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Alkema M, Smit MJ, Marin-Mogollon C, Totté K, Teelen K, van Gemert GJ, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, Mordmüller BG, Reimer JM, Lövgren-Bengtsson KL, Sauerwein RW, Bousema T, Plieskatt J, Theisen M, Jore MM, McCall MBB. A Pfs48/45-based vaccine to block Plasmodium falciparum transmission: phase 1, open-label, clinical trial. BMC Med 2024; 22:170. [PMID: 38649867 PMCID: PMC11036667 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stalling global progress in malaria control highlights the need for novel tools for malaria elimination, including transmission-blocking vaccines. Transmission-blocking vaccines aim to induce human antibodies that block parasite development in the mosquito and mosquitoes becoming infectious. The Pfs48/45 protein is a leading Plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking vaccine candidate. The R0.6C fusion protein, consisting of Pfs48/45 domain 3 (6C) and the N-terminal region of P. falciparum glutamate-rich protein (R0), has previously been produced in Lactococcus lactis and elicited functional antibodies in rodents. Here, we assess the safety and transmission-reducing efficacy of R0.6C adsorbed to aluminium hydroxide with and without Matrix-M™ adjuvant in humans. METHODS In this first-in-human, open-label clinical trial, malaria-naïve adults, aged 18-55 years, were recruited at the Radboudumc in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Participants received four intramuscular vaccinations on days 0, 28, 56 and 168 with either 30 µg or 100 µg of R0.6C and were randomised for the allocation of one of the two different adjuvant combinations: aluminium hydroxide alone, or aluminium hydroxide combined with Matrix-M1™ adjuvant. Adverse events were recorded from inclusion until 84 days after the fourth vaccination. Anti-R0.6C and anti-6C IgG titres were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Transmission-reducing activity of participants' serum and purified vaccine-specific immunoglobulin G was assessed by standard membrane feeding assays using laboratory-reared Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes and cultured P. falciparum gametocytes. RESULTS Thirty-one participants completed four vaccinations and were included in the analysis. Administration of all doses was safe and well-tolerated, with one related grade 3 adverse event (transient fever) and no serious adverse events occurring. Anti-R0.6C and anti-6C IgG titres were similar between the 30 and 100 µg R0.6C arms, but higher in Matrix-M1™ arms. Neat participant sera did not induce significant transmission-reducing activity in mosquito feeding experiments, but concentrated vaccine-specific IgGs purified from sera collected two weeks after the fourth vaccination achieved up to 99% transmission-reducing activity. CONCLUSIONS R0.6C/aluminium hydroxide with or without Matrix-M1™ is safe, immunogenic and induces functional Pfs48/45-specific transmission-blocking antibodies, albeit at insufficient serum concentrations to result in transmission reduction by neat serum. Future work should focus on identifying alternative vaccine formulations or regimens that enhance functional antibody responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT04862416.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alkema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M J Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - C Marin-Mogollon
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - K Totté
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - K Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - G J van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M van de Vegte-Bolmer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - B G Mordmüller
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - R W Sauerwein
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Present Address: TropIQ Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - T Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J Plieskatt
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M B B McCall
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Thongpoon S, Roobsoong W, Nguitragool W, Chotirat S, Tsuboi T, Takashima E, Cui L, Ishino T, Tachibana M, Miura K, Sattabongkot J. Naturally Acquired Transmission-Blocking Immunity Against Different Strains of Plasmodium vivax in a Malaria-Endemic Area in Thailand. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:567-575. [PMID: 37943633 PMCID: PMC10873188 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad469] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunity triggered by natural malaria infections impedes parasite transmission from humans to mosquitoes, leading to interest in transmission-blocking vaccines. However, immunity characteristics, especially strain specificity, remain largely unexplored. We investigated naturally acquired transmission-blocking immunity (TBI) against Plasmodium vivax, a major malaria parasite. METHODS Using the direct membrane-feeding assay, we assessed TBI in plasma samples and examined the role of antibodies by removing immunoglobulins through protein G/L adsorption before mosquito feeding. Strain specificity was evaluated by conducting a direct membrane-feeding assay with plasma exchange. RESULTS Blood samples from 47 patients with P vivax were evaluated, with 37 plasma samples successfully infecting mosquitoes. Among these, 26 showed inhibition before immunoglobulin depletion. Despite substantial immunoglobulin removal, 4 samples still exhibited notable inhibition, while 22 had reduced blocking activity. Testing against heterologous strains revealed some plasma samples with broad TBI and others with strain-specific TBI. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that naturally acquired TBI is mainly mediated by antibodies, with possible contributions from other serum factors. The transmission-blocking activity of plasma samples varied by the tested parasite strain, suggesting single polymorphic or multiple targets for naturally acquired TBI. These observations improve understanding of immunity against P vivax and hold implications for transmission-blocking vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wang Nguitragool
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tomoko Ishino
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tachibana
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Fonseca A, Spytek M, Biecek P, Cordeiro C, Sepúlveda N. Antibody selection strategies and their impact in predicting clinical malaria based on multi-sera data. BioData Min 2024; 17:2. [PMID: 38273386 PMCID: PMC10811867 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-024-00354-4] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nowadays, the chance of discovering the best antibody candidates for predicting clinical malaria has notably increased due to the availability of multi-sera data. The analysis of these data is typically divided into a feature selection phase followed by a predictive one where several models are constructed for predicting the outcome of interest. A key question in the analysis is to determine which antibodies should be included in the predictive stage and whether they should be included in the original or a transformed scale (i.e. binary/dichotomized). METHODS To answer this question, we developed three approaches for antibody selection in the context of predicting clinical malaria: (i) a basic and simple approach based on selecting antibodies via the nonparametric Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test; (ii) an optimal dychotomizationdichotomization approach where each antibody was selected according to the optimal cut-off via maximization of the chi-squared (χ2) statistic for two-way tables; (iii) a hybrid parametric/non-parametric approach that integrates Box-Cox transformation followed by a t-test, together with the use of finite mixture models and the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test as a last resort. We illustrated the application of these three approaches with published serological data of 36 Plasmodium falciparum antigens for predicting clinical malaria in 121 Kenyan children. The predictive analysis was based on a Super Learner where predictions from multiple classifiers including the Random Forest were pooled together. RESULTS Our results led to almost similar areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves of 0.72 (95% CI = [0.62, 0.82]), 0.80 (95% CI = [0.71, 0.89]), 0.79 (95% CI = [0.7, 0.88]) for the simple, dichotomization and hybrid approaches, respectively. These approaches were based on 6, 20, and 16 antibodies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The three feature selection strategies provided a better predictive performance of the outcome when compared to the previous results relying on Random Forest including all the 36 antibodies (AUC = 0.68, 95% CI = [0.57;0.79]). Given the similar predictive performance, we recommended that the three strategies should be used in conjunction in the same data set and selected according to their complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Fonseca
- FCT - Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- CEAUL - Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mikolaj Spytek
- Faculty of Mathematics & Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Biecek
- Faculty of Mathematics & Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Clara Cordeiro
- FCT - Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- CEAUL - Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- CEAUL - Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Faculty of Mathematics & Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland.
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Lampejo T. Monoclonal antibodies for the prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a multi-target approach? Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:73-77. [PMID: 37921336 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2274897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This article discusses the need for novel additional preventative strategies in malaria focusing on the potential role for monoclonal antibodies in disease prevention and putative strategies for their development and use in Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temi Lampejo
- Department of Infection Sciences, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Bansal GP, Kumar N. Immune mechanisms targeting malaria transmission: opportunities for vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:645-654. [PMID: 38888098 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2369583] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria continues to remain a major global health problem with nearly a quarter of a billion clinical cases and more than 600,000 deaths in 2022. There has been significant progress toward vaccine development, however, poor efficacy of approved vaccines requiring multiple immunizing doses emphasizes the need for continued efforts toward improved vaccines. Progress to date, nonetheless, has provided impetus for malaria elimination. AREAS COVERED In this review we will focus on diverse immune mechanisms targeting gametocytes in the human host and gametocyte-mediated malaria transmission via the mosquito vector. EXPERT OPINION To march toward the goal of malaria elimination it will be critical to target the process of malaria transmission by mosquitoes, mediated exclusively by the sexual stages, i.e. male, and female gametocytes, ingested from infected vertebrate host. Studies over several decades have established antigens in the parasite sexual stages developing in the mosquito midgut as attractive targets for the development of transmission blocking vaccines (TBVs). Immune clearance of gametocytes in the vertebrate host can synergize with TBVs and directly aid in maintaining effective transmission reducing immune potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha P Bansal
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Global Health, The Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Momoh EO, Ghag SK, White J, Mudeppa DG, Rathod PK. Multiplex Assays for Analysis of Antibody Responses to South Asian Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Malaria Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:1. [PMID: 38276660 PMCID: PMC10818873 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010001] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, causing over 0.6 million yearly deaths. To understand naturally acquired immunity in adult human populations in malaria-prevalent regions, improved serological tools are needed, particularly where multiple malaria parasite species co-exist. Slide-based and bead-based multiplex approaches can help characterize antibodies in malaria patients from endemic regions, but these require pure, well-defined antigens. To efficiently bypass purification steps, codon-optimized malaria antigen genes with N-terminal FLAG-tag and C-terminal Ctag sequences were expressed in a wheat germ cell-free system and adsorbed on functionalized BioPlex beads. In a pilot study, 15 P. falciparum antigens, 8 P. vivax antigens, and a negative control (GFP) were adsorbed individually on functionalized bead types through their Ctag. To validate the multiplexing powers of this platform, 10 P. falciparum-infected patient sera from a US NIH MESA-ICEMR study site in Goa, India, were tested against all 23 parasite antigens. Serial dilution of patient sera revealed variations in potency and breadth of antibodies to various parasite antigens. Individual patients revealed informative variations in immunity to P. falciparum versus P. vivax. This multiplex approach to malaria serology captures varying immunity to different human malaria parasite species and different parasite antigens. This approach can be scaled to track the dynamics of antibody production during one or more human malaria infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Devaraja G. Mudeppa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (E.O.M.); (S.K.G.); (J.W.)
| | - Pradipsinh K. Rathod
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; (E.O.M.); (S.K.G.); (J.W.)
