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Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, De Sousa MCF, Vigneswaran A, Hofmann L, Amdouni Y, Boubaker G, Müller J, Hemphill A. Working towards the development of vaccines and chemotherapeutics against neosporosis-With all of its ups and downs-Looking ahead. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 124:91-154. [PMID: 38754928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan and obligatory intracellular parasite, which is the leading cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects other farm and domestic animals, but also induces neuromuscular disease in dogs of all ages. In cattle, neosporosis is an important health problem, and has a considerable economic impact. To date there is no protective vaccine or chemotherapeutic treatment on the market. Immuno-prophylaxis has long been considered as the best control measure. Proteins involved in host cell interaction and invasion, as well as antigens mediating inflammatory responses have been the most frequently assessed vaccine targets. However, despite considerable efforts no effective vaccine has been introduced to the market to date. The development of effective compounds to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum tachyzoites has emerged as an alternative or addition to vaccination, provided suitable targets and safe and efficacious drugs can be identified. Additionally, the combination of both treatment strategies might be interesting to further increase protectivity against N. caninum infections and to decrease the duration of treatment and the risk of potential drug resistance. Well-established and standardized animal infection models are key factors for the evaluation of promising vaccine and compound candidates. The vast majority of experimental animal experiments concerning neosporosis have been performed in mice, although in recent years the numbers of experimental studies in cattle and sheep have increased. In this review, we discuss the recent findings concerning the progress in drug and vaccine development against N. caninum infections in mice and ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira De Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Silvarrey C, Alvite G, Esteves A. Nanoparticle formulation for the development of a dog nanovaccine against Cystic Echinococcosis. Biologicals 2024; 85:101737. [PMID: 38101003 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2023.101737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic Echinococcosis is a cosmopolitan zoonosis closely linked to poverty and ignorance. It affects both cattle and humans, causing significant losses to both human and animal health. To date, there is no effective way to combat this. Our proposal focused on the formulation of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and Eudragit-RSPO polymeric nanoparticles, which are suitable to encapsulate an antigen for oral administration in dogs. This antigen, named EgFABP1, belonging to the family of fatty acid-binding proteins, was isolated from the larval form of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. Several reports point to proteins from this family from parasitic flatworms as candidates for a successful vaccine, considering the restricted lipid metabolism of these organisms. The encapsulation of the antigen yielded an efficiency higher than 50 %, and the nanoparticles showed the expected size range. In addition, antigen integrity was conserved and the formulation was resistant to artificial gastric and intestinal fluid effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Silvarrey
- Sección Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Gabriela Alvite
- Sección Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Adriana Esteves
- Sección Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Fereig RM, Nishikawa Y. Urological detection of specific antibodies against Neospora caninum infection in mice: A prospect for novel diagnostic approach of Neospora. Exp Parasitol 2020; 216:107942. [PMID: 32598889 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular protozoan parasite Neospora caninum is incriminated to induce drastic economic losses in both livestock and pet animal industries. Neosporosis is primarily characterized by abortion in cattle and paralytic symptoms in dogs. Because there are no effective treatments or vaccines, diagnosis is critical for Neospora control. Thus, diversification of laboratory tests and specimens used for diagnosis of N. caninum is an essential scientific endeavor to judge and select the most appropriate diagnostic tool. Herein, we provide the first evidence for the utility of urine samples for demonstration of specific antibodies against N. caninum employing an experimentally infected murine model. Specific antibodies to recombinant N. caninum dense granule 7, surface antigen 1, and lysate antigen were assayed using different antibodies-based ELISAs. Urine based IgG ELISA efficiently discriminated between infected mice (acute or chronic infection), and those of non-infected mice. This effect was also noticed for IgG1 and IgG2a suggesting the utility of urine for assessment of T-helper 2- and T-helper 1-mediated immunities, respectively. In addition, reactivity of specific antibody in urine was also confirmed against parasites when indirect fluorescent antibody test was employed. Usefulness of urine as an additional clinical sample for Neospora diagnosis was confirmed via comparison with the relevant control non-infected and infected mouse sera as reference samples. Because of minimum invasiveness and ease of urine collection, this approach might offer new diagnostic opportunities for N. caninum either for the field or research purposes. However, further studies are required to extrapolate this preliminary study and results in the animal species of interest particularly in dogs.
