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Ibnidris A, Liaskos N, Eldem E, Gunn A, Streffer J, Gold M, Rea M, Teipel S, Gardiol A, Boccardi M. Facilitating the use of the target product profile in academic research: a systematic review. J Transl Med 2024; 22:693. [PMID: 39075460 PMCID: PMC11288132 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05476-1] [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: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Target Product Profile (TPP) is a tool used in industry to guide development strategies by addressing user needs and fostering effective communication among stakeholders. However, they are not frequently used in academic research, where they may be equally useful. This systematic review aims to extract the features of accessible TPPs, to identify commonalities and facilitate their integration in academic research methodology. METHODS We searched peer-reviewed papers published in English developing TPPs for different products and health conditions in four biomedical databases. Interrater agreement, computed on random abstract and paper sets (Cohen's Kappa; percentage agreement with zero tolerance) was > 0.91. We interviewed experts from industry contexts to gain insight on the process of TPP development, and extracted general and specific features on TPP use and structure. RESULTS 138 papers were eligible for data extraction. Of them, 92% (n = 128) developed a new TPP, with 41.3% (n = 57) focusing on therapeutics. The addressed disease categories were diverse; the largest (47.1%, n = 65) was infectious diseases. Only one TPP was identified for several fields, including global priorities like dementia. Our analyses found that 56.5% of papers (n = 78) was authored by academics, and 57.8% of TPPs (n = 80) featured one threshold level of product performance. The number of TPP features varied widely across and within product types (n = 3-44). Common features included purpose/context of use, shelf life for drug stability and validation aspects. Most papers did not describe the methods used to develop the TPP. We identified aspects to be taken into account to build and report TPPs, as a starting point for more focused initiatives guiding use by academics. DISCUSSION TPPs are used in academic research mostly for infectious diseases and have heterogeneous features. Our extraction of key features and common structures helps to understand the tool and widen its use in academia. This is of particular relevance for areas of notable unmet needs, like dementia. Collaboration between stakeholders is key for innovation. Tools to streamline communication such as TPPs would support the development of products and services in academia as well as industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliaa Ibnidris
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock-Greifswald site, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nektarios Liaskos
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock-Greifswald site, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine (EATRIS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ece Eldem
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock-Greifswald site, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Streffer
- Reference Center for Biological Markers of Dementia (BIODEM), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michael Gold
- AriLex Life Sciences LLC, 780 Elysian Way, Deerfield, IL, 60015, USA
| | | | - Stefan Teipel
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock-Greifswald site, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Alejandra Gardiol
- European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine (EATRIS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Marina Boccardi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock-Greifswald site, Gehlsheimer Str. 20, 18147, Rostock, Germany.
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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Zumuk CP, Jones MK, Navarro S, Gray DJ, You H. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines against Schistosomiasis Japonica. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1707. [PMID: 38338980 PMCID: PMC10855202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031707] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Control of schistosomiasis japonica, endemic in Asia, including the Philippines, China, and Indonesia, is extremely challenging. Schistosoma japonicum is a highly pathogenic helminth parasite, with disease arising predominantly from an immune reaction to entrapped parasite eggs in tissues. Females of this species can generate 1000-2200 eggs per day, which is about 3- to 15-fold greater than the egg output of other schistosome species. Bovines (water buffalo and cattle) are the predominant definitive hosts and are estimated to generate up to 90% of parasite eggs released into the environment in rural endemic areas where these hosts and humans are present. Here, we highlight the necessity of developing veterinary transmission-blocking vaccines for bovines to better control the disease and review potential vaccine candidates. We also point out that the approach to producing efficacious transmission-blocking animal-based vaccines before moving on to human vaccines is crucial. This will result in effective and feasible public health outcomes in agreement with the One Health concept to achieve optimum health for people, animals, and the environment. Indeed, incorporating a veterinary-based transmission vaccine, coupled with interventions such as human mass drug administration, improved sanitation and hygiene, health education, and snail control, would be invaluable to eliminating zoonotic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika P. Zumuk
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Severine Navarro
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Hong You
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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Salmonella Typhimurium expressing chromosomally integrated Schistosoma mansoni Cathepsin B protects against schistosomiasis in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:27. [PMID: 36849453 PMCID: PMC9969381 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00599-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis threatens hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The larval stage of Schistosoma mansoni migrates through the lung and adult worms reside adjacent to the colonic mucosa. Several candidate vaccines are in preclinical development, but none is designed to elicit both systemic and mucosal responses. We have repurposed an attenuated Salmonella enterica Typhimurium strain (YS1646) to express Cathepsin B (CatB), a digestive enzyme important for the juvenile and adult stages of the S. mansoni life cycle. Previous studies have demonstrated the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of our plasmid-based vaccine. Here, we have generated chromosomally integrated (CI) YS1646 strains that express CatB to produce a viable candidate vaccine for eventual human use (stability, no antibiotic resistance). 6-8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated in a multimodal oral (PO) and intramuscular (IM) regimen, and then sacrificed 3 weeks later. The PO + IM group had significantly higher anti-CatB IgG titers with greater avidity and mounted significant intestinal anti-CatB IgA responses compared to PBS control mice (all P < 0.0001). Multimodal vaccination generated balanced TH1/TH2 humoral and cellular immune responses. Production of IFNγ by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was confirmed by flow cytometry (P < 0.0001 & P < 0.01). Multimodal vaccination reduced worm burden by 80.4%, hepatic egg counts by 75.2%, and intestinal egg burden by 78.4% (all P < 0.0001). A stable and safe vaccine that has both prophylactic and therapeutic activity would be ideal for use in conjunction with praziquantel mass treatment campaigns.
