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Ramos CP, Siqueira WF, Viana LA, Cunha JLR, Fujiwara RT, Amarante VS, Souza TGV, Silva ROS. Development of two recombinant vaccines against Clostridioides difficile infection and immunogenicity in pregnant sows and neonatal piglets. Anaerobe 2024; 89:102896. [PMID: 39127403 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridioides difficile is the main cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in humans and is a major enteropathogen in several animal species. In newborn piglets, colonic lesions caused by C. difficile A and B toxins (TcdA and TcdB, respectively) cause diarrhea and significant production losses. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to develop two recombinant vaccines from immunogenic C-terminal fragments of TcdA and TcdB and evaluate the immune response in rabbits and in breeding sows. Two vaccines were produced: bivalent (rAB), consisting of recombinant fragments of TcdA and TcdB, and chimeric (rQAB), corresponding to the synthesis of the same fragments in a single protein. Groups of rabbits were inoculated with 10 or 50 μg of proteins adjuvanted with aluminum or 0.85 % sterile saline in a final volume of 1 mL/dose. Anti-TcdA and anti-TcdB IgG antibodies were detected in rabbits and sows immunized with both rAB and rQAB vaccines by ELISA. The vaccinated sows were inoculated intramuscularly with 20 μg/dose using a prime-boost approach. RESULTS Different antibody titers (p ≤ 0.05) were observed among the vaccinated groups of sows (rAB and rQAB) and control. Additionally, newborn piglets from vaccinated sows were also positive for anti-TcdA and anti-TcdB IgGs, in contrast to control piglets (p ≤ 0.05). Immunization of sows with the rQAB vaccine conferred higher anti-TcdA and anti-TcdB responses in piglets, suggesting the superiority of this compound over rAB. CONCLUSION The synthesized recombinant proteins were capable of inducing antibody titers against C. difficile toxins A and B in sows, and were passively transferred to piglets through colostrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina P Ramos
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Williane F Siqueira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Laila A Viana
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João L R Cunha
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Victor S Amarante
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thayanne G V Souza
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo O S Silva
- Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Wood L, Hughes J, Trussell M, Bishop AL, Griffin R. Fasting before Intra-Gastric Dosing with Antigen Improves Intestinal Humoral Responses in Syrian Hamsters. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:572. [PMID: 38932302 PMCID: PMC11209237 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral vaccines, unlike injected, induce intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) mimicking our natural defense against gut pathogens. We previously observed sIgA responses after administering the Clostridioides difficile colonisation factor CD0873 orally in enteric capsules to hamsters. Enteric-coated capsules are designed to resist dissolution in the stomach and disintegrate only at the higher pH of the small intestine. However, the variable responses between animals led us to speculate suboptimal transit of antigens to the small intestine. The rate of gastric emptying is a controlling factor in the passage of oral drugs for subsequent availability in the small intestine for absorption. Whilst in humans, food delays gastric emptying, in rats, capsules can empty quicker from fed stomachs than from fasted. To test in hamsters if fasting improves the delivery of antigens to the small intestine, as inferred from the immune responses generated, 24 animals were dosed intragastrically with enteric capsules containing recombinant CD0873. Twelve hamsters were fasted for 12 h prior to each dose and the other 12 fed. Significantly higher sIgA titres, with significantly greater bacterial-adherence-blocking activity, were detected in small intestinal lavages in the fasted group. We conclude that fasting in hamsters improves intestinal delivery leading to more robust responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Wood
- Vaccines and Therapeutics Group, School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Clostridia Research Group, Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), The University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jaime Hughes
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Mark Trussell
- Bio Support Unit, The University of Nottingham Medical School, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Anne L. Bishop
- Parasites and Microbes Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ruth Griffin
- Vaccines and Therapeutics Group, School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Clostridia Research Group, Synthetic Biology Research Centre (SBRC), The University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Root-Bernstein R. T-Cell Receptor Sequences Identify Combined Coxsackievirus- Streptococci Infections as Triggers for Autoimmune Myocarditis and Coxsackievirus- Clostridia Infections for Type 1 Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1797. [PMID: 38339075 PMCID: PMC10855694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent research suggests that T-cell receptor (TCR) sequences expanded during human immunodeficiency virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections unexpectedly mimic these viruses. The hypothesis tested here is that TCR sequences expanded in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and autoimmune myocarditis (AM) mimic the infectious triggers of these diseases. Indeed, TCR sequences mimicking coxsackieviruses, which are implicated as triggers of both diseases, are statistically significantly increased in both T1DM and AM patients. However, TCRs mimicking Clostridia antigens are significantly expanded in T1DM, whereas TCRs mimicking Streptococcal antigens are expanded in AM. Notably, Clostridia antigens mimic T1DM autoantigens, such as insulin and glutamic acid decarboxylase, whereas Streptococcal antigens mimic cardiac autoantigens, such as myosin and laminins. Thus, T1DM may be triggered by combined infections of coxsackieviruses with Clostridia bacteria, while AM may be triggered by coxsackieviruses with Streptococci. These TCR results are consistent with both epidemiological and clinical data and recent experimental studies of cross-reactivities of coxsackievirus, Clostridial, and Streptococcal antibodies with T1DM and AM antigens. These data provide the basis for developing novel animal models of AM and T1DM and may provide a generalizable method for revealing the etiologies of other autoimmune diseases. Theories to explain these results are explored.