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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, 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena, 83523, Egypt
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Bengoa-Luoni SA, Corigliano MG, Sánchez-López E, Albarracín RM, Legarralde A, Ganuza A, Clemente M, Sander VA. The potential of a DIVA-like recombinant vaccine composed by rNcSAG1 and rAtHsp81.2 against vertical transmission in a mouse model of congenital neosporosis. Acta Trop 2019; 198:105094. [PMID: 31323195 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is the etiological agent of neosporosis, a worldwide infectious disease recognized as the major cause of abortions and reproductive failures in livestock, responsible for significant economic losses in cattle industries. Currently, there are not cost-effective control options for this pathology, and the development of a vaccine involving new and integrated approaches is highly recommended. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenic and protective efficacy, as well as the potential DIVA (Differentiation of Infected from Vaccinated Animals) character of a recombinant subunit vaccine composed by the major surface antigen from N. caninum (NcSAG1) and the carrier/adjuvant heat shock protein 81.2 from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtHsp81.2) in a mouse model of congenital neosporosis. BALB/c female mice were intraperitoneal (i.p.) immunized with a mixture of equimolar quantities of rNcSAG1 and rAtHSP81.2 or each protein alone (rNcSAG1 or rAtHsp81.2). The vaccine containing a mixture of rNcSAG1 and rAtHsp81.2 significantly enhanced the production of specific anti-rNcSAG1 total IgG (tIgG), IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies in immunized mice when compared to control groups (non-vaccinated and rAtHsp81.2 immunized mice) as well as to the group of mice immunized only with the antigen (rNcSAG1). In addition, partial protection against vertical transmission and improvement of the offspring survival time was observed in this group. On the other hand, rAtHsp81.2 induced the production of specific anti-rAtHsp81.2 tIgG, allowing us to differentiate vaccinated from infected mice. Despite further experiments have to be made in cattle to test the capability of this vaccine formulation to differentiate vaccinated from infected animals in the field, our results suggest that the formulation composed by rNcSAG1 and rAtHsp81.2 could serve as a basis for the development of a new vaccine approach against bovine neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ariel Legarralde
- Unidad de Biotecnología 6-UB6, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Agustina Ganuza
- Unidad de Biotecnología 2-UB2, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Consejo de Investigaciones Científicas (CIC) de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Marina Clemente
- Unidad de Biotecnología 6-UB6, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Chascomús, Argentina.
| | - Valeria A Sander
- Unidad de Biotecnología 6-UB6, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Chascomús, Argentina.
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Fereig RM, Shimoda N, Abdelbaky HH, Kuroda Y, Nishikawa Y. Neospora GRA6 possesses immune-stimulating activity and confers efficient protection against Neospora caninum infection in mice. Vet Parasitol 2019; 267:61-68. [PMID: 30878088 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination has the potential to be the most cost-effective control measure for reducing the economic burden of neosporosis in cattle. In this study, the immune-stimulatory effect of recombinant Neospora caninum dense granule protein 6 (NcGRA6) was confirmed via its triggering of IL-12p40 production in murine macrophages. BALB/c mice were immunized with recombinant NcGRA6 fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein with or without oligomannose-coated-liposomes (OMLs) as the potential adjuvant. Specific IgG1 antibody production was observed from 21 and 35 days after the first immunization in NcGRA6+GST- and NcGRA6+GST-OML-immunized mice, respectively. However, specific IgG2a was detected 1 week after the infection, and IgG2a levels of the NcGRA6+GST- group were higher than those of the NcGRA6+GST-OML-group. Moreover, spleen cell proliferation with concomitant interferon-gamma production was detected in mice immunized with NcGRA6+GST, indicating that a significant cellular immune response was induced. Mouse survival rates against N. caninum challenge infection were 91.7% for NcGRA6+GST and 83.3% for NcGRA6+GST-OML, which were significantly higher than those of control groups (GST-OML: 25%, phosphate-buffered saline: 16.7%). This indicates that naked NcGRA6+GST induced protective immunity. Thus, our findings highlight the immune-stimulating potential of NcGRA6 and the ability to induce protective immunity against N. caninum infection in mice.
