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Woldesenbet D, Birhanie M, Abere A, Zeleke AJ, Bezabih MK, Semaw M, Wubetie M, Abebe W, Tamene E, Tegegne Y. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine combination therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria at Teda Health Centre, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022/23. Malar J 2024; 23:266. [PMID: 39215366 PMCID: PMC11363363 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-05082-y] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance against artemisinin-based combination therapy has threatened malaria control efforts. Since malaria control and elimination plans are dependent on these drugs, they must remain efficacious. However, resistance to these drugs was detected in low-transmission settings and is predicted to emerge in high-transmission settings, including in unspecified areas of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. METHODS A single-arm prospective observational study was conducted at Teda Health Centre, Northwest Ethiopia, by following the 2009 World Health Organization efficacy study guidelines from September 2022 to February 2023. Patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were conveniently selected and treated with a standard dose of artemether-lumefantrine, along with a single low dose of primaquine. Then clinical and parasitological responses and haemoglobin levels were assessed during the 28-day scheduled follow-up. Blood films were examined and asexual parasites were quantified; axillary temperature was measured; and drug adverse events were assessed throughout the follow-up. Finally, the drug efficacy (adequate clinical and parasitological response) was determined by Kaplan-Meier and per-protocol analyses. The data were analysed using the WHO Excel spreadsheet and SPSS version 25 software. RESULTS The success rates of PCR uncorrected and corrected Kaplan-Meier analysis on day 28 were 95.8% (95% CI 87.5-98.6) and 97.3% (95% CI 89.4-99.3), respectively. The per-protocol PCR uncorrected and corrected adequate clinical and parasitological responses were 95.5% (95% CI 87.5-99.1) and 97% (95% CI 89.5-99.6), respectively. On day-3, 97% of study participants were free of asexual parasitaemia, and all of them were fever-free on day-2. All of the gametocyte-positive patients at baseline were found to be negative for gametocytes on day-2. Moreover, the baseline mean hemoglobin of 13.10 g/dl increased slightly on day-14 to 13.27 g/dl but significantly on day-28 to 13.69 g/dl in a paired sample t test. All adverse events reported were mild. CONCLUSION Artemether-lumefantrine continued to be an efficacious and safe drug for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria at the Teda Health Centre. TRIAL REGISTRATION unique ID# PACTR202309773069812 at https://pactr.samrc.ac.za on September 1, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmawi Woldesenbet
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia.
| | - Meseret Birhanie
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Aberham Abere
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Ayalew Jejaw Zeleke
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Migbaru Keffale Bezabih
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Semaw
- Medical Laboratory Unit, Sanja General Hospital, Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, Sanja, Ethiopia
| | - Menberu Wubetie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Wagaw Abebe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Elias Tamene
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia
| | - Yalewayker Tegegne
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Tebben K, Yirampo S, Coulibaly D, Koné AK, Laurens MB, Stucke EM, Dembélé A, Tolo Y, Traoré K, Niangaly A, Berry AA, Kouriba B, Plowe CV, Doumbo OK, Lyke KE, Takala-Harrison S, Thera MA, Travassos MA, Serre D. Immune gene expression changes more during a malaria transmission season than between consecutive seasons. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0096024. [PMID: 39162546 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00960-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites, the causative organism of malaria, caused over 600,000 deaths in 2022. In Mali, Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of malaria cases and deaths and is transmitted seasonally. Anti-malarial immunity develops slowly over repeated exposures to P. falciparum and some aspects of this immunity (e.g., antibody titers) wane during the non-transmission, dry season. Here, we sequenced RNA from 33 pediatric blood samples collected during P. falciparum infections at the beginning or end of a transmission season, and characterized the host and parasite gene expression profiles for paired, consecutive infections. We found that human gene expression changes more over the course of one transmission season than between seasons, with signatures of partial development of an adaptive immune response during one transmission season and stability in gene expression during the dry season. Additionally, we found that P. falciparum gene expression did not vary with timing during the season and remained stable both across and between seasons, despite varying human immune pressures. Our results provide insights into the dynamics of anti-malarial immune response development over short time frames that could be exploited by future vaccine and prevention efforts. IMPORTANCE Our work seeks to understand how the immune response to Plasmodium falciparum malaria changes between infections that occur during low and high malaria transmission seasons, and highlights that immune gene expression changes more during the high transmission season. This provides important insight into the dynamics of the anti-malarial immune response that are important to characterize over these short time frames to better understand how to exploit this immune response with future vaccine efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Tebben
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Salif Yirampo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K Koné
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew B Laurens
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Emily M Stucke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ahmadou Dembélé
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Youssouf Tolo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Karim Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Andrea A Berry
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bourèma Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kirsten E Lyke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mahamadou A Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mark A Travassos
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Reyes RA, Turner L, Ssewanyana I, Jagannathan P, Feeney ME, Lavstsen T, Greenhouse B, Bol S, Bunnik EM. Differences in phenotype between long-lived memory B cells against Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens and variant surface antigens. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.01.596978. [PMID: 38895251 PMCID: PMC11185507 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.01.596978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infections elicit strong humoral immune responses to two main groups of antigens expressed by blood-stage parasites: merozoite antigens that are involved in the erythrocyte invasion process and variant surface antigens that mediate endothelial sequestration of infected erythrocytes. Long-lived B cells against both antigen classes can be detected in the circulation for years after exposure, but have not been directly compared. Here, we studied the phenotype of long-lived memory and atypical B cells to merozoite antigens (MSP1 and AMA1) and variant surface antigens (the CIDRα1 domain of PfEMP1) in Ugandan adults before and after local reduction of P. falciparum transmission. After a median of 1.7 years without P. falciparum infections, the percentage of antigen-specific activated B cells declined, but long-lived antigen-specific B cells were still detectable in all individuals. The majority of MSP1/AMA1-specific B cells were CD95+CD11c+ memory B cells, which are primed for rapid differentiation into antibody-secreting cells, and FcRL5-T-bet- atypical B cells. On the other hand, most CIDRα1-specific B cells were CD95-CD11c- memory B cells. CIDRα1-specific B cells were also enriched among a subset of atypical B cells that seem poised for antigen presentation. These results point to differences in how these antigens are recognized or processed by the immune system and how P. falciparum-specific B cells will respond upon re-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael A Reyes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Louise Turner
- Centre for translational Medicine & Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Righospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Prasanna Jagannathan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Margaret E. Feeney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Lavstsen
- Centre for translational Medicine & Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Righospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Bol
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Evelien M Bunnik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Lu F, Xu J, Liu Y, Ren Z, Chen J, Gong W, Yin Y, Li Y, Qian L, He X, Han X, Lin Z, Lu J, Zhang W, Liu J, Menard D, Han ET, Cao J. Plasmodium vivax serological exposure markers: PvMSP1-42-induced humoral and memory B-cell response generates long-lived antibodies. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012334. [PMID: 38941356 PMCID: PMC11239109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax serological exposure markers (SEMs) have emerged as promising tools for the actionable surveillance and implementation of targeted interventions to accelerate malaria elimination. To determine the dynamic profiles of SEMs in current and past P. vivax infections, we screened and selected 11 P. vivax proteins from 210 putative proteins using protein arrays, with a set of serum samples obtained from patients with acute P. vivax and documented past P. vivax infections. Then we used a murine protein immune model to initially investigate the humoral and memory B cell response involved in the generation of long-lived antibodies. We show that of the 11 proteins, especially C-terminal 42-kDa region of P. vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP1-42) induced longer-lasting long-lived antibodies, as these antibodies were detected in individuals infected with P. vivax in the 1960-1970s who were not re-infected until 2012. In addition, we provide a potential mechanism for the maintenance of long-lived antibodies after the induction of PvMSP1-42. The results indicate that PvMSP1-42 induces more CD73+CD80+ memory B cells (MBCs) compared to P. vivax GPI-anchored micronemal antigen (PvGAMA), allowing IgG anti-PvMSP1-42 antibodies to be maintained for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yaobao Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhenyu Ren
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junhu Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijuan Gong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yinyue Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Qian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinlong He
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiu Han
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Lin
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jingyuan Lu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jiali Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Key laboratory of Jiangsu province university for Nucleic Acid & Cell Fate Manipulation, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Didier Menard
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit, Paris, France
- Université de Strasbourg, UR 3073—Pathogens Host Arthropods Vectors Interactions Unit, Malaria Genetics and Resistance Team (MEGATEAM), Strasbourg, France
- CHU Strasbourg, Laboratory of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Laboratory, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
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Zhou X, Zhang Q, Chen JH, Dai JF, Kassegne K. Revisiting the antigen markers of vector-borne parasitic diseases identified by immunomics: identification and application to disease control. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:205-216. [PMID: 38584506 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2336994] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Protein microarray is a promising immunomic approach for identifying biomarkers. Based on our previous study that reviewed parasite antigens and recent parasitic omics research, this article expands to include information on vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs), namely, malaria, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, babesiosis, trypanosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis. AREAS COVERED We revisit and systematically summarize antigen markers of vector-borne parasites identified by the immunomic approach and discuss the latest advances in identifying antigens for the rational development of diagnostics and vaccines. The applications and challenges of this approach for VBPD control are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The immunomic approach has enabled the identification and/or validation of antigen markers for vaccine development, diagnosis, disease surveillance, and treatment. However, this approach presents several challenges, including limited sample size, variability in antigen expression, false-positive results, complexity of omics data, validation and reproducibility, and heterogeneity of diseases. In addition, antigen involvement in host immune evasion and antigen sensitivity/specificity are major issues in its application. Despite these limitations, this approach remains promising for controlling VBPD. Advances in technology and data analysis methods should continue to improve candidate antigen identification, as well as the use of a multiantigen approach in diagnostic and vaccine development for VBPD control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun-Hu Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Hainan Tropical Diseases Research Center (Hainan Sub-Center, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Haikou, China
| | - Jian-Feng Dai
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Kokouvi Kassegne