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4
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Recent Advances in the Development of Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines for Parasitic Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030334. [PMID: 36986434 PMCID: PMC10058461 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against parasites have lagged centuries behind those against viral and bacterial infections, despite the devastating morbidity and widespread effects of parasitic diseases across the globe. One of the greatest hurdles to parasite vaccine development has been the lack of vaccine strategies able to elicit the complex and multifaceted immune responses needed to abrogate parasitic persistence. Viral vectors, especially adenovirus (AdV) vectors, have emerged as a potential solution for complex disease targets, including HIV, tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases, to name a few. AdVs are highly immunogenic and are uniquely able to drive CD8+ T cell responses, which are known to be correlates of immunity in infections with most protozoan and some helminthic parasites. This review presents recent developments in AdV-vectored vaccines targeting five major human parasitic diseases: malaria, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis. Many AdV-vectored vaccines have been developed for these diseases, utilizing a wide variety of vectors, antigens, and modes of delivery. AdV-vectored vaccines are a promising approach for the historically challenging target of human parasitic diseases.
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Perera DJ, Hassan AS, Liu SS, Elahi SM, Gadoury C, Weeratna RD, Gilbert R, Ndao M. A low dose adenovirus vectored vaccine expressing Schistosoma mansoni Cathepsin B protects from intestinal schistosomiasis in mice. EBioMedicine 2022; 80:104036. [PMID: 35500538 PMCID: PMC9065910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is an underestimated neglected tropical disease which affects over 236.6 million people worldwide. According to the CDC, the impact of this disease is second to only malaria as the most devastating parasitic infection. Affected individuals manifest chronic pathology due to egg granuloma formation, destroying the liver over time. The only FDA approved drug, praziquantel, does not protect individuals from reinfection, highlighting the need for a prophylactic vaccine. Schistosoma mansoni Cathepsin B (SmCB) is a parasitic gut peptidase necessary for helminth growth and maturation and confers protection as a vaccine target for intestinal schistosomiasis. METHODS An SmCB expressing human adenovirus serotype 5 (AdSmCB) was constructed and delivered intramuscularly to female C57BL/6 mice in a heterologous prime and boost vaccine with recombinant protein. Vaccine induced immunity was described and subsequent protection from parasite infection was assessed by analysing parasite burden and liver pathology. FINDINGS Substantially higher humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, consisting of IgG2c, Th1 effectors, and polyfunctional CD4+ T cells, were induced by the heterologous administration of AdSmCB when compared to the other regimens. Though immune responses favoured Th1 immunity, Th2 responses provided by SmCB protein boosts were maintained. This mixed Th1/Th2 immune response resulted in significant protection from S. mansoni infection comparable to other vaccine formulations which are in clinical trials. Schistosomiasis associated liver pathology was also prevented in a murine model. INTERPRETATION Our study provides missing preclinical data supporting the use of adenoviral vectoring in vaccines for S. mansoni infection. Our vaccination method significantly reduces parasite burden and its associated liver pathology - both of which are critical considerations for this helminth vaccine. FUNDING This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, R. Howard Webster Foundation, and the Foundation of the McGill University Health Centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilhan J Perera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Room: EM3.3244, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Adam S Hassan
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Room: EM3.3244, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sunny S Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Rénald Gilbert
- National Research Council Canada, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Room: EM3.3244, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, Québec H4A 3J1, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Vaccines for Human Schistosomiasis: Recent Progress, New Developments and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042255. [PMID: 35216369 PMCID: PMC8879820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused by human trematode blood flukes (schistosomes), remains one of the most prevalent and serious of the neglected tropical parasitic diseases. Currently, treatment of schistosomiasis relies solely on a single drug, the anthelmintic praziquantel, and with increased usage in mass drug administration control programs for the disease, the specter of drug resistance developing is a constant threat. Vaccination is recognized as one of the most sustainable options for the control of any pathogen, but despite the discovery and reporting of numerous potentially promising schistosome vaccine antigens, to date, no schistosomiasis vaccine for human or animal deployment is available. This is despite the fact that Science ranked such an intervention as one of the top 10 vaccines that need to be urgently developed to improve public health globally. This review summarizes current progress of schistosomiasis vaccines under clinical development and advocates the urgent need for the establishment of a revolutionary and effective anti-schistosome vaccine pipeline utilizing cutting-edge technologies (including developing mRNA vaccines and exploiting CRISPR-based technologies) to provide novel insight into future vaccine discovery, design, manufacture and deployment.
