin (IL)-12, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Moreover, after a challenge of 20 T. gondii cysts, the number of brain cysts was lower in the R848/pROP29-immunized mice than in the other experimental mice. CONCLUSIONS R848 could improve the productions of IL-12 and IFN-γ, thus enhancing the immune responses stimulated by the pROP29 DNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Lu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Taishan Medical College, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Sports Medicine Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Hui Zhao
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Taishan Medical College, Taian, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Ji, Nan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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13
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Guo J, Zhou A, Sun X, Sha W, Ai K, Pan G, Zhou C, Zhou H, Cong H, He S. Immunogenicity of a Virus-Like-Particle Vaccine Containing Multiple Antigenic Epitopes of Toxoplasma gondii Against Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:592. [PMID: 30984177 PMCID: PMC6449433 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no effective protective vaccine against human toxoplasmosis, which is a potential threat to nearly a third of the world population. Vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) have been highly successful in humans for many years, but have rarely been applied against Toxoplasma gondii infection. In this study, we inserted a B cell epitope (SAG182−102 or SAG1301−320), a CD8+ cell epitope (HF10 or ROP7), and a CD4+ cell epitope (AS15) of T. gondii into a truncated HBcΔ(amino acids1–149) particle to construct four chimeric VLP vaccine formulations, i.e., HBcΔH82, HBcΔH301, HBcΔ R82, and HBcΔ R301. When these chimeric HBc particles were expressed in Escherichia coli, they showed icosahedral morphology similar to that of the original VLPs and were evaluated as vaccine formulations against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in a mouse model (BALB/c mice (H-2d). All these chimeric HBc VLPs induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses with high IgG antibody titers and interferon(IFN)-γ production. Only the mice immunized with HBcΔH82 showed prolonged survival time (15.6 ± 3.8 vs. 5.6 ± 0.8 days) against acute infection with RH tachyzoites and decrease in brain parasite load (1,454 ± 239 vs. 2,091 ± 263) against chronic infection with Prugniuad cysts, as compared to the findings for the control group. These findings suggest that HBc VLPs would act as an effective carrier for delivering effective multiple antigenic epitopes and would be beneficial for developing a safe and long-acting vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiahui Sun
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenchao Sha
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Ai
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ge Pan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxue Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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14
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Su S, Hou Z, Wang L, Liu D, Hu J, Xu J, Tao J. Further confirmation of second- and third-generation Eimeria necatrix merozoite DEGs using suppression subtractive hybridization. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:1159-1169. [PMID: 30747293 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, we obtained a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between second-generation merozoites (MZ-2) and third-generation merozoites (MZ-3) of Eimeria necatrix using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Here, we report two subtractive cDNA libraries for MZ2 (forward library) and MZ3 (reverse library) that were constructed using suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). PCR amplification revealed that the MZ2 and MZ3 libraries contained approximately 96.7% and 95% recombinant clones, respectively, and the length of the inserted fragments ranged from 0.5 to 1.5 kb. A total of 106 and 111 unique sequences were obtained from the MZ2 and MZ3 libraries, respectively, and were assembled into 13 specific consensus sequences (contigs or genes) (5 from MZ2 and 8 from MZ3). The qRT-PCR results revealed that 11 out of 13 genes were differentially expressed between MZ-2 and MZ-3. Of 13 genes, 11 genes were found in both SSH and our RNA-seq data and displayed a similar expression trend between SSH and RNA-seq data, and the remaining 2 genes have not been reported in both E. necatrix genome and our RNA-seq data. Among the 11 genes, the expression trends of 8 genes were highly consistent between SSH and our RNA-seq data. These DEGs may provide specialized functions related to the life-cycle transitions of Eimeria species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Hu
- Biology Department, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Zhang NZ, Gao Q, Wang M, Hou JL, Zhang FK, Hu LY, Zhu XQ. Protective Efficacy Against Acute and Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection Induced by Immunization With the DNA Vaccine TgDOC2C. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2965. [PMID: 30564214 PMCID: PMC6288300 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous intracellular apicomplexan parasite that can cause zoonotic toxoplasmosis. Effective vaccines against T. gondii infection are necessary to prevent and control the spread of toxoplasmosis. The present study analyzed the B-linear epitopes of T. gondii DOC2 (TgDOC2) protein and then cloned the C-terminus of the TgDOC2 gene (TgDOC2C) to construct the pVAX-TgDOC2C eukaryotic vector. After intramuscular injection of pVAX-TgDOC2C, immune responses were monitored. Two weeks after the last immunization, the protective effects of pVAX-TgDOC2C against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis were evaluated by challenges with T. gondii RH tachyzoites (genotype I) and PRU cysts (genotype II). The DNA vaccine elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses with high levels of IgG antibody, IL-2 and IFN-γ production compared to those of the controls. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mice immunized with pVAX-TgDOC2C was significantly increased compared to that of mice injected with empty pVAX I or PBS. After acute infection with 103 lethal tachyzoites, mice immunized with pVAX-TgDOC2C survived longer (12.5 days) than mice treated with pVAX I (8 days) and PBS (7.5 days). Mice immunized with pVAX-TgDOC2C had significantly less brain cysts (1600.83 ± 284.61) compared to mice immunized with pVAX I (3016.67 ± 153.84) or PBS (3100 ± 246.98). Together, these results demonstrated that TgDOC2C confers protective immunity against T. gondii infection and may be a promising candidate antigen for further development of an effective multicomponent vaccine for veterinary use against toxoplasmosis in livestock animals.
