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Simpson SJ, Higgins DP, Timms P, Mella VSA, Crowther MS, Fernandez CM, McArthur C, Phillips S, Krockenberger MB. Efficacy of a synthetic peptide Chlamydia pecorum major outer membrane protein vaccine in a wild koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) population. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15087. [PMID: 37699951 PMCID: PMC10497537 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiosis is a significant disease affecting Eastern Australian koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations, impacting individual animal welfare and fecundity and therefore influencing population dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a synthetic peptide vaccine based on 4 components of the Chlamydia pecorum major outer membrane protein (MOMP), over an 18-month period in a koala population severely impacted by chlamydiosis. Wild koalas were recruited into a vaccination or a placebo treatment group on a random allocation, then followed through a period of 18 months, with recapture at 6 monthly intervals. Vaccination did not alter clinical disease expression or chlamydial shedding from the ocular or urogenital sites. Vaccination did not stimulate a significant plasma anti-MOMP IgG response, when compared to the placebo group. There was no significant effect of vaccination on IFN-γ and IL-17A mRNA expression of peripheral blood lymphocytes when stimulated with rMOMP. We have demonstrated that a synthetic peptide vaccination against chlamydiosis is not an effective management tool in a koala population with a high prevalence of C. pecorum infection and related disease. The lack of antigenic response found in this study suggests that further research utilising a larger, full-length antigen is an avenue worth investigation if we are to consider vaccination as a part of a management strategy in diseased koala populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Simpson
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Damien P Higgins
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Valentina S A Mella
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mathew S Crowther
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Cristina M Fernandez
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Clare McArthur
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Samuel Phillips
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | - Mark B Krockenberger
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Microencapsulated IL-12 Drives Genital Tract Immune Responses to Intranasal Gonococcal Outer Membrane Vesicle Vaccine and Induces Resistance to Vaginal Infection with Diverse Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. mSphere 2023; 8:e0038822. [PMID: 36537786 PMCID: PMC9942569 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00388-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
An experimental gonococcal vaccine consisting of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and microsphere (ms)-encapsulated interleukin-12 (IL-12 ms) induces Th1-driven immunity, with circulating and genital antibodies to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, after intravaginal (i.vag.) administration in female mice, and generates resistance to vaginal challenge infection. Because i.vag. administration is inapplicable to males and may not be acceptable to women, we determined whether intranasal (i.n.) administration would generate protective immunity against N. gonorrhoeae. Female and male mice were immunized i.n. with gonococcal OMVs plus IL-12 ms or blank microspheres (blank ms). Responses to i.n. immunization were similar to those with i.vag. immunization, with serum IgG, salivary IgA, and vaginal IgG and IgA antigonococcal antibodies induced when OMVs were administered with IL-12 ms. Male mice responded with serum IgG and salivary IgA antibodies similarly to female mice. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production by CD4+ T cells from iliac lymph nodes was elevated after i.n. or i.vag. immunization with OMVs plus IL-12 ms. Female mice immunized with OMVs plus IL-12 ms by either route resisted challenge with N. gonorrhoeae to an equal extent, and resistance generated by i.n. immunization extended to heterologous strains of N. gonorrhoeae. Detergent-extracted OMVs, which have diminished lipooligosaccharide, generated protective immunity to challenge similar to native OMVs. OMVs from mutant N. gonorrhoeae, in which genes for Rmp and LpxL1 were deleted to eliminate the induction of blocking antibodies against Rmp and diminish lipooligosaccharide endotoxicity, also generated resistance to challenge infection similar to wild-type OMVs when administered i.n. with IL-12 ms. IMPORTANCE We previously demonstrated that female mice can be immunized intravaginally with gonococcal outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) plus microsphere (ms)-encapsulated interleukin-12 (IL-12 ms) to induce antigonococcal antibodies and resistance to genital tract challenge with live Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, this route of vaccination may be impractical for human vaccine development and is inapplicable to males. Because intranasal immunization has previously been shown to induce antibody responses in both male and female genital tracts, we have evaluated this route of immunization with gonococcal OMVs plus IL-12 ms. In addition, we have refined the composition of gonococcal OMVs to reduce the endotoxicity of lipooligosaccharide and to eliminate the membrane protein Rmp, which induces countereffective blocking antibodies. The resulting vaccine may be more suitable for ultimate translation to human application against the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, which is becoming increasingly resistant to treatment with antibiotics.