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7
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Hassan AS, Perera DJ, Ward BJ, Ndao M. Therapeutic activity of a Salmonella-vectored Schistosoma mansoni vaccine in a mouse model of chronic infection. Vaccine 2021; 39:5580-5588. [PMID: 34412919 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an important fresh-water-borne parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma. With > 250 million people infected worldwide and approximately 800 million people at risk, the World Health Organization considers schistosomiasis to be the most important human helminth infection. Several prophylactic non-living vaccines are in pre-clinical and clinical development, but only one has been assessed for therapeutic effect in an animal model with modest results. Live attenuated Salmonella have multiple potential advantages as vaccine vectors. We have engineered an attenuated Salmonella enterica Typhimurium strain (YS1646) to produce a vaccine that targets the parasite digestive enzyme Cathepsin B (CatB). A multi-modality immunization schedule was used in chronically infected mice that included three oral (PO) doses of this CatB-bearing YS1646 strain on days one, three, and five as well as an intramuscular (IM) dose of recombinant CatB on day one. Parasite burden (worm count, intestinal and liver egg numbers) were 46.5 - 50.3% lower than in control animals 1 month post-vaccination and relative reductions further increased to 63.9 - 73.3% at 2 months. Serum anti-CatB IgG increased significantly after vaccination with the development of a more balanced TH1/TH2 pattern of response (ie: a shift in the IgG1:IgG2c ratio). Compared to control animals, a broad and robust CatB-specific cytokine/chemokine response was seen in splenocytes isolated 1 month post-vaccination. A vaccine that has both prophylactic and therapeutic activity would be ideal for use in conjunction with mass treatment campaigns with praziquantel in schistosome-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Hassan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health (IDIGH), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dilhan J Perera
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health (IDIGH), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Brian J Ward
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health (IDIGH), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Momar Ndao
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health (IDIGH), Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
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8
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Perera DJ, Ndao M. Promising Technologies in the Field of Helminth Vaccines. Front Immunol 2021; 12:711650. [PMID: 34489961 PMCID: PMC8418310 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.711650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths contribute a larger global burden of disease than both malaria and tuberculosis. These eukaryotes have caused human infections since before our earliest recorded history (i.e.: earlier than 1200 B.C. for Schistosoma spp.). Despite the prevalence and importance of these infections, helminths are considered a neglected tropical disease for which there are no vaccines approved for human use. Similar to other parasites, helminths are complex organisms which employ a plethora of features such as: complex life cycles, chronic infections, and antigenic mimicry to name a few, making them difficult to target by conventional vaccine strategies. With novel vaccine strategies such as viral vectors and genetic elements, numerous constructs are being defined for a wide range of helminth parasites; however, it has yet to be discussed which of these approaches may be the most effective. With human trials being conducted, and a pipeline of potential anti-helminthic antigens, greater understanding of helminth vaccine-induced immunity is necessary for the development of potent vaccine platforms and their optimal design. This review outlines the conventional and the most promising approaches in clinical and preclinical helminth vaccinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilhan J Perera
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program of Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Program of Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,National Reference Centre for Parasitology, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Panzner U, Excler JL, Kim JH, Marks F, Carter D, Siddiqui AA. Recent Advances and Methodological Considerations on Vaccine Candidates for Human Schistosomiasis. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.719369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a neglected tropical disease of major public health concern with high levels of morbidity in various parts of the world. Although considerable efforts in implementing mass drug administration programs utilizing praziquantel have been deployed, schistosomiasis is still not contained. A vaccine may therefore be an essential part of multifaceted prevention control efforts. In the 1990s, a joint United Nations committee promoting parasite vaccines shortlisted promising candidates including for schistosomiasis discussed below. After examining the complexity of immune responses in human hosts infected with schistosomes, we review and discuss the antigen design and preclinical and clinical development of the four leading vaccine candidates: Sm-TSP-2 in Phase 1b/2b, Sm14 in Phase 2a/2b, Sm-p80 in Phase 1 preparation, and Sh28GST in Phase 3. Our assessment of currently leading vaccine candidates revealed some methodological issues that preclude a fair comparison between candidates and the rationale to advance in clinical development. These include (1) variability in animal models - in particular non-human primate studies - and predictive values of each for protection in humans; (2) lack of consensus on the assessment of parasitological and immunological parameters; (3) absence of reliable surrogate markers of protection; (4) lack of well-designed parasitological and immunological natural history studies in the context of mass drug administration with praziquantel. The controlled human infection model - while promising and unique - requires validation against efficacy outcomes in endemic settings. Further research is also needed on the impact of advanced adjuvants targeting specific parts of the innate immune system that may induce potent, protective and durable immune responses with the ultimate goal of achieving meaningful worm reduction.