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Walker IS, Rogerson SJ. Pathogenicity and virulence of malaria: Sticky problems and tricky solutions. Virulence 2023; 14:2150456. [PMID: 36419237 PMCID: PMC9815252 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause over 600,000 deaths each year, concentrated in Africa and in young children, but much of the world's population remain at risk of infection. In this article, we review the latest developments in the immunogenicity and pathogenesis of malaria, with a particular focus on P. falciparum, the leading malaria killer. Pathogenic factors include parasite-derived toxins and variant surface antigens on infected erythrocytes that mediate sequestration in the deep vasculature. Host response to parasite toxins and to variant antigens is an important determinant of disease severity. Understanding how parasites sequester, and how antibody to variant antigens could prevent sequestration, may lead to new approaches to treat and prevent disease. Difficulties in malaria diagnosis, drug resistance, and specific challenges of treating P. vivax pose challenges to malaria elimination, but vaccines and other preventive strategies may offer improved disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Walker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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8
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Beeson JG, Chan JA. A step forward for Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission-blocking vaccines. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:1210-1212. [PMID: 37499677 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James G Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Departments of Infectious Diseases and Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jo-Anne Chan
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Departments of Infectious Diseases and Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Simons LM, Ferrer P, Gombakomba N, Underwood K, Herrera R, Narum DL, Canepa G, Acquah F, Amoah L, Duffy PE, Barillas-Mury C, Long C, Lee SM, Locke E, Miura K, Williamson KC. Extending the range of Plasmodium falciparum transmission blocking antibodies. Vaccine 2023; 41:3367-3379. [PMID: 37100721 PMCID: PMC10334573 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent work demonstrating that asymptomatic carriers of P. falciparum parasites make up a large part of the infectious reservoir highlights the need for an effective malaria vaccine. Given the historical challenges of vaccine development, multiple parasite stages have been targeted, including the sexual stages required for transmission. Using flow cytometry to efficiently screen for P. falciparum gamete/zygote surface reactivity, we identified 82 antibodies that bound live P. falciparum gametes/zygotes. Ten antibodies had significant transmission-reducing activity (TRA) in a standard membrane feeding assay and were subcloned along with 9 nonTRA antibodies as comparators. After subcloning, only eight of the monoclonals obtained have significant TRA. These eight TRA mAbs do not recognize epitopes present in any of the current recombinant transmission-blocking vaccine candidates, Pfs230D1M, Pfs48/45.6C, Pf47 D2 and rPfs25. One TRA mAb immunoprecipitates two surface antigens, Pfs47 and Pfs230, that are expressed by both gametocytes and gametes/zygotes. These two proteins have not previously been reported to associate and the recognition of both by a single TRA mAb suggests the Pfs47/Pfs230 complex is a new vaccine target. In total, Pfs230 was the dominant target antigen, with five of the eight TRA mAbs and 8 of 11 nonTRA gamete/zygote surface reactive mAbs interacting with Pfs230. Of the three remaining TRA mAbs, two recognized non-reduced, parasite-produced Pfs25 and one bound non-reduced, parasite-produced Pfs48/45. None of the TRA mAbs bound protein on an immunoblot of reduced gamete/zygote extract and two TRA mAbs were immunoblot negative, indicating none of the new TRA epitopes are linear. The identification of eight new TRA mAbs that bind epitopes not included in any of the constructs currently under advancement as transmission-blocking vaccine candidates may provide new targets worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacy M Simons
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Patricia Ferrer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, USA
| | - Nita Gombakomba
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Suite 100, Bethesda, USA
| | - Knashka Underwood
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Raul Herrera
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David L Narum
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Gaspar Canepa
- Mosquito Immunity and Vector Competence Section Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Festus Acquah
- Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Amoah
- Immunology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Mosquito Immunity and Vector Competence Section Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Carole Long
- Malaria Immunology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Shwu-Maan Lee
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 455 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20001, USA
| | - Emily Locke
- Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access, PATH, 455 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20001, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Malaria Immunology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Kim C Williamson
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 W Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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Ngou CM, Bayibéki AN, Abate L, Makinde OS, Feufack-Donfack LB, Sarah-Matio EM, Bouopda-Tuedom AG, Taconet P, Moiroux N, Awono-Ambéné PH, Talman A, Ayong LS, Berry A, Nsango SE, Morlais I. Influence of the sickle cell trait on Plasmodium falciparum infectivity from naturally infected gametocyte carriers. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:317. [PMID: 37165325 PMCID: PMC10173526 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell trait (SCT) refers to the carriage of one abnormal copy of the β-globin gene, the HbS allele. SCT offers protection against malaria, controlling parasite density and preventing progression to symptomatic malaria. However, it remains unclear whether SCT also affects transmission stages and mosquito infection parameters. Deciphering the impact of the SCT on human to mosquito malaria transmission is key to understanding mechanisms that maintain the trait in malaria endemic areas. METHODS The study was conducted from June to July 2017 among asymptomatic children living in the locality of Mfou, Cameroon. Blood samples were collected from asymptomatic children to perform malaria diagnosis by microscopy, Plasmodium species by PCR and hemoglobin typing by RFLP. Infectiousness of gametocytes to mosquitoes was assessed by membrane feeding assays using blood from gametocyte carriers of HbAA and HbAS genotypes. A zero-inflated model was fitted to predict distribution of oocysts in mosquitoes according to hemoglobin genotype of the gametocyte source. RESULTS Among the 1557 children enrolled in the study, 314 (20.16%) were of the HbAS genotype. The prevalence of children with P. falciparum gametocytes was 18.47% in HbAS individuals and 13.57% in HbAA, and the difference is significant (χ2 = 4.61, P = 0.032). Multiplicity of infection was lower in HbAS gametocyte carriers (median = 2 genotypes/carrier in HbAS versus 3.5 genotypes/carrier in HbAA, Wilcoxon sum rank test = 188, P = 0.032). Gametocyte densities in the blood donor significantly influenced mosquito infection prevalence in both HbAS and HbAA individuals. The HbAS genotype had no significant effect on mosquito infection outcomes when using immune or naïve serum in feeding assays. In AB replacement feeding experiments, the odds ratio of mosquito infection for HbAA blood as compared to HbAS was 0.56 (95% CI 0.29-1.10), indicating a twice higher risk of infection in mosquitoes fed on gametocyte-containing blood of HbAS genotype. CONCLUSION Plasmodium transmission stages were more prevalent in SCT individuals. This may reflect the parasite's enhanced investment in the sexual stage to increase their survival rate when asexual replication is impeded. The public health impact of our results points the need for intensive malaria control interventions in areas with high prevalence of HbAS. The similar infection parameters in feeding experiments where mosquitoes received the original serum from the blood donor indicated that immune responses to gametocyte surface proteins occur in both HbAS and HbAA individuals. The higher risk of infection in mosquitoes fed on HbAS blood depleted of immune factors suggests that changes in the membrane properties in HbAS erythrocytes may impact on the maturation process of gametocytes within circulating red blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle M Ngou
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 91 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Luc Abate
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 91 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | - Olesula S Makinde
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 704, Akure, Nigeria
| | | | - Elangwe M Sarah-Matio
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 91 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France
- Institute for Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Aline G Bouopda-Tuedom
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Paul Taconet
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 91 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Moiroux
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 91 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Arthur Talman
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 91 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | - Lawrence S Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Antoine Berry
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, UPS, Toulouse, France
- Service de Parasitologie_Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandrine E Nsango
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Isabelle Morlais
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 91 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, 34394, Montpellier, France.
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11
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B-Cell Epitope Mapping of the Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccine Candidate GMZ2.6c in a Naturally Exposed Population of the Brazilian Amazon. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020446. [PMID: 36851323 PMCID: PMC9966924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020446] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The GMZ2.6c malaria vaccine candidate is a multi-stage P. falciparum chimeric protein that contains a fragment of the sexual-stage Pfs48/45-6C protein genetically fused to GMZ2, an asexual-stage vaccine construction consisting of the N-terminal region of the glutamate-rich protein (GLURP) and the C-terminal region of the merozoite surface protein-3 (MSP-3). Previous studies showed that GMZ2.6c is widely recognized by antibodies from Brazilian exposed individuals and that its components are immunogenic in natural infection by P. falciparum. In addition, anti-GMZ2.6c antibodies increase with exposure to infection and may contribute to parasite immunity. Therefore, identifying epitopes of proteins recognized by antibodies may be an important tool for understanding protective immunity. Herein, we identify and validate the B-cell epitopes of GMZ2.6c as immunogenic and immunodominant in individuals exposed to malaria living in endemic areas of the Brazilian Amazon. Specific IgG antibodies and subclasses against MSP-3, GLURP, and Pfs48/45 epitopes were detected by ELISA using synthetic peptides corresponding to B-cell epitopes previously described for MSP-3 and GLURP or identified by BepiPred for Pfs48/45. The results showed that the immunodominant epitopes were P11 from GLURP and MSP-3c and DG210 from MSP-3. The IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses were preferentially induced against these epitopes, supporting previous studies that these proteins are targets for cytophilic antibodies, important for the acquisition of protective immunity. Most individuals presented detectable IgG antibodies against Pfs48/45a and/or Pfs48/45b, validating the prediction of linear B-cell epitopes. The higher frequency and antibody levels against different epitopes from GLURP, MSP-3, and Pfs48/45 provide additional information that may suggest the relevance of GMZ2.6c as a multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate.
