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González-Cueto E, de la Fuente J, López-Camacho C. Potential of mRNA-based vaccines for the control of tick-borne pathogens in one health perspective. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384442. [PMID: 38947333 PMCID: PMC11211597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The One Health approach, which integrates the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems at various levels, is crucial for addressing interconnected health threats. This is complemented by the advent of mRNA vaccines, which have revolutionized disease prevention. They offer broad-spectrum effectiveness and can be rapidly customized to target specific pathogens. Their utility extends beyond human medicine, showing potential in veterinary practices to control diseases and reduce the risk of zoonotic transmissions. This review place mRNA vaccines and One Health in the context of tick-borne diseases. The potential of these vaccines to confer cross-species immunity is significant, potentially disrupting zoonotic disease transmission cycles and protecting the health of both humans and animals, while reducing tick populations, infestations and circulation of pathogens. The development and application of mRNA vaccines for tick and tick-borne pathogens represent a comprehensive strategy in global health, fostering a healthier ecosystem for all species in our interconnected world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC)-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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2
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Feng T, Tong H, Zhang Q, Ming Z, Song Z, Zhou X, Dai J. Targeting Haemaphysalis longicornis serpin to prevent tick feeding and pathogen transmission. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:694-706. [PMID: 37635449 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins), identified from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis of China, play significant roles in various animal physiological processes. In this study, we showed that H. longicornis serpins (Hlserpin-a and Hlserpin-b) were induced during blood-feeding in nymph ticks and exhibited anticoagulation activity in vitro. Silencing Hlserpins through RNA interference (RNAi) significantly impaired tick feeding. Immunization of mice with recombinant Hlserpins or passive transfer of Hlserpin antiserum significantly curtails the efficacy of tick feeding. Concurrently, the transmission of the Langat virus (LGTV) from ticks to mice witnessed a substantial decrease when Hlserpins were silenced. Our findings suggest that inhibiting Hlserpins can hamper tick engorgement and pathogen transmission, indicating the potential of Hlserpins as a vaccine to counter tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Tong
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhihao Ming
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenyu Song
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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Saleemi MA, Zhang Y, Zhang G. Current Progress in the Science of Novel Adjuvant Nano-Vaccine-Induced Protective Immune Responses. Pathogens 2024; 13:441. [PMID: 38921739 PMCID: PMC11206999 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060441] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are vital as they protect us from various illness-causing agents. Despite all the advancements in vaccine-related research, developing improved and safer vaccines against devastating infectious diseases including Ebola, tuberculosis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a significant challenge. In addition, some of the current human vaccines can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, which limits their use for massive vaccination program. Therefore, it is necessary to design optimal vaccine candidates that can elicit appropriate immune responses but do not induce side effects. Subunit vaccines are relatively safe for the vaccination of humans, but they are unable to trigger an optimal protective immune response without an adjuvant. Although different types of adjuvants have been used for the formulation of vaccines to fight pathogens that have high antigenic diversity, due to the toxicity and safety issues associated with human-specific adjuvants, there are only a few adjuvants that have been approved for the formulation of human vaccines. Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) have gain specific attention and are commonly used as adjuvants for vaccine development as well as for drug delivery due to their excellent immune modulation properties. This review will focus on the current state of adjuvants in vaccine development, the mechanisms of human-compatible adjuvants and future research directions. We hope this review will provide valuable information to discovery novel adjuvants and drug delivery systems for developing novel vaccines and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guoquan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, College of Sciences, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (M.A.S.); (Y.Z.)