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- One Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Mutemi DD, Tuju J, Ogwang R, Nyamako L, Wambui KM, Cruz IR, Villner P, Yman V, Kinyanjui SM, Rooth I, Ngasala B, Färnert A, Osier FHA. Antibody-Dependent Respiratory Burst against Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites in Individuals Living in an Area with Declining Malaria Transmission. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:203. [PMID: 38400186 PMCID: PMC10892224 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020203] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission intensity affects the development of naturally acquired immunity to malaria. An absolute correlate measure of protection against malaria is lacking. However, antibody-mediated functions against Plasmodium falciparum correlate with protection against malaria. In children, antibody-mediated functions against P. falciparum decline with reduced exposure. It is unclear whether adults maintain antibody-mediated functions as malaria transmission declines. This study assessed antibody-dependent respiratory burst (ADRB) in individuals from an area with declining malaria transmission. In an age-matched analysis, we compare ADRB activity during high versus low malaria transmission periods. Age significantly predicted higher ADRB activity in the high (p < 0.001) and low (p < 0.001) malaria transmission periods. ADRB activity was higher during the high compared to the low malaria transmission period in older children and adults. Only older adults during the high malaria transmission period had their median ADRB activity above the ADRB cut-off. Ongoing P. falciparum infection influenced ADRB activity during the low (p = 0.01) but not the high (p = 0.29) malaria transmission period. These findings propose that naturally acquired immunity to P. falciparum is affected in children and adults as malaria transmission declines, implying that vaccines will be necessary to induce and maintain protection against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen D. Mutemi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam 11102, Tanzania
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - Lydia Nyamako
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
| | - Kennedy M. Wambui
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Ivette R. Cruz
- Division of Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pär Villner
- Division of Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Victor Yman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Södersjukhuset, 118 61 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samson M. Kinyanjui
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
- Pwani University Bioscience Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK
- School of Business Studies, Strathmore University, Nairobi 0200, Kenya
| | - Ingegerd Rooth
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Nyamisati Malaria Research Group, Pwani 61621, Tanzania
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam 11102, Tanzania
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Färnert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Faith H. A. Osier
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi 80108, Kenya
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Lopez-Perez M, Jain A, Davies DH, Vásquez-Jiménez JM, Herrera SM, Oñate J, Felgner PL, Herrera S, Arévalo-Herrera M. Profiling the antibody response of humans protected by immunization with Plasmodium vivax radiation-attenuated sporozoites. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2790. [PMID: 38307966 PMCID: PMC10837454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria sterile immunity has been reproducibly induced by immunization with Plasmodium radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS). Analyses of sera from RAS-immunized individuals allowed the identification of P. falciparum antigens, such as the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the basis for the RTS, S and R21Matrix-M vaccines. Similar advances in P. vivax (Pv) vaccination have been elusive. We previously reported 42% (5/12) of sterile protection in malaria-unexposed, Duffy-positive (Fy +) volunteers immunized with PvRAS followed by a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). Using a custom protein microarray displaying 515 Pv antigens, we found a significantly higher reactivity to PvCSP and one hypothetical protein (PVX_089630) in volunteers protected against P. vivax infection. In mock-vaccinated Fy + volunteers, a strong antibody response to CHMI was also observed. Although the Fy- volunteers immunized with non-irradiated Pv-infected mosquitoes (live sporozoites) did not develop malaria after CHMI, they recognized a high number of antigens, indicating the temporary presence of asexual parasites in peripheral blood. Together, our findings contribute to the understanding of the antibody response to P. vivax infection and allow the identification of novel parasite antigens as vaccine candidates.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01082341.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lopez-Perez
- Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center (MVDC), Cali, Colombia
| | - Aarti Jain
- Department Physiology & Biophysics, Vaccine R&D Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - D Huw Davies
- Department Physiology & Biophysics, Vaccine R&D Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Philip L Felgner
- Department Physiology & Biophysics, Vaccine R&D Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sócrates Herrera
- Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center (MVDC), Cali, Colombia
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Myriam Arévalo-Herrera
- Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center (MVDC), Cali, Colombia.
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, Colombia.
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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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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Furtado R, Paul M, Zhang J, Sung J, Karell P, Kim RS, Caillat-Zucman S, Liang L, Felgner P, Bauleni A, Gama S, Buchwald A, Taylor T, Seydel K, Laufer M, Delahaye F, Daily JP, Lauvau G. Cytolytic circumsporozoite-specific memory CD4 + T cell clones are expanded during Plasmodium falciparum infection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7726. [PMID: 38001069 PMCID: PMC10673885 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43376-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infection develops in residents of malaria endemic regions, manifesting in reduced clinical symptoms during infection and in protection against severe disease but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we compare the cellular and humoral immune response of clinically immune (0-1 episode over 18 months) and susceptible (at least 3 episodes) during a mild episode of Pf malaria infection in a malaria endemic region of Malawi, by analysing peripheral blood samples using high dimensional mass cytometry (CyTOF), spectral flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. In the clinically immune, we find increased proportions of circulating follicular helper T cells and classical monocytes, while the humoral immune response shows characteristic age-related differences in the protected. Presence of memory CD4+ T cell clones with a strong cytolytic ZEB2+ T helper 1 effector signature, sharing identical T cell receptor clonotypes and recognizing the Pf-derived circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antigen are found in the blood of the Pf-infected participants gaining protection. Moreover, in clinically protected participants, ZEB2+ memory CD4+ T cells express lower level of inhibitory and chemotactic receptors. We thus propose that clonally expanded ZEB2+ CSP-specific cytolytic memory CD4+ Th1 cells may contribute to clinical immunity against the sporozoite and liver-stage Pf malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Furtado
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA
- RF: BioNTech US, 40 Erie Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mahinder Paul
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA
| | - Jinghang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA
| | - Joowhan Sung
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Paul Karell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA
| | - Ryung S Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA
| | - Sophie Caillat-Zucman
- Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Laboratoire d'Immunologie et Histocompatiblité, INSERM UMR976, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Philip Felgner
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Andy Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Syze Gama
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrea Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Terrie Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Karl Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Miriam Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Fabien Delahaye
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA
- FD: Precision Oncology, Sanofi, Vitry sur Seine, France
| | - Johanna P Daily
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA.
| | - Grégoire Lauvau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, 10461, USA.
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12
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Nziza N, Tran TM, DeRiso EA, Dolatshahi S, Herman JD, de Lacerda L, Junqueira C, Lieberman J, Ongoiba A, Doumbo S, Kayentao K, Traore B, Crompton PD, Alter G. Accumulation of Neutrophil Phagocytic Antibody Features Tracks With Naturally Acquired Immunity Against Malaria in Children. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:759-768. [PMID: 37150885 PMCID: PMC10503956 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad115] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated the protective role of antibodies against malaria. Young children are known to be particularly vulnerable to malaria, pointing to the evolution of naturally acquired clinical immunity over time. However, whether changes in antibody functionality track with the acquisition of naturally acquired malaria immunity remains incompletely understood. METHODS Using systems serology, we characterized sporozoite- and merozoite-specific antibody profiles of uninfected Malian children before the malaria season who differed in their ability to control parasitemia and fever following Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection. We then assessed the contributions of individual traits to overall clinical outcomes, focusing on the immunodominant sporozoite CSP and merozoite AMA1 and MSP1 antigens. RESULTS Humoral immunity evolved with age, with an expansion of both magnitude and functional quality, particularly within blood-stage phagocytic antibody activity. Moreover, concerning clinical outcomes postinfection, protected children had higher antibody-dependent neutrophil activity along with higher levels of MSP1-specific IgG3 and IgA and CSP-specific IgG3 and IgG4 prior to the malaria season. CONCLUSIONS These data point to the natural evolution of functional humoral immunity to Pf with age and highlight particular antibody Fc-effector profiles associated with the control of malaria in children, providing clues for the design of next-generation vaccines or therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Nziza
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tuan M Tran
- Malaria Infection Biology and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Elizabeth A DeRiso
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sepideh Dolatshahi
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan D Herman
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luna de Lacerda
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Caroline Junqueira
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aissata Ongoiba
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Mali International Center of Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Safiatou Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Mali International Center of Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kassoum Kayentao
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Mali International Center of Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Boubacar Traore
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Mali International Center of Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Peter D Crompton
- Malaria Infection Biology and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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13
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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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14
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Hassan I, Kanoi BN, Nagaoka H, Sattabongkot J, Udomsangpetch R, Tsuboi T, Takashima E. High-Throughput Antibody Profiling Identifies Targets of Protective Immunity against P. falciparum Malaria in Thailand. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1267. [PMID: 37627332 PMCID: PMC10452476 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081267] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria poses a significant global health challenge, resulting in approximately 600,000 deaths each year. Individuals living in regions with endemic malaria have the potential to develop partial immunity, thanks in part to the presence of anti-plasmodium antibodies. As efforts are made to optimize and implement strategies to reduce malaria transmission and ultimately eliminate the disease, it is crucial to understand how these interventions impact naturally acquired protective immunity. To shed light on this, our study focused on assessing antibody responses to a carefully curated library of P. falciparum recombinant proteins (n = 691) using samples collected from individuals residing in a low-malaria-transmission region of Thailand. We conducted the antibody assays using the AlphaScreen system, a high-throughput homogeneous proximity-based bead assay that detects protein interactions. We observed that out of the 691 variable surface and merozoite stage proteins included in the library, antibodies to 268 antigens significantly correlated with the absence of symptomatic malaria in an univariate analysis. Notably, the most prominent antigens identified were P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) domains. These results align with our previous research conducted in Uganda, suggesting that similar antigens like PfEMP1s might play a pivotal role in determining infection outcomes in diverse populations. To further our understanding, it remains critical to conduct functional characterization of these identified proteins, exploring their potential as correlates of protection or as targets for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifra Hassan
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (I.H.); (H.N.)
| | - Bernard N. Kanoi
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Mount Kenya University, Thika 01000, Kenya;
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (I.H.); (H.N.)
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Rachanee Udomsangpetch
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand;
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan;
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (I.H.); (H.N.)
