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Pfeifle A, Zhang W, Cao J, Thulasi Raman SN, Anderson-Duvall R, Tamming L, Gravel C, Coatsworth H, Chen W, Johnston MJW, Sauve S, Rosu-Myles M, Wang L, Li X. Novel recombinant vaccinia virus-vectored vaccine affords complete protection against homologous Borrelia burgdorferi infection in mice. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2399949. [PMID: 39221484 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2399949] [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: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The rising prevalence of Lyme disease (LD) in North America and Europe has emerged as a pressing public health concern. Despite the availability of veterinary LD vaccines, no vaccine is currently available for human use. Outer surface protein C (OspC) found on the outer membrane of the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, has been identified as a promising target for LD vaccine development due to its sustained expression during mammalian infection. However, the efficacy and immunological mechanisms of LD vaccines solely targeting OspC are not well characterized. In this study, we developed an attenuated Vaccinia virus (VV) vectored vaccine encoding type A OspC (VV-OspC-A). Two doses of the VV-OspC-A vaccine conferred complete protection against homologous B. burgdorferi challenge in mice. Furthermore, the candidate vaccine also prevented the development of carditis and lymph node hyperplasia associated with LD. When investigating the humoral immune response to vaccination, VV-OspC-A was found to induce a robust antibody response predominated by the IgG2a subtype, indicating a Th1-bias. Using a novel quantitative flow cytometry assay, we also determined that elicited antibodies were capable of inducing antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis in vitro. Finally, we demonstrated that VV-OspC-A vaccination generated a strong antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell response characterized by the secretion of numerous cytokines upon stimulation of splenocytes with OspC peptides. This study suggests a promising avenue for LD vaccine development utilizing viral vectors targeting OspC and provides insights into the immunological mechanisms that confer protection against B. burgdorferi infection.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Vaccinia virus/genetics
- Vaccinia virus/immunology
- Lyme Disease/prevention & control
- Lyme Disease/immunology
- Borrelia burgdorferi/immunology
- Borrelia burgdorferi/genetics
- Mice
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/immunology
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Antibodies, Bacterial/blood
- Antibodies, Bacterial/immunology
- Female
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Antigens, Bacterial/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Genetic Vectors
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Bacterial Vaccines/immunology
- Bacterial Vaccines/genetics
- Bacterial Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Lyme Disease Vaccines/immunology
- Lyme Disease Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Disease Models, Animal
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
- Vaccines, Attenuated/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Attenuated/genetics
- Phagocytosis
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Pfeifle
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Wanyue Zhang
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jingxin Cao
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sathya N Thulasi Raman
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Rose Anderson-Duvall
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Levi Tamming
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Caroline Gravel
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Heather Coatsworth
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Wangxue Chen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Michael J W Johnston
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Simon Sauve
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Michael Rosu-Myles
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Xuguang Li
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Bézay N, Wagner L, Kadlecek V, Obersriebnig M, Wressnigg N, Hochreiter R, Schneider M, Dubischar K, Derhaschnig U, Klingler A, Larcher-Senn J, Eder-Lingelbach S, Bender W. Optimisation of dose level and vaccination schedule for the VLA15 Lyme borreliosis vaccine candidate among healthy adults: two randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 2 studies. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:1045-1058. [PMID: 38830375 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rising Lyme borreliosis incidence rates, potential for severe outcomes, and limitations in accurate and timely diagnosis for treatment initiation suggest the need for a preventive vaccine; however, no vaccine is currently available for human use. We performed two studies in adults to optimise the dose level and vaccination schedule for VLA15, an investigational Lyme borreliosis vaccine targeting outer surface protein A (OspA) serotypes 1-6, which are associated with the most common pathogenic Borrelia species in Europe and North America. METHODS Both randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre phase 2 studies included participants aged 18-65 years without recent history of Lyme borreliosis or tick bites. Study one was conducted at nine clinical research and study centre sites in the USA (n=6), Germany (n=2), and Belgium (n=1); study two was conducted at five of the study one US sites. Based on a randomisation list created by an unmasked statistician for each study, participants were randomly assigned via an electronic case report form randomisation module to receive 90 μg (study one only), 135 μg, or 180 μg VLA15 or placebo by intramuscular injection at months 0, 1, and 2 (study one) or 0, 2, and 6 (study two). Study one began with a run-in phase to confirm safety, after which the Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended the removal of the 90 μg group and continuation of the study. In the study one run-in phase, randomisation was stratified by study site, whereas in the study one main phase and in study two, randomisation was stratified by study site, age group, and baseline B burgdorferi (sensu lato) serostatus. All individuals