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Nepveu-Traversy ME, Fausther-Bovendo H, Babuadze G(G. Human Tick-Borne Diseases and Advances in Anti-Tick Vaccine Approaches: A Comprehensive Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:141. [PMID: 38400125 PMCID: PMC10891567 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020141] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the field of anti-tick vaccines, addressing their significance in combating tick-borne diseases of public health concern. The main objectives are to provide a brief epidemiology of diseases affecting humans and a thorough understanding of tick biology, traditional tick control methods, the development and mechanisms of anti-tick vaccines, their efficacy in field applications, associated challenges, and future prospects. Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a significant and escalating threat to global health and the livestock industries due to the widespread distribution of ticks and the multitude of pathogens they transmit. Traditional tick control methods, such as acaricides and repellents, have limitations, including environmental concerns and the emergence of tick resistance. Anti-tick vaccines offer a promising alternative by targeting specific tick proteins crucial for feeding and pathogen transmission. Developing vaccines with antigens based on these essential proteins is likely to disrupt these processes. Indeed, anti-tick vaccines have shown efficacy in laboratory and field trials successfully implemented in livestock, reducing the prevalence of TBDs. However, some challenges still remain, including vaccine efficacy on different hosts, polymorphisms in ticks of the same species, and the economic considerations of adopting large-scale vaccine strategies. Emerging technologies and approaches hold promise for improving anti-tick vaccine development and expanding their impact on public health and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugues Fausther-Bovendo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 75550, USA;
| | - George (Giorgi) Babuadze
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 75550, USA;
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Rios S, Bhattachan B, Vavilikolanu K, Kitsou C, Pal U, Schnell MJ. The Development of a Rabies Virus-Vectored Vaccine against Borrelia burgdorferi, Targeting BBI39. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:78. [PMID: 38250891 PMCID: PMC10820992 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010078] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States (U.S.), Europe, and Asia. Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochete bacterium transmitted by the tick vector Ixodes scapularis, causes LD in the U.S. If untreated, Lyme arthritis, heart block, and meningitis can occur. Given the absence of a human Lyme disease vaccine, we developed a vaccine using the rabies virus (RABV) vaccine vector BNSP333 and an outer surface borrelial protein, BBI39. BBI39 was previously utilized as a recombinant protein vaccine and was protective in challenge experiments; therefore, we decided to utilize this protective antigen in a rabies virus-vectored vaccine against Borrelia burgdorferi. To incorporate BBI39 into the RABV virion, we generated a chimeric BBI39 antigen, BBI39RVG, by fusing BBI39 with the final amino acids of the RABV glycoprotein by molecular cloning and viral recovery with reverse transcription genetics. Here, we have demonstrated that the BBI39RVG antigen was incorporated into the RABV virion via immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Mice vaccinated with our BPL inactivated RABV-BBI39RVG (BNSP333-BBI39RVG) vaccine induced high amounts of BBI39-specific antibodies, which were maintained long-term, up to eight months post-vaccination. The BBI39 antibodies neutralized Borrelia in vaccinated mice when challenged with Borrelia burgdorferi by either syringe injection or infected ticks and they reduced the Lyme disease pathology of arthritis in infected mouse joints. Overall, the RABV-based LD vaccine induced more and longer-term antibodies compared to the recombinant protein vaccine. This resulted in lower borrelial RNA in RABV-based vaccinated mice compared to recombinant protein vaccinated mice. The results of this study indicate the successful use of BBI39 as a vaccine antigen and RABV as a vaccine vector for LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantel Rios
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Jefferson Vaccine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Bibek Bhattachan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; (B.B.); (K.V.); (C.K.)
| | - Kruthi Vavilikolanu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; (B.B.); (K.V.); (C.K.)
| | - Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; (B.B.); (K.V.); (C.K.)
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; (B.B.); (K.V.); (C.K.)
| | - Matthias J. Schnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Jefferson Vaccine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Matias J, Cui Y, Lynn GE, DePonte K, Mesquita E, Muramatsu H, Alameh MG, Dwivedi G, Tam YK, Pardi N, Weissman D, Fikrig E. mRNA vaccination of rabbits alters the fecundity, but not the attachment, of adult Ixodes scapularis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:496. [PMID: 38177212 PMCID: PMC10766947 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50389-6] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
19ISP is a nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine that targets 19 Ixodes scapularis proteins. We demonstrate that adult I. scapularis have impaired fecundity when allowed to engorge on 19ISP-immunized rabbits. 19ISP, therefore, has the potential to interrupt the tick reproductive cycle, without triggering some of the other effects associated with acquired tick resistance. This may lead to the development of new strategies to reduce I. scapularis populations in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Matias
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Geoffrey E Lynn
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Kathleen DePonte
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Emily Mesquita
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mohamad G Alameh
