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Wang H, Clapp B, Hoffman C, Yang X, Pascual DW. A Single Nasal Dose Vaccination with a Brucella abortus Mutant Potently Protects against Pulmonary Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:1576-1588. [PMID: 37036290 PMCID: PMC10159994 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The Brucella abortus double-mutant (ΔznuA ΔnorD Brucella abortus-lacZ [znBAZ]) was assessed for its protective efficacy after vaccination with a single nasal dose. Superior protection was achieved in znBAZ-vaccinated mice against pulmonary, wild-type B. abortus 2308 challenge when compared with conventional livestock Brucella abortus vaccines, the smooth S19 (smooth B. abortus strain 19 vaccine) and rough RB51 (rough mutant vaccine strain of B. abortus) strains. Nasal znBAZ vaccination reduced splenic and lung colonization by wild-type brucellae by >3-4 logs. In contrast, S19 reduced lung colonization by only 32-fold, and RB51 failed to reduce colonization. One profound attribute of znBAZ vaccination was the >3-fold increase in pulmonary CD8+ T cells when compared with other vaccinated groups. S19 vaccination increased only CD4+ T cells. All vaccines induced IFN-γ and TNF-α production by CD4+ T cells, but only znBAZ vaccination enhanced the recruitment of polyfunctional CD8+ T cells, by >100-fold. IL-17 by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was also induced by subsequent znBAZ vaccination. These results demonstrate that, in addition to achieving protective immunity by CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, specifically resident memory T cells, also confer protection against brucellosis. The protection obtained by znBAZ vaccination was attributed to IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells, because depletion of CD8+ T cells throughout vaccination and challenge phases abrogated protection. The stimulation of only CD4+ T cells by RB51- and S19-vaccinated mice proved insufficient in protecting against pulmonary B. abortus 2308 challenge. Thus, nasal znBAZ vaccination offers an alternative means to elicit protection against brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Beata Clapp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Carol Hoffman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Xinghong Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - David W. Pascual
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Darbandi A, Alamdary SZ, Koupaei M, Ghanavati R, Heidary M, Talebi M. Evaluation of immune responses to Brucella vaccines in mouse models: A systematic review. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:903890. [PMID: 36118342 PMCID: PMC9478790 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.903890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionDespite the accessibility of several live attenuated vaccines for animals, currently, there is no licensed vaccine for brucellosis in human populations. Available and confirmed animal vaccines may be harmful and considered inappropriate for humans. Thus, human vaccines for brucellosis are required. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Brucella vaccines on mouse models and discuss the potential mechanisms of these vaccines for the design of the appropriate human vaccines.Materials and methodsA systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed/Medline databases. The following MeSH terms were applied: brucellosis, vaccine, Brucella, and vaccination. The original manuscripts describing the Brucella vaccines on mouse models were included. The review articles, editorials, correspondences, case reports, case series, duplicate publications, and articles with insufficient data were excluded.ResultsOf the 163 full texts that were screened, 17 articles reached to inclusion criteria. Combining the results of these trials revealed a reduction in bacterial load and colonization rate of Brucella in the spleen, an increase in inflammatory markers, especially IFN-γ and IL-4, and the highest levels of antibody classes in vaccinated animals compared to animals challenged with various virulent strains of Brucella. The majority of studies found that different anti-Brucella vaccines induced a significant protective effect in animals challenged with Brucella strains. Additionally, mice were given the highest level of Brucella vaccine protection and significant clearance of Brucella strains when the immunization was delivered via the IP (intraperitoneal) or IP-IN (intranasal) routes.ConclusionBrucella is responsible for half-million new cases globally annually, and the lack of a proper human vaccine poses the risk of brucellosis. A variety of vaccines are used to prevent brucellosis. Subunit vaccines and recombinant human vaccines have higher safety and protective properties. Although vaccination helps brucellosis control, it does not eradicate the disease. Thus, we recommend the following strategies. (a) establishment of a registration system; (b) close monitoring of slaughterhouses, markets, and herds; (c) training veterinarians; (d) legal protection of the consequences of non-compliance with preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Darbandi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Koupaei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Heidary