were masked, other than staff involved in randomisation, vaccine preparation or administration, or safety data monitoring. The primary endpoint for both studies was OspA-specific IgG geometric mean titres (GMTs) at 1 month after the third vaccination and was evaluated in the per-protocol population. Safety endpoints were evaluated in the safety population: all participants who received at least one vaccination. Both studies are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (study one NCT03769194 and study two NCT03970733) and are completed. FINDINGS For study one, 573 participants were screened and randomly assigned to treatment groups between Dec 21, 2018, and Sept, 26, 2019. For study two, 248 participants were screened and randomly assigned between June 26 and Sept 3, 2019. In study one, 29 participants were assigned to receive 90 μg VLA15, 215 to 135 μg, 205 to 180 μg, and 124 to placebo. In study two, 97 participants were assigned to receive 135 μg VLA15, 100 to 180 μg, and 51 to placebo. At 1 month after the third vaccination (ie, month 3), OspA-specific IgG GMTs in study one ranged from 74·3 (serotype 1; 95% CI 46·4-119·0) to 267·4 units per mL (serotype 3; 194·8-367·1) for 90 μg VLA15, 101·9 (serotype 1; 87·1-119·4) to 283·2 units per mL (serotype 3; 248·2-323·1) for 135 μg, and 115·8 (serotype 1; 98·8-135·7) to 308·6 units per mL (serotype 3; 266·8-356·8) for 180 μg. In study two, ranges at 1 month after the third vaccination (ie, month 7) were 278·5 (serotype 1; 214·9-361·0) to 545·2 units per mL (serotype 2; 431·8-688·4) for 135 μg VLA15 and 274·7 (serotype 1; 209·4-360·4) to 596·8 units per mL (serotype 3; 471·9-754·8) for 180 μg. Relative to placebo, the VLA15 groups had more frequent reports of solicited local adverse events (study one: 94%, 95% CI 91-96 vs 26%, 19-34; study two: 96%, 93-98 vs 35%, 24-49 after any vaccination) and solicited systemic adverse events (study one: 69%, 65-73 vs 43%, 34-52; study two: 74%, 67-80 vs 51%, 38-64); most were mild or moderate. In study one, unsolicited adverse events were reported by 52% (48-57) of participants in the VLA15 groups and 52% (43-60) of those in the placebo groups; for study two these were 65% (58-71) and 69% (55-80), respectively. Percentages of participants reporting serious unsolicited adverse events (study one: 2%, 1-4; study two: 4%, 2-7) and adverse events of special interest (study one: 1%, 0-2; study two: 1%, 0-3) were low across all groups. A single severe, possibly related unsolicited adverse event was reported (worsening of pre-existing ventricular extrasystoles, which resolved after change of relevant concomitant medication); no related serious adverse events or deaths were reported. INTERPRETATION VLA15 was safe, well tolerated, and elicited robust antibody responses to all six OspA serotypes. These findings support further clinical development of VLA15 using the 180 μg dose and 0-2-6-month schedule, which was associated with the greatest immune responses. FUNDING Valneva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bézay
- Valneva Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Wagner
- Valneva Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vera Kadlecek
- Valneva Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Nina Wressnigg
- Valneva Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | | | - Ulla Derhaschnig
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Klingler
- Assign Data Management and Biostatistics, Innsbruck, Austria
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3
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Ghadge SK, Schneider M, Dubischar K, Wagner L, Kadlecek V, Obersriebnig M, Hochreiter R, Klingler A, Larcher-Senn J, Derhaschnig U, Bender W, Eder-Lingelbach S, Bézay N. Immunogenicity and safety of an 18-month booster dose of the VLA15 Lyme borreliosis vaccine candidate after primary immunisation in healthy adults in the USA: results of the booster phase of a randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00372-4. [PMID: 39029481 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00372-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidence rates of Lyme borreliosis, a tickborne disease attributed to infection by Borrelia species, are increasing, and limitations to existing treatments potentiate the possibility of severe outcomes. Nevertheless, there are no licensed vaccines for Lyme borreliosis prevention in humans. This study investigated the immunogenicity and safety of a booster dose of VLA15, an investigational outer surface protein A (OspA)-based Lyme borreliosis vaccine that has previously shown safety and immunogenicity when administered as a primary vaccination series, following a primary VLA15 vaccination series. METHODS We report the results of the booster phase of a randomised, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 2 study that enrolled healthy adults aged 18-65 years from five US clinical study centres to receive 135 μg or 180 μg VLA15 or placebo at months 0, 2, and 6 in the main study phase. Participants who received 180 μg VLA15 in the main study phase and did not have relevant protocol deviations were eligible for the booster phase (months 18-30). Participants were randomly reassigned (2:1) to receive an intramuscular injection of a VLA15 booster or placebo 1 year after the completion of primary vaccination (month 18) via a randomisation list generated by an unmasked statistician with a block size of six. Individuals involved in data safety monitoring, rerandomisation, vaccine handling, and vaccine accountability were unmasked; the study sponsor and statisticians were only unmasked after analysis of data up to 1 month after booster administration. All other individuals remained masked throughout the booster phase. The outcomes for the booster phase were the immunogenicity (evaluated in the booster per-protocol population) and safety (evaluated for all participants who received the booster) of the booster dose up to month 30. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03970733) and is completed. FINDINGS Between Feb 4 and March 23, 2021, 58 participants (28 men and 30 women) were screened, randomly assigned, and received VLA15 (n=39) or placebo (n=19). One participant in the placebo group was lost to follow-up. The IgG geometric mean titres for each OspA serotype (serotypes 1-6) in the VLA15 group peaked at 1 month after the booster dose (1277·0 U/mL [95% CI 861·8-1892·3] to 2194·5 U/mL [1566·8-3073·7] vs 23·6 U/mL [18·1-30·8] to 36·8 U/mL [26·4-51·3] in the placebo group [p<0·0001 for all serotypes]), remained elevated at month 24 (137·4 U/mL [95·8-196·9] to 265·8 U/mL [202·9-348·2] vs 22·3 U/mL [17·7-28·0] to 29·1 U/mL [20·8-40·6] in the placebo group; p<0·0001 for all serotypes), and declined by month 30 (54·1 U/mL [38·6-75·7] to 101·6 U/mL [77·6-133·1] vs 21·9 U/mL [18·0-26·6] to 24·9 U/mL [19·0-32·6] in the placebo group; p<0·0001 for all serotypes except serotype 1 [p=0·0006]). Solicited local adverse events were reported more frequently in the VLA15 group (35 [92%, 95% CI 79-97] of 38 participants) than the placebo group (six [32%, 15-54] of 19 participants; p<0·0001) after booster vaccination. There was no significant difference in the frequency of solicited systemic adverse events between groups (20 [59%, 42-74] of 34 participants in the VLA15 group vs six [38%, 18-61] of 16 participants in the placebo group). Related unsolicited adverse events (none severe) were reported by two (5%, 1-17) of 39 participants in the VLA15 group and none (0%, 0-17) of 19 participants in the placebo group. There were no severe solicited local or systemic adverse events or deaths during the study. INTERPRETATION A booster dose of VLA15 is safe and induces substantial anamnestic immune responses against all six OspA serotypes. As with previously investigated OspA-based Lyme borreliosis vaccines, waning immune responses were observed with VLA15, and annual boosters might therefore be required. FUNDING Valneva.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anton Klingler
- Assign Data Management and Biostatistics, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Ulla Derhaschnig
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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4
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Chen YL, Lee J, Liu Z, Strych U, Bottazzi ME, Lin YP, Chen WH. Biophysical and biochemical characterization of a recombinant Lyme disease vaccine antigen, CspZ-YA. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129295. [PMID: 38211914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129295] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by Lyme Borrelia spirochetes, is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. Despite its global significance, with an estimated 14.5 % seroprevalence, there is currently no licensed vaccine. Previously, we demonstrated that CspZ-YA protein conferred protection against Lyme Borrelia infection, making it a promising vaccine candidate. However, such a protein was tagged with hexahistidine, and thus not preferred for vaccine development; furthermore, the formulation to stabilize the protein was understudied. In this work, we developed a two-step purification process for tag-free E. coli-expressed recombinant CspZ-YA. We further utilized various bioassays to analyze the protein and determine the suitable buffer system for long-term storage and formulation as a vaccine immunogen. The results indicated that a buffer with a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 stabilized CspZ-YA by reducing its surface hydrophobicity and colloidal interactions. Additionally, low pH values induced a change in local spatial conformation and resulted in a decrease in α-helix content. Lastly, an optimal salinity of 22-400 mM at pH 7.5 was found to be important for its stability. Collectively, this study provides a fundamental biochemical and biophysical understanding and insights into the ideal stabilizing conditions to produce CspZ-YA recombinant protein for use in vaccine formulation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jungsoon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhuyun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | - Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA.
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Sanderson VP, Miller JC, Bamm VV, Tilak M, Lloyd VK, Singh-Ranger G, Wills MKB. Profiling disease burden and Borrelia seroprevalence in Canadians with complex and chronic illness. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291382. [PMID: 37939060 PMCID: PMC10631674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291382] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by vector-borne Borrelia bacteria, can present with diverse multi-system symptoms that resemble other conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate disease presentations and Borrelia seroreactivity in individuals experiencing a spectrum of chronic and complex illnesses. We recruited 157 participants from Eastern Canada who reported one or more diagnoses of Lyme disease, neurological, rheumatic, autoimmune, inflammatory, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular illnesses, or were asymptomatic and presumed healthy. Intake categories were used to classify participants based on their perceived proximity to Lyme disease, distinguishing between those with a disclosed history of Borrelia infection, those with lookalike conditions (e.g. fibromyalgia syndrome), and those with unrelated ailments (e.g. intestinal polyps). Participants completed three questionnaires, the SF-36 v1, SIQR, and HMQ, to capture symptoms and functional burden, and provided blood serum for analysis at an accredited diagnostic lab. Two-tiered IgG and IgM serological assessments (whole cell ELISA and Western blot) were performed in a blinded fashion on all samples. The pattern of symptoms and functional burden were similarly profound in the presumptive Lyme and Lyme-like disease categories. Borrelia seroprevalence across the study cohort was 10% for each of IgG and IgM, and occurred within and beyond the Lyme disease intake category. Western blot positivity in the absence of reactive ELISA was also substantial. Fibromyalgia was the most common individual diagnostic tag disclosed by two-tier IgG-positive participants who did not report a history of Lyme disease. Within the IgG seropositive cohort, the presence of antibodies against the 31 kDa Outer Surface Protein A (OspA) was associated with significantly better health outcomes. Previously, this marker has been linked to treatment-refractory Lyme arthritis. Overall, our findings support prior observations of phenotypic overlap between Lyme and other diseases. Seropositivity associated with non-specific symptoms and functional impairment warrants further mechanistic investigation and therapeutic optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria P. Sanderson