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10
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Angeli A, Ferraroni M, Da'dara AA, Selleri S, Pinteala M, Carta F, Skelly PJ, Supuran CT. Structural Insights into Schistosoma mansoni Carbonic Anhydrase (SmCA) Inhibition by Selenoureido-Substituted Benzenesulfonamides. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10418-10428. [PMID: 34232641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tegumental carbonic anhydrase from the worm Schistosoma mansoni (SmCA) is considered a new anti-parasitic target because suppressing its expression interferes with schistosome metabolism and virulence. Here, we present the inhibition profiles of selenoureido compounds on recombinant SmCA and resolution of the first X-ray crystal structures of SmCA in adduct with a selection of such inhibitors. The key molecular features of such compounds in adduct with SmCA were obtained and compared to the human isoform hCA II, in order to understand the main structural factors responsible for enzymatic affinity and selectivity. Compounds that more specifically inhibited the schistosome versus human enzymes were identified. The results expand current knowledge in the field and pave the way for the development of more potent antiparasitic agents in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeli
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy.,Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers Department, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 707410 Iasi, Romania
| | - Marta Ferraroni
- Dipartimento di Chimica "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Akram A Da'dara
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, United States
| | - Silvia Selleri
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Mariana Pinteala
- Centre of Advanced Research in Bionanoconjugates and Biopolymers Department, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 707410 Iasi, Romania
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Patrick J Skelly
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, United States
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- NEUROFARBA Department, Sezione di Scienze Farmaceutiche, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy
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11
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Molehin AJ. Current Understanding of Immunity Against Schistosomiasis: Impact on Vaccine and Drug Development. Res Rep Trop Med 2020; 11:119-128. [PMID: 33173371 PMCID: PMC7646453 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease inflicting significant morbidity in humans worldwide. The disease is caused by infections with a parasitic trematode belonging to the genus Schistosoma. Over 250 million people are currently infected globally, with an estimated disability-adjusted life-years of 1.9 million attributed to the disease. Current understanding, based on several immunological studies using experimental and human models of schistosomiasis, reveals that complex immune mechanisms play off each other in the acquisition of immune resistance to infection/reinfection. Nevertheless, the precise characteristics of these responses, the specific antigens against which they are elicited, and how these responses are intricately regulated are still being investigated. What is apparent is that immunity to schistosome infections develops slowly and over a prolonged period of time, augmented by the death of adult worms occurring naturally or by praziquantel therapy. In this review, aspects of immunity to schistosomiasis, host–parasite interactions and their impact on schistosomiasis vaccine development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebayo J Molehin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.,Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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12
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Current status and future prospects of protein vaccine candidates against Schistosoma mansoni infection. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 11:e00176. [PMID: 32923703 PMCID: PMC7475110 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic tropical parasitic disease caused by blood dwelling worm of the genus Schistosoma. It is the most destructive disease globally and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for developing countries. Three main species of schistosomes infect human beings from which S. mansoni is the most common and widespread. Over the last several decades, chemotherapy using praziquantel has been a commonly used strategy for the treatment and control of schistosomiasis. However, control programs focused exclusively on chemotherapy have been challenging because of the frequency and rapidity of reinfection and these programs were expensive. Thus, new schistosomiasis control strategies will be needed. Vaccination strategy would be an ideal tool for a significant and sustainable reduction in the transmission and disease burden of schistosomiasis. An effective anti schistosome vaccine would greatly contribute to decreasing schistosomiasis-associated morbidity via protective immune responses leading to reduced worm burdens and decreased egg production. Vaccine development is a long process that can take decades. There have been three candidate vaccines that have been produced by Good Manufacturing Procedure and entered human clinical trials for S. mansoni are Sm14, SmTSP-2, and Sm-p80. Other candidates that are in pre-clinical trials at various stages include paramyosin, Sm29, SmKI-1, and Sm23. Since the growth of several new technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, microarrays, immunomic profiling, and proteomics, have helped in the identification of promising new target schistosome antigens. Therefore, this review considers the present status of protein vaccine candidates against Schistosoma mansoni and provides some insight on prospects vaccine design and discovery.