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Campidelli C, Bruxelle JF, Collignon A, Péchiné S. Immunization Strategies Against Clostridioides difficile. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1435:117-150. [PMID: 38175474 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42108-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is an important healthcare but also a community-associated disease. CDI is considered a public health threat and an economic burden. A major problem is the high rate of recurrences. Besides classical antibiotic treatments, new therapeutic strategies are needed to prevent infection, to treat patients, and to prevent recurrences. If fecal transplantation has been recommended to treat recurrences, another key approach is to elicit immunity against C. difficile and its virulence factors. Here, after a summary concerning the virulence factors, the host immune response against C. difficile, and its role in the outcome of disease, we review the different approaches of passive immunotherapies and vaccines developed against CDI. Passive immunization strategies are designed in function of the target antigen, the antibody-based product, and its administration route. Similarly, for active immunization strategies, vaccine antigens can target toxins or surface proteins, and immunization can be performed by parenteral or mucosal routes. For passive immunization and vaccination as well, we first present immunization assays performed in animal models and second in humans and associated clinical trials. The different studies are presented according to the mode of administration either parenteral or mucosal and the target antigens and either toxins or colonization factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Campidelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jean-François Bruxelle
- CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm U1111, CNRS UMR5308, ENS Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Anne Collignon
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Severine Péchiné
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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Chen B, Perry K, Jin R. Neutralizing epitopes on Clostridioides difficile toxin A revealed by the structures of two camelid VHH antibodies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:978858. [PMID: 36466927 PMCID: PMC9709291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.978858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxin A (TcdA) and toxin B (TcdB) are two key virulence factors secreted by Clostridioides difficile, which is listed as an urgent threat by the CDC. These two large homologous exotoxins are mainly responsible for diseases associated with C. difficile infection (CDI) with symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life threatening pseudomembranous colitis. Single-domain camelid antibodies (VHHs) AH3 and AA6 are two potent antitoxins against TcdA, which when combined with two TcdB-targeting VHHs showed effective protection against both primary and recurrent CDI in animal models. Here, we report the co-crystal structures of AH3 and AA6 when they form complexes with the glucosyltransferase domain (GTD) and a fragment of the delivery and receptor-binding domain (DRBD) of TcdA, respectively. Based on these structures, we find that AH3 binding enhances the overall stability of the GTD and interferes with its unfolding at acidic pH, and AA6 may inhibit the pH-dependent conformational changes in the DRBD that is necessary for pore formation of TcdA. These studies reveal two functionally critical epitopes on TcdA and shed new insights into neutralizing mechanisms and potential development of epitope-focused vaccines against TcdA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kay Perry
- NE-CAT, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL, United States,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Argonne, IL, United States
| | - Rongsheng Jin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Rongsheng Jin,
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Nyblade C, Parreno V, Zhou P, Hensley C, Oakes V, Mahsoub HM, Kiley K, Frazier M, Frazier A, Zhang Y, Feng H, Yuan L. Establishment of a gnotobiotic pig model of Clostridioides difficile infection and disease. Gut Pathog 2022; 14:22. [PMID: 35668452 PMCID: PMC9169267 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-022-00496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractClostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium known to be the most common cause of hospital-acquired and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. C. difficile infection rates are on the rise worldwide and treatment options are limited, indicating a clear need for novel therapeutics. Gnotobiotic piglets are an excellent model to reproduce the acute pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) caused by C. difficile due to their physiological similarities to humans and high susceptibility to infection. Here, we established a gnotobiotic pig model of C. difficile infection and disease using a hypervirulent strain. C. difficile-infected pigs displayed classic signs of C. difficile infection, including severe diarrhea and weight loss. Inoculated pigs had severe gross and microscopic intestinal lesions. C. difficile infection caused an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in samples of serum, large intestinal contents, and pleural effusion. C. difficile spores and toxins were detected in the feces of inoculated animals as tested by anaerobic culture and cytotoxicity assays. Successful establishment of this model is key for future work as therapeutics can be evaluated in an environment that accurately mimics what happens in humans. The model is especially suitable for evaluating potential prophylactics and therapeutics, including vaccines and passive immune strategies.