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15
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Petri WAO, Hossain B, Kabir M, So HH, Moreau GB, Nayak U, Ma JZ, Noor Z, Faruque ASG, Alum M, Haque R, Petri WA, Gilchrist CA. Children develop Immunity to cryptosporidiosis in a high transmission intensity area. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.06.28.23292000. [PMID: 37425942 PMCID: PMC10327267 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.23292000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Cryptosporidium is one of the top causes of diarrhea in Bangladesh infants. Cryptosporidium infections lead to the production of antibody immune responses, which were associated with a decrease in parasite burden and decreased disease severity in subsequent infections. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study of cryptosporidiosis from birth to five years of age in an urban slum of Dhaka Bangladesh. We then retrospectively tested the concentration of anti-Cryptosporidium Cp17 or Cp23 IgA in surveillance stool samples collected from 54 children during their first 3 years of life by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also assessed the concentration of both IgA and IgG antibodies specific to Cryptosporidium Cp17 and Cp23 in the concentration of anti-Cryptosporidium Cp17 or Cp23 IgA and IgG antibodies in the children's plasma (1- 5 years). Results The seroprevalence of both anti- Cp23 and Cp17 antibodies was high at ≤ one year of age and reflected the exposure of these children in this community to cryptosporidiosis. In Bangladesh, the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis is high during the rainy season (June to October) but decreases during the dry season. In younger infants' plasma anti-Cp17 and Cp23 IgG and anti-Cp17 IgA levels were markedly increased during the rainy season in line with the higher initial exposure to the parasite at this time. Both anti-Cp17, anti-Cp23 fecal IgA and the parasite burden declined during repeat infections. Conclusions We found that anti-Cryptosporidium plasma and fecal antibody levels in children could contribute to the decrease in new infections in this study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A. O. Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Biplop Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Mamun Kabir
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Hannah H So
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - G. Brett Moreau
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Uma Nayak
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jennie Z Ma
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Zannthan Noor
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - ASG Faruque
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Masud Alum
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh
| | - William A Petri
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carol A Gilchrist
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
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16
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Bérubé S, Kobayashi T, Norris DE, Ruczinski I, Moss WJ, Wesolowski A, Louis TA. Novel bioinformatic methods and machine learning approaches reveal candidate biomarkers of the intensity and timing of past exposure to Plasmodium falciparum. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001840. [PMID: 37531325 PMCID: PMC10395840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Accurately quantifying the burden of malaria over time is an important goal of malaria surveillance efforts and can enable effective targeting and evaluation of interventions. Malaria surveillance methods capture active or recent infections which poses several challenges to achieving malaria surveillance goals. In high transmission settings, asymptomatic infections are common and therefore accurate measurement of malaria burden demands active surveillance; in low transmission regions where infections are rare accurate surveillance requires sampling large subsets of the population; and in any context monitoring malaria burden over time necessitates serial sampling. Antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum parasites persist after infection and therefore measuring antibodies has the potential to overcome several of the current obstacles to accurate malaria surveillance. Identifying which antibody responses are markers of the timing and intensity of past exposure to P. falciparum remains challenging, particularly among adults who tend to be re-exposed multiple times over the course of their lifetime and therefore have similarly high antibody responses to many Plasmodium antigens. A previous analysis of 479 serum samples from individuals in three regions in southern Africa with different historical levels of P. falciparum malaria transmission (high, intermediate, and low) revealed regional differences in antibody responses to P. falciparum antigens among children under 5 years of age. Using a novel bioinformatic pipeline optimized for protein microarrays that minimizes between-sample technical variation, we used antibody responses to Plasmodium antigens as predictors in random forest models to classify samples from adults into these three regions of differing historical malaria transmission with high accuracy (AUC = 0.99). Many of the most important antigens for classification in these models do not overlap with previously published results and are therefore novel candidate markers for the timing and intensity of past exposure to P. falciparum. Measuring antibody responses to these antigens could lead to improved malaria surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bérubé
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Tamaki Kobayashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Douglas E. Norris
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Ingo Ruczinski
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - William J. Moss
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Amy Wesolowski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Thomas A. Louis
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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17
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Mbambo G, Dwivedi A, Ifeonu OO, Munro JB, Shrestha B, Bromley RE, Hodges T, Adkins RS, Kouriba B, Diarra I, Niangaly A, Kone AK, Coulibaly D, Traore K, Dolo A, Thera MA, Laurens MB, Doumbo OK, Plowe CV, Berry AA, Travassos M, Lyke KE, Silva JC. Immunogenomic profile at baseline predicts host susceptibility to clinical malaria. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1179314. [PMID: 37465667 PMCID: PMC10351378 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1179314] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Host gene and protein expression impact susceptibility to clinical malaria, but the balance of immune cell populations, cytokines and genes that contributes to protection, remains incompletely understood. Little is known about the determinants of host susceptibility to clinical malaria at a time when acquired immunity is developing. Methods We analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from children who differed in susceptibility to clinical malaria, all from a small town in Mali. PBMCs were collected from children aged 4-6 years at the start, peak and end of the malaria season. We characterized the immune cell composition and cytokine secretion for a subset of 20 children per timepoint (10 children with no symptomatic malaria age-matched to 10 children with >2 symptomatic malarial illnesses), and gene expression patterns for six children (three per cohort) per timepoint. Results We observed differences between the two groups of children in the expression of genes related to cell death and inflammation; in particular, inflammatory genes such as CXCL10 and STAT1 and apoptotic genes such as XAF1 were upregulated in susceptible children before the transmission season began. We also noted higher frequency of HLA-DR+ CD4 T cells in protected children during the peak of the malaria season and comparable levels cytokine secretion after stimulation with malaria schizonts across all three time points. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of baseline immune signatures in determining disease outcome. Our data suggests that differences in apoptotic and inflammatory gene expression patterns can serve as predictive markers of susceptibility to clinical malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Mbambo
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ankit Dwivedi
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Olukemi O. Ifeonu
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - James B. Munro
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Biraj Shrestha
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Robin E. Bromley
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Theresa Hodges
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ricky S. Adkins
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Issa Diarra
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K. Kone
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Karim Traore
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amagana Dolo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou A. Thera
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew B. Laurens
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ogobara K. Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, International Centers for Excellence in Research (NIH), University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Christopher V. Plowe
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Andrea A. Berry
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark Travassos
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kirsten E. Lyke
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joana C. Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto deHigiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (GHTM, IHMT, UNL), Lisboa, Portugal
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18
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Raghavan M, Kalantar KL, Duarte E, Teyssier N, Takahashi S, Kung AF, Rajan JV, Rek J, Tetteh KKA, Drakeley C, Ssewanyana I, Rodriguez-Barraquer I, Greenhouse B, DeRisi JL. Antibodies to repeat-containing antigens in Plasmodium falciparum are exposure-dependent and short-lived in children in natural malaria infections. eLife 2023; 12:e81401. [PMID: 36790168 PMCID: PMC10005774 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Protection against Plasmodium falciparum, which is primarily antibody-mediated, requires recurrent exposure to develop. The study of both naturally acquired limited immunity and vaccine induced protection against malaria remains critical for ongoing eradication efforts. Towards this goal, we deployed a customized P. falciparum PhIP-seq T7 phage display library containing 238,068 tiled 62-amino acid peptides, covering all known coding regions, including antigenic variants, to systematically profile antibody targets in 198 Ugandan children and adults from high and moderate transmission settings. Repeat elements - short amino acid sequences repeated within a protein - were significantly enriched in antibody targets. While breadth of responses to repeat-containing peptides was twofold higher in children living in the high versus moderate exposure setting, no such differences were observed for peptides without repeats, suggesting that antibody responses to repeat-containing regions may be more exposure dependent and/or less durable in children than responses to regions without repeats. Additionally, short motifs associated with seroreactivity were extensively shared among hundreds of antigens, potentially representing cross-reactive epitopes. PfEMP1 shared motifs with the greatest number of other antigens, partly driven by the diversity of PfEMP1 sequences. These data suggest that the large number of repeat elements and potential cross-reactive epitopes found within antigenic regions of P. falciparum could contribute to the inefficient nature of malaria immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhura Raghavan
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | | | - Elias Duarte
- University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Noam Teyssier
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Saki Takahashi
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Andrew F Kung
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Jayant V Rajan
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - John Rek
- Infectious Diseases Research CollaborationKampalaUganda
| | - Kevin KA Tetteh
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Chris Drakeley
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Isaac Ssewanyana
- Infectious Diseases Research CollaborationKampalaUganda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Joseph L DeRisi
- University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Chan Zuckerberg BiohubSan FranciscoUnited States
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19
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Odera DO, Tuju J, Mwai K, Nkumama IN, Fürle K, Chege T, Kimathi R, Diehl S, Musasia FK, Rosenkranz M, Njuguna P, Hamaluba M, Kapulu MC, Frank R, Osier FHA, Abdi AI, Chi PC, de Laurent Z, Jao I, Kamuya D, Kamuyu G, Makale J, Murungi L, Musyoki J, Muthui M, Mwacharo J, Kariuki S, Mwanga D, Mwongeli J, Ndungu F, Njue M, Nyangweso G, Kimani D, Ngoi JM, Musembi J, Ngoto O, Otieno E, Ooko M, Shangala J, Wambua J, Mohammed KS, Omuoyo D, Mosobo M, Kibinge N, Kinyanjui S, Bejon P, Lowe B, Marsh K, Marsh V, Abebe Y, Billingsley PF, Sim BKL, Hoffman SL, James ER, Richie TL, Audi A, Olewe F, Oloo J, Ongecha J, Ongas MO, Koskei N, Bull PC, Hodgson SH, Kivisi C, Imwong M, Murphy SC, Ogutu B, Tarning J, Winterberg M, Williams TN. Anti-merozoite antibodies induce natural killer cell effector function and are associated with immunity against malaria. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabn5993. [PMID: 36753561 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn5993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent immune effectors that can be activated via antibody-mediated Fc receptor engagement. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we found that NK cells degranulate and release IFN-γ upon stimulation with antibody-opsonized Plasmodium falciparum merozoites. Antibody-dependent NK (Ab-NK) activity was largely strain transcending and enhanced invasion inhibition into erythrocytes. Ab-NK was associated with the successful control of parasitemia after experimental malaria challenge in African adults. In an independent cohort study in children, Ab-NK increased with age, was boosted by concurrent P. falciparum infections, and was associated with a lower risk of clinical episodes of malaria. Nine of the 14 vaccine candidates tested induced Ab-NK, including some less well-characterized antigens: P41, P113, MSP11, RHOPH3, and Pf_11363200. These data highlight an important role of Ab-NK activity in immunity against malaria and provide a potential mechanism for evaluating vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis O Odera
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,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
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Irene N Nkumama
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Timothy Chege
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Rinter Kimathi
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Stefan Diehl