- G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer C. Miller
- Galaxy Diagnostics, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Raleigh, United States of America
| | - Vladimir V. Bamm
- G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manali Tilak
- G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vett K. Lloyd
- Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Singh-Ranger
- Upper River Valley Hospital, Horizon Health Network, Waterville, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Melanie K. B. Wills
- G. Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Grąźlewska W, Holec-Gąsior L. Antibody Cross-Reactivity in Serodiagnosis of Lyme Disease. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:63. [PMID: 37873860 PMCID: PMC10594444 DOI: 10.3390/antib12040063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. The disease is characterized by a varied course; therefore, the basis for diagnosis is laboratory methods. Currently, a two-tiered serological test is recommended, using an ELISA as a screening test and a Western blot as a confirmatory test. This approach was introduced due to the relatively high number of false-positive results obtained when using an ELISA alone. However, even this approach has not entirely solved the problem of false-positive results caused by cross-reactive antibodies. Many highly immunogenic B. burgdorferi s.l. proteins are recognized nonspecifically by antibodies directed against other pathogens. This also applies to antigens, such as OspC, BmpA, VlsE, and FlaB, i.e., those commonly used in serodiagnostic assays. Cross-reactions can be caused by both bacterial (relapsing fever Borrelia, Treponema pallidum) and viral (Epstein-Baar virus, Cytomegalovirus) infections. Additionally, a rheumatoid factor has also been shown to nonspecifically recognize B. burgdorferi s.l. proteins, resulting in false-positive results. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully interpret the results of serodiagnostic tests so as to avoid overdiagnosis of Lyme disease, which causes unnecessary implementations of strong antibiotic therapies and delays in the correct diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucyna Holec-Gąsior
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland;
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7
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Bézay N, Hochreiter R, Kadlecek V, Wressnigg N, Larcher-Senn J, Klingler A, Dubischar K, Eder-Lingelbach S, Leroux-Roels I, Leroux-Roels G, Bender W. Safety and immunogenicity of a novel multivalent OspA-based vaccine candidate against Lyme borreliosis: a randomised, phase 1 study in healthy adults. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:1186-1196. [PMID: 37419129 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lyme borreliosis, potentially associated with serious long-term complications, is caused by the species complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. We investigated a novel Lyme borreliosis vaccine candidate (VLA15) targeting the six most common outer surface protein A (OspA) serotypes 1-6 to prevent infection with pathogenic Borrelia spp prevalent in Europe and North America. METHODS This was a partially randomised, observer-masked, phase 1 study in healthy adults older than 18 years to younger than 40 years (n=179) done in trial sites in Belgium and the USA. Following a non-randomised run-in phase, a sealed envelope randomisation method was applied with a 1:1:1:1:1:1 ratio; three dose concentrations of VLA15 (12 μg, 48 μg, and 90 μg) were administered by intramuscular injection on days 1, 29, and 57. The primary outcome was safety (frequency of adverse events up to day 85) assessed in participants who received at least one vaccination. Immunogenicity was a secondary outcome. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03010228, and is complete. FINDINGS Between Jan 23, 2017 and Jan 16, 2019, of 254 participants screened for eligibility, 179 were randomly assigned into six groups: alum-adjuvanted 12 μg (n=29), 48 μg (n=31), or 90 μg (n=31) and non-adjuvanted 12 μg (n=29 participants), 48 μg (n=29), or 90 μg (n=30). VLA15 was safe and well tolerated and the majority of adverse events were mild or moderate. Overall, adverse events were more frequent in the 48 μg and 90 μg groups (range 28-30 participants [94-97%]) when compared with the 12 μg group (25 [86%] participants, 95% CI 69·4-94·5) for adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted groups. Common local reactions were tenderness (151 [84%] participants; 356 events, 95% CI 78·3-89·4) and injection site pain (120 [67%]; 224 events, 59·9-73·5); most frequent systemic reactions were headache (80 [45%]; 112 events, 37·6-52·0), excessive fatigue (45 [25%]; 56 events, 19·4-32·0), and myalgia (45 [25%]; 57 events, 19·4-32·0). A similar safety and tolerability profile was observed between adjuvanted and non-adjuvanted formulations. The majority of solicited adverse events were mild or moderate. VLA15 was immunogenic for all OspA serotypes with higher immune responses induced in the adjuvanted higher dose groups (geometric mean titre range 90 μg with alum 61·3 U/mL-321·7 U/mL vs 23·8 U/mL-111·5 U/mL at 90 μg without alum). INTERPRETATION This novel multivalent vaccine candidate against Lyme borreliosis was safe and immunogenic and paves the way to further clinical development. FUNDING Valneva Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bézay
- Valneva Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Vera Kadlecek
- Valneva Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Wressnigg
- Valneva Austria, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Anton Klingler
- Assign Data Management and Biostatistics, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Isabel Leroux-Roels
- Center for Vaccinology (CEVAC), Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- Center for Vaccinology (CEVAC), Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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8
