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Dickey TH, McAleese H, Salinas ND, Lambert LE, Tolia NH. Structure-based design of a Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein immunogen focuses the antibody response to functional epitopes. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5095. [PMID: 38988315 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5095] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The Duffy-binding protein (DBP) is a promising antigen for a malaria vaccine that would protect against clinical symptoms caused by Plasmodium vivax infection. Region II of DBP (DBP-II) contains the receptor-binding domain that engages host red blood cells, but DBP-II vaccines elicit many non-neutralizing antibodies that bind distal to the receptor-binding surface. Here, we engineered a truncated DBP-II immunogen that focuses the immune response to the receptor-binding surface. This immunogen contains the receptor-binding subdomain S1S2 and lacks the immunodominant subdomain S3. Structure-based computational design of S1S2 identified combinatorial amino acid changes that stabilized the isolated S1S2 without perturbing neutralizing epitopes. This immunogen elicited DBP-II-specific antibodies in immunized mice that were significantly enriched for blocking activity compared to the native DBP-II antigen. This generalizable design process successfully stabilized an integral core fragment of a protein and focused the immune response to desired epitopes to create a promising new antigen for malaria vaccine development.
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MESH Headings
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/chemistry
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/chemistry
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Plasmodium vivax/immunology
- Animals
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria Vaccines/chemistry
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/chemistry
- Mice
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/immunology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/chemistry
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Models, Molecular
- Malaria, Vivax/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/prevention & control
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne H Dickey
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Holly McAleese
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nichole D Salinas
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lynn E Lambert
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Niraj H 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 (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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2
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Dickey TH, Salinas ND, Patel P, Orr-Gonzalez S, Ouahes T, McAleese H, Richardson BL, Singleton M, Murphy M, Eaton B, Kwan JL, Holbrook MR, Lambert LE, Tolia NH. RBD design increases the functional antibody titers elicited by SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccination. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105937. [PMID: 38901738 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Most COVID-19 vaccines contain the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as an antigen, but they lose efficacy as neutralizing antibody titers wane and escape variants emerge. Modifying the spike antigen to increase neutralizing antibody titers would help counteract this decrease in titer. We previously used a structure-based computational design method to identify nine amino acid changes in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike that stabilize the RBD and increase the neutralizing antibody titers elicited by vaccination. Here, we introduce those enhancing amino acid changes into a full-length spike (FL-S-2P) ectodomain representative of most approved vaccine antigens. These amino acid changes can be incorporated into the FL-S-2P protein without negatively effecting expression or stability. Furthermore, the amino acid changes improved functional antibody titers in both mice and monkeys following vaccination. These amino acid changes could increase the duration of protection conferred by most COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne H Dickey
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Nichole D Salinas
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Palak Patel
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Sachy Orr-Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Tarik Ouahes
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Holly McAleese
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Brandi L Richardson
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Myesha Singleton
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Michael Murphy
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Brett Eaton
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer L Kwan
- Epidemiology and Population Studies Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Michael R Holbrook
- Integrated Research Facility, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Lynn E Lambert
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Niraj H Tolia
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA.