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Phanchana M, Harnvoravongchai P, Wongkuna S, Phetruen T, Phothichaisri W, Panturat S, Pipatthana M, Charoensutthivarakul S, Chankhamhaengdecha S, Janvilisri T. Frontiers in antibiotic alternatives for Clostridioides difficile infection. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7210-7232. [PMID: 34876784 PMCID: PMC8611198 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i42.7210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a gram-positive, anaerobic spore-forming bacterium and a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Humans are naturally resistant to C. difficile infection (CDI) owing to the protection provided by healthy gut microbiota. When the gut microbiota is disturbed, C. difficile can colonize, produce toxins, and manifest clinical symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic diarrhea and colitis to death. Despite the steady-if not rising-prevalence of CDI, it will certainly become more problematic in a world of antibiotic overuse and the post-antibiotic era. C. difficile is naturally resistant to most of the currently used antibiotics as it uses multiple resistance mechanisms. Therefore, current CDI treatment regimens are extremely limited to only a few antibiotics, which include vancomycin, fidaxomicin, and metronidazole. Therefore, one of the main challenges experienced by the scientific community is the development of alternative approaches to control and treat CDI. In this Frontier article, we collectively summarize recent advances in alternative treatment approaches for CDI. Over the past few years, several studies have reported on natural product-derived compounds, drug repurposing, high-throughput library screening, phage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation. We also include an update on vaccine development, pre- and pro-biotics for CDI, and toxin antidote approaches. These measures tackle CDI at every stage of disease pathology via multiple mechanisms. We also discuss the gaps and concerns in these developments. The next epidemic of CDI is not a matter of if but a matter of when. Therefore, being well-equipped with a collection of alternative therapeutics is necessary and should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Phanchana
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Supapit Wongkuna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tanaporn Phetruen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wichuda Phothichaisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supakan Panturat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Methinee Pipatthana
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sitthivut Charoensutthivarakul
- School of Bioinnovation and Bio-based Product Intelligence, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Development and verification of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantification of toxoid A and toxoid B from Clostridioides difficile. J Immunol Methods 2020; 488:112917. [PMID: 33221460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2020.112917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the most common cause of nosocomial antibiotic associated diarrhoea. The incidence of C. difficile infection (CDI) has been rising worldwide over the last 20 years with consequent rises in morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, although the incidence has fallen in the UK over the last few years. Confirmation of diagnosis and early intervention are critical to the management of CDI. The standard treatment for CDI is the administration of antibiotics. However, vaccination has been recognized as the most cost-effective treatment for the prevention and possible long-term protection against CDI episode. There are several promising vaccine candidates in various stages of development. Many of these vaccines have displayed good efficacy for CDI under laboratory conditions or in clinical trials. With the emergence of vaccines against C. difficile, here we describe the development and verification of an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) that can be used for the quality control testing of candidate vaccines against C. difficile through the measurement of vaccine antigen content. Verification of the assay was performed by assessment of specificity, sensitivity, intermediate precision and relative accuracy. The ELISAs were specific for the toxoids being detected and the detection limit of the assay for toxoid A was 4.88 ng/mL and 3.91 ng/mL for toxoid B. The geometric coefficients of variation for intermediate precision did not exceed 25% and relative accuracy was within 77-130%. We therefore conclude that the ELISA described here is sufficiently sensitive, specific, precise and accurate for use for the quality control testing of candidate C. difficile vaccines.