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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, China
| | - Qi Gao
- 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, China.,Hunan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changsha, China
| | - Meng Wang
- 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, China
| | - Jun-Ling Hou
- 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, China
| | - Fu-Kai 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, China
| | - Ling-Ying Hu
- Fujian Yongcheng Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sci-Tech Group, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- 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, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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16
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Tang X, Liu X, Yin G, Suo J, Tao G, Zhang S, Suo X. A Novel Vaccine Delivery Model of the Apicomplexan Eimeria tenella Expressing Eimeria maxima Antigen Protects Chickens against Infection of the Two Parasites. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1982. [PMID: 29375584 PMCID: PMC5767589 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine delivery is critical in antigen discovery and vaccine efficacy and safety. The diversity of infectious diseases in humans and livestock has required the development of varied delivery vehicles to target different pathogens. In livestock animals, previous strategies for the development of coccidiosis vaccines have encountered several hurdles, limiting the development of multiple species vaccine formulations. Here, we describe a novel vaccine delivery system using transgenic Eimeria tenella expressing immunodominant antigens of Eimeria maxima. In this delivery system, the immune mapped protein 1 of E. maxima (EmIMP1) was delivered by the closely related species of E. tenella to the host immune system during the whole endogenous life cycle. The overexpression of the exogenous antigen did not interfere with the reproduction and immunogenicity of transgenic Eimeria. After immunization with the transgenic parasite, we detected EmIMP1’s and E. maxima oocyst antigens’ specific humoral and cellular immune responses. In particular, we observed partial protection of chickens immunized with transgenic E. tenella against subsequent E. maxima infections. Our results demonstrate that the transgenic Eimeria parasite is an ideal coccidia antigen delivery vehicle and represents a new type of coccidiosis vaccines. In addition, this model could potentially be used in the development of malaria live sporozoite vaccines, in which antigens from different strains can be expressed in the vaccine strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwen Yin
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jingxia Suo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Geru Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Sixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Suo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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17
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Prevalence of Antibodies against Neospora caninum in Père David's Deer ( Elaphurus davidianus ) in Beijing, China. J Wildl Dis 2017; 52:387-90. [PMID: 27124330 DOI: 10.7589/2015-07-193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan and causes neuromuscular disorders in canids and abortions in cattle worldwide. We screened sera samples from 49 free-ranging Père David's deer ( Elaphurus davidianus ) in a nature reserve in Beijing, China, for antibodies against N. caninum using indirect fluorescence antibody tests and western blot tests. Antibodies were found in 27% of the deer. Western blot analysis revealed antibody reactivity against immunodominant N. caninum antigens of 16, 25, and 37 kDa in size together with other visible bands.
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18
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Kundu K, Garg R, Kumar S, Mandal M, Tomley FM, Blake DP, Banerjee PS. Humoral and cytokine response elicited during immunisation with recombinant Immune Mapped protein-1 (EtIMP-1) and oocysts of Eimeria tenella. Vet Parasitol 2017; 244:44-53. [PMID: 28917316 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella, the causative agent of caecal coccidiosis, is a pathogenic gut dwelling protozoan which can cause severe morbidity and mortality in farmed chickens. Immune mapped protein-1 (IMP-1) has been identified as an anticoccidial vaccine candidate; in the present study allelic polymorphism was assessed across the IMP-1 coding sequence in E. tenella isolates from four countries and compared with the UK reference Houghton strain. Nucleotide diversity was low, limited to expansion/contraction of a CAG triplet repeat and five substitutions, three of which were non-synonymous. The EtIMP-1 coding sequence from a cloned Indian E. tenella isolate was expressed in E. coli and purified as a His-tagged thioredoxin fusion protein. An in-vivo vaccination and challenge trial was conducted to test the vaccine potential of recombinant EtIMP-1 (rEtIMP-1) and to compare post-vaccination immune responses of chickens to those stimulated by live oocyst infection. Following challenge, parasite replication measured using quantitative PCR was significantly reduced in chickens that had been vaccinated with rEtIMP-1 (rIC group; 67% reduction compared to UC or unimmunised controls; 79% reduction compared to rTC group or recombinant thioredoxin mock-immunised controls, p<0.05), or the birds vaccinated by infection with oocysts (OC group, 90% compared to unimmunised controls). Chickens vaccinated with oocysts (OC) had significantly higher levels of interferon gamma in their serum post-challenge, compared to rEtIMP-1 vaccinated birds (rIC). Conversely rEtIMP-1 (rIC) vaccinated birds had significantly higher antigen specific serum IgY responses, correlating with higher serum IL-4 (both p<0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnendu Kundu
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, PIN-243122, India
| | - Rajat Garg
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, PIN-243122, India
| | - Saroj Kumar
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, PIN-243122, India
| | - Mrityunjay Mandal
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, PIN-243122, India
| | - Fiona M Tomley
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL97TA, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL97TA, UK
| | - Partha Sarathi Banerjee
- Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, PIN-243122, India.