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fauzia K Musasia
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Micha Rosenkranz
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patricia Njuguna
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mainga Hamaluba
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Melissa C Kapulu
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Roland Frank
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Faith H A Osier
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
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20
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Fontana MF, Ollmann Saphire E, Pepper M. Plasmodium infection disrupts the T follicular helper cell response to heterologous immunization. eLife 2023; 12:83330. [PMID: 36715223 PMCID: PMC9886276 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83330] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally acquired immunity to malaria develops only after many years and repeated exposures, raising the question of whether Plasmodium parasites, the etiological agents of malaria, suppress the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to activate optimal T cell responses. We demonstrated recently that B cells, rather than DCs, are the principal activators of CD4+ T cells in murine malaria. In the present study, we further investigated factors that might prevent DCs from priming Plasmodium-specific T helper cell responses. We found that DCs were significantly less efficient at taking up infected red blood cells (iRBCs) compared to soluble antigen, whereas B cells more readily bound iRBCs. To assess whether DCs retained the capacity to present soluble antigen during malaria, we measured responses to a heterologous protein immunization administered to naïve mice or mice infected with P. chabaudi. Antigen uptake, DC activation, and expansion of immunogen-specific T cells were intact in infected mice, indicating DCs remained functional. However, polarization of the immunogen-specific response was dramatically altered, with a near-complete loss of germinal center T follicular helper cells specific for the immunogen, accompanied by significant reductions in antigen-specific B cells and antibody. Our results indicate that DCs remain competent to activate T cells during Plasmodium infection, but that T cell polarization and humoral responses are severely disrupted. This study provides mechanistic insight into the development of both Plasmodium-specific and heterologous adaptive responses in hosts with malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F Fontana
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | - Erica Ollmann Saphire
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for ImmunologyLa JollaUnited States
| | - Marion Pepper
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
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21
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Niaré K, Chege T, Rosenkranz M, Mwai K, Saßmannshausen Z, Odera D, Nyamako L, Tuju J, Alfred T, Waitumbi JN, Ogutu B, Sirima SB, Awandare G, Kouriba B, Rayner JC, Osier FHA. Characterization of a novel Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface antigen and potential vaccine target. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156806. [PMID: 37122725 PMCID: PMC10140549 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156806] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Detailed analyses of genetic diversity, antigenic variability, protein localization and immunological responses are vital for the prioritization of novel malaria vaccine candidates. Comprehensive approaches to determine the most appropriate antigen variants needed to provide broad protection are challenging and consequently rarely undertaken. Methods Here, we characterized PF3D7_1136200, which we named Asparagine-Rich Merozoite Antigen (ARMA) based on the analysis of its sequence, localization and immunogenicity. We analyzed IgG and IgM responses against the common variants of ARMA in independent prospective cohort studies in Burkina Faso (N = 228), Kenya (N = 252) and Mali (N = 195) using a custom microarray, Div-KILCHIP. Results We found a marked population structure between parasites from Africa and Asia. African isolates shared 34 common haplotypes, including a dominant pair although the overall selection pressure was directional (Tajima's D = -2.57; Fu and Li's F = -9.69; P < 0.02). ARMA was localized to the merozoite surface, IgG antibodies induced Fc-mediated degranulation of natural killer cells and strongly inhibited parasite growth in vitro. We found profound serological diversity, but IgG and IgM responses were highly correlated and a hierarchical clustering analysis identified only three major serogroups. Protective IgG and IgM antibodies appeared to target both cross-reactive and distinct epitopes across variants. However, combinations of IgG and IgM antibodies against selected variants were associated with complete protection against clinical episodes of malaria. Discussion Our systematic strategy exploits genomic data to deduce the handful of antigen variants with the strongest potential to induce broad protection and may be broadly applicable to other complex pathogens for which effective vaccines remain elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamoko Niaré
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Karamoko Niaré, ; Faith H. A. Osier,
| | - Timothy Chege
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Micha Rosenkranz
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zoe Saßmannshausen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dennis Odera
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lydia Nyamako
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Tiono Alfred
- Public Health Department, Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - John N. Waitumbi
- Basic Science Laboratory, US Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bernhards Ogutu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Gordon Awandare
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Centre d’Infectiologie Charles Mérieux-Mali, Bamako, Mali
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Faith H. A. Osier
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Karamoko Niaré, ; Faith H. A. Osier,
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22
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Malaria Vaccines. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2463-0_536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
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23
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Sirima SB, Ouédraogo A, Tiono AB, Kaboré JM, Bougouma EC, Ouattara MS, Kargougou D, Diarra A, Henry N, Ouédraogo IN, Billingsley PF, Manoj A, Abebe Y, Kc N, Ruben A, Richie TL, James ER, Joshi S, Shrestha B, Strauss K, Lyke KE, Plowe CV, Potter GE, Cox C, Jones W, Sim BKL, Hoffman SL, Laurens MB. A randomized controlled trial showing safety and efficacy of a whole sporozoite vaccine against endemic malaria. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabj3776. [PMID: 36475905 PMCID: PMC10041996 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj3776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A highly effective malaria vaccine remains elusive despite decades of research. Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite vaccine (PfSPZ Vaccine), a metabolically active, nonreplicating, whole parasite vaccine demonstrated safety and vaccine efficacy (VE) against endemic P. falciparum for 6 months in Malian adults receiving a five-dose regimen. Safety, immunogenicity, and VE of a three-dose regimen were assessed in adults in Balonghin, Burkina Faso in a two-component study: an open-label dose escalation trial with 32 participants followed by a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) with 80 participants randomized to receive three doses of 2.7 × 106 PfSPZ (N = 39) or normal saline (N = 41) just before malaria season. To clear parasitemia, artesunate monotherapy was administered before first and last vaccinations. Thick blood smear microscopy was performed on samples collected during illness and every 4 weeks for 72 weeks after last vaccinations, including two 6-month malaria transmission seasons. Safety outcomes were assessed in all 80 participants who received at least one dose and VE for 79 participants who received three vaccinations. Myalgia was the only symptom that differed between groups. VE (1 - risk ratio; primary VE endpoint) was 38% at 6 months (P = 0.017) and 15% at 18 months (0.078). VE (1 - hazard ratio) was 48% and 46% at 6 and 18 months (P = 0.061 and 0.018). Two weeks after the last dose, antibodies to P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein and PfSPZ were higher in protected versus unprotected vaccinees. A three-dose regimen of PfSPZ Vaccine demonstrated safety and efficacy against malaria infection in malaria-experienced adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sodiomon B Sirima
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Alphonse Ouédraogo
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Alfred B Tiono
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Jean M Kaboré
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Edith C Bougouma
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Maurice S Ouattara
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Désiré Kargougou
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Amidou Diarra
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Noelie Henry
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Issa N Ouédraogo
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sudhaunshu Joshi
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Biraj Shrestha
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy Strauss
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kirsten E Lyke
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Walter Jones
- Parasitic and International Programs Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew B Laurens
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Mahittikorn A, Mala W, Masangkay FR, Kotepui KU, Wilairatana P, Kotepui M. Increased interferon-γ levels and risk of severe malaria: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18917. [PMID: 36344583 PMCID: PMC9640646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21965-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-γ contributes to the pathogenesis of severe malaria; however, its mechanism remains unclear. Herein, differences in IFN-γ levels between patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria were evaluated using qualitative and quantitative (meta-analysis) approaches. The systematic review protocol was registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022315213). The searches for relevant studies were performed in five databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science, between 1 January and 10 July 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool the mean difference (MD) of IFN-γ levels between patients with severe malaria and those with uncomplicated malaria using a random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird method). Overall, qualitative synthesis indicated that most studies (14, 58.3%) reported no statistically significant difference in IFN-γ levels between patients with severe malaria and those with uncomplicated malaria. Meanwhile, remaining studies (9, 37.5%) reported that IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in patients with severe malaria than those in patients with uncomplicated malaria. Only one study (4.17%) reported that IFN-γ levels were significantly lower in patients with severe malaria than those in patients with uncomplicated malaria. The meta-analysis results indicated that patients with severe malaria had higher mean IFN-γ levels than those with uncomplicated malaria (p < 0.001, MD: 13.63 pg/mL, 95% confidence interval: 6.98-20.29 pg/mL, I2: 99.02%, 14 studies/15 study sites, 652 severe cases/1096 uncomplicated cases). In summary, patients with severe malaria exhibited higher IFN-γ levels than those with uncomplicated malaria, although the heterogeneity of the outcomes is yet to be elucidated. To confirm whether alteration in IFN-γ levels of patients with malaria may indicate disease severity and/or poor prognosis, further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aongart Mahittikorn
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanida Mala
- grid.412867.e0000 0001 0043 6347Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Frederick Ramirez Masangkay
- grid.412775.20000 0004 1937 1119Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- grid.412867.e0000 0001 0043 6347Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Manas Kotepui
- grid.412867.e0000 0001 0043 6347Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
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25
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Andagalu B, Lu P, Onyango I, Bergmann-Leitner E, Wasuna R, Odhiambo G, Chebon-Bore LJ, Ingasia LA, Juma DW, Opot B, Cheruiyot A, Yeda R, Okudo C, Okoth R, Chemwor G, Campo J, Wallqvist A, Akala HM, Ochiel D, Ogutu B, Chaudhury S, Kamau E. Age-dependent antibody profiles to plasmodium antigens are differentially associated with two artemisinin combination therapy outcomes in high transmission setting. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:991807. [PMID: 36314027 PMCID: PMC9606348 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.991807] [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: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of pre-existing immunity on the efficacy of artemisinin combination therapy is largely unknown. We performed in-depth profiling of serological responses in a therapeutic efficacy study [comparing artesunate-mefloquine (ASMQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL)] using a proteomic microarray. Responses to over 200 Plasmodium antigens were significantly associated with ASMQ treatment outcome but not AL. We used machine learning to develop predictive models of treatment outcome based on the immunoprofile data. The models predict treatment outcome for ASMQ with high (72–85%) accuracy, but could not predict treatment outcome for AL. This divergent treatment outcome suggests that humoral immunity may synergize with the longer mefloquine half-life to provide a prophylactic effect at 28–42 days post-treatment, which was further supported by simulated pharmacokinetic profiling. Our computational approach and modeling revealed the synergistic effect of pre-existing immunity in patients with drug combination that has an extended efficacy on providing long term treatment efficacy of ASMQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Andagalu
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Pinyi Lu
- Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine Inc., Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Irene Onyango
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Elke Bergmann-Leitner
- Biologics Research and Development, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Ruth Wasuna
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Geoffrey Odhiambo
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Lorna J. Chebon-Bore
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Luicer A. Ingasia
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dennis W. Juma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Benjamin Opot
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Agnes Cheruiyot