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12
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Ivanochko D, Fabra-García A, Teelen K, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Newton J, Semesi A, de Bruijni M, Bolscher J, Ramjith J, Szabat M, Vogt S, Kraft L, Duncan S, Lee SM, Kamya MR, Feeney ME, Jagannathan P, Greenhouse B, Sauerwein RW, Richter King C, MacGill RS, Bousema T, Jore MM, Julien JP. Potent transmission-blocking monoclonal antibodies from naturally exposed individuals target a conserved epitope on Plasmodium falciparum Pfs230. Immunity 2023; 56:420-432.e7. [PMID: 36792575 PMCID: PMC9942874 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Pfs230 is essential for Plasmodium falciparum transmission to mosquitoes and is the protein targeted by the most advanced malaria-transmission-blocking vaccine candidate. Prior understanding of functional epitopes on Pfs230 is based on two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with moderate transmission-reducing activity (TRA), elicited from subunit immunization. Here, we screened the B cell repertoire of two naturally exposed individuals possessing serum TRA and identified five potent mAbs from sixteen Pfs230 domain-1-specific mAbs. Structures of three potent and three low-activity antibodies bound to Pfs230 domain 1 revealed four distinct epitopes. Highly potent mAbs from natural infection recognized a common conformational epitope that is highly conserved across P. falciparum field isolates, while antibodies with negligible TRA derived from natural infection or immunization recognized three distinct sites. Our study provides molecular blueprints describing P. falciparum TRA, informed by contrasting potent and non-functional epitopes elicited by natural exposure and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danton Ivanochko
- Program in Molecular Medicine, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Karina Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Jocelyn Newton
- Program in Molecular Medicine, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony Semesi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Jordache Ramjith
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Biostatistics Section, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Lucas Kraft
- AbCellera Biologics Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Shwu-Maan Lee
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Margaret E Feeney
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - C Richter King
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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13
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Fabra-García A, Hailemariam S, de Jong RM, Janssen K, Teelen K, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Ivanochko D, Semesi A, McLeod B, Vos MW, de Bruijni MHC, Bolscher JM, Szabat M, Vogt S, Kraft L, Duncan S, Kamya MR, Feeney ME, Jagannathan P, Greenhouse B, Dechering KJ, Sauerwein RW, King CR, MacGill RS, Bousema T, Julien JP, Jore MM. Highly potent, naturally acquired human monoclonal antibodies against Pfs48/45 block Plasmodium falciparum transmission to mosquitoes. Immunity 2023; 56:406-419.e7. [PMID: 36792574 PMCID: PMC9942873 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) aim to induce antibodies that interrupt malaria parasite development in the mosquito, thereby blocking onward transmission, and provide a much-needed tool for malaria control and elimination. The parasite surface protein Pfs48/45 is a leading TBV candidate. Here, we isolated and characterized a panel of 81 human Pfs48/45-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from donors naturally exposed to Plasmodium parasites. Genetically diverse mAbs against each of the three domains (D1-D3) of Pfs48/45 were identified. The most potent mAbs targeted D1 and D3 and achieved >80% transmission-reducing activity in standard membrane-feeding assays, at 10 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. Co-crystal structures of D3 in complex with four different mAbs delineated two conserved protective epitopes. Altogether, these Pfs48/45-specific human mAbs provide important insight into protective and non-protective epitopes that can further our understanding of transmission and inform the design of refined malaria transmission-blocking vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophia Hailemariam
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roos M de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Janssen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Karina Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Danton Ivanochko
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony Semesi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brandon McLeod
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lucas Kraft
- AbCellera Biologics Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Margaret E Feeney
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | - C Richter King
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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14
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Tebeje SK, Chali W, Hailemeskel E, Ramjith J, Gashaw A, Ashine T, Nebret D, Esayas E, Emiru T, Tsegaye T, Teelen K, Lanke K, Takashima E, Tsuboi T, Salinas ND, Tolia NH, Narum D, Drakeley C, Witkowski B, Vantaux A, Jore MM, Stone WJR, Hansen IS, Tadesse FG, Bousema T. Naturally acquired antibodies to gametocyte antigens are associated with reduced transmission of Plasmodium vivax gametocytes to Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:1106369. [PMID: 36726645 PMCID: PMC9885094 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1106369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally acquired antibodies may reduce the transmission of Plasmodium gametocytes to mosquitoes. Here, we investigated associations between antibody prevalence and P. vivax infectivity to mosquitoes. A total of 368 microscopy confirmed P. vivax symptomatic patients were passively recruited from health centers in Ethiopia and supplemented with 56 observations from asymptomatic P. vivax parasite carriers. Direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA) were performed to assess mosquito infectivity; for selected feeds these experiments were also performed after replacing autologous plasma with malaria naïve control serum (n=61). The prevalence of antibodies against 6 sexual stage antigens (Pvs47, Pvs48/45, Pvs230, PvsHAP2, Pvs25 and PvCelTOS) and an array of asexual antigens was determined by ELISA and multiplexed bead-based assays. Gametocyte (ρ< 0.42; p = 0.0001) and parasite (ρ = 0.21; p = 0.0001) densities were positively associated with mosquito infection rates. Antibodies against Pvs47, Pvs230 and Pvs25 were associated with 23 and 34% reductions in mosquito infection rates (p<0.0001), respectively. Individuals who showed evidence of transmission blockade in serum-replacement DMFAs (n=8) were significantly more likely to have PvsHAP2 or Pvs47 antibodies. Further studies may demonstrate causality for the observed associations, improve our understanding of the natural transmission of P. vivax and support vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surafel K. Tebeje
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Wakweya Chali
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Elifaged Hailemeskel
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Jordache Ramjith
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Abrham Gashaw
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Ashine
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Desalegn Nebret
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Endashaw Esayas
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tadele Emiru
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tizita Tsegaye
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Karina Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Kjerstin Lanke
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Nichole D. Salinas
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Niraj H. Tolia
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Chris Drakeley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benoit Witkowski
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Pasteur Institute of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Amelie Vantaux
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Pasteur Institute of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Matthijs M. Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Ivo S. Hansen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Fitsum G. Tadesse
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Malaria and Neglected Tropical Disease Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Teun Bousema,
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15
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Singh SK, Naghizadeh M, Plieskatt J, Singh S, Theisen M. Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression in Lactococcus lactis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2652:3-20. [PMID: 37093467 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3147-8_1] [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: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The Lactococcus lactis, a Gram-positive bacteria, is an ideal expression host for the overproduction of heterologous proteins in a properly folded and functional form. L. lactis has been identified as an efficient cell factory, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), has a long history of safe use in food production, and is known to have probiotic properties. Key desirable features of L. lactis include the following: (1) rapid growth to high cell densities, not requiring aeration which facilitates large-scale fermentation; (2) its Gram-positive nature precludes the presence of contaminating endotoxins; (3) the capacity to secrete stable recombinant protein into the growth medium with few proteases resulting in a properly folded, full-length protein; and (4) the availability of diverse expression vectors facilitating various cloning options. We have previously described production of several recombinant proteins with varying degrees of predicted structural complexities using the L. lactis pH-dependent P170 promoter. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a detailed protocol for facilitating wider application of L. lactis as a reliable platform for expression of heterologous recombinant proteins in soluble form. Here, we present details of the various steps involved such as cloning of the target gene in appropriate expression plasmid vector, determination of the expression levels of the heterologous protein, and initial purification of the expressed soluble recombinant protein of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susheel K Singh
- Biotherapeutic and Vaccine Research Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Mohammad Naghizadeh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Subhash Singh
- Biotherapeutic and Vaccine Research Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Daubenberger CA, Gupta R. Monoclonal antibodies for reducing malaria transmission. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1519-1520. [PMID: 35963273 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00413-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Daubenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Switzerland, Basel, Switzerland.