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Immunogenicity and Protection from Receptor-Binding Domains of Toxins as Potential Vaccine Candidates for Clostridium difficile. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040180. [PMID: 31717334 PMCID: PMC6963439 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor-binding domains (RBDs) located in toxin A and toxin B of Clostridium difficile are known to be nontoxic and immunogenic. We need to develop a new type vaccine based on RBDs. In this study, we expressed and purified recombinant proteins (named RBD-TcdA and RBD-TcdB) as vaccine candidates containing the RBDs of toxin A and toxin B, respectively, from the C. difficile reference strain VPI10463. The immunogenicity and protection of the vaccine candidates RBD-TcdA, RBD-TcdB, and RBD-TcdA/B was evaluated by ELISA and survival assays. The data indicated that mice immunized with all vaccine candidates displayed potent levels of RBD-specific serum IgG. Following intramuscular immunization of mice with RBD-TcdA and/or RBD-TcdB, these vaccine candidates triggered immune responses that protected mice compared to mice immunized with aluminum hydroxide alone. Taken together, the results of this study reveal that recombinant proteins containing RBDs of C. difficile toxins can be used for vaccine development. Additionally, we found that an RBD-TcdA/B vaccine can elicit a stronger humoral immune response and provide better immunoprotection than the univalent vaccines. This RBD vaccine candidate conferred significant protection against disease symptoms and death caused by toxins from a wild-type C. difficile strain.
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Wu H, Fan Z, Brandsrud M, Meng Q, Bobbitt M, Regouski M, Stott R, Sweat A, Crabtree J, Hogan RJ, Tripp RA, Wang Z, Polejaeva IA, Sullivan EJ. Generation of H7N9-specific human polyclonal antibodies from a transchromosomic goat (caprine) system. Sci Rep 2019; 9:366. [PMID: 30675003 PMCID: PMC6344498 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To address the unmet needs for human polyclonal antibodies both as therapeutics and diagnostic reagents, building upon our previously established transchromosomic (Tc) cattle platform, we report herein the development of a Tc goat system expressing human polyclonal antibodies in their sera. In the Tc goat system, a human artificial chromosome (HAC) comprising the entire human immunoglobulin (Ig) gene repertoire in the germline configuration was introduced into the genetic makeup of the domestic goat. We achieved this by transferring the HAC into goat fetal fibroblast cells followed by somatic cell nuclear transfer for Tc goat production. Gene and protein expression analyses in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the sera, respectively, of Tc caprine demonstrated the successful expression of human Ig genes and antibodies. Furthermore, immunization of Tc caprine with inactivated influenza A (H7N9) viruses followed by H7N9 Hemagglutinin 1 (HA1) boosting elicited human antibodies with high neutralizing activities against H7N9 viruses in vitro. As a small ungulate, Tc caprine offers the advantages of low cost and quick establishment of herds, therefore complementing the Tc cattle platform in responses to a range of medical needs and diagnostic applications where small volumes of human antibody products are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wu
- SAB Biotherapeutics, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA.,SAB Capra, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Fan
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | | | - Qinggang Meng
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | | | - Misha Regouski
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Rusty Stott
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Alexis Sweat
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Jackelyn Crabtree
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Robert J Hogan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Ralph A Tripp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Zhongde Wang
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
| | - Irina A Polejaeva
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
| | - Eddie J Sullivan
- SAB Biotherapeutics, Sioux Falls, SD, 57104, USA. .,SAB Capra, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, USA.