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Key Words
- AE, Asparaginyl Endopeptidase
- Ab, Antibody
- Ag, Antigen
- CB, Cathepsin B
- CD, Cathepsin D
- CL3, Cathepsin L3
- DNA, Deoxyribonucleic Acid
- FA, Fatty Acid
- FABP, Fatty Acid Binding Protein
- GLA-Alum, Glucopyranosyl Lipid A Formulated in Aluminum
- GLA-SE, Glucopyranosyl Lipid Adjuvant Stable Emulsion
- IFN-γ, Interferon Gamma
- IL, Interleukin
- Ig, Immunoglobulin
- KI, Kunitz Type Protease Inhibitor
- LcP, Lipid Core Peptide
- Pmy, Paramyosin
- Protein vaccine
- Schistosoma mansoni
- Schistosomiasis
- Sm, Schistosoma mansoni
- TSP, Tetraspanins
- Th, T-helper Cells
- Vaccine candidates
- WHO, World Health Organization
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13
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A controlled human Schistosoma mansoni infection model to advance novel drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. Nat Med 2020; 26:326-332. [PMID: 32066978 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0759-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis treatment relies on the use of a single drug, praziquantel, which is insufficient to control transmission in highly endemic areas1. Novel medicines and vaccines are urgently needed2,3. An experimental human model for schistosomiasis could accelerate the development of these products. We performed a dose-escalating clinical safety trial in 17 volunteers with male Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, which do not produce eggs (clinicaltrials.gov NCT02755324), at the Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands. The primary endpoints were adverse events and infectivity. We found a dose-related increase in adverse events related to acute schistosomiasis syndrome, which occurred in 9 of 17 volunteers. Overall, 5 volunteers (all 3 of the high dose group and 2 of 11 of the medium dose group) reported severe adverse events. Worm-derived circulating anodic antigen, the biomarker of the primary infection endpoint, peaked in 82% of volunteers at 3-10 weeks following exposure. All volunteers showed IgM and IgG1 seroconversion and worm-specific cytokine production by CD4+ T cells. All volunteers were cured with praziquantel provided at 12 weeks after exposure. Infection with 20 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae led to severe adverse events in 18% of volunteers and high infection rates. This infection model paves the way for fast-track product development for treatment and prevention of schistosomiasis.
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14
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Verjee MA. Schistosomiasis: Still a Cause of Significant Morbidity and Mortality. Res Rep Trop Med 2019; 10:153-163. [PMID: 32099508 PMCID: PMC6997417 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s204345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical diseases remain severe threats to global health with acute or chronic debility. Public health issues are regularly monitored and reported by the WHO. Conditions with high prevalence and virulence such as Schistosomiasis or Malaria still need active treatment. Advances over the decades in the treatment and management of Schistosomiasis have reduced morbidity and mortality in patients. However, poverty, adverse environments, lack of education and awareness, with parasites and vectors that can thrive if uncontrolled, remain issues for the successful global eradication of Schistosomiasis. From the disease's discovery in 1850, the author relates historical details to its current status. Several countries previously affected, including Japan and Tunisia, have eliminated the disease while others seek the same goal. Africa remains the most severely affected continent with vulnerable women and children, although the infection persists in South America and the Far East of Asia as well. Realistic improvements for continuing health conditions are vogue and emphasized for those at risk or afflicted by the infection, illustrating success models of concerted efforts of extirpation. Constant proximity to infected water, with a parasite host, are hurdles in reducing exposure. Effective medication for acute treatment is available, and prophylaxis by vaccination is promising. Where endemic Schistosomiasis is prevalent, significant morbidity and mortality have far-reaching complications in multiple human organ systems, including irreversible pulmonary hypertension, renal, genitourinary, central nervous system conditions, and neoplasia. Two hundred and thirty million people are estimated to have contracted Schistosomiasis globally, with up to 700 million still at risk of infection, and 200,000 deaths occur annually. The disease may be more prevalent than thought after newer tests have shown increased sensitivity to pathological antigens. The author discusses infectivity risks, investigations, prognosis, treatment, and management, as well as morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamud A Verjee
- Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Qatar Foundation – Education City, Doha, Qatar
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15
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Weber CJ, Hargan-Calvopiña J, Graef KM, Manner CK, Dent J. WIPO Re:Search-A Platform for Product-Centered Cross-Sector Partnerships for the Elimination of Schistosomiasis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E11. [PMID: 30634429 PMCID: PMC6473617 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide, and with over 700 million people estimated to be at risk of contracting this disease, it is a pressing issue in global health. However, research and development (R&D) to develop new approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating schistosomiasis has been relatively limited. Praziquantel, a drug developed in the 1970s, is the only agent used in schistosomiasis mass drug administration (MDA) campaigns, indicating a critical need for a diversified therapeutic pipeline. Further, gaps in the vaccine and diagnostic pipelines demonstrate a need for early-stage innovation in all areas of schistosomiasis product R&D. As a platform for public-private partnerships (PPPs), the WIPO Re:Search consortium engages the private sector in early-stage R&D for neglected diseases by forging mutually beneficial collaborations and facilitating the sharing of intellectual property (IP) assets between the for-profit and academic/non-profit sectors. The Consortium connects people, resources, and ideas to fill gaps in neglected disease product development pipelines by leveraging the strengths of these two sectors. Using WIPO Re:Search as an example, this article highlights the opportunities for the PPP model to play a key role in the elimination of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie J Weber
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | | | - Katy M Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Cathyryne K Manner
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
| | - Jennifer Dent
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, 2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1950, Seattle, WA 98121, USA.