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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 080-8555, Japan; Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena City, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Naomi Shimoda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Hanan H Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kuroda
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Kita-kaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Jesus S, Fragal EH, Rubira AF, Muniz EC, Valente AJM, Borges O. The Inclusion of Chitosan in Poly-ε-caprolactone Nanoparticles: Impact on the Delivery System Characteristics and on the Adsorbed Ovalbumin Secondary Structure. AAPS PharmSciTech 2018; 19:101-113. [PMID: 28612189 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-017-0822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This report extensively explores the benefits of including chitosan into poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) to obtain an improved protein/antigen delivery system. Blend NPs (PCL/chitosan NPs) showed improved protein adsorption efficacy (84%) in low shear stress and aqueous environment, suggesting that a synergistic effect between PCL hydrophobic nature and the positive charges of chitosan present at the particle surface was responsible for protein interaction. Additionally, thermal analysis suggested the blend NPs were more stable than the isolated polymers and cytotoxicity assays in a primary cell culture revealed chitosan inclusion in PCL NPs reduced the toxicity of the delivery system. A quantitative 6-month stability study showed that the inclusion of chitosan in PCL NPs did not induce a change in adsorbed ovalbumin (OVA) secondary structure characterized by the increase in the unordered conformation (random coil), as it was observed for OVA adsorbed to chitosan NPs. Additionally, the slight conformational changes occurred, are not expected to compromise ovalbumin secondary structure and activity, during a 6-month storage even at high temperatures (45°C). In simulated biological fluids, PCL/chitosan NPs showed an advantageous release profile for oral delivery. Overall, the combination of PCL and chitosan characteristics provide PCL/chitosan NPs valuable features particularly important to the development of vaccines for developing countries, where it is difficult to ensure cold chain transportation and non-parenteral formulations would be preferred.
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Sinnott FA, Monte LG, Collares TF, Silveira RM, Borsuk S. Review on the immunological and molecular diagnosis of neosporosis (years 2011–2016). Vet Parasitol 2017; 239:19-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Evaluation of methylene blue, pyrimethamine and its combination on an in vitro Neospora caninum model. Parasitology 2017; 144:827-833. [PMID: 28073383 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016002584] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite strongly related to reproductive problems in cattle. The neosporosis control is not well established and several fronts are under development, predominantly based on immune protection, immunomodulation and chemotherapy. The use of anti-malarial drugs as therapeutic sources has, in theory, considerable potential for any apicomplexan. Drugs such as methylene blue (MB) and pyrimethamine (Pyr) represent therapeutic options for malaria; thus, their use for neosporosis should be assessed. In this work, we tested the effects of MB and Pyr on N. caninum proliferation and clearance, using LacZ-tagged tachyzoites. The drugs inhibited at nanomolar dosages and its combination demonstrated an antagonistic interaction in proliferation assays, according to the Chou and Talalay method for drug combination index. However, the drug combination significantly improved the parasite in vitro clearance. The repositioning of well-established drugs opens a short-term strategy to obtain low-cost therapeutics approaches against neosporosis.