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Quigley BL, Timms P. Helping koalas battle disease - Recent advances in Chlamydia and koala retrovirus (KoRV) disease understanding and treatment in koalas. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:583-605. [PMID: 32556174 PMCID: PMC8600735 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The iconic Australian marsupial, the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), has suffered dramatic population declines as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, vehicle collision mortality, dog attacks, bushfires and climate change. In 2012, koalas were officially declared vulnerable by the Australian government and listed as a threatened species. In response, research into diseases affecting koalas has expanded rapidly. The two major pathogens affecting koalas are Chlamydia pecorum, leading to chlamydial disease and koala retrovirus (KoRV). In the last eight years, these pathogens and their diseases have received focused study regarding their sources, genetics, prevalence, disease presentation and transmission. This has led to vast improvements in pathogen detection and treatment, including the ongoing development of vaccines for each as a management and control strategy. This review will summarize and highlight the important advances made in understanding and combating C. pecorum and KoRV in koalas, since they were declared a threatened species. With complementary advances having also been made from the koala genome sequence and in our understanding of the koala immune system, we are primed to make a significant positive impact on koala health into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie L Quigley
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast,
90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast,
90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
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Waugh CA, Timms P. A proposed roadmap for the control of infections in wildlife using Chlamydia vaccine development in koalas Phascolarctos cinereus as a template. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A. Waugh
- C. Waugh ✉ , Faculty of Bioscience and Aquaculture, Nord Univ., Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Peter Timms
- P. Timms, Univ. of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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Phillips S, Quigley BL, Timms P. Seventy Years of Chlamydia Vaccine Research - Limitations of the Past and Directions for the Future. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:70. [PMID: 30766521 PMCID: PMC6365973 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a major bacterial pathogen that infects humans, as well as a wide range of animals, including marsupials, birds, cats, pigs, cattle, and sheep. Antibiotics are the only treatment currently available, however, with high rates of re-infection, there is mounting pressure to develop Chlamydia vaccines. In this review, we analyzed how Chlamydia vaccine trials have developed over the past 70 years and identified where future trials need to be focused. There has been a strong bias toward studies targeting C. muridarum and C. trachomatis within mice and a lack of studies matching chlamydial species to their end target host. Even though a large number of specific antigenic targets have been studied, the results from whole-cell vaccine targets show slightly more promising results overall. There has also been a strong bias toward systemic vaccine delivery systems, despite the finding that mucosal delivery systems have shown more promising outcomes. However, the only successful vaccines with matched chlamydial species/infecting host are based on systemic vaccine delivery methods. We highlight the extensive work done with mouse model trials and indicate that whole cell antigenic targets are capable of inducing an effective response, protecting from disease and reducing shedding rates. However, replication of these results using antigen preparations more conducive to commercial vaccine production has proven difficult. To date, the Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) has emerged as the most suitable substitute for whole cell targets and its delivery as a combined systemic and mucosal vaccine is most effective. Finally, although mouse model trials are useful, differences between hosts and infecting chlamydial strains are preventing vaccine formulations from mouse models to be translated into larger animals or intended hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Phillips
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Bonnie L Quigley
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
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Nyari S, Booth R, Quigley BL, Waugh CA, Timms P. Therapeutic effect of a Chlamydia pecorum recombinant major outer membrane protein vaccine on ocular disease in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210245. [PMID: 30615687 PMCID: PMC6322743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is responsible for causing ocular infection and disease which can lead to blindness in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Antibiotics are the current treatment for chlamydial infection and disease in koalas, however, they can be detrimental for the koala’s gastrointestinal tract microbiota and in severe cases, can lead to dysbiosis and death. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects provided by a recombinant chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP) vaccine on ocular disease in koalas. Koalas with ocular disease (unilateral or bilateral) were vaccinated and assessed for six weeks, evaluating any changes to the conjunctival tissue and discharge. Samples were collected pre- and post-vaccination to evaluate both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. We further assessed the infecting C. pecorum genotype, host MHC class II alleles and presence of koala retrovirus type (KoRV-B). Our results clearly showed an improvement in the clinical ocular disease state of all seven koalas, post-vaccination. We observed increases in ocular mucosal IgA antibodies to whole C. pecorum elementary bodies, post-vaccination. We found that systemic cell-mediated immune responses to interferon-γ, interleukin-6 and interleukin-17A were not significantly predictive of ocular disease in koalas. Interestingly, one koala did not have as positive a clinical response (in one eye primarily) and this koala was infected with a C. pecorum genotype (E’) that was not used as part of the vaccine formula (MOMP genotypes A, F and G). The predominant MHC class II alleles identified were DAb*19, DAb*21 and DBb*05, with no two koalas identified with the same genetic sequence. Additionally, KoRV-B, which is associated with chlamydial disease outcome, was identified in two (29%) ocular diseased koalas, which still produced vaccine-induced immune responses and clinical ocular improvements post-vaccination. Our findings show promise for the use of a recombinant chlamydial MOMP vaccine for the therapeutic treatment of ocular disease in koalas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Nyari
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rosemary Booth
- Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, Beerwah, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bonnie L. Quigley
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Courtney A. Waugh
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Nyari S, Khan SA, Rawlinson G, Waugh CA, Potter A, Gerdts V, Timms P. Vaccination of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) against Chlamydia pecorum using synthetic peptides derived from the major outer membrane protein. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200112. [PMID: 29953523 PMCID: PMC6023247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum is a mucosal infection, which causes debilitating disease of the urinary tract, reproductive tract and ocular sites of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). While antibiotics are available for treatment, they are detrimental to the koalas' gastrointestinal tract microflora leaving the implementation of a vaccine as an ideal option for the long-term management of koala populations. We have previously reported on the successes of an anti-chlamydial recombinant major outer membrane protein (rMOMP) vaccine however, recombinant protein based vaccines are not ideal candidates for scale up from the research level to small-medium production level for wider usage. Peptide based vaccines are a promising area for vaccine development, because peptides are stable, cost effective and easily produced. In this current study, we assessed, for the first time, the immune responses to a synthetic peptide based anti-chlamydial vaccine in koalas. Five healthy male koalas were vaccinated with two synthetic peptides derived from C. pecorum MOMP and another five healthy male koalas were vaccinated with full length recombinant C. pecorum MOMP (genotype G). Systemic (IgG) and mucosal (IgA) antibodies were quantified and pre-vaccination levels compared to post-vaccination levels (12 and 26 weeks). MOMP-peptide vaccinated koalas produced Chlamydia-specific IgG and IgA antibodies, which were able to recognise not only the genotype used in the vaccination, but also MOMPs from several other koala C. pecorum genotypes. In addition, IgA antibodies induced at the ocular site not only recognised recombinant MOMP protein but also, whole native chlamydial elementary bodies. Interestingly, some MOMP-peptide vaccinated koalas showed a stronger and more sustained vaccine-induced mucosal IgA antibody response than observed in MOMP-protein vaccinated koalas. These results demonstrate that a synthetic MOMP peptide based vaccine is capable of inducing a Chlamydia-specific antibody response in koalas and is a promising candidate for future vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Nyari
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shahneaz Ali Khan
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Galit Rawlinson
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland, Australia
| | - Courtney A. Waugh
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew Potter
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organisation–International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Volker Gerdts
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organisation–International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Peter Timms
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Prevalence of Chlamydia pecorum in Juvenile Koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus) and Evidence for Protection from Infection via Maternal Immunization. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:863-865. [PMID: 29733767 DOI: 10.7589/2017-07-183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia pecorum in koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus) is considered a sexually transmitted infection. Analysis of samples from koala joeys (<1 yr) suggested that mother-to-young direct transmission was also occurring. Further, evidence suggested that joeys from vaccinated mothers were less likely to contract infections than joeys with unvaccinated mothers.