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Pine M, Arora G, Hart TM, Bettini E, Gaudette BT, Muramatsu H, Tombácz I, Kambayashi T, Tam YK, Brisson D, Allman D, Locci M, Weissman D, Fikrig E, Pardi N. Development of an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine against Lyme disease. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2702-2714. [PMID: 37533256 PMCID: PMC10492027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne infectious disease in the United States, in part because a vaccine against it is not currently available for humans. We propose utilizing the lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated nucleoside-modified mRNA (mRNA-LNP) platform to generate a Lyme disease vaccine like the successful clinical vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Of the antigens expressed by Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, outer surface protein A (OspA) is the most promising candidate for vaccine development. We have designed and synthesized an OspA-encoding mRNA-LNP vaccine and compared its immunogenicity and protective efficacy to an alum-adjuvanted OspA protein subunit vaccine. OspA mRNA-LNP induced superior humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in mice after a single immunization. These potent immune responses resulted in protection against bacterial infection. Our study demonstrates that highly efficient mRNA vaccines can be developed against bacterial targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Pine
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gunjan Arora
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Thomas M Hart
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Emily Bettini
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Brian T Gaudette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - István Tombácz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dustin Brisson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michela Locci
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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9
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Haque HME, Ejemel M, Vance DJ, Willsey G, Rudolph MJ, Cavacini LA, Wang Y, Mantis NJ, Weis DD. Human B Cell Epitope Map of the Lyme Disease Vaccine Antigen, OspA. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:2515-2528. [PMID: 36350351 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Lyme disease (LD) vaccine formerly approved for use in the United States consisted of recombinant outer surface protein A (OspA) from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (ss), the bacterial genospecies responsible for the vast majority of LD in North America. OspA is an ∼30 kDa lipoprotein made up of 21 antiparallel β-strands and a C-terminal α-helix. In clinical trials, protection against LD following vaccination correlated with serum antibody titers against a single epitope near the C-terminus of OspA, as defined by the mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb), LA-2. However, the breadth of the human antibody response to OspA following vaccination remains undefined even as next-generation multivalent OspA-based vaccines are under development. In this report, we employed hydrogen exchange-mass spectrometry (HX-MS) to localize the epitopes recognized by a unique panel of OspA human MAbs, including four shown to passively protect mice against experimental B. burgdorferi infection and one isolated from a patient with antibiotic refractory Lyme arthritis. The epitopes grouped into three spatially distinct bins that, together, encompass more than half the surface-exposed area of OspA. The bins corresponded to OspA β-strands 8-10 (bin 1), 11-13 (bin 2), and 16-20 plus the C-terminal α-helix (bin 3). Bin 3 was further divided into sub-bins relative to LA-2's epitope. MAbs with complement-dependent borreliacidal activity, as well as B. burgdorferi transmission-blocking activity in the mouse model were found within each bin. Therefore, the resulting B cell epitope map encompasses functionally important targets on OspA that likely contribute to immunity to B. burgdorferi.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Emranul Haque
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas66045, United States
| | - Monir Ejemel
- MassBiologics, Boston, Massachusetts02126, United States
| | - David J Vance
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York12208, United States
| | - Graham Willsey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York12208, United States
| | - Michael J Rudolph
- New York Structural Biology Center, New York, New York10027, United States
| | | | - Yang Wang
- MassBiologics, Boston, Massachusetts02126, United States
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York12208, United States
| | - David D Weis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas66045, United States
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10
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Transmission Cycle of Tick-Borne Infections and Co-Infections, Animal Models and Diseases. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111309. [PMID: 36365060 PMCID: PMC9696261 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne pathogens such as species of Borrelia, Babesia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia are widespread in the United States and Europe among wildlife, in passerines as well as in domestic and farm animals. Transmission of these pathogens occurs by infected ticks during their blood meal, carnivorism, and through animal bites in wildlife, whereas humans can become infected either by an infected tick bite, through blood transfusion and in some cases, congenitally. The reservoir hosts play an important role in maintaining pathogens in nature and facilitate transmission of individual pathogens or of multiple pathogens simultaneously to humans through ticks. Tick-borne co-infections were first reported in the 1980s in white-footed mice, the most prominent reservoir host for causative organisms in the United States, and they are becoming a major concern for public health now. Various animal infection models have been used extensively to better understand pathogenesis of tick-borne pathogens and to reveal the interaction among pathogens co-existing in the same host. In this review, we focus on the prevalence of these pathogens in different reservoir hosts, animal models used to investigate their pathogenesis and host responses they trigger to understand diseases in humans. We also documented the prevalence of these pathogens as correlating with the infected ticks’ surveillance studies. The association of tick-borne co-infections with other topics such as pathogens virulence factors, host immune responses as they relate to diseases severity, identification of vaccine candidates, and disease economic impact are also briefly addressed here.