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Wang S, Wang Y, Cai Y, Kelly CP, Sun X. Novel Chimeric Protein Vaccines Against Clostridium difficile Infection. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2440. [PMID: 30405630 PMCID: PMC6204379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of world-wide nosocomial acquired diarrhea in adults. Active vaccination is generally accepted as a logical and cost-effective approach to prevent CDI. In this paper, we have generated two novel chimeric proteins; one designated Tcd169, comprised of the glucosyltransferase domain (GT), the cysteine proteinase domain (CPD), and receptor binding domain (RBD) of TcdB, and the RBD of TcdA; the other designated Tcd169FI, which contains Salmonella typhimurium flagellin (sFliC) and Tcd169. Both proteins were expressed in and purified from Bacillus megaterium. Point mutations were made in the GT (W102A, D288N) and CPD (C698) of TcdB to ensure that Tcd169 and Tcd169FI were atoxic. Immunization with Tcd169 or Tcd169Fl induced protective immunity against TcdA/TcdB challenge through intraperitoneal injection, also provided mice full protection against infection with a hyper-virulent C. difficile strain (BI/NAP1/027). In addition, inclusion of sFlic in the fusion protein (Tcd169Fl) enhanced its protective immunity against toxin challenge, reduced C. difficile numbers in feces from Tcd169Fl-immunized mice infected C. difficile. Our data show that Tcd169 and Tcd169FI fusion proteins may represent alternative vaccine candidates against CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohui Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Yuanguo Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ying Cai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Ciaran P. Kelly
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xingmin Sun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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Förster B, Chung PK, Crobach MJT, Kuijper EJ. Application of Antibody-Mediated Therapy for Treatment and Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1382. [PMID: 29988597 PMCID: PMC6027166 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile causes antibiotic- and healthcare-associated diarrhea, which is characterized by a high mortality rate (5–15%) and high recurrence rate of 20% or more. Therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics are urgently needed to improve the overall cure rate. Among these, therapeutic antibodies have shown promising results in clinical studies. Herein, the authors review current monoclonal and polyclonal anti- C. difficile antibodies that have entered the clinical development stage, either for systemic administration or by the oral route. The antibodies can be applied as monotherapy or in combination with standard-of-care to treat an infection with C. difficile or to protect from a recurrence. Bezlotoxumab is the first antibody for secondary prevention of recurrence of C. difficile infection approved by the regulatory agencies in US and Europe. The human monoclonal antibody is administered systemically to patients receiving oral standard-of–care antibiotics. Other antibodies are currently in the clinical pipeline, and some are intended for oral use. They show a good safety profile, high efficacy and low production costs, and can be considered promising therapies of the future. The most promising orally administered drug candidate is a bovine antibody from hyperimmune colostral milk, which is in an advanced clinical development stage. Which antibody will enter the market is dependent on its bioavailability at the site of infection as well as its activity against C. difficile toxins, protection against colonization and possible action on spore formation. The antibody must demonstrate a clear benefit in comparison with other available treatment options to be considered for use by clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Förster
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Pui Khi Chung
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Monique J T Crobach
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Aktories K, Papatheodorou P, Schwan C. Binary Clostridium difficile toxin (CDT) - A virulence factor disturbing the cytoskeleton. Anaerobe 2018. [PMID: 29524654 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection causes antibiotics-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Major virulence factors of C. difficile are the Rho-glucosylating toxins TcdA and TcdB. In addition, many, so-called hypervirulent C. difficile strains produce the binary actin-ADP-ribosylating toxin CDT. CDT causes depolymerization of F-actin and rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Thereby, many cellular functions, which depend on actin, are altered. CDT disturbs the dynamic balance between actin and microtubules in target cells. The toxin increases microtubule polymerization and induces the formation of microtubule-based protrusions at the plasma membrane of target cells. Moreover, CDT causes a redistribution of vesicles from the basolateral side to the apical side, where extracellular matrix proteins are released. These processes may increase the adherence of clostridia to target cells. Here, we review the effects of the action of CDT on the actin cytoskeleton and on the microtubule system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Aktories
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS), University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Panagiotis Papatheodorou
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carsten Schwan
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Immunization Strategies Against Clostridium difficile. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1050:197-225. [PMID: 29383671 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-72799-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
C. difficile infection (CDI) is an important healthcare- but also community-associated disease. CDI is considered a public health threat and an economic burden. A major problem is the high rate of recurrences. Besides classical antibiotic treatments, new therapeutic strategies are needed to prevent infection, to treat patients and prevent recurrences. If fecal transplantation has been recommended to treat recurrences, another key approach is to restore immunity against C. difficile and its virulence factors. Here, after a summary concerning the virulence factors, the host immune response against C. difficile and its role in the outcome of disease, we review the different approaches of passive immunotherapies and vaccines developed against CDI. Passive immunization strategies are designed in function of the target antigen, the antibody-based product and its administration route. Similarly, for active immunization strategies, vaccine antigens can target toxins or surface proteins and immunization can be performed by parenteral or mucosal routes. For passive immunization and vaccination as well, we first present immunization assays performed in animal models and second in humans and associated clinical trials. The different studies are presented according to the mode of administration either parenteral or mucosal and the target antigens, either toxins or colonization factors.
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