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
- Mohsen Heidary
| | - Malihe Talebi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Malihe Talebi
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Then C, Miyazaki J, Bauer-Panskus A. Deficiencies in the Risk Assessment of Genetically Engineered Bt Cowpea Approved for Cultivation in Nigeria: A Critical Review. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11030380. [PMID: 35161361 PMCID: PMC8838765 DOI: 10.3390/plants11030380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We analyze the application filed for the marketing and cultivation of genetically engineered Bt cowpea (event AAT 709A) approved in Nigeria in 2019. Cowpea (Vigna ungiguiculata) is extensively grown throughout sub-Saharan Africa and consumed by around two hundred million people. The transgenic plants produce an insecticidal, recombinant Bt toxin meant to protect the plants against the larvae of Maruca vitrata, which feed on the plants and are also known as pod borer. Our analysis of the application reveals issues of concern regarding the safety of the Bt toxins produced in the plants. These concerns include stability of gene expression, impact on soil organisms, effects on non-target species and food safety. In addition, we show deficiencies in the risk assessment of potential gene flow and uncontrolled spread of the transgenes and cultivated varieties as well as the maintenance of seed collections. As far as information is publicly available, we analyze the application by referring to established standards of GMO risk assessment. We take the provisions of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) into account, of which both Nigeria and the EU are parties. We also refer to the EU standards for GMO risk assessment, which are complementary to the provisions of the CPB.
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Roberto Raúl SG, Damaris IA, Ángel de Jesús JC, Leticia MF. Cry1Ac Protoxin Confers Antitumor Adjuvant Effect in a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Mouse Model by Improving Tumor Immunity. BREAST CANCER: BASIC AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2022; 16:11782234211065154. [PMID: 35002244 PMCID: PMC8738886 DOI: 10.1177/11782234211065154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cry1Ac protoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis is a systemic
and mucosal adjuvant, able to confer protective immunity in different infection
murine models and induce both Th1 and TCD8+ cytotoxic lymphocyte responses,
which are required to induce antitumor immunity. The Cry1Ac toxin, despite
having not being characterized as an adjuvant, has also proved to be immunogenic
and able to activate macrophages. Here, we investigated the potential antitumor
adjuvant effect conferred by the Cry1Ac protoxin and Cry1Ac toxin in a triple
negative breast cancer (TNBC) murine model. First, we evaluated the ability of
Cry1Ac proteins to improve dendritic cell (DC) activation and cellular response
through intraperitoneal (i.p.) coadministration with the 4T1 cellular lysate.
Mice coadministered with the Cry1Ac protoxin showed an increase in the number
and activation of CD11c+MHCII- and CD11c+MHCII+low in the peritoneal
cavity and an increase in DC activation (CD11c+MHCII+) in the spleen. Cry1Ac
protoxin increased the proliferation of TCD4+ and TCD8+ lymphocytes in the
spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), while the Cry1Ac toxin only increased
the proliferation of TCD4+ and TCD8+ in the MLN. Remarkably, when tested in the
in vivo TNBC mouse model, prophylactic immunizations with 4T1 lysates plus the
Cry1Ac protoxin protected mice from developing tumors. The antitumor effect
conferred by the Cry1Ac protoxin also increased specific cytotoxic T cell
responses, and prevented the typical tumor-related decrease of T cells
(TCD3+ and TCD4+) as well the increase of myeloid-derived suppressor cells
(MDSC) in spleen. Also in the tumor microenvironment of mice coadministered
twice with Cry1Ac protoxin immunological improvements were found such as
reductions in immunosupressive populations (T regulatory lymphocytes and MDSC)
along with increases in macrophages upregulating CD86. These results show a
differential antitumor adjuvant capability of Cry1Ac proteins, highlighting the
ability of Cry1Ac protoxin to enhance local and systemic tumor immunity in TNBC.