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Garima Dwivedi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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de la Fuente J, Mazuecos L, Contreras M. Innovative approaches for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102227. [PMID: 37419001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102227] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases constitute a major threat for human and animal health worldwide. Vaccines for the control of tick infestations and transmitted pathogens still represents a challenge for science and health. Vaccines have evolved with antigens derived from inactivated pathogens to recombinant proteins and vaccinomics approaches. Recently, vaccines for the control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have shown the efficacy of new antigen delivery platforms. However, until now only two vaccines based on recombinant Bm86/Bm95 antigens have been registered and commercialized for the control of cattle-tick infestations. Nevertheless, recently new technologies and approaches are under consideration for vaccine development for the control of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Genetic manipulation of tick commensal bacteria converted enemies into friends. Frankenbacteriosis was used to control tick pathogen infection. Based on these results, the way forward is to develop new paratransgenic interventions and vaccine delivery platforms for the control of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
| | - Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marinela Contreras
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
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8
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Carnero-Morán Á, Oleaga A, Cano-Argüelles AL, Pérez-Sánchez R. Function-guided selection of salivary antigens from Ornithodoros erraticus argasid ticks and assessment of their protective efficacy in rabbits. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102218. [PMID: 37364364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The identification of new protective antigens for the development of tick vaccines may be approached by selecting antigen candidates that have key biological functions. Bioactive proteins playing key functions for tick feeding and pathogen transmission are secreted into the host via tick saliva. Adult argasid ticks must resynthesise and replace these proteins after each feeding to be able to repeat new trophogonic cycles. Therefore, these proteins are considered interesting antigen targets for tick vaccine development. In this study, the salivary gland transcriptome and saliva proteome of Ornithodoros erraticus females were inspected to select and test new vaccine candidate antigens. For this, we focused on transcripts overexpressed after feeding that encoded secretory proteins predicted to be immunogenic and annotated with functions related to blood ingestion and modulation of the host defensive response. Completeness of the transcript sequence, as well as a high expression level and a high fold-change after feeding were also scored resulting in the selection of four candidates, an acid tail salivary protein (OeATSP), a multiple coagulation factor deficiency protein 2 homolog (OeMCFD2), a Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (OeSOD) and a sulfotransferase (OeSULT), which were later produced as recombinant proteins. Vaccination of rabbits with each individual recombinant antigen induced strong humoral responses that reduced blood feeding and female reproduction, providing, respectively, 46.8%, 45.7%, 54.3% and 31.9% protection against O. erraticus infestations and 0.7%, 3.9%, 3.1% and 8.7% cross-protection against infestations by the African tick, Ornithodoros moubata. The joint protective efficacy of these antigens was tested in a second vaccine trial reaching 58.3% protection against O. erraticus and 18.6% cross-protection against O. moubata. These results (i) provide four new protective salivary antigens from argasid ticks that might be included in multi-antigenic vaccines designed for the control of multiple tick species; (ii) reveal four functional protein families never tested before as a source of protective antigens in ticks; and (iii) show that multi-antigenic vaccines increase vaccine efficacy compared with individual antigens. Finally, our data add value to the salivary glands as a protective antigen source in argasids for the control of tick infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Carnero-Morán
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ana Laura Cano-Argüelles
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
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Hajdusek O, Kopacek P, Perner J. Experimental platforms for functional genomics in ticks. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 59:101102. [PMID: 37586557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that devastate cattle farming and are an omnipresent nuisance to pets and humans, posing a threat of pathogen transmission. Laboratory experimental models can be instrumental in the search for molecular targets of novel acaricides or vaccines. Mainly, though, the experimental models represent invaluable tools for broadening our basic understanding of key processes of tick blood-feeding physiology and vector competence. In order to understand the function of a single component within the full complexity of a feeding tick, genetic or biochemical interventions are used for systemic phenotypisation. In this work, we summarise current experimental modalities that represent powerful approaches for determining biological functions of tick molecular components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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Pine M, Arora G, Hart TM, Bettini E, Gaudette BT, Muramatsu H, Tombácz I, Kambayashi T, Tam YK, Brisson D, Allman D, Locci M, Weissman D, Fikrig E, Pardi N. Development of an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine against Lyme disease. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2702-2714. [PMID: 37533256 PMCID: PMC10492027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne infectious disease in the United States, in part because a vaccine against it is not currently available for humans. We propose utilizing the lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated nucleoside-modified mRNA (mRNA-LNP) platform to generate a Lyme disease vaccine like the successful clinical vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Of the antigens expressed by Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, outer surface protein A (OspA) is the most promising candidate for vaccine development. We have designed and synthesized an OspA-encoding mRNA-LNP vaccine and compared its immunogenicity and protective efficacy to an alum-adjuvanted OspA protein subunit vaccine. OspA mRNA-LNP induced superior humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in mice after a single immunization. These potent immune responses resulted in protection against bacterial infection. Our study demonstrates that highly efficient mRNA vaccines can be developed against bacterial targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Pine