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19
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Fereig RM, Kuroda Y, Terkawi MA, Mahmoud ME, Nishikawa Y. Immunization with Toxoplasma gondii peroxiredoxin 1 induces protective immunity against toxoplasmosis in mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176324. [PMID: 28448521 PMCID: PMC5407612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop a vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii, a vaccine antigen with immune-stimulating activity is required. In the present study, we investigated the immunogenicity and prophylactic potential of T. gondii peroxiredoxin 1 (TgPrx1). The TgPrx1 was detected in the ascitic fluid of mice 6 days postinfection, while specific antibody levels were low in the sera of chronically infected mice. Treatment of murine peritoneal macrophages with recombinant TgPrx1 triggered IL-12p40 and IL-6 production, but not IL-10 production. In response to TgPrx1, activation of NF-kB and IL-6 production were confirmed in mouse macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7). These results suggest the immune-stimulating potentials of TgPrx1. Immunization of mice with recombinant TgPrx1 stimulated specific antibody production (IgG1 and IgG2c). Moreover, spleen cell proliferation and interferon-gamma production significantly increased in the TgPrx1- sensitized cells from mice immunized with the same antigen. Immunization with TgPrx1 also increased mouse survival and decreased cerebral parasite burden against lethal T. gondii infection. Thus, our results suggest that TgPrx1 efficiently induces humoral and cellular immune responses and is useful as a new vaccine antigen against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ragab M. Fereig
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena, Egypt
| | - Yasuhiro Kuroda
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Kita-kaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mohamad Alaa Terkawi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Motamed Elsayed Mahmoud
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Animal Behavior, Management, Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag City, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Palmieri N, Shrestha A, Ruttkowski B, Beck T, Vogl C, Tomley F, Blake DP, Joachim A. The genome of the protozoan parasite Cystoisospora suis and a reverse vaccinology approach to identify vaccine candidates. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:189-202. [PMID: 28161402 PMCID: PMC5354109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine development targeting protozoan parasites remains challenging, partly due to the complex interactions between these eukaryotes and the host immune system. Reverse vaccinology is a promising approach for direct screening of genome sequence assemblies for new vaccine candidate proteins. Here, we applied this paradigm to Cystoisospora suis, an apicomplexan parasite that causes enteritis and diarrhea in suckling piglets and economic losses in pig production worldwide. Using Next Generation Sequencing we produced an ∼84Mb sequence assembly for the C. suis genome, making it the first available reference for the genus Cystoisospora. Then, we derived a manually curated annotation of more than 11,000 protein-coding genes and applied the tool Vacceed to identify 1,168 vaccine candidates by screening the predicted C. suis proteome. To refine the set of candidates, we looked at proteins that are highly expressed in merozoites and specific to apicomplexans. The stringent set of candidates included 220 proteins, among which were 152 proteins with unknown function, 17 surface antigens of the SAG and SRS gene families, 12 proteins of the apicomplexan-specific secretory organelles including AMA1, MIC6, MIC13, ROP6, ROP12, ROP27, ROP32 and three proteins related to cell adhesion. Finally, we demonstrated in vitro the immunogenic potential of a C. suis-specific 42kDa transmembrane protein, which might constitute an attractive candidate for further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Palmieri
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Aruna Shrestha
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bärbel Ruttkowski
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Beck
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fiona Tomley
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Damer P Blake
- Department of Pathology and Pathogen Biology, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria
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Jia Y, Benjamin S, Liu Q, Xu Y, Dogga SK, Liu J, Matthews S, Soldati-Favre D. Toxoplasma gondii immune mapped protein 1 is anchored to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane and adopts a novel protein fold. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2017; 1865:208-219. [PMID: 27888074 PMCID: PMC5716462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The immune mapped protein 1 (IMP1) was first identified as a protective antigen in Eimeria maxima and described as vaccine candidate and invasion factor in Toxoplasma gondii. We show here that TgIMP1 localizes to the inner leaflet of plasma membrane (PM) via dual acylation. Mutations either in the N-terminal myristoylation or palmitoylation sites (G2 and C5) cause relocalization of TgIMP1 to the cytosol. The first 11 amino acids are sufficient for PM targeting and the presence of lysine (K7) is critical. Disruption of TgIMP1 gene by double homologous recombination revealed no invasion defect or any measurable alteration in the lytic cycle of tachyzoites. Following immunization with TgIMP1 DNA vaccine, mice challenged with either wild type or IMP1-ko parasites showed no significant difference in protection. The sequence analysis identified a structured C-terminal domain that is present in a broader family of IMP1-like proteins conserved across the members of Apicomplexa. We present the solution structure of this domain determined from NMR data and describe a new protein fold not seen before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggen Jia
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefi Benjamin
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Qun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yingqi Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Sunil Kumar Dogga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Stephen Matthews
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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Gedik Y, Gülçe İz S, Can H, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, İsmet Deliloğlu Gürhan S, Gürüz Y, Döşkaya M. Immunogenic multistage recombinant protein vaccine confers partial protection against experimental toxoplasmosis mimicking natural infection in murine model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trivac.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Benjamin S, Williams F, Kerry L, Matthews S. NMR assignment of the immune mapped protein 1 (IMP1) homologue from Plasmodium falciparum. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2015; 9:393-395. [PMID: 25947350 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-015-9616-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for causing cerebral malaria in humans. IMP1 is an immunogenic protein, present in the parasite, which has been shown to induce an immune response against apicomplexan parasites in a species-specific manner. Here, we report the complete NMR assignments of PfIMP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefi Benjamin
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Felix Williams
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Louise Kerry
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Steve Matthews
- Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2AZ, London, UK.