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3
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Miura K, Flores-Garcia Y, Long CA, Zavala F. Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies: new tools for malaria control. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0007123. [PMID: 38656211 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00071-23] [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] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYMalaria remains one of the biggest health problems in the world. While significant reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality had been achieved from 2000 to 2015, the favorable trend has stalled, rather significant increases in malaria cases are seen in multiple areas. In 2022, there were 249 million estimated cases, and 608,000 malaria-related deaths, mostly in infants and children aged under 5 years, globally. Therefore, in addition to the expansion of existing anti-malarial control measures, it is critical to develop new tools, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), to fight malaria. In the last 2 years, the first and second malaria vaccines, both targeting Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite proteins (PfCSP), have been recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent P. falciparum malaria in children living in moderate to high transmission areas. While the approval of the two malaria vaccines is a considerable milestone in vaccine development, they have much room for improvement in efficacy and durability. In addition to the two approved vaccines, recent clinical trials with mAbs against PfCSP, blood-stage vaccines against P. falciparum or P. vivax, and transmission-blocking vaccine or mAb against P. falciparum have shown promising results. This review summarizes the development of the anti-PfCSP vaccines and mAbs, and recent topics in the blood- and transmission-blocking-stage vaccine candidates and mAbs. We further discuss issues of the current vaccines and the directions for the development of next-generation vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Yevel Flores-Garcia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Fidel Zavala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Malaria Research Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ciubotariu II, Broyles BK, Xie S, Thimmapuram J, Mwenda MC, Mambwe B, Mulube C, Matoba J, Schue JL, Moss WJ, Bridges DJ, He Q, Carpi G. Diversity and selection analyses identify transmission-blocking antigens as the optimal vaccine candidates in Plasmodium falciparum. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.11.24307175. [PMID: 38766239 PMCID: PMC11100930 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.11.24307175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Background A highly effective vaccine for malaria remains an elusive target, at least in part due to the under-appreciated natural parasite variation. This study aimed to investigate genetic and structural variation, and immune selection of leading malaria vaccine candidates across the Plasmodium falciparum's life cycle. Methods We analyzed 325 P. falciparum whole genome sequences from Zambia, in addition to 791 genomes from five other African countries available in the MalariaGEN Pf3k Rdatabase. Ten vaccine antigens spanning three life-history stages were examined for genetic and structural variations, using population genetics measures, haplotype network analysis, and 3D structure selection analysis. Findings Among the ten antigens analyzed, only three in the transmission-blocking vaccine category display P. falciparum 3D7 as the dominant haplotype. The antigens AMA1, CSP, MSP119 and CelTOS, are much more diverse than the other antigens, and their epitope regions are under moderate to strong balancing selection. In contrast, Rh5, a blood stage antigen, displays low diversity yet slightly stronger immune selection in the merozoite-blocking epitope region. Except for CelTOS, the transmission-blocking antigens Pfs25, Pfs48/45, Pfs230, Pfs47, and Pfs28 exhibit minimal diversity and no immune selection in epitopes that induce strain-transcending antibodies, suggesting potential effectiveness of 3D7-based vaccines in blocking transmission. Interpretations These findings offer valuable insights into the selection of optimal vaccine candidates against P. falciparum. Based on our results, we recommend prioritizing conserved merozoite antigens and transmission-blocking antigens. Combining these antigens in multi-stage approaches may be particularly promising for malaria vaccine development initiatives. Funding Purdue Department of Biological Sciences; Puskas Memorial Fellowship; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (U19AI089680).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I. Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Bradley K. Broyles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Shaojun Xie
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Mulenga C. Mwenda
- PATH-Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brenda Mambwe
- PATH-Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Conceptor Mulube
- PATH-Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Jessica L. Schue
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - William J. Moss
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Qixin He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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5