Finally, using a therapeutic approach, we evaluated the coadministration of
Cry1Ac protoxin with doxorubicin. A significant reduction in tumor volume and
lung metastasis was found, with increased intratumoral levels of tumor necrosis
factor-α and IL-6 with respect to the vehicle group, further supporting its
antitumor applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Servin-Garrido Roberto Raúl
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1 Los Reyes Iztacala CP 54090, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
| | - Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado Damaris
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1 Los Reyes Iztacala CP 54090, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
| | - Jiménez-Chávez Ángel de Jesús
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1 Los Reyes Iztacala CP 54090, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
| | - Moreno-Fierros Leticia
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1 Los Reyes Iztacala CP 54090, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
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Gonzalez-Vazquez MC, Vela-Sanchez RA, Rojas-Ruiz NE, Carabarin-Lima A. Importance of Cry Proteins in Biotechnology: Initially a Bioinsecticide, Now a Vaccine Adjuvant. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:999. [PMID: 34685371 PMCID: PMC8541582 DOI: 10.3390/life11100999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria is the formation of one or more parasporal crystal (Cry) proteins during sporulation. The toxicity of these proteins is highly specific to insect larvae, exerting lethal effects in different insect species but not in humans or other mammals. The aim of this review is to summarize previous findings on Bacillus thuringiensis, including the characteristics of the bacterium, its subsequent contribution to biotechnology as a bioinsecticide due to the presence of Cry proteins, and its potential application as an adjuvant. In several studies, Cry proteins have been administered together with specific antigens to immunize experimental animal models. The results have shown that these proteins can enhance immunogenicity by generating an adequate immune response capable of protecting the model against an experimental infectious challenge, whereas protection is decreased when the specific antigen is administered without the Cry protein. Therefore, based on previous results and the structural homology between Cry proteins, these molecules have arisen as potential adjuvants in the development of vaccines for both animals and humans. Finally, a model of the interaction of Cry proteins with different components of the immune response is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Gonzalez-Vazquez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiologicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla 72000, PU, Mexico; (M.C.G.-V.); (N.E.R.-R.)
| | - Ruth Abril Vela-Sanchez
- Licenciatura en Biotecnología, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla 72000, PU, Mexico;
| | - Norma Elena Rojas-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiologicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla 72000, PU, Mexico; (M.C.G.-V.); (N.E.R.-R.)
- Licenciatura en Biotecnología, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla 72000, PU, Mexico;
| | - Alejandro Carabarin-Lima
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiologicas, Instituto de Ciencias, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla 72000, PU, Mexico; (M.C.G.-V.); (N.E.R.-R.)
- Licenciatura en Biotecnología, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla 72000, PU, Mexico;
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Jiménez-Chávez ÁDJ, Nava-García BK, Bustos-Jaimes I, Moreno-Fierros L. B19-VLPs as an effective delivery system for tumour antigens to induce humoral and cellular immune responses against triple negative breast cancer. Immunol Lett 2021; 239:77-87. [PMID: 34508790 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.09.002] [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: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is emerging as a viable treatment option for several types of cancer. Active immunotherapy aims for the induction of specific antitumor immune responses; this goal requires strategies capable of increasing the immunogenicity of tumour antigens. Parvovirus B19 virus-like particles (B19-VLPs) formed of VP2 protein had been shown to be an effective multi-neoepitope delivery system capable of inducing specific cellular responses towards coupled antigens and reducing tumour growth and lung metastases in triple negative breast cancer mouse model. These findings encouraged us to further characterise these VP2 B19-VLPs by testing their capacity to simultaneously induce cellular and humoral responses towards other tumour-associated antigens, as this had not yet been evaluated. Here, we designed and evaluated in the 4T1 breast cancer model the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of VP2 B19-VLPs decorated with cellular (P53) and humoral (MUC1) epitopes. Balb/c mice were immunised with chimaeric VLPs, vehicle, or VLPs plus adjuvant. Tumour establishment and growth, lung metastasis, and cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated. The prophylactic administration of chimaeric VLPs without adjuvant prevented the establishment of the tumour, while by therapeutic administration, chimaeric VLPs induced smaller tumour growth and decreased the number of metastases in the lung compared to wild-type VLPs. chimaeric VLPs induced high antibody titres towards the MUC1 epitope, as well as specific cellular responses towards P53 epitopes in lymph nodes local to the tumour. Our results reinforce and extend the utility of VP2 B19-VLPs as an encouraging tumour antigen delivery system in cancer immunotherapy able to improve tumour immunity in TNBC by inducing cellular and humoral immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel de Jesús Jiménez-Chávez
- Biomedicine Research Unit, Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico. Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, 54090, México
| | - Brenda Katherine Nava-García
- Biomedicine Research Unit, Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico. Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, 54090, México
| | - Ismael Bustos-Jaimes
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Leticia Moreno-Fierros
- Biomedicine Research Unit, Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico. Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, 54090, México.