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Redemptah Yeda
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Charles Okudo
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Raphael Okoth
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Gladys Chemwor
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Joseph Campo
- Antigen Discovery Inc., Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Anders Wallqvist
- Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States
| | - Hoseah M. Akala
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Daniel Ochiel
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Sidhartha Chaudhury
- Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, Fort Detrick, MD, United States,Center for Enabling Capabilities, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Edwin Kamau
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya,U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Edwin Kamau, ,
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26
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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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27
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Salkeld J, Themistocleous Y, Barrett JR, Mitton CH, Rawlinson TA, Payne RO, Hou MM, Khozoee B, Edwards NJ, Nielsen CM, Sandoval DM, Bach FA, Nahrendorf W, Ramon RL, Baker M, Ramos-Lopez F, Folegatti PM, Quinkert D, Ellis KJ, Poulton ID, Lawrie AM, Cho JS, Nugent FL, Spence PJ, Silk SE, Draper SJ, Minassian AM. Repeat controlled human malaria infection of healthy UK adults with blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum: Safety and parasite growth dynamics. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984323. [PMID: 36072606 PMCID: PMC9444061 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984323] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In endemic settings it is known that natural malaria immunity is gradually acquired following repeated exposures. Here we sought to assess whether similar acquisition of blood-stage malaria immunity would occur following repeated parasite exposure by controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). We report the findings of repeat homologous blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 clone) CHMI studies VAC063C (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03906474) and VAC063 (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02927145). In total, 24 healthy, unvaccinated, malaria-naïve UK adult participants underwent primary CHMI followed by drug treatment. Ten of these then underwent secondary CHMI in the same manner, and then six of these underwent a final tertiary CHMI. As with primary CHMI, malaria symptoms were common following secondary and tertiary infection, however, most resolved within a few days of treatment and there were no long term sequelae or serious adverse events related to CHMI. Despite detectable induction and boosting of anti-merozoite serum IgG antibody responses following each round of CHMI, there was no clear evidence of anti-parasite immunity (manifest as reduced parasite growth in vivo) conferred by repeated challenge with the homologous parasite in the majority of volunteers. However, three volunteers showed some variation in parasite growth dynamics in vivo following repeat CHMI that were either modest or short-lived. We also observed no major differences in clinical symptoms or laboratory markers of infection across the primary, secondary and tertiary challenges. However, there was a trend to more severe pyrexia after primary CHMI and the absence of a detectable transaminitis post-treatment following secondary and tertiary infection. We hypothesize that this could represent the initial induction of clinical immunity. Repeat homologous blood-stage CHMI is thus safe and provides a model with the potential to further the understanding of naturally acquired immunity to blood-stage infection in a highly controlled setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Salkeld
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jordan R. Barrett
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celia H. Mitton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruth O. Payne
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mimi M. Hou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Baktash Khozoee
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nick J. Edwards
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carolyn M. Nielsen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Muñoz Sandoval
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A. Bach
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Wiebke Nahrendorf
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Megan Baker
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Doris Quinkert
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ian D. Poulton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison M. Lawrie
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jee-Sun Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Fay L. Nugent
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J. Spence
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E. Silk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Draper
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela M. Minassian
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Angela M. Minassian,
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28
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Rogier E, Nace D, Dimbu PR, Wakeman B, Beeson JG, Drakeley C, Tetteh K, Plucinski M. Antibody dynamics in children with first or repeat Plasmodium falciparum infections. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:869028. [PMID: 35928289 PMCID: PMC9343764 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.869028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin (Ig) production during and after infection with Plasmodium parasites is one of the greatest adaptive immune defenses the human host has against this parasite. Infection with P. falciparum has been shown to induce different B cell maturation responses dependent upon the age of the patient, number of previous exposures, and severity of the disease. Described here are dynamics of Ig responses to a panel of 32 P. falciparum antigens by patients followed for 42 days and classified individuals as showing characteristics of an apparent first P. falciparum infection (naïve) or a repeat exposure (non-naïve). Six parameters were modeled to characterize the dynamics of IgM, IgG1, IgG3, and IgA for these two exposure groups with differences assessed among Ig isotypes/subclasses and unique antigens. Naïve patients had significantly longer periods of time to reach peak Ig titer (range 4–7 days longer) and lower maximum Ig titers when compared with non-naïve patients. Modeled time to seronegativity was significantly higher in non-naïve patients for IgM and IgA, but not for the two IgG subclasses. IgG1 responses to Rh2030, HSP40, and PfAMA1 were at the highest levels for non-naïve participants and may be used to predict previous or nascent exposure by themselves. The analyses presented here demonstrate the differences in the development of the Ig response to P. falciparum if the infection represents a boosting response or a primary exposure. Consistency in Ig isotype/subclasses estimates and specific data for P. falciparum antigens can better guide interpretation of seroepidemiological data among symptomatic persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- *Correspondence: Eric Rogier,
| | - Doug Nace
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Brian Wakeman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - James G. Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Drakeley
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Tetteh
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mateusz Plucinski
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
- U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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29
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Takashima E, Kanoi BN, Nagaoka H, Morita M, Hassan I, Palacpac NMQ, Egwang TG, Horii T, Gitaka J, Tsuboi T. Meta-Analysis of Human Antibodies Against Plasmodium falciparum Variable Surface and Merozoite Stage Antigens. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887219. [PMID: 35757771 PMCID: PMC9218060 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887219] [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: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerted efforts to fight malaria have caused significant reductions in global malaria cases and mortality. Sustaining this will be critical to avoid rebound and outbreaks of seasonal malaria. Identifying predictive attributes that define clinical malaria will be key to guide development of second-generation tools to fight malaria. Broadly reactive antibodies against variable surface antigens that are expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes and merozoites stage antigens are targets of naturally acquired immunity and prime candidates for anti-malaria therapeutics and vaccines. However, predicting the relationship between the antigen-specific antibodies and protection from clinical malaria remains unresolved. Here, we used new datasets and multiple approaches combined with re-analysis of our previous data to assess the multi-dimensional and complex relationship between antibody responses and clinical malaria outcomes. We observed 22 antigens (17 PfEMP1 domains, 3 RIFIN family members, merozoite surface protein 3 (PF3D7_1035400), and merozoites-associated armadillo repeats protein (PF3D7_1035900) that were selected across three different clinical malaria definitions (1,000/2,500/5,000 parasites/µl plus fever). In addition, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) indicated that the first three components (Dim1, Dim2 and Dim3 with eigenvalues of 306, 48, and 29, respectively) accounted for 66.1% of the total variations seen. Specifically, the Dim1, Dim2 and Dim3 explained 52.8%, 8.2% and 5% of variability, respectively. We further observed a significant relationship between the first component scores and age with antibodies to PfEMP1 domains being the key contributing variables. This is consistent with a recent proposal suggesting that there is an ordered acquisition of antibodies targeting PfEMP1 proteins. Thus, although limited, and further work on the significance of the selected antigens will be required, these approaches may provide insights for identification of drivers of naturally acquired protective immunity as well as guide development of additional tools for malaria elimination and eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Bernard N Kanoi
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Ifra Hassan
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Nirianne M Q Palacpac
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Jesse Gitaka
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases, Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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30
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Gonzales SJ, Clarke KN, Batugedara G, Garza R, Braddom AE, Reyes RA, Ssewanyana I, Garrison KC, Ippolito GC, Greenhouse B, Bol S, Bunnik EM. A Molecular Analysis of Memory B Cell and Antibody Responses Against Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 in Children and Adults From Uganda. Front Immunol 2022; 13:809264. [PMID: 35720313 PMCID: PMC9201334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.809264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory B cells (MBCs) and plasma antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) merozoite antigens are important components of the protective immune response against malaria. To gain understanding of how responses against Pf develop in these two arms of the humoral immune system, we evaluated MBC and antibody responses against the most abundant merozoite antigen, full-length Pf merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1FL), in individuals from a region in Uganda with high Pf transmission. Our results showed that PfMSP1FL-specific B cells in adults with immunological protection against malaria were predominantly IgG+ classical MBCs, while children with incomplete protection mainly harbored IgM+ PfMSP1FL-specific classical MBCs. In contrast, anti-PfMSP1FL plasma IgM reactivity was minimal in both children and adults. Instead, both groups showed high plasma IgG reactivity against PfMSP1FL, with broadening of the response against non-3D7 strains in adults. The B cell receptors encoded by PfMSP1FL-specific IgG+ MBCs carried high levels of amino acid substitutions and recognized relatively conserved epitopes on the highly variable PfMSP1 protein. Proteomics analysis of PfMSP119-specific IgG in plasma of an adult revealed a limited repertoire of anti-MSP1 antibodies, most of which were IgG1 or IgG3. Similar to B cell receptors of PfMSP1FL-specific MBCs, anti-PfMSP119 IgGs had high levels of amino acid substitutions and their sequences were predominantly found in classical MBCs, not atypical MBCs. Collectively, these results showed evolution of the PfMSP1-specific humoral immune response with cumulative Pf exposure, with a shift from IgM+ to IgG+ B cell memory, diversification of B cells from germline, and stronger recognition of PfMSP1 variants by the plasma IgG repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Jake Gonzales
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kathleen N. Clarke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Gayani Batugedara
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Rolando Garza
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ashley E. Braddom
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Raphael A. Reyes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Isaac Ssewanyana
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kendra C. Garrison
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Gregory C. Ippolito
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sebastiaan Bol
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Evelien M. Bunnik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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Collins KA, Ceesay S, Drammeh S, Jaiteh FK, Guery MA, Lanke K, Grignard L, Stone W, Conway DJ, D'Alessandro U, Bousema T, Claessens A. A cohort study on the duration of Plasmodium falciparum infections during the dry season in The Gambia. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:128-137. [PMID: 35380684 PMCID: PMC9373158 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In areas where Plasmodium falciparum malaria is seasonal, a dry season reservoir of blood-stage infection is essential for initiating transmission during the following wet season. Methods In The Gambia, a cohort of 42 individuals with quantitative polymerase chain reaction-positive P falciparum infections at the end of the transmission season (December) were followed monthly until the end of the dry season (May) to evaluate infection persistence. The influence of human host and parasitological factors was investigated. Results A large proportion of individuals infected at the end of the wet season had detectable infections until the end of the dry season (40.0%; 16 of 40). At the start of the dry season, the majority of these persistent infections (82%) had parasite densities >10 p/µL compared to only 5.9% of short-lived infections. Persistent infections (59%) were also more likely to be multiclonal than short-lived infections (5.9%) and were associated with individuals having higher levels of P falciparum-specific antibodies (P = .02). Conclusions Asymptomatic persistent infections were multiclonal with higher parasite densities at the beginning of the dry season. Screening and treating asymptomatic infections during the dry season may reduce the human reservoir of malaria responsible for initiating transmission in the wet season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Collins
- Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sukai Ceesay
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Sainabou Drammeh
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Fatou K Jaiteh
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Marc-Antoine Guery
- LPHI, MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Kjerstin Lanke
- Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lynn Grignard
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Will Stone
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David J Conway
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Antoine Claessens
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia.,LPHI, MIVEGEC, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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Zhou AE, Jain A, Nakajima R, Shrestha B, Stucke EM, Joshi S, Strauss KA, Hedde PN, Berry AA, Felgner PL, Travassos MA. Protein Microarrays as a Tool to Analyze Antibody Responses to Variant Surface Antigens Expressed on the Surface of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2022. [PMID: 35881357 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_25/cover] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) remain the gold standard for measuring antibodies, but are time-consuming and use significant amounts of precious sample and reagents. Protein microarrays represent an appealing alternative, particularly for studies focused on large gene families such as those encoding variant surface antigens in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Such microarrays represent an ideal high-throughput platform to study antibody responses to hundreds of malaria parasite variant surface antigens at once, providing critical insights into the development of natural immunity to malaria. We describe the essential background and approach to run an assay using a P. falciparum microarray populated with variant surface antigens. This allows the user to define serologic profiles and identify serodominant antigens that represent promising targets for vaccine or therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Zhou
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aarti Jain
- Vaccine R&D Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rie Nakajima
- Vaccine R&D Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Biraj Shrestha
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily M Stucke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sudhaunshu Joshi
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy A Strauss
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Per N Hedde
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Andrea A Berry
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip L Felgner
- Vaccine R&D Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Travassos
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Zhou AE, Jain A, Nakajima R, Shrestha B, Stucke EM, Joshi S, Strauss KA, Hedde PN, Berry AA, Felgner PL, Travassos MA. Protein Microarrays as a Tool to Analyze Antibody Responses to Variant Surface Antigens Expressed on the Surface of Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:343-358. [PMID: 35881357 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_25] [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: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) remain the gold standard for measuring antibodies, but are time-consuming and use significant amounts of precious sample and reagents. Protein microarrays represent an appealing alternative, particularly for studies focused on large gene families such as those encoding variant surface antigens in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Such microarrays represent an ideal high-throughput platform to study antibody responses to hundreds of malaria parasite variant surface antigens at once, providing critical insights into the development of natural immunity to malaria. We describe the essential background and approach to run an assay using a P. falciparum microarray populated with variant surface antigens. This allows the user to define serologic profiles and identify serodominant antigens that represent promising targets for vaccine or therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Zhou
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aarti Jain
- Vaccine R&D Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rie Nakajima
- Vaccine R&D Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Biraj Shrestha
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emily M Stucke
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sudhaunshu Joshi
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathy A Strauss
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Per N Hedde
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Andrea A Berry
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip L Felgner
- Vaccine R&D Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Travassos
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Walker IS, Chung AW, Damelang T, Rogerson SJ. Analysis of Antibody Reactivity to Malaria Antigens by Microsphere-Based Multiplex Immunoassay. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2470:309-325. [PMID: 35881355 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_23] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Protein multiplex assays enable serological analysis of multiple target proteins simultaneously, using relatively small volumes of patient sample per assay. Here we present a detailed protocol to analyze antibody reactivity to malaria antigens by microsphere-based multiplex assay (xMAP technology). This method involves coupling of recombinant proteins to fluorescently labeled microspheres; simultaneous exposure of all microspheres to plasma or sera, and detection of antigen-specific antibodies with a fluorescent labeled anti-human Fc region antibody. In addition to total IgG, this assay can be adapted to measure multiple properties of the antibody Fc region, including subclass, isotype, and Fc receptor or complement C1q binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Walker
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Amy W Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Timon Damelang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Successful Profiling of Plasmodium falciparum var Gene Expression in Clinical Samples via a Custom Capture Array. mSystems 2021; 6:e0022621. [PMID: 34846163 PMCID: PMC8631312 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00226-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
var genes encode Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP1) antigens. These highly diverse antigens are displayed on the surface of infected erythrocytes and play a critical role in immune evasion and sequestration of infected erythrocytes. Studies of var expression using non-leukocyte-depleted blood are challenging because of the predominance of host genetic material and lack of conserved var segments. Our goal was to enrich for parasite RNA, allowing de novo assembly of var genes and detection of expressed novel variants. We used two overall approaches: (i) enriching for total mRNA in the sequencing library preparations and (ii) enriching for parasite RNA with a custom capture array based on Roche’s SeqCap EZ enrichment system. The capture array was designed with probes based on the whole 3D7 reference genome and an additional >4,000 full-length var gene sequences from other P. falciparum strains. We tested each method on RNA samples from Malian children with severe or uncomplicated malaria infections. All reads mapping to the human genome were removed, the remaining reads were assembled de novo into transcripts, and from these, var-like transcripts were identified and annotated. The capture array produced the longest maximum length and largest numbers of var gene transcripts in each sample, particularly in samples with low parasitemia. Identifying the most-expressed var gene sequences in whole-blood clinical samples without the need for extensive processing or generating sample-specific reference genome data is critical for understanding the role of PfEMP1s in malaria pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Malaria parasites display antigens on the surface of infected red blood cells in the human host that facilitate attachment to blood vessels, contributing to the severity of infection. These antigens are highly variable, allowing the parasite to evade the immune system. Identifying these expressed antigens is critical to understanding the development of severe malarial disease. However, clinical samples contain limited amounts of parasite genetic material, a challenge for sequencing efforts further compounded by the extreme diversity of the parasite surface antigens. We present a method that enriches for these antigen sequences in clinical samples using a custom capture array, requiring minimal processing in the field. While our results are focused on the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, this approach has broad applicability to other highly diverse antigens from other parasites and pathogens such as those that cause giardiasis and leishmaniasis.
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Gonzales SJ, Bol S, Braddom AE, Sullivan R, Reyes RA, Ssewanyana I, Eggers E, Greenhouse B, Bunnik EM. Longitudinal analysis of FcRL5 expression and clonal relationships among classical and atypical memory B cells following malaria. Malar J 2021; 20:435. [PMID: 34758841 PMCID: PMC8579674 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03970-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic and frequently recurring infectious diseases, such as malaria, are associated with expanded populations of atypical memory B cells (MBCs). These cells are different from classical MBCs by the lack of surface markers CD21 and CD27 and increased expression of inhibitory receptors, such as FcRL5. While the phenotype and conditions leading to neogenesis of atypical MBCs in malaria-experienced individuals have been studied extensively, the origin of these cells remains equivocal. Functional similarities between FcRL5+ atypical MBCs and FcRL5+ classical MBCs have been reported, suggesting that these cells may be developmentally related. METHODS Here, a longitudinal analysis of FcRL5 expression in various B cell subsets was performed in two children from a high transmission region in Uganda over a 6-month period in which both children experienced a malaria episode. Using B-cell receptor (BCR)-sequencing to track clonally related cells, the connections between IgM+ and IgG+ atypical MBCs and other B cell subsets were studied. RESULTS The highest expression of FcRL5 was found among IgG+ atypical MBCs, but FcRL5+ cells were present in all MBC subsets. Following malaria, FcRL5 expression increased in all IgM+ MBC subsets analysed here: classical, activated, and atypical MBCs, while results for IgG+ MBC subsets were inconclusive. IgM+ atypical MBCs showed few connections with other B cell subsets, higher turnover than IgG+ atypical MBCs, and were predominantly derived from naïve B cells and FcRL5- IgM+ classical MBCs. In contrast, IgG+ atypical MBCs were clonally expanded and connected with classical MBCs. IgG+ atypical MBCs present after a malaria episode mainly originated from FcRL5+ IgG+ classical MBCs. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results suggest fundamental differences between unswitched and class-switched B cell populations and provide clues about the primary developmental pathways of atypical MBCs in malaria-experienced individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Jake Gonzales
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sebastiaan Bol
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ashley E Braddom
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Shape Therapeutics, 219 Terry St., Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Raphael A Reyes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Isaac Ssewanyana
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Erica Eggers
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Evelien M Bunnik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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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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Tayipto Y, Liu Z, Mueller I, Longley RJ. Serology for Plasmodium vivax surveillance: A novel approach to accelerate towards elimination. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102492. [PMID: 34728377 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread causative agent of human malaria in the world. Despite the ongoing implementation of malaria control programs, the rate of case reduction has declined over the last 5 years. Hence, surveillance of malaria transmission should be in place to identify and monitor areas that require intensified malaria control interventions. Serological tools may offer additional insights into transmission intensity over parasite and entomological measures, especially as transmission levels decline. Antibodies can be detected in the host system for months to even years after parasite infections have been cleared from the blood, enabling malaria exposure history to be captured. Because the Plasmodium parasite expresses more than 5000 proteins, it is important to a) understand antibody longevity following infection and b) measure antibodies to more than one antigen in order to accurately inform on the exposure and/or immune status of populations. This review summarises current practices for surveillance of P. vivax malaria, the current state of research into serological exposure markers and their potential role for accelerating malaria elimination, and discusses further studies that need to be undertaken to see such technology implemented in malaria-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanie Tayipto
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zoe Liu
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; School of Medicine, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhea J Longley