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Calderón-Gonzalez R, Terán-Navarro H, Frande-Cabanes E, Ferrández-Fernández E, Freire J, Penadés S, Marradi M, García I, Gomez-Román J, Yañez-Díaz S, Álvarez-Domínguez C. Pregnancy Vaccination with Gold Glyco-Nanoparticles Carrying Listeria monocytogenes Peptides Protects against Listeriosis and Brain- and Cutaneous-Associated Morbidities. NANOMATERIALS 2016; 6:nano6080151. [PMID: 28335280 PMCID: PMC5224619 DOI: 10.3390/nano6080151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Listeriosis is a fatal infection for fetuses and newborns with two clinical main morbidities in the neonatal period, meningitis and diffused cutaneous lesions. In this study, we vaccinated pregnant females with two gold glyconanoparticles (GNP) loaded with two peptides, listeriolysin peptide 91-99 (LLO91-99) or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1-22 peptide (GAPDH1-22). Neonates born to vaccinated mothers were free of bacteria and healthy, while non-vaccinated mice presented clear brain affections and cutaneous diminishment of melanocytes. Therefore, these nanoparticle vaccines are effective measures to offer pregnant mothers at high risk of listeriosis interesting therapies that cross the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Calderón-Gonzalez
- Grupo de Nanovacunas y Vaculas Celulares Basadas en Listeria y Sus Aplicaciones en Biomedicina, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria S/N, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Héctor Terán-Navarro
- Grupo de Nanovacunas y Vaculas Celulares Basadas en Listeria y Sus Aplicaciones en Biomedicina, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria S/N, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Elisabet Frande-Cabanes
- Grupo de Nanovacunas y Vaculas Celulares Basadas en Listeria y Sus Aplicaciones en Biomedicina, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria S/N, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Eva Ferrández-Fernández
- Grupo de Nanovacunas y Vaculas Celulares Basadas en Listeria y Sus Aplicaciones en Biomedicina, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria S/N, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Javier Freire
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Valdecilla 25, 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Soledad Penadés
- CIC-biomaGUNE. P de Miramon, 20009 San Sebastian, Gipuzcoa, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioingeneering, Nanomaterials and Nanomedine (CIBER-BBN), P de Miramon 182, 20009 San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Marco Marradi
- CIC-biomaGUNE. P de Miramon, 20009 San Sebastian, Gipuzcoa, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioingeneering, Nanomaterials and Nanomedine (CIBER-BBN), P de Miramon 182, 20009 San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Valdecilla 25, 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Isabel García
- CIC-biomaGUNE. P de Miramon, 20009 San Sebastian, Gipuzcoa, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioingeneering, Nanomaterials and Nanomedine (CIBER-BBN), P de Miramon 182, 20009 San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.
| | - Javier Gomez-Román
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Valdecilla 25, 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Sonsoles Yañez-Díaz
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Valdecilla 25, 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
| | - Carmen Álvarez-Domínguez
- Grupo de Nanovacunas y Vaculas Celulares Basadas en Listeria y Sus Aplicaciones en Biomedicina, Instituto de Investigación Marqués de Valdecilla, Avda. Cardenal Herrera Oria S/N, 39011 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.
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Horcajo P, Regidor-Cerrillo J, Aguado-Martínez A, Hemphill A, Ortega-Mora LM. Vaccines for bovine neosporosis: current status and key aspects for development. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:709-723. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Horcajo
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - J. Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
| | - A. Aguado-Martínez
- Institute of Parasitology; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - A. Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology; Vetsuisse Faculty; University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
| | - L. M. Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET; Animal Health Department; Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Complutense University of Madrid; Madrid Spain
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Approaches for the vaccination and treatment of Neospora caninum infections in mice and ruminant models. Parasitology 2015; 143:245-59. [PMID: 26626124 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015001596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is a leading cause of abortion in cattle, and is thus an important veterinary health problem of high economic significance. Vaccination has been considered a viable strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis. Different approaches have been investigated, and to date the most promising results have been achieved with live-attenuated vaccines. Subunit vaccines have also been studied, and most of them represented components that are functionally involved in (i) the physical interaction between the parasite and its host cell during invasion or (ii) tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite stage conversion. Drugs have been considered as an option to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum. Promising results with a small panel of compounds in small laboratory animal models indicate the potential value of a chemotherapeutical approach for the prevention of neosporosis in ruminants. For both, vaccines and drugs, the key for success in preventing vertical transmission lies in the application of bioactive compounds that limit parasite proliferation and dissemination, without endangering the developing fetus not only during an exogenous acute infection but also during recrudescence of a chronic infection. In this review, the current status of vaccine and drug development is presented and novel strategies against neosporosis are discussed.