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17
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McLeod B, Mabrouk MT, Miura K, Ravichandran R, Kephart S, Hailemariam S, Pham TP, Semesi A, Kucharska I, Kundu P, Huang WC, Johnson M, Blackstone A, Pettie D, Murphy M, Kraft JC, Leaf EM, Jiao Y, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Ramjith J, King CR, MacGill RS, Wu Y, Lee KK, Jore MM, King NP, Lovell JF, Julien JP. Vaccination with a structure-based stabilized version of malarial antigen Pfs48/45 elicits ultra-potent transmission-blocking antibody responses. Immunity 2022; 55:1680-1692.e8. [PMID: 35977542 PMCID: PMC9487866 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) aim to elicit human antibodies that inhibit sporogonic development of Plasmodium falciparum in mosquitoes, thereby preventing onward transmission. Pfs48/45 is a leading clinical TBV candidate antigen and is recognized by the most potent transmission-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) yet described; still, clinical development of Pfs48/45 antigens has been hindered, largely by its poor biochemical characteristics. Here, we used structure-based computational approaches to design Pfs48/45 antigens stabilized in the conformation recognized by the most potently inhibitory mAb, achieving >25°C higher thermostability compared with the wild-type protein. Antibodies elicited in mice immunized with these engineered antigens displayed on liposome-based or protein nanoparticle-based vaccine platforms exhibited 1-2 orders of magnitude superior transmission-reducing activity, compared with immunogens bearing the wild-type antigen, driven by improved antibody quality. Our data provide the founding principles for using molecular stabilization solely from antibody structure-function information to drive improved immune responses against a parasitic vaccine target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon McLeod
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Moustafa T Mabrouk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Rashmi Ravichandran
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sally Kephart
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sophia Hailemariam
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Thao P Pham
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Anthony Semesi
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Iga Kucharska
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Prasun Kundu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wei-Chiao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Max Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alyssa Blackstone
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Deleah Pettie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John C Kraft
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Leaf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | | | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jordache Ramjith
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Biostatistics Section, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - C Richter King
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, 455 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Randall S MacGill
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, 455 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Yimin Wu
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, 455 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Kelly K Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Neil P King
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Julien
- Program in Molecular Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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18
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Sather DN. Freshly remodeled and ready to fight malaria. Immunity 2022; 55:1588-1590. [PMID: 36103857 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Poor biochemical characteristics have severely hampered the development of the promising malaria transmission-blocking vaccine candidate Pfs48/45. In this issue of Immunity, McLeod et al. applied structure-guided vaccine design to transform this protein into a stable, high-producing antigen that elicits exceptional blocking antibodies, renewing its promise as a tool to fight malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Noah Sather
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
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19
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Oulton T, Obiero J, Rodriguez I, Ssewanyana I, Dabbs RA, Bachman CM, Greenhouse B, Drakeley C, Felgner PL, Stone W, Tetteh KKA. Plasmodium falciparum serology: A comparison of two protein production methods for analysis of antibody responses by protein microarray. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273106. [PMID: 36037183 PMCID: PMC9423672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of protein antigens as putative serologic biomarkers of infection has increasingly shifted to high-throughput, multiplex approaches such as the protein microarray. In vitro transcription/translation (IVTT) systems-a similarly high-throughput protein expression method-are already widely utilised in the production of protein microarrays, though purified recombinant proteins derived from more traditional whole cell based expression systems also play an important role in biomarker characterisation. Here we have performed a side-by-side comparison of antigen-matched protein targets from an IVTT and purified recombinant system, on the same protein microarray. The magnitude and range of antibody responses to purified recombinants was found to be greater than that of IVTT proteins, and responses between targets from different expression systems did not clearly correlate. However, responses between amino acid sequence-matched targets from each expression system were more closely correlated. Despite the lack of a clear correlation between antigen-matched targets produced in each expression system, our data indicate that protein microarrays produced using either method can be used confidently, in a context dependent manner, though care should be taken when comparing data derived from contrasting approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tate Oulton
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua Obiero
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Isabel Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Isaac Ssewanyana
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rebecca A. Dabbs
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phil L. Felgner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Will Stone
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin K. A. Tetteh
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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20
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de Jong RM, Alkema M, Oulton T, Dumont E, Teelen K, Nakajima R, de Assis RR, Press KWD, Ngotho P, Tetteh KK, Felgner P, Marti M, Collins KA, Drakeley C, Bousema T, Stone WJ. The acquisition of humoral immune responses targeting Plasmodium falciparum sexual stages in controlled human malaria infections. Front Immunol 2022; 13:930956. [PMID: 35924245 PMCID: PMC9339717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.930956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals infected with P. falciparum develop antibody responses to intra-erythrocytic gametocyte proteins and exported gametocyte proteins present on the surface of infected erythrocytes. However, there is currently limited knowledge on the immunogenicity of gametocyte antigens and the specificity of gametocyte-induced antibody responses. In this study, we assessed antibody responses in participants of two controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) studies by ELISA, multiplexed bead-based antibody assays and protein microarray. By comparing antibody responses in participants with and without gametocyte exposure, we aimed to disentangle the antibody response induced by asexual and sexual stage parasites. We showed that after a single malaria infection, a significant anti-sexual stage humoral response is induced in malaria-naïve individuals, even after exposure to relatively low gametocyte densities (up to ~1,600 gametocytes/mL). In contrast to antibody responses to well-characterised asexual blood stage antigens that were detectable by day 21 after infection, responses to sexual stage antigens (including transmission blocking vaccine candidates Pfs48/45 and Pfs230) were only apparent at 51 days after infection. We found antigens previously associated with early gametocyte or anti-gamete immunity were highly represented among responses linked with gametocyte exposure. Our data provide detailed insights on the induction and kinetics of antibody responses to gametocytes and identify novel antigens that elicit antibody responses exclusively in individuals with gametocyte exposure. Our findings provide target identification for serological assays for surveillance of the malaria infectious reservoir, and support vaccine development by describing the antibody response to leading vaccine antigens after primary infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos M. de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboud Centre of Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Manon Alkema
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboud Centre of Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tate Oulton
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elin Dumont
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karina Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboud Centre of Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Rie Nakajima
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Rafael Ramiro de Assis
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | | | - Priscilla Ngotho
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin K.A. Tetteh
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phil Felgner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine A. Collins
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboud Centre of Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Radboud Centre of Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands,Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Will J.R. Stone
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Will J.R. Stone,
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21
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Sauerwein RW, Plieskatt J, Theisen M. 40 Years of Pfs48/45 Research as a Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Target of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:tpmd211320. [PMID: 35895389 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In the early 1980s, Richard Carter was among the first researchers to identify the sexual stage-specific Pfs48/45 protein, leading to the identification of target epitopes. Carter predicted its tertiary conformation while involved in a number of studies on naturally acquired sexual stage-specific antibodies. Pfs48/45 is a cysteine-rich surface protein of sexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum that plays a critical role in male gamete fertility. Antibodies against Pfs48/45 prevent parasite development in the mosquito vector, and therefore prevent the spread of malaria in the population. Since the gene was sequenced in the early 1990s, Pfs48/45 has been considered a prime target candidate for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine. However, major manufacturing challenges-in particular, difficulty realizing satisfactory yields of a properly folded protein for the induction of functional antibodies-delayed clinical development significantly. These challenges were met roughly 20 years later. The first clinical trial with a Pfs48/45 subunit vaccine (R0.6C) was started in the Netherlands in early 2021. The excellent contributions to the long and winding path of Pfs48/45 research by Richard Carter are well recognized and are an integrated part of his seminal contributions to unraveling Plasmodium sexual stage biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Lyons FMT, Gabriela M, Tham WH, Dietrich MH. Plasmodium 6-Cysteine Proteins: Functional Diversity, Transmission-Blocking Antibodies and Structural Scaffolds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:945924. [PMID: 35899047 PMCID: PMC9309271 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.945924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 6-cysteine protein family is one of the most abundant surface antigens that are expressed throughout the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. Many members of the 6-cysteine family have critical roles in parasite development across the life cycle in parasite transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion. The common feature of the family is the 6-cysteine domain, also referred to as s48/45 domain, which is conserved across Aconoidasida. This review summarizes the current approaches for recombinant expression for 6-cysteine proteins, monoclonal antibodies against 6-cysteine proteins that block transmission and the growing collection of crystal structures that provide insights into the functional domains of this protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie M. T. Lyons
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie H. Dietrich
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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23
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de Jong RM, Singh SK, Teelen K, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Stone WJR, Locke E, Plieskatt J, Theisen M, Bousema T, Jore MM. Heterologous Expression and Evaluation of Novel Plasmodium falciparum Transmission Blocking Vaccine Candidates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909060. [PMID: 35812379 PMCID: PMC9259988 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission blocking vaccines (TBV) aim to induce antibodies that can interrupt Plasmodium falciparum development in the mosquito midgut and thereby prevent onward malaria transmission. A limited number of TBV candidates have been identified and only three (Pfs25, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45) have entered clinical testing. While one of these candidates may emerge as a highly potent TBV candidate, it is premature to determine if they will generate sufficiently potent and sustained responses. It is therefore important to explore novel candidate antigens. We recently analyzed sera from naturally exposed individuals and found that the presence and/or intensity of antibodies against 12 novel putative surface expressed gametocyte antigens was associated with transmission reducing activity. In this study, protein fragments of these novel TBV candidates were designed and heterologously expressed in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells and Lactococcus lactis. Eleven protein fragments, covering seven TBV candidates, were successfully produced. All tested antigens were recognized by antibodies from individuals living in malaria-endemic areas, indicating that native epitopes are present. All antigens induced antigen-specific antibody responses in mice. Two antigens induced antibodies that recognized a native protein in gametocyte extract, and antibodies elicited by four antigens recognized whole gametocytes. In particular, we found that antigen Pf3D7_0305300, a putative transporter, is abundantly expressed on the surface of gametocytes. However, none of the seven novel TBV candidates expressed here induced an antibody response that reduced parasite development in the mosquito midgut as assessed in the standard membrane feeding assay. Altogether, the antigen fragments used in this study did not prove to be promising transmission blocking vaccine constructs, but led to the identification of two gametocyte surface proteins that may provide new leads for studying gametocyte biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos M. de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Susheel K. Singh
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Will J. R. Stone
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Locke
- PATH‘s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- PATH‘s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michael Theisen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs M. Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Matthijs M. Jore,
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24
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Mulamba C, Williams C, Kreppel K, Ouedraogo JB, Olotu AI. Evaluation of the Pfs25-IMX313/Matrix-M malaria transmission-blocking candidate vaccine in endemic settings. Malar J 2022; 21:159. [PMID: 35655174 PMCID: PMC9161629 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria control relies heavily on the use of anti-malarial drugs and insecticides against malaria parasites and mosquito vectors. Drug and insecticide resistance threatens the effectiveness of conventional malarial interventions; alternative control approaches are, therefore, needed. The development of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines that target the sexual stages in humans or mosquito vectors is among new approaches being pursued. Here, the immunological mechanisms underlying malaria transmission blocking, status of Pfs25-based vaccines are viewed, as well as approaches and capacity for first in-human evaluation of a transmission-blocking candidate vaccine Pfs25-IMX313/Matrix-M administered to semi-immune healthy individuals in endemic settings. It is concluded that institutions in low and middle income settings should be supported to conduct first-in human vaccine trials in order to stimulate innovative research and reduce the overdependence on developed countries for research and local interventions against many diseases of public health importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Mulamba
- Interventions & Clinical Trials Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.,Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Chris Williams
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Katharina Kreppel
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | - Ally I Olotu
- Interventions & Clinical Trials Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
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25