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McCallum H, Kerlin DH, Ellis W, Carrick F. Assessing the significance of endemic disease in conservation-koalas, chlamydia, and koala retrovirus as a case study. Conserv Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hamish McCallum
- Griffith School of Environment and Environmental Futures Research Institute; Griffith University; Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Douglas H. Kerlin
- Environmental Futures Research Institute; Griffith University; Nathan Queensland 4111 Australia
| | - William Ellis
- School of Agriculture and Food Science; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Frank Carrick
- Koala Study Program, Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Aranda-Uribe IS, Ortega E, Martínez-Cordero E. Immunization of BALB/c mice with pigeon IgY induces the production of anti-IgG autoantibodies. Autoimmunity 2017; 50:336-345. [PMID: 28699799 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2017.1344974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The breakdown of immunological tolerance due to the activation of autoreactive B and T cells triggers physiopathological processes. An example of such conditions is the production of IgG autoantibodies specific for the Fc portion of IgG (anti-Fcγ IgG). Previous reports have shown that patients with pigeon-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis exhibit an increase in the serum levels of anti-Fcγ IgG. There is no in vivo model for the study of this condition and the immunological mechanisms of tolerance breakdown associated with sensitization by pigeon antigens are still unknown. In this work, we show that the repeated immunization of BALB/c mice with pigeon IgY during 16-weeks induces the production of anti-Fcγ IgG and keeps their high levels for seven weeks. The late appearance of anti-Fcγ IgG autoantibodies in the plasma is similar to what has been reported in other experimental autoimmune models. With the occurrence of anti-Fcγ IgG, there is a reduction in the proportion of Foxp3 + cells (regulatory T cells, Tregs) within the population of splenic CD4 + CD25 + T cells. Thus, our data showed that the immunization of BALB/c mice with IgY promotes the production of anti-Fcγ IgG along with a decrease in Tregs in the spleen. We propose that immunization of mice with pigeon antigens, like IgY can provide a model to study the immunological mechanisms involved in the development of pigeon-related hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Sammir Aranda-Uribe
- a Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Posgrado Ciencias Biológicas , México City , México.,b Laboratorio de Autoinmunidad , Unidad de Investigación INER , México City , México
| | - Enrique Ortega
- c Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , México City , México
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Waugh CA, Hanger J, Loader J, King A, Hobbs M, Johnson R, Timms P. Infection with koala retrovirus subgroup B (KoRV-B), but not KoRV-A, is associated with chlamydial disease in free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). Sci Rep 2017; 7:134. [PMID: 28273935 PMCID: PMC5427818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The virulence of chlamydial infection in wild koalas is highly variable between individuals. Some koalas can be infected (PCR positive) with Chlamydia for long periods but remain asymptomatic, whereas others develop clinical disease. Chlamydia in the koala has traditionally been studied without regard to coinfection with other pathogens, although koalas are usually subject to infection with koala retrovirus (KoRV). Retroviruses can be immunosuppressive, and there is evidence of an immunosuppressive effect of KoRV in vitro. Originally thought to be a single endogenous strain, a new, potentially more virulent exogenous variant (KoRV-B) was recently reported. We hypothesized that KoRV-B might significantly alter chlamydial disease outcomes in koalas, presumably via immunosuppression. By studying sub-groups of Chlamydia and KoRV infected koalas in the wild, we found that neither total KoRV load (either viraemia or proviral copies per genome), nor chlamydial infection level or strain type, was significantly associated with chlamydial disease risk. However, PCR positivity with KoRV-B was significantly associated with chlamydial disease in koalas (p = 0.02961). This represents an example of a recently evolved virus variant that may be predisposing its host (the koala) to overt clinical disease when co-infected with an otherwise asymptomatic bacterial pathogen (Chlamydia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Waugh
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jonathan Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, 1695 Pumicestone Rd, Toorbul, 4510, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, 1695 Pumicestone Rd, Toorbul, 4510, Queensland, Australia
| | - Andrew King
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Matthew Hobbs
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Rebecca Johnson
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia.
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Waugh C, Austin R, Polkinghorne A, Timms P. Treatment of Chlamydia-associated ocular disease via a recombinant protein based vaccine in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Biologicals 2016; 44:588-590. [PMID: 27707559 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are affected by debilitating chlamydial disease that can lead to blindness, infertility, and death. The causative agent is the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pecorum. While antibiotics can be used to treat koala chlamydial infection, they are often ineffective or cause severe dysbiosis to the animal's unique gut flora. Recent work has progressed on the development of a protective vaccine for Chlamydia in the koala. This study demonstrates that the use of a vaccine can have a positive effect in koalas already with clinical signs of ocular disease, suggesting a possible therapeutic effect and an alternative to antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Waugh
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ray Austin
- Keen Street Veterinary Clinic, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Peter Timms
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.