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Identification and co-localization of perforin-like (TgPLP1) protein in Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites. Exp Parasitol 2015; 153:39-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Xiong D, Song L, Zhai X, Geng S, Pan Z, Jiao X. A porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine candidate based on the fusion protein of PRRSV glycoprotein 5 and the Toll-like Receptor-5 agonist Salmonella Typhimurium FljB. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:121. [PMID: 26001608 PMCID: PMC4489122 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is characterized by severe reproductive failure and severe pneumonia in neonatal pigs and is caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV). Glycoprotein 5 (GP5) from PRRSV is a key inducer of neutralizing antibodies. Flagellin, a toll-like receptor 5 (TLR-5) agonist, is an effective inducer of innate immune responses. This study presents a novel PRRSV vaccine candidate based on the adjuvant effect of Salmonella Typhimurium FljB fused with PRRSV GP5. RESULTS A truncated rGP5 gene lacking the signal peptide and transmembrane sequences was amplified and inserted into prokaryotic expression vectors, pColdI or pGEX-6p-1. Salmonella Typhimurium flagellin fljB was amplified and inserted into the plasmid pCold-rGP5, generating recombinant plasmid pCold-rGP5-fljB. Histidine (His)-tagged rGP5 and fusion protein rGP5-FljB were induced with isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactoside, verified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting, and purified via Ni-NTA affinity columns. The TLR-5-specific bioactivity of fusion protein rGP5-FljB was determined by detecting the expression levels of the cytokine IL-8 in HEK293-mTLR5 cells by sandwich ELISA. The purified endotoxin-free proteins were administered intraperitoneally in a C3H/HeJ mouse model. The results show that immunization with the fusion protein rGP5-FljB induced a significantly enhanced GP5-specific and PRRSV-specific IgG response that persisted for almost 5 weeks. Co-administration of the rGP5 with R848 or Alum also yielded a higher IgG response than administration of rGP5 alone. The IgG1/IgG2a ratio in the rGP5-FljB immunization group was significantly higher (9-fold) than that in the rGP5 alone group and was equivalent to the response in the rGP5 + Alum immunization group, suggesting a strong Th2 immune response was induced by the fusion protein. CONCLUSIONS Purified fusion protein rGP5-FljB is capable of activating the innate immune response, as demonstrated by the results of our TLR-5-specific bioactivity assay, and FljB has adjuvant activity, as shown by the results from our administration of rGP5-FljB in a mouse model. Our findings confirm that FljB could serve as an excellent adjuvant for the production of GP5-specific and PRRSV-specific IgG antibodies as part of an induction of a robust humoral immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
| | - Li Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
| | - Xianyue Zhai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
| | - Shizhong Geng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
| | - Zhiming Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
| | - Xinan Jiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, 48 East Wenhui Road, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, China.
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Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of an Eimeria vaccine candidate based on Eimeria tenella immune mapped protein 1 and chicken CD40 ligand. Vet Parasitol 2015; 210:19-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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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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Lu G, Zhou A, Meng M, Wang L, Han Y, Guo J, Zhou H, Cong H, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ, He S. Alpha-galactosylceramide enhances protective immunity induced by DNA vaccine of the SAG5D gene of Toxoplasma gondii. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:3862. [PMID: 25527277 PMCID: PMC4312432 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-014-0706-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a global epidemic parasitic disease. DNA vaccines play an important role in preventing the spread of toxoplasmosis. SAG family genes encoding particular surface proteins of T. gondii are the best candidates of DNA vaccine. As a member of SAG family genes, SAG5 gene has been proved to have better antigenic than SAG1. In addition, alpha-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) was used to be an adjuvant in malaria vaccine and received positive results. In this study, the effect of the DNA vaccine enhanced by α-GalCer was evaluated by immunizing BALB/c mice. METHODS In the present study, SAG5D gene of T. gondii was cloned, sequenced, and biologically characterized. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups, including three experimental groups (pEGFP-C1-SAG5D, α-GalCer and α-GalCer/pEGFP-C1-SAG5D) and two control groups (PBS and pEGFP-C1), and were immunized intramuscularly three times. The levels of IgG antibodies and cytokine productions in mouse sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Two weeks after the last immunization, all mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 1 × 10(4) tachyzoites of T. gondii and the survival time of mice was recorded. RESULTS A significant level of increase of IgG response against the soluble tachyzoite antigens (STAg) was detected by ELISA in experimental group. It revealed relatively high level of IFN-γ production by the spleen cells. There were higher productions of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in α-GalCer treated groups compared to control groups. Challenge experiment showed a longer survival period (11 days compared with 5 days in control) in SAG5D DNA vaccinated mice was found after a lethal challenge with T. gondii RH strain. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggested that T. gondii SAG5D was a novel and positive DNA vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. In addition, the adjuvant (α-GalCer) enhanced the body's cellular immune response and prolonged the survival time of mice after challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250021, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Min Meng
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Qunli Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- 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, Peoples Republic of China.
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, Peoples Republic of China.
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Yin G, Lin Q, Wei W, Qin M, Liu X, Suo X, Huang Z. Protective immunity against Eimeria tenella infection in chickens induced by immunization with a recombinant C-terminal derivative of EtIMP1. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2014; 162:117-21. [PMID: 25464823 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Immune mapped protein-1 (IMP1) is a new protective protein in apicomplexan parasites, and exits in Eimeria tenella. Cloning and sequence analysis has predicted the antigen to be a novel membrane protein of apicomplexan parasites. In order to assess the immunogenicity of EtIMP1, a C-terminal derivative of EtIMP1 was expressed in a bacterial host system and was used to immunize chickens. The protective efficacy against a homologous challenge was evaluated by body weight gains, lesion scores and fecal oocyst shedding. The results showed that the subunit vaccine can improve weight gains, reduced cecal pathology and lower oocyst fecal shedding compared with non immunized controls. The results suggested that the C-terminal derivative of EtIMP1 might be considered as a candidate in the development of subunit vaccines against Eimeria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Yin
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qian Lin
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wenjun Wei
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian Province, China
| | - Mei Qin
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, China Ministry of Agriculture & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xun Suo
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, China Ministry of Agriculture & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhijian Huang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals, College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, Fujian Province, China.