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Ogwang R, Murugu L, Nkumama IN, Nyamako L, Kai O, Mwai K, Murungi L, Idro R, Bejon P, Tuju J, Kinyanjui SM, Osier FHA. Bi-isotype immunoglobulins enhance antibody-mediated neutrophil activity against Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360220. [PMID: 38650925 PMCID: PMC11033408 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360220] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria remains a major global health priority, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are emerging as potential new tools to support efforts to control the disease. Recent data suggest that Fc-dependent mechanisms of immunity are important mediators of protection against the blood stages of the infection, but few studies have investigated this in the context of mAbs. We aimed to isolate mAbs agnostic to cognate antigens that target whole merozoites and simultaneously induce potent neutrophil activity measured by the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production using an antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB) assay. Methods We used samples from semi-immune adults living in coastal Kenya to isolate mAbs that induce merozoite-specific ADRB activity. We then tested whether modifying the expressed IgG1 isotype to an IgG-IgA Fc region chimera would enhance the level of ADRB activity. Results We isolated a panel of nine mAbs with specificity to whole merozoites. mAb J31 induced ADRB activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Compared to IgG1, our modified antibody IgG-IgA bi-isotype induced higher ADRB activity across all concentrations tested. Further, we observed a negative hook effect at high IgG1 mAb concentrations (i.e., >200 µg/mL), but this was reversed by Fc modification. We identified MSP3.5 as the potential cognate target of mAb J31. Conclusions We demonstrate an approach to engineer mAbs with enhanced ADRB potency against blood-stage parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Ogwang
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lewis Murugu
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Irene N. Nkumama
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lydia Nyamako
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Oscar Kai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Linda Murungi
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Richard Idro
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Bejon
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Sam Muchina Kinyanjui
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Faith H. A. Osier
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Ma R, Salinas ND, Orr-Gonzalez S, Richardson B, Ouahes T, Torano H, Jenkins BJ, Dickey TH, Neal J, Duan J, Morrison RD, Gittis AG, Doritchamou JYA, Zaidi I, Lambert LE, Duffy PE, Tolia NH. Structure-guided design of VAR2CSA-based immunogens and a cocktail strategy for a placental malaria vaccine. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011879. [PMID: 38437239 PMCID: PMC10939253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Placental accumulation of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes results in maternal anemia, low birth weight, and pregnancy loss. The parasite protein VAR2CSA facilitates the accumulation of infected erythrocytes in the placenta through interaction with the host receptor chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Antibodies that prevent the VAR2CSA-CSA interaction correlate with protection from placental malaria, and VAR2CSA is a high-priority placental malaria vaccine antigen. Here, structure-guided design leveraging the full-length structures of VAR2CSA produced a stable immunogen that retains the critical conserved functional elements of VAR2CSA. The design expressed with a six-fold greater yield than the full-length protein and elicited antibodies that prevent adhesion of infected erythrocytes to CSA. The reduced size and adaptability of the designed immunogen enable efficient production of multiple variants of VAR2CSA for use in a cocktail vaccination strategy to increase the breadth of protection. These designs form strong foundations for the development of potent broadly protective placental malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- 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, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nichole D Salinas
- 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, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sachy Orr-Gonzalez
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Brandi Richardson
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tarik Ouahes
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Holly Torano
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bethany J Jenkins
- Pathogenesis and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thayne H Dickey
- 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, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jillian Neal
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Junhui Duan
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert D Morrison
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Apostolos G Gittis
- Structural Biology Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Justin Y A Doritchamou
- Pathogenesis and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Irfan Zaidi
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Lynn E Lambert
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Pathogenesis and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Niraj H 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, Maryland, United States of America
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7