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11
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Chen WH, Strych U, Bottazzi ME, Lin YP. Past, present, and future of Lyme disease vaccines: antigen engineering approaches and mechanistic insights. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1405-1417. [PMID: 35836340 PMCID: PMC9529901 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2102484] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere. Despite the geographical expansion of human Lyme disease cases, no effective preventive strategies are currently available. Developing an efficacious and safe vaccine is therefore urgently needed. Efforts have previously been taken to identify vaccine targets in the causative pathogen (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) and arthropod vector (Ixodes spp.). However, progress was impeded due to a lack of consumer confidence caused by the myth of undesired off-target responses, low immune responses, a limited breadth of immune reactivity, as well as by the complexities of the vaccine process development. AREA COVERED In this review, we summarize the antigen engineering approaches that have been applied to overcome those challenges and the underlying mechanisms that can be exploited to improve both safety and efficacy of future Lyme disease vaccines. EXPERT OPINION Over the past two decades, several new genetically redesigned Lyme disease vaccine candidates have shown success in both preclinical and clinical settings and built a solid foundation for further development. These studies have greatly informed the protective mechanisms of reducing Lyme disease burdens and ending the endemic of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Albany, Albany, NY, USA
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12
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Abstract
Arthritis is the most common late manifestation of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in the United States, usually beginning months after the tick bite. In most patients with Lyme arthritis (LA) today, arthritis is the presenting manifestation of the disease. Patients have swelling and pain in one or a few large joints, especially the knee. Serologic testing is the mainstay of diagnosis. Responses to antibiotic treatment are generally excellent, although a small percentage of patients have persistent, postinfectious synovitis after 2 to 3 months of oral and IV antibiotics, which respond to anti-inflammatory therapies. Herein we review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila L Arvikar
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, CNY149 Room 8301, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Allen C Steere
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, CNY149 Room 8301, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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13
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Liang J, Zang M, Zhou Z. Genetic and phylogenetic analysis of capsid gene of feline calicivirus in Nanjing, China. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 103:105323. [PMID: 35777531 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a common and important pathogen in cats, typically resulting in upper respiratory tract disease or ulcerative oral lesions. Although there are large number of researches on FCV and vaccines against FCV have been widely used for years, the explanation for vaccination failure and further studies on the prevalence of FCV are still necessary in China. In this study, 86 nasopharyngeal swabs from pet cats with upper respiratory symptoms from several Nanjing animal hospitals were collected in 2020. Among them, 36 (41.86%) were positive for FCV. In addition, 13 FCV capsid genes were sequenced. The comparative analysis of linear B-cell epitopes of VP1 gene indicated that there were many amino acid variations existed among FCV vaccine strains and these strains currently circulating in Nanjing, which may relate to the failure of vaccination and maybe aid for future vaccine design. Besides, phylogenetic analysis of capsid gene revealed two genotypes. Except for the F86 strain, most of the strains were clustered with FCV I genotype, which indicated that FCV I genotype was the most prevalent genotype currently circulating in Nanjing. In conclusion, this study provided useful information as to the evolution and genetic variants of FCV in Nanjing, which is urgent for the future instructions of effective disease prevention and control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Liang
- College of veterinary medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Minghui Zang
- College of veterinary medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenlei Zhou
- College of veterinary medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.
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14
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CspZ FH-Binding Sites as Epitopes Promote Antibody-Mediated Lyme Borreliae Clearance. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0006222. [PMID: 35861564 PMCID: PMC9302089 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00062-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmitted by ticks, the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato is the causative agent of Lyme disease (LD), the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere. No effective vaccines are currently available. B. burgdorferi sensu lato produces the CspZ protein that binds to the complement inhibitor, factor H (FH), promoting evasion of the host complement system. We previously showed that while vaccination with CspZ did not protect mice from B. burgdorferi infection, mice can be protected after immunization with CspZ-Y207A/Y211A (CspZ-YA), a CspZ mutant protein without FH-binding activity. To further study the mechanism of this protection, herein we evaluated both poly- and monoclonal antibodies recognizing CspZ FH-binding or non-FH-binding sites. We found that the anti-CspZ antibodies that recognize the FH-binding sites (i.e., block FH-binding activity) eliminate B. burgdorferi sensu lato in vitro more efficiently than those that bind to the non-FH-binding sites, and passive inoculation with anti-FH-binding site antibodies eradicated B. burgdorferi sensu lato in vivo. Antibodies against non-FH-binding sites did not have the same effect. These results emphasize the importance of CspZ FH-binding sites in triggering a protective antibody response against B. burgdorferi sensu lato in future LD vaccines.