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Ibarra-Moreno CD, Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado D, Moreno-Fierros L. Differential capability of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac protoxin and toxin to induce in vivo activation of dendritic cells and B lymphocytes. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 121:104071. [PMID: 33766585 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis protein Cry1Ac is produced as a protoxin and becomes activated to a toxin when ingested by larvae. Both proteins are immunogenic and able to activate macrophages. The proposed mechanism of immunostimulation by Cry1Ac protoxin has been related to its capacity to activate antigen-presenting cells (APC), but its ability to activate dendritic cells (DC) has not been explored. Here we evaluated, in the popliteal lymph nodes (PLN), spleen and peritoneum, the activation of DC CD11c+ MHC-II+ following injection with single doses (50 μg) of Cry1Ac toxin or protoxin via the intradermal (i.d.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes in C57BL/6 mice. In vivo stimulation with both Cry1Ac proteins induced activation of DC via upregulation of CD86, primarily in PLN 24 h after i. d. injection. Moreover, this activation was detected in DC, displaying CD103+, a typical marker of migratory DC, while upregulation of CD80 was uniquely induced by toxin. Tracking experiments showed that Cy5-labeled Cry1Ac proteins could rapidly reach the PLN and localize near DC, but some label remained in the footpad. When the capacity of Cry1Ac-activated DC to induce antigen presentation was examined, significant proliferation of naïve T lymphocytes was induced exclusively by the protoxin. The protoxin elicited a Th17-biased cytokine profile. Moreover, only the Cry1Ac toxin induced a pronounced proliferation of B cells from both untreated and Cry1Ac-injected mice, suggesting that it acts as a polyclonal activator. In conclusion, Cry1Ac protoxin and toxin show a distinctive capacity to activate APCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Daniela Ibarra-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes, Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Damaris Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes, Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leticia Moreno-Fierros
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes, Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, Mexico.
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Guerrero Manriquez GG, Tuero I. Adjuvants: friends in vaccine formulations against infectious diseases. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:3539-3550. [PMID: 34288795 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1934354] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases represent a major cause of deaths worldwide. No vaccine or effective treatment exists nowadays, especially against intracellular pathogens. The increase in multiple drug and superbug antibiotic resistance strains, excessive medication, or misuse of drugs has prompted the search for other safe and effective alternatives. Consistent with this, adjuvants (Latin word "adjuvare": "help or aid") co-administered (Exo) in vaccines have emerged as a promising alternative to initiate and boost an innate, downstream signal that led to adaptative immune response. Nowadays, a promising model of strong immunogens and adjuvants at mucosal sites are the microbial bacterial toxins. Other adjuvants that are also used and might successfully replace aluminum salts in combination with nanotechnology are CpG-ODN, poly IC, type I IFNs, mRNA platforms. Therefore, in the present review, we focused to revisit the old to the new adjuvants compounds, the properties that make them friends in vaccine formulations against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I Tuero
- Faculty of Science and Phylosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin and protoxin do not provoke acute or chronic cytotoxicity on macrophages and leukocytes. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:42-52. [PMID: 33415662 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-020-00525-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The bioinsecticidal Cry1Ac proteins (protoxin and toxin) are potent immunogens that can activate macrophages by inducing upregulation of costimulatory molecules, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Besides, by the oral route, Cry1Ac toxin is mildly allergenic and induces intestinal lymphoid hyperplasia in mice. Given the potential utility of Cry1Ac protoxin as an adjuvant, as well as the human consumption of Cry1Ac toxin in transgenic crops, it is necessary to more deeply evaluate the toxicological potential of these proteins in mammalian immune cells. Here, were used in vitro evaluations in leukocyte and macrophage cell lines to test the potential toxicity of various doses of Cry1Ac proteins, by means of Alamar Blue, MTT, Annexin V, and JC1 assays. Our results indicated that neither Cry1Ac protoxin nor toxin elicited acute toxic effects, after monitoring the cell activity for 4, 8, 10, and 24 h of exposure. By flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis, it was observed that neither Cry1Ac toxin nor protoxin generated mitochondrial damage or depolarization or induced apoptosis or necrosis. In conclusion, despite their immunostimulatory effects, it was demonstrated that Cry1Ac proteins did not have cytotoxic effects, even at high concentrations, in primary leukocytes or macrophages or cell lines.