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Chen J, Li ZY, Huang SY, Petersen E, Song HQ, Zhou DH, Zhu XQ. Protective efficacy of Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (TgCDPK1) adjuvated with recombinant IL-15 and IL-21 against experimental toxoplasmosis in mice. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:487. [PMID: 25192845 PMCID: PMC4165937 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-487] [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: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii can infect all warm-blooded animals including humans. Infection with T. gondii is probably the leading cause of posterior uveitis in humans and the most comment route of transmission is raw and undercooked meat from infected animals. T. gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (TgCDPK1) plays a critical role in direct parasite motility, host-cell invasion, and egress. Methods We constructed a DNA vaccine expressing TgCDPK1 inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pVAX I and evaluated the immune protection induced by pVAX-CDPK1 in Kunming mice. Mice immunized with pVAX-CDPK1 intramuscularly and/or with a plasmid encoding IL-15 and IL-21 (pVAX-IL-21-IL-15). The immune responses were analyzed including lymphoproliferative assay, cytokine, antibody measurements, lymphocyte surface markers by flow cytometry and protective efficacy were measured as survival and cysts numbers after challenge 1 to 2 months post vaccination. Results Immunization with pVAX-CDPK1 or pVAX-IL-21-IL-15 alone developed strong humoral responses and Th1 type cellular immune responses, and the significantly (P < 0.05) increase of both the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared with all the controls (blank control, PBS, and pVAX). Co-injection of pVAX-IL-21-IL-15 significantly increased humoral and cellular immune responses compared to the group of pVAX-CDPK1 or pVAX-IL-21-IL-15. Challenge experiments showed that co-administration of pVAX-IL-21-IL-15 and pVAX-CDPK1 significantly (P < 0.05) increased survival time (19.2 ± 5.1 days) compared with pVAX-CDPK1 (17.3 ± 4.3 days) or pVAX-IL-21-IL-15 (12.0 ± 2.0 days) alone, and pVAX-IL-21-IL-15 + pVAX-CDPK1 significantly reduced the number of brain cysts (72.7%) in contrast to pVAX-ROP13 (45.7%) or pVAX-IL-21-IL-15 alone (43.6%). Conclusions TgCDPK1 is identified to be a promising vaccine candidate for inducing a strong humoral and cellular response against T. gondii infection, and thus synergistic of mIL-21 and mIL-15 can induce non-specific immune responses, but also facilitate specific humoral as well as cellular immune responses elicited by DNA vaccine against acute and chronic T. gondii infection in mice. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2334-14-487) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Si-Yang Huang
- 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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Lei T, Wang H, Liu J, Nan H, Liu Q. ROP18 is a key factor responsible for virulence difference between Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99744. [PMID: 24927100 PMCID: PMC4057265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099744] [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: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Neospora caninum (N. caninum) are both obligate intracellular protozoan parasites and share many common morphological and biological features. Despite these similarities the two parasites differ dramatically in virulence in mice, but the factors involved in virulence differences between the two parasites remain unknown. A secreted serine-threonine kinase called rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18) was identified to play a crucial role on virulence differences among different T. gondii clonal lineages. Intriguingly, we found that ROP18 in Nc1 strain of N. caninum (NcROP18) is a pseudogene due to several interrupting stop codons in the sequence in our previous studies. We assume that the difference of ROP18 leads to virulence difference between T. gondii and N. caninum. We constructed a transgenic N. caninum Nc1 stain by transfecting the TgROP18 from the T. gondii RH strain. Phenotype and virulence assays showed that the expression of TgROP18 in N. caninum did not affect the motility and cell invasion, but resulted in a significant increase in intracellular parasite proliferation and virulence in mice. Immunity-Related GTPase (IRG) phosphorylation assay showed that the transgenic parasite Nc1-TgROP18 was able to phosphorylate IRGs as T. gondii did. The present study indicated that the ROP18 plays a crucial role in virulence of the closely related parasites T. gondii and N. caninum and it is indeed a key factor responsible for the virulence difference between T. gondii and N. caninum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhu Nan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, and National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Evaluation of immune responses in mice after DNA immunization with putative Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 5. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2014; 21:924-9. [PMID: 24789795 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00059-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii can cause serious public health problems and economic losses worldwide. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are key mediators of T. gondii signaling pathways and are implicated as important virulence factors. In the present study, we cloned a novel T. gondii CDPK gene, named TgCDPK5, and constructed the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX-CDPK5. Then, we evaluated the immune protection induced by pVAX-CDPK5 in Kunming mice. After injection of pVAX-CDPK5 intramuscularly, immune responses, determined with lymphoproliferative assays and cytokine and antibody measurements, were monitored, and mouse survival times and brain cyst formation were evaluated following challenges with the T. gondii RH strain (genotype I) and the PRU strain (genotype II). pVAX-CDPK5 effectively induced immune responses with increased specific antibodies, a predominance of IgG2a production, and a strong lymphocyte proliferative response. The levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin 2 (IL-2), and IL-12(p70) and the percentages of CD3(+) CD4(+) and CD3(+) CD8(+) cells in mice vaccinated with pVAX-CDPK5 were significantly increased. However, IL-4 and IL-10 were not produced in the vaccinated mice. These results demonstrate that pVAX-CDPK5 can elicit strong humoral and cellular Th1 immune responses. The survival time of immunized mice challenged with the T. gondii RH strain (8.67 ± 4.34 days) was slightly, but not significantly, longer than that in the control groups within 7 days (P > 0.05). The numbers of brain cysts in the mice in the pVAX-CDPK5 group were reduced by ∼40% compared with those in the control groups (P < 0.05), which provides a foundation for the further development of effective subunit vaccines against T. gondii.