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15
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Dattwyler RJ, Gomes-Solecki M. The year that shaped the outcome of the OspA vaccine for human Lyme disease. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:10. [PMID: 35087055 PMCID: PMC8795424 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The expansion of Lyme borreliosis endemic areas and the corresponding increase of disease incidence have opened the possibility for greater acceptance of a vaccine. In this perspective article, we discuss the discovery of outer surface protein A (OspA) of B. burgdorferi, and the subsequent pre-clinical testing and clinical trials of a recombinant OspA vaccine for human Lyme disease. We also discuss in detail the open public hearings of the FDA Lyme disease vaccine advisory panel held in 1998 where concerns of molecular mimicry induced autoimmunity to native OspA were raised, the limitations of those studies, and the current modifications of recombinant OspA to develop a multivalent subunit vaccine for Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J. Dattwyler
- grid.260917.b0000 0001 0728 151XDepartment of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY USA
| | - Maria Gomes-Solecki
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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16
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Scherman K, Råberg L, Westerdahl H. Borrelia Infection in Bank Voles Myodes glareolus Is Associated With Specific DQB Haplotypes Which Affect Allelic Divergence Within Individuals. Front Immunol 2021; 12:703025. [PMID: 34381454 PMCID: PMC8350566 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.703025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The high polymorphism of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes is generally considered to be a result of pathogen-mediated balancing selection. Such selection may operate in the form of heterozygote advantage, and/or through specific MHC allele–pathogen interactions. Specific MHC allele–pathogen interactions may promote polymorphism via negative frequency-dependent selection (NFDS), or selection that varies in time and/or space because of variability in the composition of the pathogen community (fluctuating selection; FS). In addition, divergent allele advantage (DAA) may act on top of these forms of balancing selection, explaining the high sequence divergence between MHC alleles. DAA has primarily been thought of as an extension of heterozygote advantage. However, DAA could also work in concert with NFDS though this is yet to be tested explicitly. To evaluate the importance of DAA in pathogen-mediated balancing selection, we surveyed allelic polymorphism of MHC class II DQB genes in wild bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and tested for associations between DQB haplotypes and infection by Borrelia afzelii, a tick-transmitted bacterium causing Lyme disease in humans. We found two significant associations between DQB haplotypes and infection status: one haplotype was associated with lower risk of infection (resistance), while another was associated with higher risk of infection (susceptibility). Interestingly, allelic divergence within individuals was higher for voles with the resistance haplotype compared to other voles. In contrast, allelic divergence was lower for voles with the susceptibility haplotype than other voles. The pattern of higher allelic divergence in individuals with the resistance haplotype is consistent with NFDS favouring divergent alleles in a natural population, hence selection where DAA works in concert with NFDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Scherman
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Råberg
- Functional Zoology, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Helena Westerdahl
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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17
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O'Bier NS, Hatke AL, Camire AC, Marconi RT. Human and Veterinary Vaccines for Lyme Disease. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2020; 42:191-222. [PMID: 33289681 DOI: 10.21775/cimb.042.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease (LD) is an emerging zoonotic infection that is increasing in incidence in North America, Europe, and Asia. With the development of safe and efficacious vaccines, LD can potentially be prevented. Vaccination offers a cost-effective and safe approach for decreasing the risk of infection. While LD vaccines have been widely used in veterinary medicine, they are not available as a preventive tool for humans. Central to the development of effective vaccines is an understanding of the enzootic cycle of LD, differential gene expression of Borrelia burgdorferi in response to environmental variables, and the genetic and antigenic diversity of the unique bacteria that cause this debilitating disease. Here we review these areas as they pertain to past and present efforts to develop human, veterinary, and reservoir targeting LD vaccines. In addition, we offer a brief overview of additional preventative measures that should employed in conjunction with vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel S O'Bier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Amanda L Hatke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Andrew C Camire
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Richard T Marconi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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18
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Hasan MM, Khatun MS, Kurata H. iLBE for Computational Identification of Linear B-cell Epitopes by Integrating Sequence and Evolutionary Features. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2020; 18:593-600. [PMID: 33099033 PMCID: PMC8377379 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Linear B-cell epitopes are critically important for immunological applications, such as vaccine design, immunodiagnostic test, and antibody production, as well as disease diagnosis and therapy. The accurate identification of linear B-cell epitopes remains challenging despite several decades of research. In this work, we have developed a novel predictor, Identification of Linear B-cell Epitope (iLBE), by integrating evolutionary and sequence-based features. The successive feature vectors were optimized by a Wilcoxon-rank sum test. Then the random forest (RF) algorithm using the optimal consecutive feature vectors was applied to predict linear B-cell epitopes. We combined the RF scores by the logistic regression to enhance the prediction accuracy. iLBE yielded an area under curve score of 0.809 on the training dataset and outperformed other prediction models on a comprehensive independent dataset. iLBE is a powerful computational tool to identify the linear B-cell epitopes and would help to develop penetrating diagnostic tests. A web application with curated datasets for iLBE is freely accessible at http://kurata14.bio.kyutech.ac.jp/iLBE/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Mst Shamima Khatun
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kurata
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan; Biomedical Informatics R&D Center, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan.