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O’Flaherty K, Chan JA, Cutts JC, Zaloumis SG, Ashley EA, Phyo AP, Drew DR, Dondorp AM, Day NP, Dhorda M, Fairhurst RM, Lim P, Amaratunga C, Pukrittayakamee S, Hien TT, Htut Y, Mayxay M, Faiz MA, Mokuolu OA, Onyamboko MA, Fanello C, Takashima E, Tsuboi T, Theisen M, Nosten F, Beeson JG, Simpson JA, White NJ, Fowkes FJI. Anti-Gametocyte Antigen Humoral Immunity and Gametocytemia During Treatment of Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria: A Multi-National Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:804470. [PMID: 35463638 PMCID: PMC9022117 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.804470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Understanding the human immune response to Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes and its association with gametocytemia is essential for understanding the transmission of malaria as well as progressing transmission blocking vaccine candidates. Methods In a multi-national clinical efficacy trial of artemisinin therapies (13 sites of varying transmission over South-East Asia and Africa), we measured Immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to recombinant P. falciparum gametocyte antigens expressed on the gametocyte plasma membrane and leading transmission blocking vaccine candidates Pfs230 (Pfs230c and Pfs230D1M) and Pfs48/45 at enrolment in 1,114 participants with clinical falciparum malaria. Mixed effects linear and logistic regression were used to determine the association between gametocyte measures (gametocytemia and gametocyte density) and antibody outcomes at enrolment. Results Microscopy detectable gametocytemia was observed in 11% (127/1,114) of participants at enrolment, and an additional 9% (95/1,114) over the follow-up period (up to day 42) (total 20% of participants [222/1,114]). IgG levels in response to Pfs230c, Pfs48/45 and Pfs230D1M varied across study sites at enrolment (p < 0.001), as did IgG seroprevalence for anti-Pfs230c and D1M IgG (p < 0.001), but not for anti-Pfs48/45 IgG (p = 0.159). In adjusted analyses, microscopy detectable gametocytemia at enrolment was associated with an increase in the odds of IgG seropositivity to the three gametocyte antigens (Pfs230c OR [95% CI], p: 1.70 [1.10, 2.62], 0.017; Pfs48/45: 1.45 [0.85, 2.46], 0.174; Pfs230D1M: 1.70 [1.03, 2.80], 0.037), as was higher gametocyte density at enrolment (per two-fold change in gametocyte density Pfs230c OR [95% CI], p: 1.09 [1.02, 1.17], 0.008; Pfs48/45: 1.05 [0.98, 1.13], 0.185; Pfs230D1M: 1.07 [0.99, 1.14], 0.071). Conclusion Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antibodies are naturally immunogenic targets associated with patent gametocytemia and increasing gametocyte density across multiple malaria endemic settings, including regions with emerging artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jo-Anne Chan
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julia C. Cutts
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie G. Zaloumis
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Damien R. Drew
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas P. Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Asia-Pacific Regional Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rick M. Fairhurst
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Pharath Lim
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Tran Tinh Hien
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ye Htut
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust-Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- Institute of Research and Education Development, University of Health Sciences, Vientiane, Laos
| | - M. Abul Faiz
- Malaria Research Group and Dev Care Foundation, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Olugbenga A. Mokuolu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Marie A. Onyamboko
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Caterina Fanello
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francois Nosten
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - James G. Beeson
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie A. Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Freya J. I. Fowkes
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Freya J. I. Fowkes,
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26
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Chan JA, Ngotho P, Amoah LE, Sollelis L, Reiling L. Editorial: Advances on the Gametocyte Biology, Host Immunity and Vector Stages to Interrupt the Transmission of Malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:918489. [PMID: 35669121 PMCID: PMC9164281 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.918489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jo-Anne Chan
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Melbourne University, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Priscilla Ngotho
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Immunity University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lauriane Sollelis
- Wellcome Center for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection and Immunity University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Reiling
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Melbourne University, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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27
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Oduma CO, Koepfli C. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Adjust Investment in Transmission in Response to Change in Transmission Intensity: A Review of the Current State of Research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:786317. [PMID: 34956934 PMCID: PMC8692836 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.786317] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites can adjust the proportion of parasites that develop into gametocytes, and thus the probability for human-to-vector transmission, through changes in the gametocyte conversion rate. Understanding the factors that impact the commitment of malaria parasites to transmission is required to design better control interventions. Plasmodium spp. persist across countries with vast differences in transmission intensities, and in sites where transmission is highly seasonal. Mounting evidence shows that Plasmodium spp. adjusts the investment in transmission according to seasonality of vector abundance, and transmission intensity. Various techniques to determine the investment in transmission are available, i.e., short-term culture, where the conversion rate can be measured most directly, genome and transcriptome studies, quantification of mature gametocytes, and mosquito feeding assays. In sites with seasonal transmission, the proportion of gametocytes, their densities and infectivity are higher during the wet season, when vectors are plentiful. When countries with pronounced differences in transmission intensity were compared, the investment in transmission was higher when transmission was low, thus maximizing the parasite’s chances to be transmitted to mosquitoes. Increased transmissibility of residual infections after a successful reduction of malaria transmission levels need to be considered when designing intervention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colins O Oduma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya.,Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Cristian Koepfli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States
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Takashima E, Tachibana M, Morita M, Nagaoka H, Kanoi BN, Tsuboi T. Identification of Novel Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Candidates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:805482. [PMID: 34917521 PMCID: PMC8670312 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.805482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Control measures have significantly reduced malaria morbidity and mortality in the last two decades; however, the downward trends have stalled and have become complicated by the emergence of COVID-19. Significant efforts have been made to develop malaria vaccines, but currently only the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum has been recommended by the WHO, for widespread use among children in sub-Saharan Africa. The efficacy of RTS,S/AS01 is modest, and therefore the development of more efficacious vaccines is still needed. In addition, the development of transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) to reduce the parasite transmission from humans to mosquitoes is required toward the goal of malaria elimination. Few TBVs have reached clinical development, and challenges include low immunogenicity or high reactogenicity in humans. Therefore, novel approaches to accelerate TBV research and development are urgently needed, especially novel TBV candidate discovery. In this mini review we summarize the progress in TBV research and development, novel TBV candidate discovery, and discuss how to accelerate novel TBV candidate discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tachibana
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Bernard N Kanoi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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Tachibana M, Takashima E, Morita M, Sattabongkot J, Ishino T, Culleton R, Torii M, Tsuboi T. Plasmodium vivax transmission-blocking vaccines: Progress, challenges and innovation. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102525. [PMID: 34896614 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Existing control measures have significantly reduced malaria morbidity and mortality in the last two decades, although these reductions are now stalling. Significant efforts have been undertaken to develop malaria vaccines. Recently, extensive progress in malaria vaccine development has been made for Plasmodium falciparum. To date, only the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has been tested in Phase 3 clinical trials and is now under implementation, despite modest efficacy. Therefore, the development of a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) will be essential for malaria elimination. Only a limited number of TBVs have reached pre-clinical or clinical development with several major challenges impeding their development, including low immunogenicity in humans. TBV development efforts against P. vivax, the second major cause of malaria morbidity, lag far behind those for P. falciparum. In this review we summarize the latest progress, challenges and innovations in P. vivax TBV research and discuss how to accelerate its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Tachibana
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Tomoko Ishino
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
| | - Richard Culleton
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
| | - Motomi Torii
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan; Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan.
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Muthui MK, Takashima E, Omondi BR, Kinya C, Muasya WI, Nagaoka H, Mwai KW, Orindi B, Wambua J, Bousema T, Drakeley C, Blagborough AM, Marsh K, Bejon P, Kapulu MC. Characterization of Naturally Acquired Immunity to a Panel of Antigens Expressed in Mature P. falciparum Gametocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:774537. [PMID: 34869075 PMCID: PMC8633105 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.774537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Naturally acquired immune responses against antigens expressed on the surface of mature gametocytes develop in individuals living in malaria-endemic areas. Evidence suggests that such anti-gametocyte immunity can block the development of the parasite in the mosquito, thus playing a role in interrupting transmission. A better comprehension of naturally acquired immunity to these gametocyte antigens can aid the development of transmission-blocking vaccines and improve our understanding of the human infectious reservoir. Methods Antigens expressed on the surface of mature gametocytes that had not previously been widely studied for evidence of naturally acquired immunity were identified for protein expression alongside Pfs230-C using either the mammalian HEK293E or the wheat germ cell-free expression systems. Where there was sequence variation in the candidate antigens (3D7 vs a clinical isolate PfKE04), both variants were expressed. ELISA was used to assess antibody responses against these antigens, as well as against crude stage V gametocyte extract (GE) and AMA1 using archived plasma samples from individuals recruited to participate in malaria cohort studies. We analyzed antibody levels (estimated from optical density units using a standardized ELISA) and seroprevalence (defined as antibody levels greater than three standard deviations above the mean levels of a pool of malaria naïve sera). We described the dynamics of antibody responses to these antigens by identifying factors predictive of antibody levels using linear regression models. Results Of the 25 antigens selected, seven antigens were produced successfully as recombinant proteins, with one variant antigen, giving a total of eight proteins for evaluation. Antibodies to the candidate antigens were detectable in the study population (N = 216), with seroprevalence ranging from 37.0% (95% CI: 30.6%, 43.9%) for PSOP1 to 77.8% (95% CI: 71.6%, 83.1%) for G377 (3D7 variant). Responses to AMA1 and GE were more prevalent than those to the gametocyte proteins at 87.9% (95% CI: 82.8%, 91.9%) and 88.3% (95% CI: 83.1%, 92.4%), respectively. Additionally, both antibody levels and breadth of antibody responses were associated with age and concurrent parasitaemia. Conclusion Age and concurrent parasitaemia remain important determinants of naturally acquired immunity to gametocyte antigens. Furthermore, we identify novel candidates for transmission-blocking activity evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Muthui
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Brian R Omondi
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Christine Kinya
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - William I Muasya
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Kennedy W Mwai
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Benedict Orindi
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Juliana Wambua
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M Blagborough
- Division of Microbiology and Parasitology, Department of Pathology, Cambridge University, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Bejon
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa C Kapulu
- Department of Biosciences, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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31
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Ayanful-Torgby R, Sarpong E, Abagna HB, Donu D, Obboh E, Mensah BA, Adjah J, Williamson KC, Amoah LE. Persistent Plasmodium falciparum infections enhance transmission-reducing immunity development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21380. [PMID: 34725428 PMCID: PMC8560775 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00973-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Subclinical infections that serve as reservoir populations to drive transmission remain a hurdle to malaria control. Data on infection dynamics in a geographical area is required to strategically design and implement malaria interventions. In a longitudinal cohort, we monitored Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence and persistence, and anti-parasite immunity to gametocyte and asexual antigens for 10 weeks. Of the 100 participants, only 11 were never infected, whilst 16 had persistent infections detected by reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and one participant had microscopic parasites at all visits. Over 70% of the participants were infected three or more times, and submicroscopic gametocyte prevalence was high, ≥ 48% of the parasite carriers. Naturally induced responses against recombinant Pfs48/45.6C, Pfs230proC, and EBA175RIII-V antigens were not associated with either infection status or gametocyte carriage, but the antigen-specific IgG titers inversely correlated with parasite and gametocyte densities consistent with partial immunity. Longitudinal analysis of gametocyte diversity indicated at least four distinct clones circulated throughout the study period. The high prevalence of children infected with distinct gametocyte clones coupled with marked variation in infection status at the individual level suggests ongoing transmission and should be targeted in malaria control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ayanful-Torgby
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | | | - Hamza B Abagna
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dickson Donu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Benedicta A Mensah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joshua Adjah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kim C Williamson
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Linda E Amoah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Preclinical development of a Pfs230-Pfs48/45 chimeric malaria transmission-blocking vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:120. [PMID: 34642303 PMCID: PMC8511065 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 proteins are leading candidates for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV). Previously, we showed that a Pfs230–Pfs48/45 fusion protein elicits higher levels of functional antibodies than the individual antigens, but low yields hampered progression to clinical evaluation. Here we identified a modified construct (ProC6C) with a circumsporozoite protein (CSP) repeat-linker sequence that enhances expression. A scalable and reproducible process in the Lactococcus lactis expression system was developed and ProC6C was successfully transferred for manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). In addition, a panel of analytical assays for release and stability were developed. Intact mass spectrometry analysis and multiangle light scattering showed that the protein contained correct disulfide bonds and was monomeric. Immunogenicity studies in mice showed that the ProC6C adsorbed to Alhydrogel®, with or without Matrix-MTM, elicited functional antibodies that reduced transmission to mosquitoes and sporozoite invasion of human hepatocytes. Altogether, our data support manufacture and clinical evaluation of ProC6C as a multistage malaria-vaccine candidate.