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Sy Thau N, Nguyen TK, Truong NV, Chu TTH, Na SH, Moon RW, Lau YL, Nyunt MH, Park WS, Chun WJ, Lu F, Lee SK, Han JH, Han ET. Characterization of merozoite-specific thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (MTRAP) in Plasmodium vivax and P. knowlesi parasites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1354880. [PMID: 38465236 PMCID: PMC10920329 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1354880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax, the most widespread human malaria parasite, and P. knowlesi, an emerging Plasmodium that infects humans, are the phylogenetically closest malarial species that infect humans, which may induce cross-species reactivity across most co-endemic areas in Southeast Asia. The thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) family is indispensable for motility and host cell invasion in the growth and development of Plasmodium parasites. The merozoite-specific TRAP (MTRAP), expressed in blood-stage merozoites, is supposed to be essential for human erythrocyte invasion. We aimed to characterize MTRAPs in blood-stage P. vivax and P. knowlesi parasites and ascertain their cross-species immunoreactivity. Recombinant P. vivax and P. knowlesi MTRAPs of full-length ectodomains were expressed in a mammalian expression system. The MTRAP-specific immunoglobulin G, obtained from immune animals, was used in an immunofluorescence assay for subcellular localization and invasion inhibitory activity in blood-stage parasites was determined. The cross-species humoral immune responses were analyzed in the sera of patients with P. vivax or P. knowlesi infections. The MTRAPs of P. vivax (PvMTRAP) and P. knowlesi (PkMTRAP) were localized on the rhoptry body of merozoites in blood-stage parasites. Both anti-PvMTRAP and anti-PkMTRAP antibodies inhibited erythrocyte invasion of blood-stage P. knowlesi parasites. The humoral immune response to PvMTRAP showed high immunogenicity, longevity, and cross-species immunoreactivity with P. knowlesi. MTRAPs are promising candidates for development of vaccines and therapeutics against vivax and knowlesi malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Sy Thau
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuyet-Kha Nguyen
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Van Truong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Thi-Thanh Hang Chu
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-d, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert W. Moon
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yee Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Won-Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Joo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Seong-Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
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8
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Thomson-Luque R, Stabler TC, Fürle K, Silva JC, Daubenberger C. Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 as asexual blood stage malaria vaccine candidate. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:160-173. [PMID: 38100310 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2295430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria represents a public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, and currently deployed control strategies are likely insufficient to drive elimination of malaria. Development and improvement of malaria vaccines might be key to reduce disease burden. Vaccines targeting asexual blood stages of the parasite have shown limited efficacy when studied in human trials conducted over the past decades. AREAS COVERED Vaccine candidates based on the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) were initially envisioned as one of the most promising approaches to provide immune protection against asexual blood-stage malaria. Successful immunization studies in monkey involved the use of the full-length MSP1 (MSP1FL) as vaccine construct. Vaccines using MSP1FL for immunization have the potential benefit of including numerous conserved B-cell and T-cell epitopes. This could result in improved parasite strain-transcending, protective immunity in the field. We review outcomes of clinical trials that utilized a variety of MSP1 constructs and formulations, including MSP1FL, either alone or in combination with other antigens, in both animal models and humans. EXPERT OPINION Novel approaches to analyze breadth and magnitude of effector functions of MSP1-targeting antibodies in volunteers undergoing experimental vaccination and controlled human malaria infection will help to define correlates of protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Thomson-Luque
- Centre for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Sumaya-Biotech GmbH & Co. KG Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas C Stabler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of Basel Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Centre for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joana C Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (GHTM IHMT, UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- University of Basel Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Allschwil, Switzerland
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9
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Nguyen TS, Park JH, Nguyen TK, Nguyen TV, Lee SK, Na SH, Han JH, Park WS, Chun W, Lu F, Han ET. Plasmodium vivax merozoite-specific thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (PvMTRAP) interacts with human CD36, suggesting a novel ligand-receptor interaction for reticulocyte invasion. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:426. [PMID: 37981686 PMCID: PMC10658926 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06031-5] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Plasmodium vivax merozoite restrictively invades immature erythrocytes, suggesting that its ligand(s) might interact with corresponding receptor(s) that are selectively abundant on reticulocytes to complete the invasion. Finding the ligand‒receptor interaction involved in P. vivax invasion is critical to vivax malaria management; nevertheless, it remains to be unraveled. METHODS A library of reticulocyte receptors and P. vivax ligands were expressed by a HEK293E mammalian cell expression system and were then used to screen the interaction using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A flow cytometry-based erythrocyte binding assay and bio-layer interferometry experiment were further utilized to cellularly and quantitatively identify the ligand‒receptor interaction, respectively. RESULTS Plasmodium vivax merozoite-specific thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (PvMTRAP) was found to interact with human CD36 using systematic screening. This interaction was specific at a molecular level from in vitro analysis and comparable to that of P. vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) and Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) (KD: 37.0 ± 1.4 nM and 7.7 ± 0.5 nM, respectively). Flow cytometry indicated that PvMTRAP preferentially binds to reticulocytes, on which CD36 is selectively present. CONCLUSIONS Human CD36 is selectively abundant on reticulocytes and is able to interact specifically with PvMTRAP, suggesting that it may function as a ligand and receptor during the invasion of reticulocytes by P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thau Sy Nguyen