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Mandala WL, Harawa V, Dzinjalamala F, Tembo D. The role of different components of the immune system against Plasmodium falciparum malaria: Possible contribution towards malaria vaccine development. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 246:111425. [PMID: 34666102 PMCID: PMC8655617 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria still remains a major global public health challenge with over 220 million new cases and well over 400,000 deaths annually. Most of the deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa which bears 90 % of the malaria cases. Such high P. falciparum malaria-related morbidity and mortality rates pose a huge burden on the health and economic wellbeing of the countries affected. Lately, substantial gains have been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality through intense malaria control initiatives such as use of effective antimalarials, intensive distribution and use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and implementation of massive indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaigns. However, these gains are being threatened by widespread resistance of the parasite to antimalarials, and the vector to insecticides. Over the years the use of vaccines has proven to be the most reliable, cost-effective and efficient method for controlling the burden and spread of many infectious diseases, especially in resource poor settings with limited public health infrastructure. Nonetheless, this had not been the case with malaria until the most promising malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S/AS01, was approved for pilot implementation programme in three African countries in 2015. This was regarded as the most important breakthrough in the fight against malaria. However, RTS,S/AS01 has been found to have some limitations, the main ones being low efficacy in certain age groups, poor immunogenicity and need for almost three boosters to attain a reasonable efficacy. Thus, the search for a more robust and effective malaria vaccine still continues and a better understanding of naturally acquired immune responses to the various stages, including the transmissible stages of the parasite, could be crucial in rational vaccine design. This review therefore compiles what is currently known about the basic biology of P. falciparum and the natural malaria immune response against malaria and progress made towards vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson L Mandala
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi; Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | | | - Fraction Dzinjalamala
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
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Identification of immunodominant epitopes in allelic variants VK210 and VK247 of Plasmodium Vivax Circumsporozoite immunogen. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 96:105120. [PMID: 34655808 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax-induced malaria is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-tropical and tropical regions and infect 2.85 billion people globally. The continual rise and propagation of resistance against anti-malarial drugs is a prerequisite to develop a potent vaccine candidate for Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax). Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is an important immunogen of malaria parasite that has the conserved CSP structure as an immune dominant B-cell epitope. In current study, we focused on designing multi-epitope vaccines (MEVs) using various immunoinformatics tools against Pakistani based allelic variants VK210 and VK247 of P. vivax CSP (PvCSP) gene. Antigenicity, allergic potential and physicochemical parameters of both PvCSP variants were assessed for the designed MEVs and they were within acceptable range suitable for post experimental investigations. The three-dimensional structures of both MEVs have been predicted ab initio, optimized, and validated by using different online servers. The both MEVs candidates were stable and free from aggregation-prone regions. The stability of both MEVs had been improved by a disulfide engineering approach. To estimate the binding energy and stability of the MEVs, molecular docking simulation and binding free energy calculations with TLR-4 immune receptor have been conducted. The docking score of PvCSP210 and PvCSP247 for TLR-4 was -6.34 kJ/mol and - 2.3 kJ/mol, respectively. For PvCSP210-TLR4 system, mean RMSD was 4.96 Å while PvCSP247-TLR4 system, average RMSD was 4.49 Å. The binding free energy of PvCSP210-TLR4 complex and PvCSP247-TLR4 complex was -50.49/-117.15 kcal/mol (MMGBSA/MMPSA) and -52.94/-96.26 kcal/mol (MMGBSA/MMPSA), respectively. The expression of both MEVs produced in Escherichia coli K12 expression system by in silico cloning was significant. Immune simulation revealed that the proposed MEVs induce strong humoral and cellular immunological responses, in addition to significant production of interleukins and cytokines. In conclusions, we believed that the MEVs proposed in current research, using combine approach of immunoinformatics, structural biology and biophysical approaches, could induce protective and effective immune responses against P. vivax and the experimental validation of our findings could contribute to the development of potential malaria vaccine.
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Antibody signatures of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections measured from dried blood spots. Malar J 2021; 20:378. [PMID: 34556121 PMCID: PMC8461960 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03915-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening malaria-specific antibody responses on protein microarrays can help identify immune factors that mediate protection against malaria infection, disease, and transmission, as well as markers of past exposure to both malaria parasites and mosquito vectors. Most malaria protein microarray work has used serum as the sample matrix, requiring prompt laboratory processing and a continuous cold chain, thus limiting applications in remote locations. Dried blood spots (DBS) pose minimal biohazard, do not require immediate laboratory processing, and are stable at room temperature for transport, making them potentially superior alternatives to serum. The goals of this study were to assess the viability of DBS as a source for antibody profiling and to use DBS to identify serological signatures of low-density Plasmodium falciparum infections in malaria-endemic regions of Myanmar. METHODS Matched DBS and serum samples from a cross-sectional study in Ingapu Township, Myanmar were probed on protein microarrays populated with P. falciparum antigen fragments. Signal and trends in both sample matrices were compared. A case-control study was then performed using banked DBS samples from malaria-endemic regions of Myanmar, and a regularized logistic regression model was used to identify antibody signatures of ultrasensitive PCR-positive P. falciparum infections. RESULTS Approximately 30% of serum IgG activity was recovered from DBS. Despite this loss of antibody activity, antigen and population trends were well-matched between the two sample matrices. Responses to 18 protein fragments were associated with the odds of asymptomatic P. falciparum infection, albeit with modest diagnostic characteristics (sensitivity 58%, specificity 85%, negative predictive value 88%, and positive predictive value 52%). CONCLUSIONS Malaria-specific antibody responses can be reliably detected, quantified, and analysed from DBS, opening the door to serological studies in populations where serum collection, transport, and storage would otherwise be impossible. While test characteristics of antibody signatures were insufficient for individual diagnosis, serological testing may be useful for identifying exposure to asymptomatic, low-density malaria infections, particularly if sero-surveillance strategies target individuals with low previous exposure as sentinels for population exposure.
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Salgado C, Ayodo G, Macklin MD, Gould MP, Nallandhighal S, Odhiambo EO, Obala A, O'Meara WP, John CC, Tran TM. The prevalence and density of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections among children and adults in three communities of western Kenya. Malar J 2021; 20:371. [PMID: 34535134 PMCID: PMC8447531 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03905-w] [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: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Further reductions in malaria incidence as more countries approach malaria elimination require the identification and treatment of asymptomatic individuals who carry mosquito-infective Plasmodium gametocytes that are responsible for furthering malaria transmission. Assessing the relationship between total parasitaemia and gametocytaemia in field surveys can provide insight as to whether detection of low-density, asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections with sensitive molecular methods can adequately detect the majority of infected individuals who are potentially capable of onward transmission. METHODS In a cross-sectional survey of 1354 healthy children and adults in three communities in western Kenya across a gradient of malaria transmission (Ajigo, Webuye, and Kapsisywa-Kipsamoite), asymptomatic P. falciparum infections were screened by rapid diagnostic tests, blood smear, and quantitative PCR of dried blood spots targeting the varATS gene in genomic DNA. A multiplex quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR assay targeting female and male gametocyte genes (pfs25, pfs230p), a gene with a transcriptional pattern restricted to asexual blood stages (piesp2), and human GAPDH was also developed to determine total parasite and gametocyte densities among parasitaemic individuals. RESULTS The prevalence of varATS-detectable asymptomatic infections was greatest in Ajigo (42%), followed by Webuye (10%). Only two infections were detected in Kapsisywa. No infections were detected in Kipsamoite. Across all communities, children aged 11-15 years account for the greatest proportion total and sub-microscopic asymptomatic infections. In younger age groups, the majority of infections were detectable by microscopy, while 68% of asymptomatically infected adults (> 21 years old) had sub-microscopic parasitaemia. Piesp2-derived parasite densities correlated poorly with microscopy-determined parasite densities in patent infections relative to varATS-based detection. In general, both male and female gametocytaemia increased with increasing varATS-derived total parasitaemia. A substantial proportion (41.7%) of individuals with potential for onward transmission had qPCR-estimated parasite densities below the limit of microscopic detection, but above the detectable limit of varATS qPCR. CONCLUSIONS This assessment of parasitaemia and gametocytaemia in three communities with different transmission intensities revealed evidence of a substantial sub-patent infectious reservoir among asymptomatic carriers of P. falciparum. Experimental studies are needed to definitively determine whether the low-density infections in communities such as Ajigo and Webuye contribute significantly to malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Salgado
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - George Ayodo
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya.,Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
| | - Michael D Macklin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Srinivas Nallandhighal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Eliud O Odhiambo
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Andrew Obala
- School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Tuan M Tran
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Ventimiglia NT, Stucke EM, Coulibaly D, Berry AA, Lyke KE, Laurens MB, Bailey JA, Adams M, Niangaly A, Kone AK, Takala-Harrison S, Kouriba B, Doumbo OK, Felgner PL, Plowe CV, Thera MA, Travassos MA. Malian adults maintain serologic responses to virulent PfEMP1s amid seasonal patterns of fluctuation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14401. [PMID: 34257318 PMCID: PMC8277812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92974-7] [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: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1s (PfEMP1s), diverse malaria proteins expressed on the infected erythrocyte surface, play an important role in pathogenesis, mediating adhesion to host vascular endothelium. Antibodies to particular non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s are associated with protection against severe disease. We hypothesized that given lifelong P. falciparum exposure, Malian adults would have broad PfEMP1 serorecognition and high seroreactivity levels during follow-up, particularly to non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s such as those that attach to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Using a protein microarray, we determined serologic responses to 166 reference PfEMP1 fragments during a dry and subsequent malaria transmission season in Malian adults. Malian adult sera had PfEMP1 serologic responses throughout the year, with decreased reactivity to a small subset of PfEMP1 fragments during the dry season and increases in reactivity to a different subset of PfEMP1 fragments during the subsequent peak malaria transmission season, especially for intracellular PfEMP1 domains. For some individuals, PfEMP1 serologic responses increased after the dry season, suggesting antigenic switching during asymptomatic infection. Adults were more likely to experience variable serorecognition of CD36-binding PfEMP1s than non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s that bind EPCR or ICAM-1, which remained serorecognized throughout the year. Sustained seroreactivity to non-CD36-binding PfEMP1s throughout adulthood amid seasonal fluctuation patterns may reflect underlying protective severe malaria immunity and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily M Stucke
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Drissa Coulibaly
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Andrea A Berry
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kirsten E Lyke
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jason A Bailey
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew Adams
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amadou Niangaly
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye K Kone
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Bourema Kouriba
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
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Production and Immunogenicity of a Tag-Free Recombinant Chimera Based on PfMSP-1 and PfMSP-3 Using Alhydrogel and Dipeptide-Based Hydrogels. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070782. [PMID: 34358198 PMCID: PMC8310097 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A fusion chimeric vaccine comprising multiple protective domains of different blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum antigens is perhaps necessary for widening the protective immune responses and reducing the morbidity caused by the disease. Here we continue to build upon the prior work of developing a recombinant fusion chimera protein, His-tagged PfMSP-Fu24, by producing it as a tag-free recombinant protein. In this study, tag-free recombinant PfMSPFu24 (rFu24) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the soluble protein was purified using a three-step purification involving ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by 2-step ion exchange chromatography procedures and shown that it was highly immunogenic with the human-compatible adjuvant Alhydrogel. We further investigated two dipeptides, phenylalanine-α, β-dehydrophenylalanine (FΔF) and Leucine-α, β-dehydrophenylalanine (LΔF) based hydrogels as effective delivery platforms for rFu24. These dipeptides self-assembled spontaneously to form a highly stable hydrogel under physiological conditions. rFu24 was efficiently entrapped in both the F∆F and L∆F hydrogels, and the three-dimensional (3D) mesh-like structures of the hydrogels remained intact after the entrapment of the antigen. The two hydrogels significantly stimulated rFu24-specific antibody titers, and the sera from the immunized mice showed an invasion inhibitory activity comparable to that of Alhydrogel. Easily synthesized dipeptide hydrogels can be used as an effective antigen delivery platform to induce immune responses.