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33
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Opi DH, Kurtovic L, Chan JA, Horton JL, Feng G, Beeson JG. Multi-functional antibody profiling for malaria vaccine development and evaluation. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1257-1272. [PMID: 34530671 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1981864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A vaccine would greatly accelerate current global efforts toward malaria elimination. While a partially efficacious vaccine has been achieved for Plasmodium falciparum, a major bottleneck in developing highly efficacious vaccines is a lack of reliable correlates of protection, and the limited application of assays that quantify functional immune responses to evaluate and down-select vaccine candidates in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the important role of antibodies in immunity against malaria and detail the nature and functional activities of antibodies against the malaria-causing parasite. We highlight the growing understanding of antibody effector functions against malaria and in vitro assays to measure these functional antibody responses. We discuss the application of these assays to quantify antibody functions in vaccine development and evaluation. EXPERT OPINION It is becoming increasingly clear that multiple antibody effector functions are involved in immunity to malaria. Therefore, we propose that evaluating vaccine candidates needs to move beyond individual assays or measuring IgG magnitude alone. Instead, vaccine evaluation should incorporate the full breadth of antibody response types and harness a wider range of assays measuring functional antibody responses. We propose a 3-tier approach to implementing assays to inform vaccine evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Herbert Opi
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liriye Kurtovic
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne Chan
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica L Horton
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gaoqian Feng
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James G Beeson
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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34
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Alternatives to Improve Mosquito Eradication Behavior: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/jgbfnm.18.2.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
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35
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Niu G, Cui Y, Wang X, Keleta Y, Li J. Studies of the Parasite-Midgut Interaction Reveal Plasmodium Proteins Important for Malaria Transmission to Mosquitoes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:654216. [PMID: 34262880 PMCID: PMC8274421 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.654216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission relies on parasite-mosquito midgut interaction. The interactive proteins are hypothesized to be ideal targets to block malaria transmission to mosquitoes. We chose 76 genes that contain signal peptide-coding regions and are upregulated and highly abundant at sexual stages. Forty-six of these candidate genes (60%) were cloned and expressed using the baculovirus expression system in insect cells. Six of them, e.g., PF3D7_0303900, PF3D7_0406200 (Pfs16), PF3D7_1204400 (Pfs37), PF3D7_1214800, PF3D7_1239400, and PF3D7_1472800 were discovered to interact with blood-fed mosquito midgut lysate. Previous works showed that among these interactive proteins, knockout the orthologs of Pfs37 or Pfs16 in P. berghei reduced oocysts in mosquitoes. Here we further found that anti-Pfs16 polyclonal antibody significantly inhibited P. falciparum transmission to Anopheles gambiae. Investigating these candidate proteins will improve our understanding of malaria transmission and discover new targets to break malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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36
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Tripathi AK, Oakley MS, Verma N, Mlambo G, Zheng H, Meredith SM, Essuman E, Puri A, Skelton RA, Takeda K, Majam V, Quakyi IA, Locke E, Morin M, Miura K, Long CA, Kumar S. Plasmodium falciparum Pf77 and male development gene 1 as vaccine antigens that induce potent transmission-reducing antibodies. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabg2112. [PMID: 34108248 PMCID: PMC11018285 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg2112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria vaccines that disrupt the Plasmodium life cycle in mosquitoes and reduce parasite transmission in endemic areas are termed transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs). Despite decades of research, there are only a few Plasmodium falciparum antigens that indisputably and reproducibly demonstrate transmission-blocking immunity. So far, only two TBV candidates have advanced to phase 1/2 clinical testing with limited success. By applying an unbiased transcriptomics-based approach, we have identified Pf77 and male development gene 1 (PfMDV-1) as two P. falciparum TBV antigens that, upon immunization, induced antibodies that caused reductions in oocyst counts in Anopheles mosquito midguts in a standard membrane feeding assay. In-depth studies were performed to characterize the genetic diversity of, stage-specific expression by, and natural immunity to these two molecules to evaluate their suitability as TBV candidates. Pf77 and PfMDV-1 display limited antigenic polymorphism, are pan-developmentally expressed within the parasite, and induce naturally occurring antibodies in Ghanaian adults, which raises the prospect of natural boosting of vaccine-induced immune response in endemic regions. Together, these biological properties suggest that Pf77 and PfMDV-1 may warrant further investigation as TBV candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhai K Tripathi
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Miranda S Oakley
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Nitin Verma
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Godfree Mlambo
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hong Zheng
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Scott M Meredith
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Edward Essuman
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Ankit Puri
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Richard A Skelton
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Victoria Majam
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | | | - Emily Locke
- PATH-Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Sanjai Kumar
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
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37
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Nyasa RB, Fotabe EL, Ndip RN. Trends in malaria prevalence and risk factors associated with the disease in Nkongho-mbeng; a typical rural setting in the equatorial rainforest of the South West Region of Cameroon. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251380. [PMID: 34003847 PMCID: PMC8130964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, malaria in recent years has witnessed a decline in the number of cases and death, though the most recent world malaria report shows a slight decrease in the number of cases in 2018 compared to 2017 and, increase in 2017 compared to 2016. Africa remains the region with the greatest burden of the disease. Cameroon is among the countries with a very high burden of malaria, with the coastal and forest regions carrying the highest burden of the disease. Nkongho-mbeng is a typical rural setting in the equatorial rain forest region of Cameroon, with no existing knowledge of the epidemiology of malaria in this locality. This study aimed at determining the current status of malaria epidemiology in Nkongho-mbeng. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, during which blood samples were collected from 500 participants and examined by microscopy. Risk factors such as, age, sex, duration of stay in the locality, housing type, environmental sanitation and intervention strategies including use of, LLINs and drugs were investigated. Trends in malaria morbidity were also determined. Of the 500 samples studied, 60 were positive, giving an overall prevalence of 12.0% with the prevalence of asymptomatic infection (10.8%), more than quadruple the prevalence of symptomatic infections (1.2%) and, fever burden not due to malaria was 1.4%. The GMPD was 6,869.17 parasites/μL of blood (95% C.I: 4,977.26/μL– 9,480.19/μL). A LLINs coverage of 84.4% and 77.88% usage was observed. Unexpectedly, the prevalence of malaria was higher among those sleeping under LLINs (12.56%) than those not sleeping under LLINs (8.97%), though the difference was not significant (p = 0.371). Being a male (p = 0.044), being unemployed (p = 0.025) and, living in Mbetta (p = 0.013) or Lekwe (p = 0.022) and the presence bushes around homes (p = 0.002) were significant risk factors associated with malaria infection. Trends in proportion demonstrated that, the prevalence of malaria amongst patients receiving treatment in the health center from 2015 to 2019 decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and linearly from 9.74% to 3.08% respectively. Data generated from this study can be exploited for development of a more effective control measures to curb the spread of malaria within Nkongho-mbeng.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Babila Nyasa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | | | - Roland N. Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Buea, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
- * E-mail: ,
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38
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Barry A, Bradley J, Stone W, Guelbeogo MW, Lanke K, Ouedraogo A, Soulama I, Nébié I, Serme SS, Grignard L, Patterson C, Wu L, Briggs JJ, Janson O, Awandu SS, Ouedraogo M, Tarama CW, Kargougou D, Zongo S, Sirima SB, Marti M, Drakeley C, Tiono AB, Bousema T. Higher gametocyte production and mosquito infectivity in chronic compared to incident Plasmodium falciparum infections. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2443. [PMID: 33903595 PMCID: PMC8076179 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22573-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte kinetics and infectivity may differ between chronic and incident infections. In the current study, we assess parasite kinetics and infectivity to mosquitoes among children (aged 5-10 years) from Burkina Faso with (a) incident infections following parasite clearance (n = 48) and (b) chronic asymptomatic infections (n = 60). In the incident infection cohort, 92% (44/48) of children develop symptoms within 35 days, compared to 23% (14/60) in the chronic cohort. All individuals with chronic infection carried gametocytes or developed them during follow-up, whereas only 35% (17/48) in the incident cohort produce gametocytes before becoming symptomatic and receiving treatment. Parasite multiplication rate (PMR) and the relative abundance of ap2-g and gexp-5 transcripts are positively associated with gametocyte production. Antibody responses are higher and PMR lower in chronic infections. The presence of symptoms and sexual stage immune responses are associated with reductions in gametocyte infectivity to mosquitoes. We observe that most incident infections require treatment before the density of mature gametocytes is sufficient to infect mosquitoes. In contrast, chronic, asymptomatic infections represent a significant source of mosquito infections. Our observations support the notion that malaria transmission reduction may be expedited by enhanced case management, involving both symptom-screening and infection detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aissata Barry
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - John Bradley
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Will Stone
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Moussa W Guelbeogo
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Kjerstin Lanke
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alphonse Ouedraogo
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Issiaka Soulama
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Issa Nébié
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Samuel S Serme
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Lynn Grignard
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Catriona Patterson
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lindsey Wu
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jessica J Briggs
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Owen Janson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shehu S Awandu
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille Ouedraogo
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Casimire W Tarama
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Désiré Kargougou
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Soumanaba Zongo
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Sodiomon B Sirima
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Chris Drakeley