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Thomas M Hart
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emily Bettini
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian T Gaudette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - István Tombácz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dustin Brisson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michela Locci
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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11
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Matias J, Cui Y, Tang X, Sajid A, Arora G, Wu MJ, DePonte K, Muramatsu H, Tam YK, Narasimhan S, Pardi N, Weissman D, Fikrig E. Specific mRNA lipid nanoparticles and acquired resistance to ticks. Vaccine 2023; 41:4996-5002. [PMID: 37407406 PMCID: PMC10530371 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to ticks can develop when animals are repeatedly exposed to ticks. Recently, acquired resistance to Ixodes scapularis was induced in guinea pigs immunized with an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine (19ISP) encoding 19 I. scapularis proteins. Here, we evaluated specific mRNAs present in 19ISP to identify critical components associated with resistance to ticks. A lipid nanoparticle containing 12 mRNAs which included all the targets within 19ISP that elicited strong humoral responses in guinea pigs, was sufficient to induce robust resistance to ticks. Lipid nanoparticles containing fewer mRNAs or a single mRNA were not able to generate strong resistance to ticks. All lipid nanoparticles containing salp14 mRNA, however, were associated with increased redness at the tick bite site - which is the first manifestation of acquired resistance to ticks. This study demonstrates that more than one I. scapularis target within 19ISP is required for resistance to ticks, and that additional targets may also play a role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaqueline Matias
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xiaotian Tang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ming-Jie Wu
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Kathleen DePonte
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sukanya Narasimhan
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Kim JY, Rosenberger MG, Rutledge NS, Esser-Kahn AP. Next-Generation Adjuvants: Applying Engineering Methods to Create and Evaluate Novel Immunological Responses. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1687. [PMID: 37376133 PMCID: PMC10300703 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061687] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adjuvants are a critical component of vaccines. Adjuvants typically target receptors that activate innate immune signaling pathways. Historically, adjuvant development has been laborious and slow, but has begun to accelerate over the past decade. Current adjuvant development consists of screening for an activating molecule, formulating lead molecules with an antigen, and testing this combination in an animal model. There are very few adjuvants approved for use in vaccines, however, as new candidates often fail due to poor clinical efficacy, intolerable side effects, or formulation limitations. Here, we consider new approaches using tools from engineering to improve next-generation adjuvant discovery and development. These approaches will create new immunological outcomes that will be evaluated with novel diagnostic tools. Potential improved immunological outcomes include reduced vaccine reactogenicity, tunable adaptive responses, and enhanced adjuvant delivery. Evaluations of these outcomes can leverage computational approaches to interpret "big data" obtained from experimentation. Applying engineering concepts and solutions will provide alternative perspectives, further accelerating the field of adjuvant discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Aaron P. Esser-Kahn
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (J.Y.K.); (M.G.R.); (N.S.R.)
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13
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Abbas MN, Jmel MA, Mekki I, Dijkgraaf I, Kotsyfakis M. Recent Advances in Tick Antigen Discovery and Anti-Tick Vaccine Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054969. [PMID: 36902400 PMCID: PMC10003026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054969] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks can seriously affect human and animal health around the globe, causing significant economic losses each year. Chemical acaricides are widely used to control ticks, which negatively impact the environment and result in the emergence of acaricide-resistant tick populations. A vaccine is considered as one of the best alternative approaches to control ticks and tick-borne diseases, as it is less expensive and more effective than chemical controls. Many antigen-based vaccines have been developed as a result of current advances in transcriptomics, genomics, and proteomic techniques. A few of these (e.g., Gavac® and TickGARD®) are commercially available and are commonly used in different countries. Furthermore, a significant number of novel antigens are being investigated with the perspective of developing new anti-tick vaccines. However, more research is required to develop new and more efficient antigen-based vaccines, including on assessing the efficiency of various epitopes against different tick species to confirm their cross-reactivity and their high immunogenicity. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in the development of antigen-based vaccines (traditional and RNA-based) and provide a brief overview of recent discoveries of novel antigens, along with their sources, characteristics, and the methods used to test their efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Imen Mekki
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, CARIM, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