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45
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Naturally Acquired Antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum: Friend or Foe? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070832. [PMID: 34357982 PMCID: PMC8308493 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are central to acquired immunity against malaria. Plasmodium falciparum elicits antibody responses against many of its protein components, but there is also formation of antibodies against different parts of the red blood cells, in which the parasites spend most of their time. In the absence of a decisive intervention such as a vaccine, people living in malaria endemic regions largely depend on naturally acquired antibodies for protection. However, these antibodies do not confer sterile immunity and the mechanisms of action are still unclear. Most studies have focused on the inhibitory effect of antibodies, but here, we review both the beneficial as well as the potentially harmful roles of naturally acquired antibodies, as well as autoantibodies formed in malaria. We discuss different studies that have sought to understand acquired antibody responses against P. falciparum antigens, and potential problems when different antibodies are combined, such as in naturally acquired immunity.
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46
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Aitken EH, Damelang T, Ortega-Pajares A, Alemu A, Hasang W, Dini S, Unger HW, Ome-Kaius M, Nielsen MA, Salanti A, Smith J, Kent S, Hogarth PM, Wines BD, Simpson JA, Chung AW, Rogerson SJ. Developing a multivariate prediction model of antibody features associated with protection of malaria-infected pregnant women from placental malaria. eLife 2021; 10:e65776. [PMID: 34181872 PMCID: PMC8241440 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum causes placental malaria, which results in adverse outcomes for mother and child. P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes that express the parasite protein VAR2CSA on their surface can bind to placental chondroitin sulfate A. It has been hypothesized that naturally acquired antibodies towards VAR2CSA protect against placental infection, but it has proven difficult to identify robust antibody correlates of protection from disease. The objective of this study was to develop a prediction model using antibody features that could identify women protected from placental malaria. Methods We used a systems serology approach with elastic net-regularized logistic regression, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and a case-control study design to identify naturally acquired antibody features mid-pregnancy that were associated with protection from placental malaria at delivery in a cohort of 77 pregnant women from Madang, Papua New Guinea. Results The machine learning techniques selected 6 out of 169 measured antibody features towards VAR2CSA that could predict (with 86% accuracy) whether a woman would subsequently have active placental malaria infection at delivery. Selected features included previously described associations with inhibition of placental binding and/or opsonic phagocytosis of infected erythrocytes, and network analysis indicated that there are not one but multiple pathways to protection from placental malaria. Conclusions We have identified candidate antibody features that could accurately identify malaria-infected women as protected from placental infection. It is likely that there are multiple pathways to protection against placental malaria. Funding This study was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (Nos. APP1143946, GNT1145303, APP1092789, APP1140509, and APP1104975).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Aitken
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Timon Damelang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Amaya Ortega-Pajares
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Agersew Alemu
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Wina Hasang
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Saber Dini
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Holger W Unger
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Darwin HospitalDarwinAustralia
- Menzies School of Health ResearchDarwinAustralia
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchParkvilleAustralia
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and immunology, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and immunology, University of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Joe Smith
- Seattle Children’s Research InstituteSeattleUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Stephen Kent
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - P Mark Hogarth
- Seattle Children’s Research InstituteSeattleUnited States
- Immune Therapies Group, Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Bruce D Wines
- Immune Therapies Group, Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Amy W Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, the Doherty InstituteMelbourneAustralia
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Moita D, Nunes-Cabaço H, Mendes AM, Prudêncio M. A guide to investigating immune responses elicited by whole-sporozoite pre-erythrocytic vaccines against malaria. FEBS J 2021; 289:3335-3359. [PMID: 33993649 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, considerable efforts have been made toward the development of efficient vaccines against malaria. Whole-sporozoite (Wsp) vaccines, which induce efficient immune responses against the pre-erythrocytic (PE) stages (sporozoites and liver forms) of Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria, are among the most promising immunization strategies tested until present. Several Wsp PE vaccination approaches are currently under evaluation in the clinic, including radiation- or genetically-attenuated Plasmodium sporozoites, live parasites combined with chemoprophylaxis, or genetically modified rodent Plasmodium parasites. In addition to the assessment of their protective efficacy, clinical trials of Wsp PE vaccine candidates inevitably involve the thorough investigation of the immune responses elicited by vaccination, as well as the identification of correlates of protection. Here, we review the main methodologies employed to dissect the humoral and cellular immune responses observed in the context of Wsp PE vaccine clinical trials and discuss future strategies to further deepen the knowledge generated by these studies, providing a toolbox for the in-depth analysis of vaccine-induced immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Moita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Helena Nunes-Cabaço
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António M Mendes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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48
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Tucker KD, Schanen BC, Phares TW, Sassano E, Terry FE, Hindocha P, Moise L, Kotraiah V, Martin WD, De Groot AS, Drake DR, Gutierrez GM, Noe AR. Identification, Selection and Immune Assessment of Liver Stage CD8 T Cell Epitopes From Plasmodium falciparum. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684116. [PMID: 34025684 PMCID: PMC8138313 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS) has been shown to protect against malaria infection, primarily through CD8 T cell responses, but protection is limited based on parasite strain. Therefore, while CD8 T cells are an ideal effector population target for liver stage malaria vaccine development strategies, such strategies must incorporate conserved epitopes that cover a large range of class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertypes to elicit cross-strain immunity across the target population. This approach requires identifying and characterizing a wide range of CD8 T cell epitopes for incorporation into a vaccine such that coverage across a large range of class I HLA alleles is attained. Accordingly, we devised an experimental framework to identify CD8 T cell epitopes from novel and minimally characterized antigens found at the pre-erythrocytic stage of parasite development. Through in silico analysis we selected conserved P. falciparum proteins, using P. vivax orthologues to establish stringent conservation parameters, predicted to have a high number of T cell epitopes across a set of six class I HLA alleles representative of major supertypes. Using the decision framework, five proteins were selected based on the density and number of predicted epitopes. Selected epitopes were synthesized as peptides and evaluated for binding to the class I HLA alleles in vitro to verify in silico binding predictions, and subsequently for stimulation of human T cells using the Modular IMmune In-vitro Construct (MIMIC®) technology to verify immunogenicity. By combining the in silico tools with the ex vivo high throughput MIMIC platform, we identified 15 novel CD8 T cell epitopes capable of stimulating an immune response in alleles across the class I HLA panel. We recommend these epitopes should be evaluated in appropriate in vivo humanized immune system models to determine their protective efficacy for potential inclusion in future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne S. De Groot
- EpiVax Inc., Providence, RI, United States
- University of Georgia Center for Vaccines and Immunology, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Amy R. Noe
- Leidos Life Sciences, Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
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Shah Z, Naung MT, Moser KA, Adams M, Buchwald AG, Dwivedi A, Ouattara A, Seydel KB, Mathanga DP, Barry AE, Serre D, Laufer MK, Silva JC, Takala-Harrison S. Whole-genome analysis of Malawian Plasmodium falciparum isolates identifies possible targets of allele-specific immunity to clinical malaria. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009576. [PMID: 34033654 PMCID: PMC8184011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals acquire immunity to clinical malaria after repeated Plasmodium falciparum infections. Immunity to disease is thought to reflect the acquisition of a repertoire of responses to multiple alleles in diverse parasite antigens. In previous studies, we identified polymorphic sites within individual antigens that are associated with parasite immune evasion by examining antigen allele dynamics in individuals followed longitudinally. Here we expand this approach by analyzing genome-wide polymorphisms using whole genome sequence data from 140 parasite isolates representing malaria cases from a longitudinal study in Malawi and identify 25 genes that encode possible targets of naturally acquired immunity that should be validated immunologically and further characterized for their potential as vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zalak Shah
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Myo T. Naung
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter Eliza Hall of Medical Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kara A. Moser
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Matthew Adams
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrea G. Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ankit Dwivedi
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amed Ouattara
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Karl B. Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Don P. Mathanga
- University of Malawi College of Medicine, Malaria Alert Centre, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alyssa E. Barry
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter Eliza Hall of Medical Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Disease Elimination and Maternal and Child Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Miriam K. Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joana C. Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Sharma A, Sanduja P, Anand A, Mahajan P, Guzman CA, Yadav P, Awasthi A, Hanski E, Dua M, Johri AK. Advanced strategies for development of vaccines against human bacterial pathogens. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 37:67. [PMID: 33748926 PMCID: PMC7982316 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-021-03021-6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are one of the main grounds of death and disabilities in human beings globally. Lack of effective treatment and immunization for many deadly infectious diseases and emerging drug resistance in pathogens underlines the need to either develop new vaccines or sufficiently improve the effectiveness of currently available drugs and vaccines. In this review, we discuss the application of advanced tools like bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics and associated techniques for a rational vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinay Sharma
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Department of Vaccinology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pooja Sanduja
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Aparna Anand
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pooja Mahajan
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Carlos A Guzman
- Department of Vaccinology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Puja Yadav
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, Harayana, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad-Gurgaon Expressway, PO box #04, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, 3rd Milestone, Faridabad, Haryana, 121001, India
| | - Emanuel Hanski
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Meenakshi Dua
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Atul Kumar Johri
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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