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alfred B Tiono
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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39
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Roberds A, Ferraro E, Luckhart S, Stewart VA. HIV-1 Impact on Malaria Transmission: A Complex and Relevant Global Health Concern. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:656938. [PMID: 33912477 PMCID: PMC8071860 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.656938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria/HIV-1 co-infection has become a significant public health problem in the tropics where there is geographical overlap of the two diseases. It is well described that co-infection impacts clinical progression of both diseases; however, less is known about the impact of co-infection on disease transmission. Malaria transmission is dependent upon multiple critical factors, one of which is the presence and viability of the sexual-stage gametocyte. In this review, we summarize evidence surrounding gametocyte production in Plasmodium falciparum and the development factors and the consequential impact that HIV-1 has on malaria parasite transmission. Epidemiological and clinical evidence surrounding anemia, immune dysregulation, and chemotherapy as it pertains to co-infection and gametocyte transmission are reviewed. We discuss significant gaps in understanding that are often due to the biological complexities of both diseases as well as the lack of entomological data necessary to define transmission success. In particular, we highlight special epidemiological populations, such as co-infected asymptomatic gametocyte carriers, and the unique role these populations have in a future focused on malaria elimination and eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Roberds
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Division of Tropical Public Health, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Emily Ferraro
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - V Ann Stewart
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Division of Tropical Public Health, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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40
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Chawla J, Oberstaller J, Adams JH. Targeting Gametocytes of the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum in a Functional Genomics Era: Next Steps. Pathogens 2021; 10:346. [PMID: 33809464 PMCID: PMC7999360 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito transmission of the deadly malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is mediated by mature sexual forms (gametocytes). Circulating in the vertebrate host, relatively few intraerythrocytic gametocytes are picked up during a bloodmeal to continue sexual development in the mosquito vector. Human-to-vector transmission thus represents an infection bottleneck in the parasite's life cycle for therapeutic interventions to prevent malaria. Even though recent progress has been made in the identification of genetic factors linked to gametocytogenesis, a plethora of genes essential for sexual-stage development are yet to be unraveled. In this review, we revisit P. falciparum transmission biology by discussing targetable features of gametocytes and provide a perspective on a forward-genetic approach for identification of novel transmission-blocking candidates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Chawla
- Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, MDC 7, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 404, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
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41
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McGuire MK, Randall AZ, Seppo AE, Järvinen KM, Meehan CL, Gindola D, Williams JE, Sellen DW, Kamau-Mbuthia EW, Kamundia EW, Mbugua S, Moore SE, Prentice AM, Foster JA, Otoo GE, Rodríguez JM, Pareja RG, Bode L, McGuire MA, Campo JJ. Multipathogen Analysis of IgA and IgG Antigen Specificity for Selected Pathogens in Milk Produced by Women From Diverse Geographical Regions: The INSPIRE Study. Front Immunol 2021; 11:614372. [PMID: 33643297 PMCID: PMC7905217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.614372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Breastfeeding provides defense against infectious disease during early life. The mechanisms underlying this protection are complex but likely include the vast array of immune cells and components, such as immunoglobulins, in milk. Simply characterizing the concentrations of these bioactives, however, provides only limited information regarding their potential relationships with disease risk in the recipient infant. Rather, understanding pathogen and antigen specificity profiles of milk-borne immunoglobulins might lead to a more complete understanding of how maternal immunity impacts infant health and wellbeing. Milk produced by women living in 11 geographically dispersed populations was applied to a protein microarray containing antigens from 16 pathogens, including diarrheagenic E. coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogens of global health concern, and specific IgA and IgG binding was measured. Our analysis identified novel disease-specific antigen responses and suggests that some IgA and IgG responses vary substantially within and among populations. Patterns of antibody reactivity analyzed by principal component analysis and differential reactivity analysis were associated with either lower-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) or high-income countries (HICs). Antibody levels were generally higher in LMICs than HICs, particularly for Shigella and diarrheagenic E. coli antigens, although sets of S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, and some M. tuberculosis antigens were more reactive in HICs. Differential responses were typically specific to canonical immunodominant antigens, but a set of nondifferential but highly reactive antibodies were specific to antigens possibly universally recognized by antibodies in human milk. This approach provides a promising means to understand how breastfeeding and human milk protect (or do not protect) infants from environmentally relevant pathogens. Furthermore, this approach might lead to interventions to boost population-specific immunity in at-risk breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K McGuire
- Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Arlo Z Randall
- Antigen Discovery Incorporated, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Antti E Seppo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kirsi M Järvinen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Courtney L Meehan
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Debela Gindola
- Department of Anthropology, Hawassa University, Awasa, Ethiopia
| | - Janet E Williams
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Daniel W Sellen
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Samwel Mbugua
- Department of Human Nutrition, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Sophie E Moore
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,MRC Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Andrew M Prentice
- MRC Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - James A Foster
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Gloria E Otoo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Juan M Rodríguez
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lars Bode
- Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Mother-Milk-Infant Center of Research Excellence, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mark A McGuire
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Joseph J Campo
- Antigen Discovery Incorporated, Irvine, CA, United States
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42
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Duffy PE. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines: Harnessing Herd Immunity for Malaria Elimination. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:185-198. [PMID: 33478283 PMCID: PMC11127254 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1878028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) prevent community spread of malaria by targeting mosquito sexual stage parasites, a life-cycle bottleneck, and will be used in elimination programs. TBV rely on herd immunity to reduce mosquito infections and thereby new infections in both vaccine recipients and non-recipients, but do not provide protection once an individual receives an infectious mosquito bite which complicates clinical development. AREAS COVERED Here, we describe the concept and biology behind TBV, and we provide an update on clinical development of the leading vaccine candidate antigens. Search terms 'malaria vaccine,' 'sexual stages,' 'transmission blocking vaccine,' 'VIMT' and 'SSM-VIMT' were used for PubMed queries to identify relevant literature. EXPERT OPINION Candidates targeting P. falciparum zygote surface antigen Pfs25, and its P. vivax orthologue Pvs25, induced functional activity in humans that reduced mosquito infection in surrogate assays, but require increased durability to be useful in the field. Candidates targeting gamete surface antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, respectively, are in or nearing clinical trials. Nanoparticle platforms and adjuvants are being explored to enhance immunogenicity. Efficacy trials require special considerations, such as cluster-randomized designs to measure herd immunity that reduces human and mosquito infection rates, while addressing human and mosquito movements as confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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43
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Patel PN, Tolia N. Structural vaccinology of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:199-214. [PMID: 33430656 PMCID: PMC11077433 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1873135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The development of effective vaccines remains a major health priority to combat the global burden of malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) elicit antibodies that neutralize the sexual stages of the parasite in blood meals ingested by the Anopheles mosquito, interrupting parasite development in the vector host and preventing disease spread to other individuals.Areas covered: The P. falciparum gametocyte surface antigens Pfs230, Pfs48/45, and Pfs47, the parasite ookinete surface protein Pfs25, and the male gametocyte specific protein PfHAP2 are leading TBV candidates, some of which are in clinical development. The recent expansion of methodology to study monoclonal antibodies isolated directly from humans and animal models, coupled with effective measures for parasite neutralization, has provided unprecedented insight into TBV efficacy and development.Expert opinion: Available structural and functional data on antigen-monoclonal antibody (Ag-mAb) complexes, as well as epitope classification studies, have identified neutralizing epitopes that may aid vaccine development and improve protection. Here, we review the clinical prospects of TBV candidates, progress in the development of novel vaccine strategies for TBVs, and the impact of structural vaccinology in TBV design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak N Patel
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj Tolia
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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44
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Cai C, Hu Z, Yu X. Accelerator or Brake: Immune Regulators in Malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:610121. [PMID: 33363057 PMCID: PMC7758250 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.610121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease, affecting over 250 million individuals worldwide each year, eradicating malaria has been one of the greatest challenges to public health for a century. Growing resistance to anti-parasitic therapies and lack of effective vaccines are major contributing factors in controlling this disease. However, the incomplete understanding of parasite interactions with host anti-malaria immunity hinders vaccine development efforts to date. Recent studies have been unveiling the complexity of immune responses and regulators against Plasmodium infection. Here, we summarize our current understanding of host immune responses against Plasmodium-derived components infection and mainly focus on the various regulatory mechanisms mediated by recent identified immune regulators orchestrating anti-malaria immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunmei Cai
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, School of Medical, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Key Laboratory of Application and Foundation for High Altitude Medicine Research in Qinghai Province, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Single Cell Technology and Application, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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45