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Jiménez-Chávez ÁDJ, Moreno-Fierros L, Bustos-Jaimes I. Therapy with multi-epitope virus-like particles of B19 parvovirus reduce tumor growth and lung metastasis in an aggressive breast cancer mouse model. Vaccine 2019; 37:7256-7268. [PMID: 31570181 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is a major health problem that lacks molecular targets for therapy. Neoepitopes represent a viable option to induce antitumor immune responses, but they have limitations, such as low immunogenicity and tolerance induction. Parvovirus B19 virus-like particles may be used to deliver neoepitopes to prime cellular immunity. We designed and evaluated the therapeutic effect of VP2 B19-virus-like particles, with multi-neoepitopes, in a 4T1 breast cancer model. Balb/c mice received four therapeutic immunizations with multi-neoepitopes-virus-like, wild type-virus-like, vehicle, or virus-like plus Cry1Ac adjuvant particles, intraperitoneally and peritumorally. Tumor growth, lung macro-metastasis, and specific immune responses were evaluated. Therapeutic administration of multi-epitopes virus-like particles significantly delayed tumor growth and decreased the lung macro-metastasis number, in comparison to treatment with wild type-virus-like particles, which surprisingly also elicited antitumoral effects that were improved with the adjuvant. Only treatments with multi-epitope virus-like particles induced specific proliferative responses of CD8 and CD4 T lymphocytes and Granzyme-B production in lymphatic nodes local to the tumor. Treatment with recombinant multiple neoepitopes-virus-like particles induced specific cellular responses, inhibited tumor growth and macro-metastasis, thus B19-virus-like particles may function as an effective delivery system for neoepitopes for personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel de Jesús Jiménez-Chávez
- Biomedicine Unit, Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Leticia Moreno-Fierros
- Biomedicine Unit, Faculty of Higher Studies Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México, Mexico.
| | - Ismael Bustos-Jaimes
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Santos-Vigil KI, Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado D, García-Hernández AL, Herrera-García JS, Moreno-Fierros L. Study of the allergenic potential of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac toxin following intra-gastric administration in a murine model of food-allergy. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 61:185-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Humoral and cellular immune response in Wistar Han RCC rats fed two genetically modified maize MON810 varieties for 90 days (EU 7th Framework Programme project GRACE). Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2385-2399. [PMID: 29855658 PMCID: PMC6015625 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2230-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The genetically modified maize event MON810 expresses a Bacillus thuringiensis-derived gene, which encodes the insecticidal protein Cry1Ab to control some lepidopteran insect pests such as the European corn borer. It has been claimed that the immune system may be affected following the oral/intragastric administration of the MON810 maize in various different animal species. In the frame of the EU-funded project GRACE, two 90-day feeding trials, the so-called studies D and E, were performed to analyze the humoral and cellular immune responses of male and female Wistar Han RCC rats fed the MON810 maize. A MON810 maize variety of Monsanto was used in the study D and a MON810 maize variety of Pioneer Hi-Bred was used in the study E. The total as well as the maize protein- and Cry1Ab-serum-specific IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE levels, the proliferative activity of the lymphocytes, the phagocytic activity of the granulocytes and monocytes, the respiratory burst of the phagocytes, a phenotypic analysis of spleen, thymus and lymph node cells as well as the in vitro production of cytokines by spleen cells were analyzed. No specific Cry1Ab immune response was observed in MON810 rats, and anti-maize protein antibody responses were similar in MON810 and control rats. Single parameters were sporadically altered in rats fed the MON810 maize when compared to control rats, but these alterations are considered to be of no immunotoxicological significance.