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Gülçe İz S, Döşkaya M, Caner A, Döşkaya AD, Rodriguez F, Gürüz Y, Gürhan SİD. A novel dual promoter DNA vaccine induces CD8+ response against Toxoplasma gondii sporozoite specific surface protein “SporoSAG” through non-apoptotic cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trivac.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Yin LT, Hao HX, Wang HL, Zhang JH, Meng XL, Yin GR. Intranasal immunisation with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii actin partly protects mice against toxoplasmosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82765. [PMID: 24386114 PMCID: PMC3873923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan intracellular parasite, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, and a worldwide zoonosis for which an effective vaccine is needed. Actin is a highly conserved microfilament protein that plays an important role in the invasion of host cells by T. gondii. This study investigated the immune responses elicited by BALB/c mice after nasal immunisation with a recombinant T. gondii actin (rTgACT) and the subsequent protection against chronic and lethal T. gondii infections. We evaluated the systemic response by proliferation, cytokine and antibody measurements, and we assessed the mucosal response by examining the levels of TgACT-specific secretory IgA (SIgA) in nasal, vaginal and intestinal washes. Parasite load was assessed in the liver and brain, and the survival of mice challenged with a virulent strain was determined. The results showed that the mice immunised with rTgACT developed high levels of specific anti-rTgACT IgG titres and a mixed IgG1/IgG2a response with a predominance of IgG2a. The systemic immune response was associated with increased production of Th1 (IFN-γ and IL-2), Th2 (IL-4) and Treg (IL-10) cytokines, indicating that not only Th1-type response was induced, but also Th2- and Treg-types responses were induced, and the splenocyte stimulation index (SI) was increased in the mice immunised with rTgACT. Nasal immunisation with rTgACT led to strong mucosal immune responses, as seen by the increased secretion of SIgA in nasal, vaginal and intestinal washes. The vaccinated mice displayed significant protection against lethal infection with the virulent RH strain (survival increased by 50%), while the mice chronically infected with RH exhibited lower liver and brain parasite loads (60.05% and 49.75%, respectively) than the controls. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that actin triggers a strong systemic and mucosal response against T. gondii. Therefore, actin may be a promising vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tian Yin
- Department of physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology Co-constructed by Province and Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Hai-Xia Hao
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
- General Hospital of the Datong Coal Mine Co. Ltd., Datong, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Hai-Long Wang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Jian-Hong Zhang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xiao-Li Meng
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Guo-Rong Yin
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
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Zhang NZ, Huang SY, Zhou DH, Chen J, Xu Y, Tian WP, Lu J, Zhu XQ. Protective immunity against Toxoplasma gondii induced by DNA immunization with the gene encoding a novel vaccine candidate: calcium-dependent protein kinase 3. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:512. [PMID: 24176018 PMCID: PMC4228491 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all warm-blood animals including human beings. The plant-like calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) harbored by T. gondii are involved in gliding motility, cell invasion, egress and some other developmental processes, and so have been implicated as important virulence factors. Methods In the present study, we constructed a DNA vaccine expressing T. gondii CDPK3 (TgCDPK3) and evaluated its protective efficacy against T. gondii infection in Kunming mice. The gene sequence encoding TgCDPK3 was inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX I, and mice were immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 intramuscularly. Results The results showed that mice immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 developed a high level of specific antibodies and a strong lymphoproliferative response. The significantly increased levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12 (p70) and IL-23 and high ratio of IgG2a to IgG1 antibody titers indicated that a Th1 type response was elicited after immunization with pVAX-CDPK3. Furthermore, the percentage of CD4+ T cells in mice vaccinated with pVAX-CDPK3 was significantly increased. After lethal challenge with the tachyzoites of the virulent T. gondii RH strain, the mice immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 prolonged the survival time from 10 days to 24 days (13.5 ± 4.89) compared to untreated mice or those received PBS or pVAX I which died within 7 days (P < 0.05). In chronic infection model (10 cysts of the T. gondii PRU strain), the numbers of brain cysts of the mice immunized with pVAX-CDPK3 reduced significantly when compared with those in control groups (P < 0.05), and the rate of reduction could reach to about 50%. Conclusions TgCDPK3 can generate protective immunity against acute and chronic T. gondii infection in Kunming mice and is a promising vaccine candidate for further development of an effective vaccine against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- 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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Chen J, Huang SY, Zhou DH, Li ZY, Petersen E, Song HQ, Zhu XQ. DNA immunization with eukaryotic initiation factor-2α of Toxoplasma gondii induces protective immunity against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in mice. Vaccine 2013; 31:6225-31. [PMID: 24183979 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.10.034] [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: 07/06/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection is a serious health problem of humans and animals worldwide. T. gondii eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (TgIF2α) plays a crucial role in parasite viability and is an important virulence factor of T. gondii. To evaluate the vaccine potential of TgIF2α, we constructed a novel eukaryotic plasmid pVAX-IF2α expressing TgIF2α from the RH strain and validated expression and immunogenicity in vitro in the Marc145 cell expression system by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). Administration of pVAX-IF2α intramuscularly induced specific humoral immune responses including high levels of specific TgIF2α IgG antibody and a mixed IgG1/IgG2a response with a predominance of IgG2a production. The cellular immune