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Su XZ, Zhang C, Joy DA. Host-Malaria Parasite Interactions and Impacts on Mutual Evolution. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:587933. [PMID: 33194831 PMCID: PMC7652737 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.587933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most deadly parasitic disease, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Malaria parasites have been associated with their hosts for millions of years. During the long history of host-parasite co-evolution, both parasites and hosts have applied pressure on each other through complex host-parasite molecular interactions. Whereas the hosts activate various immune mechanisms to remove parasites during an infection, the parasites attempt to evade host immunity by diversifying their genome and switching expression of targets of the host immune system. Human intervention to control the disease such as antimalarial drugs and vaccination can greatly alter parasite population dynamics and evolution, particularly the massive applications of antimalarial drugs in recent human history. Vaccination is likely the best method to prevent the disease; however, a partially protective vaccine may have unwanted consequences that require further investigation. Studies of host-parasite interactions and co-evolution will provide important information for designing safe and effective vaccines and for preventing drug resistance. In this essay, we will discuss some interesting molecules involved in host-parasite interactions, including important parasite antigens. We also discuss subjects relevant to drug and vaccine development and some approaches for studying host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Zhuan Su
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cui Zhang
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Deirdre A Joy
- Parasitology and International Programs Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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46
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Coelho CH, Jore MM, Canepa GE, Barillas-Mury C, Bousema T, Duffy PE. Antibody Therapy Goes to Insects: Monoclonal Antibodies Can Block Plasmodium Transmission to Mosquitoes. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:880-883. [PMID: 33036937 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Malaria eradication is a global priority but requires innovative strategies. Humoral immune responses attack different parasite stages, and antibody-based therapy may prevent malaria infection or transmission. Here, we discuss targets of monoclonal antibodies in mosquito sexual stages of Plasmodium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila H Coelho
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gaspar E Canepa
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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47
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Evaluation and modeling of direct membrane-feeding assay with Plasmodium vivax to support development of transmission blocking vaccines. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12569. [PMID: 32724063 PMCID: PMC7387523 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69513-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard and direct membrane-feeding assays (SMFA and DMFA) are fundamental assays to evaluate efficacy of transmission-blocking intervention (TBI) candidates against Plasmodium falciparum and vivax. To compare different candidates precisely, it is crucial to understand the error range of measured activity, usually expressed as percent inhibition in either oocyst intensity (% transmission reducing activity, %TRA), or in prevalence of infected mosquitoes (% transmission blocking activity, %TBA). To this end, mathematical models have been proposed for P. falciparum SMFA (PfSMFA), but such study for DMFA is limited. In this study, we analyzed P. vivax DMFA (PvDMFA) data from 22,236 mosquitoes tested from 96 independent assays. While the two assays are quite different, a zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model could reasonably explain the PvDMFA results, as it has for PfSMFA. Our simulation studies based on the ZINB model revealed it is better to report %TRA values with a proper error range, rather than observed %TBA both in SMFA and DMFA. Furthermore, the simulations help in designing a better assay and aid in estimating an error range of a %TRA value when the uncertainty is not reported. This study strongly supports future TBI development by providing a rational method to compare different candidates.
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48
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Camponovo F, Campo JJ, Le TQ, Oberai A, Hung C, Pablo JV, Teng AA, Liang X, Sim BKL, Jongo S, Abdulla S, Tanner M, Hoffman SL, Daubenberger C, Penny MA. Proteome-wide analysis of a malaria vaccine study reveals personalized humoral immune profiles in Tanzanian adults. eLife 2020; 9:53080. [PMID: 32662772 PMCID: PMC7386907 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tanzanian adult male volunteers were immunized by direct venous inoculation with radiation-attenuated, aseptic, purified, cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoites (PfSPZ Vaccine) and protective efficacy assessed by homologous controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses were analyzed longitudinally using a Pf protein microarray covering 91% of the proteome, providing first insights into naturally acquired and PfSPZ Vaccine-induced whole parasite antibody profiles in malaria pre-exposed Africans. Immunoreactivity was identified against 2239 functionally diverse Pf proteins, showing a wide breadth of humoral response. Antibody-based immune ‘fingerprints’ in these individuals indicated a strong person-specific immune response at baseline, with little changes in the overall humoral immunoreactivity pattern measured after immunization. The moderate increase in immunogenicity following immunization and the extensive and variable breadth of humoral immune response observed in the volunteers at baseline suggest that pre-exposure reduces vaccine-induced antigen reactivity in unanticipated ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Camponovo
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Amit Oberai
- Antigen Discovery Inc, Irvine, United States
| | | | | | - Andy A Teng
- Antigen Discovery Inc, Irvine, United States
| | | | | | - Said Jongo
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Salim Abdulla
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Claudia Daubenberger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melissa A Penny
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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49
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Dantzler KW, Ma S, Ngotho P, Stone WJR, Tao D, Rijpma S, De Niz M, Nilsson Bark SK, Jore MM, Raaijmakers TK, Early AM, Ubaida-Mohien C, Lemgruber L, Campo JJ, Teng AA, Le TQ, Walker CL, Hermand P, Deterre P, Davies DH, Felgner P, Morlais I, Wirth DF, Neafsey DE, Dinglasan RR, Laufer M, Huttenhower C, Seydel K, Taylor T, Bousema T, Marti M. Naturally acquired immunity against immature Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/495/eaav3963. [PMID: 31167926 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aav3963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The recent decline in global malaria burden has stimulated efforts toward Plasmodium falciparum elimination. Understanding the biology of malaria transmission stages may provide opportunities to reduce or prevent onward transmission to mosquitoes. Immature P. falciparum transmission stages, termed stages I to IV gametocytes, sequester in human bone marrow before release into the circulation as mature stage V gametocytes. This process likely involves interactions between host receptors and potentially immunogenic adhesins on the infected red blood cell (iRBC) surface. Here, we developed a flow cytometry assay to examine immune recognition of live gametocytes of different developmental stages by naturally exposed Malawians. We identified strong antibody recognition of the earliest immature gametocyte-iRBCs (giRBCs) but not mature stage V giRBCs. Candidate surface antigens (n = 30), most of them shared between asexual- and gametocyte-iRBCs, were identified by mass spectrometry and mouse immunizations, as well as correlations between responses by protein microarray and flow cytometry. Naturally acquired responses to a subset of candidate antigens were associated with reduced asexual and gametocyte density, and plasma samples from malaria-infected individuals were able to induce immune clearance of giRBCs in vitro. Infected RBC surface expression of select candidate antigens was validated using specific antibodies, and genetic analysis revealed a subset with minimal variation across strains. Our data demonstrate that humoral immune responses to immature giRBCs and shared iRBC antigens are naturally acquired after malaria exposure. These humoral immune responses may have consequences for malaria transmission potential by clearing developing gametocytes, which could be leveraged for malaria intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen W Dantzler
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Siyuan Ma
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Priscilla Ngotho
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Will J R Stone
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands.,Immunology and Infection Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dingyin Tao
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sanna Rijpma
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands
| | - Mariana De Niz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sandra K Nilsson Bark
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands
| | - Tonke K Raaijmakers
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Patricia Hermand
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), UMR 1135, ERL CNRS 8255, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Deterre
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), UMR 1135, ERL CNRS 8255, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - D Huw Davies
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Phil Felgner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Isabelle Morlais
- UMR MIVEGEC UM1-CNRS 5290-IRD 224, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier Cedex, France
| | - Dyann F Wirth
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Rhoel R Dinglasan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and the Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Miriam Laufer
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karl Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Netherlands. .,Immunology and Infection Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Matthias Marti
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. .,Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Effect of irradiation on the survival and susceptibility of female Anopheles arabiensis to natural isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:266. [PMID: 32434542 PMCID: PMC7238563 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04135-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a vector control strategy relying on the mass release of sterile males into wild vector populations. Current sex separation techniques are not fully efficient and could lead to the release of a small proportion of females. It is therefore important to evaluate the effect of irradiation on the ability of released females to transmit pathogens. This study aimed to assess the effect of irradiation on the survival and competence of Anopheles arabiensis females for Plasmodium falciparum in laboratory conditions. Methods Pupae were irradiated at 95 Gy of gamma-rays, and emerging females were challenged with one of 14 natural isolates of P. falciparum. Seven days post-blood meal (dpbm), irradiated and unirradiated-control females were dissected to assess the presence of oocysts, using 8 parasite isolates. On 14 dpbm, sporozoite dissemination in the head/thorax was also examined, using 10 parasites isolates including 4 in common with the 7 dpbm dissection (oocyst data). The survivorship of irradiated and unirradiated-control mosquitoes was monitored. Results Overall, irradiation reduced the proportion of mosquitoes infected with the oocyst stages by 17% but this effect was highly inconsistent among parasite isolates. Secondly, there was no significant effect of irradiation on the number of developing oocysts. Thirdly, there was no significant difference in both the sporozoite infection rate and load between the irradiated and unirradiated-control mosquitoes. Fourthly, irradiation had varying effects on female survival with either a negative effect or no effect. Conclusions The effect of irradiation on mosquito competence strongly varied among parasite isolates. Because of such isolate variability and, the fact that different parasite isolates were used to collect oocyst and sporozoite data, the irradiation-mediated reduction of oocyst prevalence was not confirmed for the sporozoite stages. Our data indicate that irradiated female An. arabiensis could contribute to malaria transmission, and highlight the need for perfect sexing tools, which would prevent the release of females as part of SIT programmes.![]()
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