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Rubio-Infante N, Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado D, Torres-Martínez M, Reyes-Grajeda JP, Nava-Acosta R, González-González E, Moreno-Fierros L. The Macrophage Activation Induced by Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac Protoxin Involves ERK1/2 and p38 Pathways and the Interaction with Cell-Surface-HSP70. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:580-598. [PMID: 28608568 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Here, we aimed to further characterize the mechanisms involved in protoxin (p) Cry1Ac-induced macrophage activation. We demonstrated that pCry1Ac induces MAPK ERK1/2, p38, and JNK phosphorylation in RAW264.7 macrophages. Because MAPK activation is mainly triggered via ligand-receptor interactions, we focused on the identification of potential pCry1Ac-receptor proteins. Flow cytometry and confocal analysis showed specific saturable pCry1Ac-binding to the macrophage surface and evidenced its internalization via the clathrin-pathway. We performed immunoprecipitation assays and identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF several possible pCry1Ac-binding proteins, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs), vimentin, α-enolase, and actin; whose interaction and presence was confirmed, respectively, by ligand blot and Western blot assays. We also detected cell-surface (cs) pCry1Ac-HSP70 colocalization, so HSP70 was chosen for further characterization. Co-immunoprecipitation with HSP70 antibodies followed by Western blot confirmed the pCry1Ac-HSP70 interaction. Furthermore, pretreatment of RAW264.7 cells with HSP70 antibodies reduced pCry1Ac-induced ERK1 phosphorylation and MCP-1 production; thus suggest the functional participation of csHSP70 in pCry1Ac-induced macrophage activation. csHSP70 also was evaluated in peritoneal-cavity (PerC) macrophages of untreated BALB/c mice, interestingly it was found that the predominant population namely large-peritoneal-macrophages (LPM) displayed csHSP70 + hi. Furthermore, the dynamics of PerC macrophage subsets, LPM, and small-peritoneal macrophages (SPM) were evaluated in response to in vivo pCry1Ac stimuli in presence or not of phenylethynesulfonamide (PES) a functional HSP70 inhibitor. It was found that pCry1Ac increased the proportion of SPM CD11b + F4/80 + lowMHCII + csHSP70 + low and markedly reduced the amount of LPM CD11b + F4/80 + hiMHCII-csHSP70 + hi; while PES, partially suppressed this pCry1Ac-induced effect, further suggesting the participation of HSP70 in macrophage activation process. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 580-598, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor Rubio-Infante
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México
| | - Damaris Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México
| | - Marilu Torres-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México
| | - Juan Pablo Reyes-Grajeda
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Periférico Sur No. 4809, Colonia Arenal Tepepan, Delegación Tlalpan, 14610, México, DF
| | - Raúl Nava-Acosta
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México
| | - Edith González-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México
| | - Leticia Moreno-Fierros
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla 54090, Estado de México
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Cry1Ac toxin induces macrophage activation via ERK1/2, JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 78:106-115. [PMID: 27394658 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Cry1Ac toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis is used commercially as a bio-insecticide and is expressed in transgenic plants that are used for human and animal consumption. Although it was originally considered innocuous for mammals, the Cry1Ac toxin is not inert and has the ability to induce mucosal and systemic immunogenicity. Herein, we examined whether the Cry1Ac toxin promotes macrophage activation and explored the signalling pathways that may mediate this effect. Treatment of primary and RAW264.7 macrophages with the Cry1Ac toxin resulted in upregulation of the costimulatory molecules CD80, CD86 and ICOS-L and enhanced production of nitric oxide, the chemokine MCP-1 and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Remarkably, the Cry1Ac toxin induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1/2, JNK and p38 and promoted nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p50 and p65. p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs were involved in this effect, as indicated by the Cry1Ac-induced upregulation of CD80 and IL-6 and TNF-α abrogation by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. Furthermore, treatment the MEK1/2 kinase inhibitor PD98059 blocked increases in MCP-1 secretion and augmented Cry1Ac-induced ICOS-L upregulation. These data demonstrate the capacity of the Cry1Ac toxin to induce macrophage activation via the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