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A vaccine formulation combining rhoptry proteins NcROP40 and NcROP2 improves pup survival in a pregnant mouse model of neosporosis. Vet Parasitol 2015; 207:203-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Monney T, Hemphill A. Vaccines against neosporosis: what can we learn from the past studies? Exp Parasitol 2014; 140:52-70. [PMID: 24602874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite, which is a leading cause of abortion in cattle; thus neosporosis represents an important veterinary health problem and is of high economic significance. The parasite can infect cattle via trans-placental transmission from an infected cow to its fetus (vertical transmission), or through the oral route via ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts that were previously shed with the feces of a canid definitive host (horizontal transmission). Although vaccination was considered a rational strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis, the only commercialized vaccine (Neoguard®) produced ambiguous results with relatively low efficacy, and was recently removed from the market. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient vaccine capable of preventing both, the horizontal transmission through infected food or water to a naïve animal as well as the vertical transmission from infected but clinically asymptomatic dams to the fetus. Different vaccine strategies have been investigated, including the use of live attenuated vaccines, killed parasite lysates, total antigens or antigen fractions from killed parasites, and subunit vaccines. The vast majority of experimental studies were performed in mice, and to a certain extent in gerbils, but there is also a large number of investigations that were conducted in cattle and sheep. However, it is difficult to directly compare these studies due to the high variability of the parameters employed. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances made in vaccine development against N. caninum in cattle and in mice and highlight the most important factors, which are likely to influence the degree of protection mediated by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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Clinical outcome and vertical transmission variability among canine Neospora caninum isolates in a pregnant mouse model of infection. Parasitology 2013; 141:356-66. [PMID: 24148606 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182013001479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
We compared the clinical outcome and vertical transmission of six canine Neospora caninum isolates using a pregnant BALB/c model. Four of the isolates were obtained from oocysts of naturally infected dogs (Nc-Ger2, Nc-Ger3, Nc-Ger6 and Nc-6Arg) and two were from diseased dogs with neurological signs (Nc-Bahia and Nc-Liv). The dams were inoculated with 2×106 tachyzoites of each isolate at day 7 of pregnancy. Morbidity, mortality and the antibody responses were evaluated in both the dams and the offspring, as was parasite transmission to the progeny. The mortality rates varied from 100% in Nc-Bahia and Nc-Liv-infected pups to 19% or less for those infected with the isolates from oocysts. The vertical transmission rates varied from 9 to 53% for N. caninum from oocysts, compared with 100% for the Nc-Liv and Nc-Bahia isolates. All dams showed specific IgG responses against tachyzoite and rNc-GRA7 antigens, confirming Neospora infection. The highest IgG levels were detected in mice inoculated with the Nc-Liv and Nc-Bahia isolates. These results demonstrate marked differences in virulence between the N. caninum isolates obtained from oocysts and neurologically affected dogs. This variability could help us to explain the differences in the outcome of the infection in definitive and intermediate hosts.
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Monney T, Grandgirard D, Leib SL, Hemphill A. Use of a Th1 Stimulator Adjuvant for Vaccination against Neospora caninum Infection in the Pregnant Mouse Model. Pathogens 2013; 2:193-208. [PMID: 25437035 PMCID: PMC4235717 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens2020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission from an infected cow to its fetus accounts for the vast majority of new Neospora caninum infections in cattle. A vaccine composed of a chimeric antigen named recNcMIC3-1-R, based on predicted immunogenic domains of the two microneme proteins NcMIC1 and NcMIC3, the rhoptry protein NcROP2, and emulsified in saponin adjuvants, significantly reduced the cerebral infection in non-pregnant BALB/c mice. Protection was associated with a mixed Th1/Th2-type cytokine response. However, the same vaccine formulation elicited a Th2-type immune response in pregnant mice and did not prevent vertical transmission or disease, neither in dams nor in offspring mice. In this study, an alternative vaccine formulation containing recNcMIC3-1-R emulsified in Freund’s incomplete adjuvant, a stimulator of the cellular immunity, was investigated. No protection against vertical transmission and cerebral infection in the pregnant mice and a very limited protective effect in the non-pregnant mice were observed. The vaccine induced a Th1-type immune response characterized by high IgG2a titres and strong IFN-γ expression, which appeared detrimental to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Denis Grandgirard
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Berne, Friedbühlstrasse 51, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Stephen L Leib
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Berne, Friedbühlstrasse 51, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland.