response was elicited, showing significant production of IFN-γ and IL-2 associated with Th1 type response, and thus strong cell-mediated cytotoxic activity with increased frequencies of IFN-γ parameters analyzed in both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell compartments (CD4(+) IFN-γ(+) T cells and CD8(+) IFN-γ(+) T cells). Immunization resulted in partial protection against acute and chronic toxoplamosis in outbred Kunming mice, demonstrated by a significantly prolonged survival time (15.9±4.6 days) after challenge with the virulent RH strain and significant reduction in brain cysts (44.1%) against chronic infection with PRU cyst in contrast to control mice. Our data suggested that pVAX-IF2α could be used as a DNA vaccine candidate against both acute and chronic T. gondii infection by the activation of effective humoral and cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- 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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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: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [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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Yin G, Qin M, Liu X, Suo J, Tang X, Tao G, Han Q, Suo X, Wu W. An Eimeria vaccine candidate based on Eimeria tenella immune mapped protein 1 and the TLR-5 agonist Salmonella typhimurium FliC flagellin. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 440:437-42. [PMID: 24076159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.09.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Immune mapped protein-1 (IMP1) is a new protective protein in apicomplexan parasites, and exits in Eimeria tenella. But its structure and immunogenicity in E. tenella are still unknown. In this study, IMPI in E. tenella was predicted to be a membrane protein. To evaluate immunogenicity of IMPI in E. tenella, a chimeric subunit vaccine consisting of E. tenella IMP1 (EtIMP1) and a molecular adjuvant (a truncated flagellin, FliC) was constructed and over-expressed in Escherichia coli and its efficacy against E. tenella infection was evaluated. Three-week-old AA broiler chickens were vaccinated with the recombinant EtIMP1-truncated FliC without adjuvant or EtIMP1 with Freund's Complete Adjuvant. Immunization of chickens with the recombinant EtIMP1-truncated FliC fusion protein resulted in stronger cellular immune responses than immunization with only recombinant EtIMP1 with adjuvant. The clinical effect of the EtIMP1-truncated FliC without adjuvant was also greater than that of the EtIMP1 with adjuvant, which was evidenced by the differences between the two groups in body weight gain, oocyst output and caecal lesions of E. tenella-challenged chickens. The results suggested that the EtIMP1-flagellin fusion protein can be used as an effective immunogen in the development of subunit vaccines against Eimeria infection. This is the first demonstration of antigen-specific protective immunity against avian coccidiosis using a recombinant flagellin as an apicomplexan parasite vaccine adjuvant in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Yin
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Zhao G, Zhou A, Lu G, Meng M, Sun M, Bai Y, Han Y, Wang L, Zhou H, Cong H, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ, He S. Identification and characterization of Toxoplasma gondii aspartic protease 1 as a novel vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:175. [PMID: 23768047 PMCID: PMC3691725 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can pose a serious threat to human health by causing toxoplasmosis. There are no drugs that target the chronic cyst stage of this infection; therefore, development of an effective vaccine would be an important advance. Aspartic proteases play essential roles in the T. gondii lifecycle. The parasite has four aspartic protease encoding genes, which are called toxomepsin 1, 2, 3 and 5 (TgASP1, 2, 3 and 5, respectively). Methods Bioinformatics approaches have enabled us to identify several promising linear-B cell epitopes and potential Th-cell epitopes on TgASP1, thus supporting its potential as a DNA vaccine against toxoplasmosis. We expressed TgASP1 in Escherichia coli and used the purified protein to immunize BALB/c mice. The antibodies obtained were used to determine where TgASP1 was localized in the parasite. We also made a TgASP1 DNA vaccine construct and evaluated it for the level of protection conferred to mice against infection with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii. Results TgASP1 appears to be a membrane protein located primarily at the tip of the T. gondii tachyzoite. Investigation of its potential as a DNA vaccine showed that it elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and that these responses were mediated by Th-1 cells. Mice immunized with the vaccine had greater levels of protection against mortality following challenge with T. gondii RH tachyzoites than did those immunized with PBS or the empty vector control. Conclusions TgASP1 is a novel candidate DNA vaccine that merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
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Zhao G, Zhou A, Lv G, Meng M, Sun M, Bai Y, Han Y, Wang L, Zhou H, Cong H, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ, He S. Toxoplasma gondii cathepsin proteases are undeveloped prominent vaccine antigens against toxoplasmosis. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:207. [PMID: 23651838 PMCID: PMC3659040 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals including humans. T. gondii expresses five members of the C1 family of cysteine proteases, including cathepsin B-like (TgCPB) and cathepsin L-like (TgCPL) proteins. TgCPB is involved in ROP protein maturation and parasite invasion, whereas TgCPL contributes to proteolytic maturation of proTgM2AP and proTgMIC3. TgCPL is also associated with the residual body in the parasitophorous vacuole after cell division has occurred. Both of these proteases are potential therapeutic targets in T. gondii. The aim of this study was to investigate TgCPB and TgCPL for their potential as DNA vaccines against T. gondii. Methods Using bioinformatics approaches, we analyzed TgCPB and TgCPL proteins and identified several linear-B cell epitopes and potential Th-cell epitopes in them. Based on these results, we assembled two single-gene constructs (TgCPB and TgCPL) and a multi-gene construct (pTgCPB/TgCPL) with which to immunize BALB/c mice and test their effectiveness as DNA vaccines. Results TgCPB and TgCPL vaccines elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, both of which were Th-1 cell mediated. In addition, all of the vaccines protected the mice against infection with virulent T. gondii RH tachyzoites, with the multi-gene vaccine (pTgCPB/TgCPL) providing the highest level of protection. Conclusions T. gondii CPB and CPL proteases are strong candidates for development as novel DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, P R China.