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16
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood flukes) of the genus Schistosoma, with considerable morbidity in parts of the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia and, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa. Infective larvae grow in an intermediate host (fresh-water snails) before penetrating the skin of the definitive human host. Mature adult worms reside in the mesenteric (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum) or pelvic (Schistosoma haematobium) veins, where female worms lay eggs, which are secreted in stool or urine. Eggs trapped in the surrounding tissues and organs, such as the liver and bladder, cause inflammatory immune responses (including granulomas) that result in intestinal, hepato-splenic or urogenital disease. Diagnosis requires the detection of eggs in excreta or worm antigens in the serum, and sensitive, rapid, point-of-care tests for populations living in endemic areas are needed. The anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel is safe and efficacious against adult worms of all the six Schistosoma spp. infecting humans; however, it does not prevent reinfection and the emergence of drug resistance is a concern. Schistosomiasis elimination will require a multifaceted approach, including: treatment; snail control; information, education and communication; improved water, sanitation and hygiene; accurate diagnostics; and surveillance-response systems that are readily tailored to social-ecological settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P McManus
- Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - David W Dunne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Moussa Sacko
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Research, Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Birgitte J Vennervald
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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17
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Zhang W, Molehin AJ, Rojo JU, Sudduth J, Ganapathy PK, Kim E, Siddiqui AJ, Freeborn J, Sennoune SR, May J, Lazarus S, Nguyen C, Redman WK, Ahmad G, Torben W, Karmakar S, Le L, Kottapalli KR, Kottapalli P, Wolf RF, Papin JF, Carey D, Gray SA, Bergthold JD, Damian RT, Mayer BT, Marks F, Reed SG, Carter D, Siddiqui AA. Sm-p80-based schistosomiasis vaccine: double-blind preclinical trial in baboons demonstrates comprehensive prophylactic and parasite transmission-blocking efficacy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1425:38-51. [PMID: 30133707 PMCID: PMC6110104 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is of public health importance to an estimated one billion people in 79 countries. A vaccine is urgently needed. Here, we report the results of four independent, double-blind studies of an Sm-p80-based vaccine in baboons. The vaccine exhibited potent prophylactic efficacy against transmission of Schistosoma mansoni infection and was associated with significantly less egg-induced pathology, compared with unvaccinated control animals. Specifically, the vaccine resulted in a 93.45% reduction of pathology-producing female worms and significantly resolved the major clinical manifestations of hepatic/intestinal schistosomiasis by reducing the tissue egg-load by 89.95%. A 35-fold decrease in fecal egg excretion in vaccinated animals, combined with an 81.51% reduction in hatching of eggs into the snail-infective stage (miracidia), demonstrates the parasite transmission-blocking potential of the vaccine. Substantially higher Sm-p80 expression in female worms and Sm-p80-specific antibodies in vaccinated baboons appear to play an important role in vaccine-mediated protection. Preliminary analyses of RNA sequencing revealed distinct molecular signatures of vaccine-induced effects in baboon immune effector cells. This study provides comprehensive evidence for the effectiveness of an Sm-p80-based vaccine for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Adebayo J. Molehin
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Juan U. Rojo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
| | - Justin Sudduth
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Pramodh K. Ganapathy
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Eunjee Kim
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Arif J. Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Jasmin Freeborn
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Souad R. Sennoune
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Jordan May
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Samra Lazarus
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Catherine Nguyen
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Whitni K. Redman
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
| | - Gul Ahmad
- Department of Natural Sciences, Peru State College, Peru, NE
| | | | - Souvik Karmakar
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Loc Le
- Biomedical Research Institute, Rockville, MD
| | | | | | - Roman F. Wolf
- Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - James F. Papin
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - David Carey
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | | | | | - Raymond T. Damian
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Bryan T. Mayer
- Vaccine Immunology Statistical Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Florian Marks
- International Vaccine Institute SNU Research Park, Seoul, South Korea
- The Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Darrick Carter
- PAI Life Sciences, Seattle, Washington, WA
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Afzal A. Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
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18
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Diemert DJ, Bottazzi ME, Plieskatt J, Hotez PJ, Bethony JM. Lessons along the Critical Path: Developing Vaccines against Human Helminths. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:747-758. [PMID: 30064902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthic parasites are important targets for vaccine research as they infect an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. Despite significant progress in the discovery of defined antigens as candidates for vaccines, the potential of a helminth vaccine advancing to an investigational product to be tested in humans remains as challenging as it did 50 years ago. Candidate helminth vaccines must still advance along a 'critical path' of preclinical research, vaccine process development (which includes 'chemistry, manufacturing, and controls' or CMC), current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) production of the vaccine, and clinical trials. This path is highly targeted towards meeting the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy criteria of regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For nearly 20 years our product development partnership (PDP), the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development (TCH-CVD), has followed the critical paths of several novel subunit vaccines for the human hookworm Necator americanus and the intestinal trematode Schistosoma mansoni. Herein, we describe the critical lessons learned along this critical path.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA.