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Antunes S, Domingos A. Tick Vaccines and Concealed versus Exposed Antigens. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030374. [PMID: 36986295 PMCID: PMC10056810 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-tick vaccines development mainly depends on the identification of suitable antigens, which ideally should have different features. These should be key molecules in tick biology, encoded by a single gene, expressed across life stages and tick tissues, capable of inducing B and T cells to promote an immunological response without allergenic, hemolytic, and toxic effects; and should not be homologous to the mammalian host. The discussion regarding this subject and the usefulness of “exposed” and “concealed” antigens was effectively explored in the publication by Nuttall et al. (2006). The present commentary intends to debate the relevance of such study in the field of tick immunological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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15
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Chen WH, Strych U, Bottazzi ME, Lin YP. Past, present, and future of Lyme disease vaccines: antigen engineering approaches and mechanistic insights. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1405-1417. [PMID: 35836340 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2102484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere. Despite the geographical expansion of human Lyme disease cases, no effective preventive strategies are currently available. Developing an efficacious and safe vaccine is therefore urgently needed. Efforts have previously been taken to identify vaccine targets in the causative pathogen (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) and arthropod vector (Ixodes spp.). However, progress was impeded due to a lack of consumer confidence caused by the myth of undesired off-target responses, low immune responses, a limited breadth of immune reactivity, as well as by the complexities of the vaccine process development.Area covered: In this review, we summarize the antigen engineering approaches that have been applied to overcome those challenges and the underlying mechanisms that can be exploited to improve both safety and efficacy of future Lyme disease vaccines.Expert opinion: Over the past two decades, several new genetically redesigned Lyme disease vaccine candidates have shown success in both preclinical and clinical settings and built a solid foundation for further development. These studies have greatly informed the protective mechanisms of reducing Lyme disease burdens and ending the endemic of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Albany, Albany, NY, USA
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Schön MP. The tick and I: Parasite-host interactions between ticks and humans. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2022; 20:818-853. [PMID: 35674196 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ticks, particularly hard ticks (Ixodidae), which are among the most important vectors of dangerous infectious agents, feed on their hosts for extended periods of time. With this lifestyle, numerous adaptations have evolved in ticks and their hosts, the pharmacological importance of which is increasingly being recognized. Many bioactive substances in tick saliva are being considered as the basis of new drugs. For example, components of tick cement can be developed into tissue adhesives or wound closures. Analgesic and antipruritic salivary components inhibit histamine or bradykinin, while other tick-derived molecules bind opioid or cannabinoid receptors. Tick saliva inhibits the extrinsic, intrinsic, or common pathway of blood coagulation with implications for the treatment of thromboembolic diseases. It contains vasodilating substances and affects wound healing. The broad spectrum of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects of tick saliva, such as inhibition of chemokines or cellular immune responses, allows development of drugs against inflammation in autoimmune diseases and/or infections. Finally, modern vaccines against ticks can curb the spread of serious infections. The medical importance of the complex tick-host interactions is increasingly being recognized and translated into first clinical applications. Using selected examples, an overview of the mutual adaptations of ticks and hosts is given here, focusing on their significance to medical advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Schön
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
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Schön MP. Die Zecke und ich: Parasiten-Wirt-Interaktionen zwischen Zecken und Menschen. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2022; 20:818-855. [PMID: 35711058 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14821_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Schön
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen
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Abbas MN, Chlastáková A, Jmel MA, Iliaki-Giannakoudaki E, Chmelař J, Kotsyfakis M. Serpins in Tick Physiology and Tick-Host Interaction. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:892770. [PMID: 35711658 PMCID: PMC9195624 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.892770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick saliva has been extensively studied in the context of tick-host interactions because it is involved in host homeostasis modulation and microbial pathogen transmission to the host. Accumulated knowledge about the tick saliva composition at the molecular level has revealed that serine protease inhibitors play a key role in the tick-host interaction. Serpins are one highly expressed group of protease inhibitors in tick salivary glands, their expression can be induced during tick blood-feeding, and they have many biological functions at the tick-host interface. Indeed, tick serpins have an important role in inhibiting host hemostatic processes and in the modulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses of their vertebrate hosts. Tick serpins have also been studied as potential candidates for therapeutic use and vaccine development. In this review, we critically summarize the current state of knowledge about the biological role of tick serpins in shaping tick-host interactions with emphasis on the mechanisms by which they modulate host immunity. Their potential use in drug and vaccine development is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Adéla Chlastáková
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Ticks, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Mohamed Amine Jmel
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | | | - Jindřich Chmelař
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jindřich Chmelař, ; Michail Kotsyfakis,
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jindřich Chmelař, ; Michail Kotsyfakis,
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