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Gong P, Huang X, Yu Q, Li Y, Huang J, Li J, Yang J, Li H, Zhang G, Ren W, Zhang X. The protective effect of a DNA vaccine encoding theToxoplasma gondiicyclophilin gene in BALB/c mice. Parasite Immunol 2013; 35:140-146. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - X. Huang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - Q. Yu
- Jilin Provincial Animal Disease Control Centre; Changchun China
| | - Y. Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - J. Huang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - J. Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - J. Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - H. Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - G. Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - W. Ren
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - X. Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine; Jilin University; Changchun China
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Chen J, Huang SY, Li ZY, Yuan ZG, Zhou DH, Petersen E, Zhang NZ, Zhu XQ. Protective immunity induced by a DNA vaccine expressing eIF4A of Toxoplasma gondii against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Vaccine 2013; 31:1734-9. [PMID: 23370151 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite infecting humans, mammals and birds. Eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF4A) is a newly identified protein associated with tachyzoite virulence. To evaluate the protective efficacy of T. gondii eIF4A, a DNA vaccine (pVAX-eIF4A) encoding T. gondii eIF4A (Tg-eIF4A) gene was constructed. The expression ability of this recombinant DNA plasmid was examined in Marc145 cells by IFA. Then, Kunming mice were intramuscularly immunized with pVAX-eIF4A and followed by challenge infection with the highly virulent T. gondii RH strain. The results showed that vaccination with pVAX-eIF4A elicited specific humoral responses, with high IgG antibody titers and specific lymphocyte proliferative responses. The cellular immune response was associated with significant production of IFN-γ, IL-2 in Kunming mice, and a mixed IgG1/IgG2a response with predominance of IgG2a production, indicating that a Th1 type response was elicited after immunization with pVAX-eIF4A. In addition, the increase of the percentage of CD8+ T cells in lymphoid in mice suggested the activation of MHC class I restricted antigen presentation pathways. After lethal challenge, the mice vaccinated with the pVAX-eIF4A showed a significantly prolonged survival time (23.0±5.5 days) compared with control mice which died within 7 days of challenge (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that pVAX-eIF4A could elicit strong humoral, Th1-type cellular immune responses and increase survival time of immunized mice, suggesting that eIF4A is a promising vaccine candidate against acute T. gondii infection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- 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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Meng M, He S, Zhao G, Bai Y, Zhou H, Cong H, Lu G, Zhao Q, Zhu XQ. Evaluation of protective immune responses induced by DNA vaccines encoding Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein in BALB/c mice. Parasit Vectors 2012. [PMID: 23181694 PMCID: PMC3547689 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis, caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, has been a serious clinical and veterinary problem. Effective DNA vaccines against T. gondii can prevent and control the spread of toxoplasmosis, which is important for both human health and the farming industry. The T. gondii 14-3-3 protein has been proved to be antigenic and immunogenic and was a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. In this study, we evaluated the immune responses induced by recombinant plasmids encoding T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein by immunizing BALB/c mice intramuscularly. Methods In the present study, BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups, including three experimental groups (pSAG1, p14-3-3 and pSAG1/14-3-3) and two control groups (PBS and pBudCE4.1), and were immunized intramuscularly three times. The levels of IgG antibodies and cytokine production in mouse sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Two weeks after the last immunization, all mice were challenged intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 1×104 tachyzoites of T. gondii and the survival time of mice was observed and recorded every day. Results Mice vaccinated with pSAG1, p14-3-3 or pSAG1/14-3-3 developed high levels of IgG2a and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and low levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) compared to control groups (PBS or pBudCE4.1), which suggested a modulated Th1 type immune response (P<0.05). After intraperitoneal challenge with 1×104 tachyzoites of T. gondii (RH strain), the survival time of mice in experimental groups was longer than control groups (P<0.05). Mouse immunized with pSAG1/14-3-3 induced a higher level of IgG antibody response and significantly prolonged the survival time when compared with pSAG1 or p14-3-3 (P<0.05). Conclusions The study suggested that T. gondii 14-3-3 protein can induce effective immune responses in BALB/c mice and was a novel DNA vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis, and the immune protective efficacy elicited by SAG1 gene was also demonstrated. Our results also showed multi-gene vaccine significantly enhanced immune responses and protective efficacy and was superior to the single-gene vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Meng
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, Peoples Republic of China
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Protein palmitoylation and pathogenesis in apicomplexan parasites. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:483969. [PMID: 23093847 PMCID: PMC3470895 DOI: 10.1155/2012/483969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Revised: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites comprise a broad variety of protozoan parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium, Eimeria, and Cryptosporidium species. Being intracellular parasites, the success in establishing pathogenesis relies in their ability to infect a host-cell and replicate within it. Protein palmitoylation is known to affect many aspects of cell biology. Furthermore, palmitoylation has recently been shown to affect important processes in T. gondii such as replication, invasion, and gliding. Thus, this paper focuses on the importance of protein palmitoylation in the pathogenesis of apicomplexan parasites.
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Toxoplasma gondii: bioinformatics analysis, cloning and expression of a novel protein TgIMP1. Exp Parasitol 2012; 132:458-64. [PMID: 23026454 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, infecting a large variety of animals and human beings. In recent years, the study of DNA vaccine against T. gondii has made a great progress; however, few vaccines have completely controlled toxoplasmosis. Thus people started to look for more effective antigenic proteins. Here we report a novel T. gondii protein termed immune mapped protein 1 (TgIMP1). We used multiple bioinformatics approaches to predict the physical and chemical characters, signal peptide, transmembrane domain, epitope, topological structure and function of the protein, and we theoretically determined that the TgIMP1 has multiple epitopes, and with immunogenicity, suggesting that the TgIMP1 may be a vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. Then the gene coding TgIMP1 was obtained by PCR and connected with cloning vector. Recombinant plasmid was identified by PCR, double digestion and sequencing analysis. Then the TgIMP1 gene was directly inserted into the eukaryotic expression vector pBudCE4.1, so that the recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pBudCE4.1-TgIMP1 was constructed. After identification by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion, the recombinant plasmid pBudCE4.1-TgIMP1 was transfected into cells of HFF, and then identified by RT-PCR. The results showed that the eukaryotic expression plasmid pBudCE4.1-TgIMP1 was constructed and was transfected to the HFF cells successfully.
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