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19
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Zhang W, Ahmad G, Molehin AJ, Torben W, Le L, Kim E, Lazarus S, Siddiqui AJ, Carter D, Siddiqui AA. Schistosoma mansoni antigen Sm-p80: prophylactic efficacy using TLR4 agonist vaccine adjuvant glucopyranosyl lipid A-Alum in murine and non-human primate models. J Investig Med 2018; 66:1124-1132. [PMID: 29997146 PMCID: PMC6288690 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2018-000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Sm-p80, the large subunit of Schistosoma mansoni calpain, is a leading candidate for a schistosomiasis vaccine. The prophylactic and antifecundity efficacy of Sm-p80 has been tested in three animal models (mouse, hamster and baboon) using a multitude of vaccine formulations and approaches. In our continual effort to enhance the vaccine efficacy, in this study, we have utilized the adjuvant, synthetic hexa-acylated lipid A derivative, glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA) formulated in aluminum (GLA-Alum) with recombinant Sm-p80. The rSm-p80+GLA-Alum immunization regimen provided 33.33%–53.13% reduction in worm burden in the mouse model and 38% worm burden reduction in vaccinated baboons. Robust Sm-p80-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgG1, IgG2a and IgM responses were observed in all immunized animals. The rSm-p80+GLA-Alum coadministration induced a mix of T-helper (Th) cells (Th1, Th2 and Th17) responses as determined via the release of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-18, IL-21, IL-22 and interferon-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Gul Ahmad
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Peru State College, Peru, Nebraska, USA
| | - Adebayo J Molehin
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Workineh Torben
- Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana, USA
| | - Loc Le
- Bladder Immunology Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Eunjee Kim
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Samra Lazarus
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Arif J Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | - Afzal A Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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20
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You H, Cai P, Tebeje BM, Li Y, McManus DP. Schistosome Vaccines for Domestic Animals. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3020068. [PMID: 30274464 PMCID: PMC6073927 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3020068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is recognized as a tropical disease of considerable public health importance, but domestic livestock infections due to Schistosoma japonicum, S. bovis, S. mattheei and S. curassoni are often overlooked causes of significant animal morbidity and mortality in Asia and Africa. In addition, whereas schistosomiasis japonica is recognized as an important zoonosis in China and the Philippines, reports of viable schistosome hybrids between animal livestock species and S. haematobium point to an underappreciated zoonotic component of transmission in Africa as well. Anti-schistosome vaccines for animal use have long been advocated as part of the solution to schistosomiasis control, benefitting humans and animals and improving the local economy, features aligning with the One Health concept synergizing human and animal health. We review the history of animal vaccines for schistosomiasis from the early days of irradiated larvae and then consider the recombinant DNA technology revolution and its impact in developing schistosome vaccines that followed. We evaluate the major candidates tested in livestock, including the glutathione S-transferases, paramyosin and triose-phosphate isomerase, and summarize some of the future challenges that need to be overcome to design and deliver effective anti-schistosome vaccines that will complement current control options to achieve and sustain future elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Biniam Mathewos Tebeje
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
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21
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de Souza C, Lopes MD, De Oliveira FM, Passos MJF, Ferreira LCG, Faria BF, Villar JAFP, Junior MC, Taranto AG, Dos Santos LL, Fonseca CT, de Oliveira Lopes D. Rational selection of immunodominant and preserved epitope Sm043300e from Schistosoma mansoni and design of a chimeric molecule for biotechnological purposes. Mol Immunol 2017; 93:133-143. [PMID: 29175593 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of great importance in public health. A large number of people are infected with schistosomiasis, making vaccine development and effective diagnosis important control strategies. A rational epitope prediction workflow using Schistosoma mansoni hypothetical proteins was previously presented by our group, and an improvement to that approach is presented here. Briefly, immunodominant epitopes from parasite membrane proteins were predicted by reverse vaccinology strategy with additional in silico analysis. Furthermore, epitope recognition was evaluated using sera of individuals infected with S. mansoni. The epitope that stood out in both in silico and in vitro assays was used to compose a rational chimeric molecule to improve immune response activation. Out of 2185 transmembrane proteins, four epitopes with high binding affinities for human and mouse MHCII molecules were selected through computational screening. These epitopes were synthesized to evaluate their ability to induce TCD4+ lymphocyte proliferation in mice. Sm204830e and Sm043300e induced significant TCD4+ proliferation. Both epitopes were submitted to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate their recognition by IgG antibodies from the sera of infected individuals, and epitope Sm043300 was significantly recognized in most sera samples. Epitope Sm043300 also showed good affinity for human MHCII molecules in molecular docking, and its sequence is curiously highly conserved in four S. mansoni proteins, all of which are described as G-protein-coupled receptors. In addition, we have demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating this epitope, which showed low similarity to human sequences, into a chimeric molecule. The stability of the molecule was evaluated by molecular modeling aimed at future molecule production for use in diagnosis and vaccination trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia de Souza
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 35501-296, Brazil; Laboratório de Síntese Orgânica e Nanoestruturas, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Donizete Lopes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 35501-296, Brazil; Laboratório de Síntese Orgânica e Nanoestruturas, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Brazil
| | - Flávio Martins De Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Maria Juliana Ferreira Passos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 35501-296, Brazil; Laboratório de Síntese Orgânica e Nanoestruturas, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Brazil
| | - Laís Cunha Grossi Ferreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Bruna Franciele Faria
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Brazil
| | | | - Moacyr Comar Junior
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Brazil
| | - Alex Guterres Taranto
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Brazil
| | - Luciana Lara Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 35501-296, Brazil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Biologia e Imunologia de doenças Infeciosas e Parasitária, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30190-002, Brazil
| | - Débora de Oliveira Lopes
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Av. Sebastião Gonçalves Coelho, 400, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, 35501-296, Brazil.