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Nasal vaccination stimulates CD8(+) T cells for potent protection against mucosal Brucella melitensis challenge. Immunol Cell Biol 2016; 94:496-508. [PMID: 26752510 PMCID: PMC4879022 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2016.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Brucellosis remains a significant zoonotic threat worldwide. Humans and animals acquire infection via their oropharynx and upper respiratory tract following oral or aerosol exposure. After mucosal infection, brucellosis develops into a systemic disease. Mucosal vaccination could offer a viable alternative to conventional injection practices to deter disease. Using a nasal vaccination approach, the ΔznuA B. melitensis was found to confer potent protection against pulmonary Brucella challenge, and reduce colonization of spleens and lungs by more than 2500-fold, with more than 50% of vaccinated mice showing no detectable brucellae. Furthermore, tenfold more brucellae-specific, IFN-γ-producing CD8+ T cells than CD4+ T cells were induced in the spleen and respiratory lymph nodes. Evaluation of pulmonary and splenic CD8+ T cells from mice vaccinated with ΔznuA B. melitensis revealed that these expressed an activated effector memory (CD44hiCD62LloCCR7lo) T cells producing elevated levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, perforin, and granzyme B. To assess the relative importance of these increased numbers of CD8+ T cells, CD8−/− mice were challenged with virulent B. melitensis, and they showed markedly increased bacterial loads in organs in contrast to similarly challenged CD4−/− mice. Only ΔznuA B. melitensis- and Rev-1-vaccinated CD4−/− and wild-type mice, not CD8−/− mice, were completely protected against Brucella challenge. Determination of cytokines responsible for conferring protection showed the relative importance of IFN-γ, but not IL-17. Unlike wild-type mice, IL-17 was greatly induced in IFN-γ−/− mice, but IL-17 could not substitute for IFN-γ’s protection, although an increase in brucellae dissemination was observed upon in vivo IL-17 neutralization. These results show that nasal ΔznuA B. melitensis vaccination represents an attractive means to stimulate systemic and mucosal immune protection via CD8+ T cell engagement.
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Rubio-Infante N, Moreno-Fierros L. An overview of the safety and biological effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins in mammals. J Appl Toxicol 2015; 36:630-48. [PMID: 26537666 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Crystal proteins (Cry) produced during the growth and sporulation phases of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium are known as delta endotoxins. These toxins are being used worldwide as bioinsecticides to control pests in agriculture, and some Cry toxins are used against mosquitoes to control vector transmission. This review summarizes the relevant information currently available regarding the biosafety and biological effects that Bt and its insecticidal Cry proteins elicit in mammals. This work was performed because of concerns regarding the possible health impact of Cry toxins on vertebrates, particularly because Bt toxins might be associated with immune-activating or allergic responses. The controversial data published to date are discussed in this review considering earlier toxicological studies of B. thuringiensis, spores, toxins and Bt crops. We discussed the experimental studies performed in humans, mice, rats and sheep as well as in diverse mammalian cell lines. Although the term 'toxic' is not appropriate for defining the effects these toxins have on mammals, they cannot be considered innocuous, as they have some physiological effects that may become pathological; thus, trials that are more comprehensive are necessary to determine their effects on mammals because knowledge in this field remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Rubio-Infante
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, México
| | - Leticia Moreno-Fierros
- Laboratorio de Inmunidad en Mucosas, Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Estado de México, México
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