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Park
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
- Host-Parasite Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-Si, 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Tuyet-Kha Nguyen
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Truong Van Nguyen
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Dickey TH, Tolia NH. Designing an effective malaria vaccine targeting Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:850-858. [PMID: 37481347 PMCID: PMC11099547 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Malaria caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite is a major global health burden. Immunity against blood-stage infection reduces parasitemia and disease severity. Duffy-binding protein (DBP) is the primary parasite protein responsible for the invasion of red blood cells and it is a leading subunit vaccine candidate. An effective vaccine, however, is still lacking despite decades of interest in DBP as a vaccine candidate. This review discusses the reasons for targeting DBP, the challenges associated with developing a vaccine, and modern structural vaccinology methods that could be used to create an effective DBP vaccine. Next-generation DBP vaccines have the potential to elicit a broadly protective immune response and provide durable and potent protection from P. vivax malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne H Dickey
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Niraj H Tolia
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
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11
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Medina-Carrasco D, Pupo D, González-Lodeiro LG, García LE, Martin AM, Huerta V. Activity of domain III-specific antibodies in early convalescence: A case study. Virology 2023; 587:109883. [PMID: 37757730 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The Dengue virus complex (DENV), formed by four serotypes, constitutes the most important arbovirus affecting humans. The structural domain III of their envelope protein (DIII) elicits strongly neutralizing serotype-specific antibodies. Contrasting results have been obtained regarding their role in the serum neutralizing activity of infected patients. We used a DENV immune serum from a secondary infection to examine the impact of characterizing the anti-DIII antibody response after affinity purification with recombinant DIII proteins to eliminate potential interferences from the interactions with human plasma proteins and other anti-DENV antibodies. Total anti-DENV IgG repertoire and anti-DIIIE antibodies were compared in functionality. In early convalescence, reactivity of anti-DIII antibodies is serotype specific and exhibits the strongest reactivity with infecting serotypes. Purification of anti-DIII antibodies emphasizes the reactivity profile as compared to total IgG fraction and serum. Serotype-specificity of the virus neutralization activity correlated with the apparent kD of the binding to recombinant DIIIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danya Medina-Carrasco
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Dianne Pupo
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Luis G González-Lodeiro
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Lisandra E García
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Alejandro M Martin
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Vivian Huerta
- Department of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Direction, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba.
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12
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Patel PN, Dickey TH, Diouf A, Salinas ND, McAleese H, Ouahes T, Long CA, Miura K, Lambert LE, Tolia NH. Structure-based design of a strain transcending AMA1-RON2L malaria vaccine. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5345. [PMID: 37660103 PMCID: PMC10475129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40878-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is a key malaria vaccine candidate and target of neutralizing antibodies. AMA1 binds to a loop in rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2L) to form the moving junction during parasite invasion of host cells, and this complex is conserved among apicomplexan parasites. AMA1-RON2L complex immunization achieves higher growth inhibitory activity than AMA1 alone and protects mice against Plasmodium yoelii challenge. Here, three single-component AMA1-RON2L immunogens were designed that retain the structure of the two-component AMA1-RON2L complex: one structure-based design (SBD1) and two insertion fusions. All immunogens elicited high antibody titers with potent growth inhibitory activity, yet these antibodies did not block RON2L binding to AMA1. The SBD1 immunogen induced significantly more potent strain-transcending neutralizing antibody responses against diverse strains of Plasmodium falciparum than AMA1 or AMA1-RON2L complex vaccination. This indicates that SBD1 directs neutralizing antibody responses to strain-transcending epitopes in AMA1 that are independent of RON2L binding. This work underscores the importance of neutralization mechanisms that are distinct from RON2 blockade. The stable single-component SBD1 immunogen elicits potent strain-transcending protection that may drive the development of next-generation vaccines for improved malaria and apicomplexan parasite control.