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Mangar C, Armitage CW, Timms P, Corcoran LM, Beagley KW. Characterisation of CD4 T cells in healthy and diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) using cell-type-specific monoclonal antibodies. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 60:80-90. [PMID: 26905635 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial that is an Australian icon. Koalas in many parts of Australia are under multiple threats including habitat destruction, dog attacks, vehicular accidents, and infectious diseases such as Chlamydia spp. and the koala retrovirus (KoRV), which may contribute to the incidence of lymphoma and leukaemia in this species. Due to a lack of koala-specific immune reagents and assays there is currently no way to adequately analyse the immune response in healthy, diseased or vaccinated animals. This paper reports the production and characterisation of the first anti-koala CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb). The koala CD4 gene was identified and used to develop recombinant proteins for mAb production. Fluorochrome-conjugated anti-CD4 mAb was used to measure the levels of CD4(+) lymphocytes collected from koala spleens (41.1%, range 20-45.1%) lymph nodes (36.3%, range 19-55.9%) and peripheral blood (23.8%, range 17.3-35%) by flow cytometry. Biotin-conjugated anti-CD4 mAb was used for western blot to determine an approximate size of 52 kDa for the koala CD4 molecule and used in immunohistochemistry to identify CD4(+) cells in the paracortical region and germinal centres of spleen and lymph nodes. Using the anti-CD4 mab we showed that CD4 cells from vaccinated, but not control, koalas proliferated following in vitro stimulation with UV-inactivated Chlamydia pecorum and recombinant chlamydial antigens. Since CD4(+) T cells have been shown to play a pivotal role in clearing chlamydial infection in both human and mouse infections, using this novel antibody will help determine the role CD4(+) T cells play in protection against chlamydial infection in koalas and also enhance our knowledge of how KoRV affects the koala immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandan Mangar
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O Box 4059, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Charles W Armitage
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O Box 4059, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O Box 4059, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of Sunshine Coast (USC), P.O Box, 4556, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynn M Corcoran
- The Walter Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, 3052, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kenneth W Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Queensland University of Technology (QUT), P.O Box 4059, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.
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Khan SA, Desclozeaux M, Waugh C, Hanger J, Loader J, Gerdts V, Potter A, Polkinghorne A, Beagley K, Timms P. Antibody and Cytokine Responses of Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) Vaccinated with Recombinant Chlamydial Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) with Two Different Adjuvants. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156094. [PMID: 27219467 PMCID: PMC4878773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing a vaccine against Chlamydia is key to combating widespread mortalities and morbidities associated with this infection in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). In previous studies, we have shown that two or three doses of a Recombinant Major Outer Membrane Protein (rMOMP) antigen-based vaccine, combined with immune stimulating complex (ISC) adjuvant, results in strong cellular and humoral immune responses in koalas. We have also separately evaluated a single dose vaccine, utilising a tri-adjuvant formula that comprises polyphosphazine based poly I: C and host defense peptides, with the same antigen. This formulation also produced strong cellular and humoral immune responses in captive koalas. In this current study, we directly compared the host immune responses of two sub-groups of wild Chlamydia negative koalas in one population vaccinated with the rMOMP protein antigen and adjuvanted with either the ISC or tri-adjuvant formula. Overall, both adjuvants produced strong Chlamydia-specific cellular (IFN-γ and IL-17A) responses in circulating PBMCs as well as MOMP-specific and functional, in vitro neutralising antibodies. While the immune responses were similar, there were adjuvant-specific immune differences between the two adjuvants, particularly in relation to the specificity of the MOMP epitope antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahneaz Ali Khan
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong, 4202, Bangladesh
| | - Marion Desclozeaux
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Courtney Waugh
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Jon Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, QLD 4510, Australia
| | - Jo Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, QLD 4510, Australia
| | - Volker Gerdts
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organizations, International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Andrew Potter
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organizations, International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 120 Veterinary Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Kenneth Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Waugh C, Khan SA, Carver S, Hanger J, Loader J, Polkinghorne A, Beagley K, Timms P. A Prototype Recombinant-Protein Based Chlamydia pecorum Vaccine Results in Reduced Chlamydial Burden and Less Clinical Disease in Free-Ranging Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146934. [PMID: 26756624 PMCID: PMC4710501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases associated with Chlamydia pecorum infection are a major cause of decline in koala populations in Australia. While koalas in care can generally be treated, a vaccine is considered the only option to effectively reduce the threat of infection and disease at the population level. In the current study, we vaccinated 30 free-ranging koalas with a prototype Chlamydia pecorum vaccine consisting of a recombinant chlamydial MOMP adjuvanted with an immune stimulating complex. An additional cohort of 30 animals did not receive any vaccine and acted as comparison controls. Animals accepted into this study were either uninfected (Chlamydia PCR negative) at time of initial vaccination, or infected (C. pecorum positive) at either