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Sanya RE, Tumwesige E, Elliott AM, Seeley J. Perceptions about interventions to control schistosomiasis among the Lake Victoria island communities of Koome, Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005982. [PMID: 28968470 PMCID: PMC5638603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Praziquantel-based mass treatment is the main approach to controlling schistosomiasis mansoni in endemic areas. Interventions such as provision and use of safe water, minimising contact with infested water, disposal of stool in latrines and snail control provide key avenues to break the transmission cycle and can sustain the benefits of mass treatment in the long term. Efforts are also being made to develop a schistosomiasis vaccine which, if effective, might reduce the incidence of re-infection after treatment. However, any interventions deployed need to be acceptable to, and sustainable by, the target communities. Methods In this qualitative study, we investigated the perceptions of six Lake Victoria island communities of Koome, Uganda, about interventions to control Schistosoma mansoni infection and their willingness to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. Thirty-two in-depth interviews, 12 key informant interviews and 10 focus group discussions were conducted. Data were analysed using a thematic content approach. Findings Intestinal schistosomiasis was not regarded as a serious health problem because a mass treatment programme is in place. However, the communities lack safe water sources and latrines. Mass treatment with praziquantel, safe water supplies and use of toilets were deemed the most acceptable interventions by the participants. The communities are willing to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. Conclusion/Significance Knowledge of a community’s perception about interventions to control schistosomiasis can be valuable to policy makers and programme implementers intending to set up interventions co-managed by the community members. In this study, the views of the Lake Victoria island communities of Koome are presented. This study also provides data to guide further work on alternative interventions such as Schistosoma vaccine trials in these communities. Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma, is still a huge burden in sub-Saharan Africa. The modalities for its control are mass treatment of the population with praziquantel, minimising contact with infested water, provision and use of safe water, intermediate host snail control and disposal of stool in toilets/latrines. For sustainable control of the parasite, the recipient communities need to embrace the interventions. In this study, we investigated the perceptions of fishing communities on the Lake Victoria Islands about interventions to control schistosomiasis and their willingness to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. We assessed their knowledge of schistosomiasis, their views on the interventions and the interventions most acceptable to them. We show that the community members of this schistosomiasis-endemic area prefer mass treatment with praziquantel, safe water supplies and use of toilets to minimise contact with infested water and snail control. The communities are also willing to participate in Schistosoma vaccine trials. This information is valuable to policy makers and programme implementers intending to set up interventions co-managed by the recipient communities. In addition, the study provides support for future Schistosoma vaccine trials in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E. Sanya
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Edward Tumwesige
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Immunomodulation and Vaccines Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Seeley
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, Medical Research Council/ Uganda Virus Research Institute (MRC/ UVRI) Uganda Research Unit, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Sm-p80-Based Schistosomiasis Vaccine: Preparation for Human Clinical Trials. Trends Parasitol 2016; 33:194-201. [PMID: 27865740 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mass antiparasitic drug administration programs and other control strategies have made important contributions in reducing the global prevalence of helminths. Schistosomiasis, however, continues to spread to new geographic areas. The advent of a viable vaccine and its deployment, coupled with existing control efforts, is expected to make significant headway towards sustained schistosomiasis control. In 2016, Science ranked the schistosomiasis vaccine as one of the top 10 vaccines that needs to be urgently developed. A vaccine that is effective against geographically distinct forms of intestinal/hepatic and urinary disease is essential to make a meaningful impact in global reduction of the disease burden. In this opinion article, we focus on salient features of schistosomiasis vaccines in different phases of the clinical development pipeline and highlight the Sm-p80-based vaccine which is now being prepared for human clinical trials.
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