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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
| | - Thayne H Dickey
- 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
| | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Nichole D Salinas
- 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
| | - Holly McAleese
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tarik Ouahes
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lynn E Lambert
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj H 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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13
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Salinas ND, Ma R, Dickey TH, McAleese H, Ouahes T, Long CA, Miura K, Lambert LE, Tolia NH. A potent and durable malaria transmission-blocking vaccine designed from a single-component 60-copy Pfs230D1 nanoparticle. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:124. [PMID: 37596283 PMCID: PMC10439124 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00709-8] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) reduce disease transmission by breaking the continuous cycle of infection between the human host and the mosquito vector. Domain 1 (D1) of Pfs230 is a leading TBV candidate and comprises the majority of transmission-reducing activity (TRA) elicited by Pfs230. Here we show that the fusion of Pfs230D1 to a 60-copy multimer of the catalytic domain of dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase protein (E2p) results in a single-component nanoparticle composed of 60 copies of the fusion protein with high stability, homogeneity, and production yields. The nanoparticle presents a potent human transmission-blocking epitope within Pfs230D1, indicating the antigen is correctly oriented on the surface of the nanoparticle. Two vaccinations of New Zealand White rabbits with the Pfs230D1 nanoparticle elicited a potent and durable antibody response with high TRA when formulated in two distinct adjuvants suitable for translation to human use. This single-component nanoparticle vaccine may play a key role in malaria control and has the potential to improve production pipelines and the cost of manufacturing of a potent and durable TBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole D Salinas
- 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
| | - Rui Ma
- 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
| | - Thayne H Dickey
- 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
| | - Holly McAleese
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tarik Ouahes
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lynn E Lambert
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj H 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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14
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Rosenkranz M, Fürle K, Hibbert J, Ulmer A, Ali A, Giese T, Blank A, Haefeli WE, Böhnlein E, Lanzer M, Thomson-Luque R. Multifunctional IgG/IgM antibodies and cellular cytotoxicity are elicited by the full-length MSP1 SumayaVac-1 malaria vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:112. [PMID: 37558673 PMCID: PMC10412566 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical control of malaria likely requires a vaccine that targets both the asymptomatic liver stages and the disease-causing blood stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. While substantial progress has been made towards liver stage vaccines, the development of a blood stage vaccine is lagging behind. We have recently conducted a first-in-human clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the recombinant, full-length merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1FL) formulated with GLA-SE as adjuvant. Here, we show that the vaccine, termed SumayaVac-1, elicited both a humoral and cellular immune response as well as a recall T cell memory. The induced IgG and IgM antibodies were able to stimulate various Fc-mediated effector mechanisms associated with protection against malaria, including phagocytosis, release of reactive oxygen species, production of IFN-γ as well as complement activation and fixation. The multifunctional activity of the humoral immune response remained for at least 6 months after vaccination and was comparable to that of naturally acquired anti-MSP1 antibodies from semi-immune adults from Kenya. We further present evidence of SumayaVac-1 eliciting a recallable cellular cytotoxicity by IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells. Our study revitalizes MSP1FL as a relevant blood stage vaccine candidate and warrants further evaluation of SumayaVac-1 in a phase II efficacy trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micha Rosenkranz
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Hibbert
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Ulmer
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arin Ali
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Giese
- Institute for Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antje Blank
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter E Haefeli
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Lanzer
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Thomson-Luque
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Sumaya-Biotech GmbH & Co. KG, Heidelberg, Germany.
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15
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Shukla N, Tang WK, Coelho CH, Long CA, Healy SA, Sagara I, Miura K, Duffy PE, Tolia NH. A human antibody epitope map of the malaria vaccine antigen Pfs25. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:108. [PMID: 37542029 PMCID: PMC10403551 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00712-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pfs25 is a leading antigen for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine and shows moderate transmission-blocking activity and induction of rapidly decreasing antibody titers in clinical trials. A comprehensive definition of all transmission-reducing epitopes of Pfs25 will inform structure-guided design to enhance Pfs25-based vaccines, leading to potent transmission-blocking activity. Here, we compiled a detailed human antibody epitope map comprising epitope binning data and structures of multiple human monoclonal antibodies, including three new crystal structures of Pfs25 in complex with transmission-reducing antibodies from Malian volunteers immunized with Pfs25 conjugated to EPA and adjuvanted with AS01. These structures revealed additional epitopes in Pfs25 capable of reducing transmission and expanded this characterization to malaria-exposed humans. This work informs immunogen design to focus the antibody response to transmission-reducing epitopes of Pfs25, enabling development of more potent transmission-blocking vaccines for malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Shukla
- 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, USA
| | - Wai Kwan Tang
- 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, USA
| | - Camila H Coelho
- Pathogenesis and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VARPP), Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sara A Healy
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Issaka Sagara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Pathogenesis and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Niraj H 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, USA.
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16
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Li H, Yu X. Natural killer cells: Warriors against malaria. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:576-577. [PMID: 37054677 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Malaria remains a public health threat. Recently in Science Translational Medicine, Ty et al. and Odera et al. independently report that CD56neg natural killer cells and antibody-dependent NK cells exhibit greater functionality during Plasmodium infection. With their high potency, NK cells provide a breakthrough in malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Single Cell Technology and Application, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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