urogenital (UGT) and/or ocular sites (Oc), but with no clinical signs of chlamydial disease. All koalas were vaccinated / sampled and then re-released into their natural habitat before re-capturing and re-sampling at 6 and 12 months. All vaccinated koalas produced a strong immune response to the vaccine, as indicated by high titres of specific plasma antibodies. The incidence of new infections in vaccinated koalas over the 12-month period post-vaccination was slightly less than koalas in the control group, however, this was not statistically significant. Importantly though, the vaccine was able to significantly reduce the infectious load in animals that were Chlamydia positive at the time of vaccination. This effect was evident at both the Oc and UGT sites and was stronger at 6 months than at 12 months post-vaccination. Finally, the vaccine was also able to reduce the number of animals that progressed to disease during the 12-month period. While the sample sizes were small (statistically speaking), results were nonetheless striking. This study highlights the potential for successful development of a Chlamydia vaccine for koalas in a wild setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Waugh
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shahneaz Ali Khan
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Queensland, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Jonathan Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, 1695 Pumicestone Rd, Toorbul, 4510, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology, 1695 Pumicestone Rd, Toorbul, 4510, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kenneth Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, 4558, Queensland, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, 4059, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Murthy AK, Li W, Ramsey KH. Immunopathogenesis of Chlamydial Infections. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2016; 412:183-215. [PMID: 27370346 DOI: 10.1007/82_2016_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydial infections lead to a number of clinically relevant diseases and induce significant morbidity in human populations. It is generally understood that certain components of the host immune response to infection also mediate such disease pathologies. A clear understanding of pathogenic mechanisms will enable us to devise better preventive and/or intervention strategies to mitigate the morbidity caused by these infections. Over the years, numerous studies have been conducted to explore the immunopathogenic mechanisms of Chlamydia-induced diseases of the eye, reproductive tract, respiratory tract, and cardiovascular systems. In this article, we provide an overview of the diseases caused by Chlamydia, animal models used to study disease pathology, and a historical context to the efforts to understand chlamydial pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss recent findings regarding pathogenesis, with an emphasis on the role of the adaptive immune response in the development of chlamydial disease sequelae. Finally, we summarize the key insights obtained from studies of chlamydial pathogenesis and avenues that remain to be explored in order to inform the next steps of vaccine development against chlamydial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlesh K Murthy
- Department of Pathology, Midwestern University, 555, 31st Steet, Downers Grove, IL, 60515, USA.
| | - Weidang Li
- Department of Pathology, Midwestern University, 555, 31st Steet, Downers Grove, IL, 60515, USA
| | - Kyle H Ramsey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, 60515, USA
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Khan SA, Polkinghorne A, Waugh C, Hanger J, Loader J, Beagley K, Timms P. Humoral immune responses in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) either naturally infected with Chlamydia pecorum or following administration of a recombinant chlamydial major outer membrane protein vaccine. Vaccine 2015; 34:775-82. [PMID: 26747718 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of a vaccine is a key strategy to combat the widespread and debilitating effects of chlamydial infection in koalas. One such vaccine in development uses recombinant chlamydial major outer membrane protein (rMOMP) as an antigen and has shown promising results in several koala trials. Previous chlamydial vaccine studies, primarily in the mouse model, suggest that both cell-mediated and antibody responses will be required for adequate protection. Recently, the important protective role of antibodies has been highlighted. In our current study, we conducted a detailed analysis of the antibody-mediated immune response in koalas that are either (a) naturally-infected, and/or (b) had received an rMOMP vaccine. Firstly, we observed that naturally-infected koalas had very low levels of Chlamydia pecorum-specific neutralising antibodies. A strong correlation between low IgG total titers/neutralising antibody levels, and higher C. pecorum infection load was also observed in these naturally-infected animals. In vaccinated koalas, we showed that the vaccine was able to boost the humoral immune response by inducing strong levels of C. pecorum-specific neutralising antibodies. A detailed characterisation of the MOMP epitope response was also performed in naturally-infected and vaccinated koalas using a PepScan epitope approach. This analysis identified unique sets of MOMP epitope antibodies between naturally-infected non-protected and diseased koalas, versus vaccinated koalas, with the latter group of animals producing a unique set of specific epitope-directed antibodies that we demonstrated were responsible for the in vitro neutralisation activity. Together, these results show the importance of antibodies in chlamydial infection and immunity following vaccination in the koala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahneaz Ali Khan
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi, Chittagong 4202, Bangladesh.
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia; Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
| | - Courtney Waugh
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
| | - Jon Hanger
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, QLD 4510, Australia.
| | - Jo Loader
- Endeavour Veterinary Ecology Pty Ltd, 1695 Pumicestone Road, Toorbul, QLD 4510, Australia.
| | - Kenneth Beagley
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia.
| | - Peter Timms
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia; Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education & Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558, Australia.
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