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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Jiménez-Ruiz E, Álvarez-García G, Aguado-Martínez A, Ortega-Mora LM. Mice congenitally infected with low-to-moderate virulence Neospora caninum isolates exhibited clinical reactivation during the mating period without transmission to the next generation. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:244-8. [PMID: 23501806 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous transplacental transmission (EnTT) is the major transmission route of Neospora caninum in cattle. Thus, the development of a standardised experimental model of EnTT is needed for more appropriate testing of parasite biology and control strategies. A recent study reported up to 40-50% EnTT rates in chronically infected dams with either high or low-to-moderate virulence isolates, although low fertility rates were observed in dams inoculated with the high virulence isolate. Therefore, low-to-moderate virulence N. caninum isolates (Nc-Spain 3H; G1 and Nc-Spain 8; G2) that previously showed high TT rates versus low mortality and morbidity rates in a congenital mouse model were inoculated into BALB/c dams (first generation). The new approach followed in the present study aimed to start with a high number of congenitally infected mice (second generation), which allowed a more efficient EnTT from congenitally infected dams to their progeny (third generation). Interestingly, a reactivation of infection occurred in several congenitally infected non-pregnant females (second generation) from both infected groups. This fact was evidenced by neosporosis-associated clinical signs after mating accompanied by an increase of specific antibody levels (IgG1, IgG2a and specific antibodies against rNcGRA7) (P<0.0001; one-way ANOVA). Moreover, a higher number of PCR-positive mice compared to pregnant females were observed (P<0.05; Fisher's exact test). These results support the hypothesis that only mice without clinical signs and with a low parasite burden in the brain became pregnant, which may explain the posterior failure in inducing EnTT from the second to the third generation. These findings confirm that this mouse model is not a suitable experimental EnTT model for testing the efficacy of drugs and vaccine candidates against EnTT. The employment of other putative suitable species with a similar placenta structure, such as small ruminants, should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Jiménez-Ruiz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Specific antibody responses against Neospora caninum recombinant rNcGRA7, rNcSAG4, rNcBSR4 and rNcSRS9 proteins are correlated with virulence in mice. Parasitology 2013; 140:569-79. [PMID: 23343779 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182012002041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The intraspecific diversity of Neospora caninum is a determinant for in vivo parasite virulence and in vitro parasite behaviour. The relationship between isolate virulence and specific antibody responses against key parasite proteins has not been well characterized. The response kinetics and the differences in specific anti-rNcGRA7, -rNcSAG4, -rNcBSR4 and -rNcSRS9 antibody levels were analysed by recombinant protein-based ELISA in groups of mice inoculated with 10 different N. caninum isolates that differ in their virulence. The majority of the virulence parameters analysed correlated with the specific antibody levels against the 4 recombinant proteins. The antibodies developed against the highly immunogenic protein NcGRA7 were significantly higher in mice inoculated with high virulence isolates than in those inoculated with low-to-moderate virulence isolates in both non-pregnant and pregnant mouse models. Moreover, these levels were correlated with the anti-N. caninum IgG1 and IgG2a responses and the in vitro tachyzoite yield at 56 h. The antibodies directed against the bradyzoite-specific proteins were not detected in a non-pregnant mouse model. However, some seropositive mice were found in groups inoculated with high virulence isolates in a pregnant mouse model. NcGRA7 and NcSAG4 are proteins clearly correlated with virulence, and to a lesser extent NcBSR4 and NcSRS9 proteins. Moreover, antibodies to bradyzoite-specific proteins appear to also be related to virulence in mice. Further analyses should be performed in order to verify the usefulness of these proteins as predictive markers for virulence in an experimental bovine model of neosporosis.
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Lei H, Tian Y, Chen W, Wang X, Li X, Mao Q, Sun J, Li R, Xu Y, Liang C, Huang Y, Yu X. The biochemical and immunological characterization of two serpins from Clonorchis sinensis. Mol Biol Rep 2012; 40:3977-85. [PMID: 23275238 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-012-2475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Serpins (serine proteinase inhibitors) are evidenced to regulate numerous biological processes such as immunoregulation in parasitic helminths. The functions of serpins from Clonorchis sinensis remain unclear to date. In this study, two serpin genes, respectively denominated as CsproSERPIN and CsSERPIN2, had been selected from metacercaria cDNA library of C. sinensis. The biochemical activities of both recombinant proteins (rCsproSERPIN and rCsSERPIN2) were analyzed by assays of inhibition on some serine or cysteine proteases, the results showed that rCsproSERPIN significantly inhibited trypsin, chymotrypsin and thrombin, while rCsSERPIN2 inhibited only chymotrypsin. Moreover, cytokine and antibody measurements indicated that rats subcutaneously immunized with rCsproSERPIN and rCsSERPIN2 respectively developed a strong IFN-γ production and IgG2a levers of sera were higher than IgG1. Besides, immunoblot assays revealed that the rCsproSERPIN and rCsSERPIN2 could be recognized by the sera of rats infected with C. sinensis and the sera of rabbits immunized by excretory/secretory products. Furthermore, immunofluorescence assays illuminated the two were similarly localized in the reproductive organs such as vitelline glands, testis and eggs in adult stage. In short, all the results collectively indicated that CsproSERPIN and CsSERPIN2 might play important role in the parasite development by preventing the parasite from digestion by exogenous serine proteases, as well as CsproSERPIN and CsSERPIN2 probably involved in immunoregulation of host by inducing Th1-biased type cytokines in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Lei
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
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Uchida M, Nagashima K, Akatsuka Y, Murakami T, Ito A, Imai S, Ike K. Comparative study of protective activities of Neospora caninum bradyzoite antigens, NcBAG1, NcBSR4, NcMAG1, and NcSAG4, in a mouse model of acute parasitic infection. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:655-63. [PMID: 23229317 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes severe neuromuscular diseases, repeated abortion, stillbirth, and congenital infection in livestock and companion animals. The development of an effective vaccine against neosporosis in cattle is an important issue due to the significant worldwide economic impact of this disease. We evaluated the immunogenicity of four bradyzoite antigens, NcBAG1 (first described in this study), NcBSR4, NcMAG1, and NcSAG4, using an acute infection mouse model to determine synergistic effects with the tachyzoite antigen as a candidate for vaccine production. Mice were inoculated with the recombinant vaccines (r-)NcBAG1, rNcBSR4, rNcMAG1, rNcSAG4, or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (adjuvant control group) in an oil-in-water emulsion with bitter gourd extract, a Th1 immune stimulator, or PBS alone as the infection control group. Mice inoculated with each vaccine developed antigen-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies and isolated splenocytes from mice produced high levels of interferon-γ when infected with the N. caninum tachyzoite. The mice inoculated with rNcBAG1, rNcMAG1, or rNcSAG4 developed slight to moderate clinical symptoms but did not succumb to infection. In contrast, rNcBSR4 and both control groups developed severe disease and some mice required euthanasia. The parasitic burden in the brain tissues of vaccinated mice was assessed by N. caninum-specific real-time PCR at 5 weeks after infection. The parasite load in rNcBAG1-, rNcMAG1-, and rNcSAG4-inoculated mice was significantly lower than that in adjuvant and infection control mice. Therefore, these antigens may be useful for the production of a N. caninum-specific vaccination protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Uchida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyonan, Musashino, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
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Low rates of Neospora caninum infection reactivation during gestation are observed in both chronically and congenitally infected mice. Parasitology 2012; 140:220-8. [PMID: 23058003 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182012001515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous transplacental transmission (EnTT) of Neospora caninum is the most common route of infection in cattle and occurs as a consequence of a reactivation of N. caninum infection that may lead to abortion or to the birth of congenitally infected calves. The reactivation of N. caninum infection was studied during the gestation of chronically infected dams and, for the first time, in their congenitally infected pups. BALB/c mice were infected with Nc-Spain 7 (Group 1) or Nc-Spain 3H (Group 2), high virulence isolates and low-to-moderate virulence isolates, respectively. The mice were mated after 90 days post-infection, and the morbidity, mortality, vertical transmission and humoral immune responses were recorded for 2 consecutive generations. In the first generation, higher morbidity and mortality rates were observed in G1 before mating than in G2 (P < 0·0001). In the second generation, low vertical transmission rates were observed in both inoculated groups (7·7% and 17·1% in G1 and G2, respectively) and were significantly diminished in the third generation (8·7% in G2 versus 0% in G1). Low rates of reactivation of N. caninum infection were induced in chronically infected mice and decreased in subsequent generations regardless of the isolate employed in the inoculations. Thus, further studies are needed to improve this reactivation mouse model.
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