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19
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Guibinga GH, Sahay B, Brown H, Cooch N, Chen J, Yan J, Reed C, Mishra M, Yung B, Pugh H, Schultheis K, Esquivel RN, Weiner DB, Humeau LH, Broderick KE, Smith TR. Protection against Borreliella burgdorferi infection mediated by a synthetically engineered DNA vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2114-2122. [PMID: 32783701 PMCID: PMC7553707 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1789408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in North America. The etiological agent is the spirochete Borreliella burgdorferi, transmitted to mammalian hosts by the Ixodes tick. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of cases of Lyme disease. Currently, there is no vaccine on the market for human use. We describe the development of a novel synthetically engineered DNA vaccine, pLD1 targeting the outer-surface protein A (OspA) of Borreliella burgdorferi. Immunization of C3 H/HeN mice with pLD1 elicits robust humoral and cellular immune responses that confer complete protection against a live Borreliella burgdorferi bacterial challenge. We also assessed intradermal (ID) delivery of pLD1 in Hartley guinea pigs, demonstrating the induction of robust and durable humoral immunity that lasts at least 1 year. We provide evidence of the potency of pLD1 by showing that antibodies targeting the OspA epitopes which have been associated with protection are prominently raised in the immunized guinea pigs. The described study provides the basis for the advancement of pDL1 as a potential vaccine for Lyme disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghiabe H. Guibinga
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Bikash Sahay
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Heather Brown
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Neil Cooch
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Jian Yan
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Charles Reed
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Meerambika Mishra
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bryan Yung
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Holly Pugh
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Katherine Schultheis
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Rianne N. Esquivel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David B. Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laurent H. Humeau
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Kate E. Broderick
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Trevor R.F. Smith
- Department of Research and Development, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA,CONTACT Trevor R.F. Smith Inovio Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA92121
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20
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Duan J, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Jiang H, Xie B, Zhao T, Zhao F. Research status and perspectives for pathogenic spirochete vaccines. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 507:117-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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21
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Merski M, Młynarczyk K, Ludwiczak J, Skrzeczkowski J, Dunin-Horkawicz S, Górna MW. Self-analysis of repeat proteins reveals evolutionarily conserved patterns. BMC Bioinformatics 2020; 21:179. [PMID: 32381046 PMCID: PMC7204011 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-020-3493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein repeats can confound sequence analyses because the repetitiveness of their amino acid sequences lead to difficulties in identifying whether similar repeats are due to convergent or divergent evolution. We noted that the patterns derived from traditional "dot plot" protein sequence self-similarity analysis tended to be conserved in sets of related repeat proteins and this conservation could be quantitated using a Jaccard metric. RESULTS Comparison of these dot plots obviated the issues due to sequence similarity for analysis of repeat proteins. A high Jaccard similarity score was suggestive of a conserved relationship between closely related repeat proteins. The dot plot patterns decayed quickly in the absence of selective pressure with an expected loss of 50% of Jaccard similarity due to a loss of 8.2% sequence identity. To perform method testing, we assembled a standard set of 79 repeat proteins representing all the subgroups in RepeatsDB. Comparison of known repeat and non-repeat proteins from the PDB suggested that the information content in dot plots could be used to identify repeat proteins from pure sequence with no requirement for structural information. Analysis of the UniRef90 database suggested that 16.9% of all known proteins could be classified as repeat proteins. These 13.3 million putative repeat protein chains were clustered and a significant amount (82.9%) of clusters containing between 5 and 200 members were of a single functional type. CONCLUSIONS Dot plot analysis of repeat proteins attempts to obviate issues that arise due to the sequence degeneracy of repeat proteins. These results show that this kind of analysis can efficiently be applied to analyze repeat proteins on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Merski
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Młynarczyk
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Ludwiczak
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Skrzeczkowski
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stanisław Dunin-Horkawicz
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria W. Górna
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Kamp HD, Swanson KA, Wei RR, Dhal PK, Dharanipragada R, Kern A, Sharma B, Sima R, Hajdusek O, Hu LT, Wei CJ, Nabel GJ. Design of a broadly reactive Lyme disease vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:33. [PMID: 32377398 PMCID: PMC7195412 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-0183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing global health concern, Lyme disease has become the most common tick-borne disease in the United States and Europe. Caused by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl), this disease can be debilitating if not treated promptly. Because diagnosis is challenging, prevention remains a priority; however, a previously licensed vaccine is no longer available to the public. Here, we designed a six component vaccine that elicits antibody (Ab) responses against all Borrelia strains that commonly cause Lyme disease in humans. The outer surface protein A (OspA) of Borrelia was fused to a bacterial ferritin to generate self-assembling nanoparticles. OspA-ferritin nanoparticles elicited durable high titer Ab responses to the seven major serotypes in mice and non-human primates at titers higher than a previously licensed vaccine. This response was durable in rhesus macaques for more than 6 months. Vaccination with adjuvanted OspA-ferritin nanoparticles stimulated protective immunity from both B. burgdorferi and B. afzelii infection in a tick-fed murine challenge model. This multivalent Lyme vaccine offers the potential to limit the spread of Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Aurelie Kern
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Bijaya Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Radek Sima
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Linden T. Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111 USA
| | - Chih-Jen Wei
- Sanofi, 640 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA 01239 USA
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23
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Gomes-Solecki M, Arnaboldi PM, Backenson PB, Benach JL, Cooper CL, Dattwyler RJ, Diuk-Wasser M, Fikrig E, Hovius JW, Laegreid W, Lundberg U, Marconi RT, Marques AR, Molloy P, Narasimhan S, Pal U, Pedra JHF, Plotkin S, Rock DL, Rosa P, Telford SR, Tsao J, Yang XF, Schutzer SE. Protective Immunity and New Vaccines for Lyme Disease. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:1768-1773. [PMID: 31620776 PMCID: PMC7155782 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by some Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is the most common tick-borne illness in the Northern Hemisphere and the number of cases, and geographic spread, continue to grow. Previously identified B. burgdorferi proteins, lipid immunogens, and live mutants lead the design of canonical vaccines aimed at disrupting infection in the host. Discovery of the mechanism of action of the first vaccine catalyzed the development of new strategies to control Lyme disease that bypassed direct vaccination of the human host. Thus, novel prevention concepts center on proteins produced by B. burgdorferi during tick transit and on tick proteins that mediate feeding and pathogen transmission. A burgeoning area of research is tick immunity as it can unlock mechanistic pathways that could be targeted for disruption. Studies that shed light on the mammalian immune pathways engaged during tick-transmitted B. burgdorferi infection would further development of vaccination strategies against Lyme disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gomes-Solecki
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Tennessee, USA
| | - Paul M Arnaboldi
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, New York Medical College, New York, USA
| | | | - Jorge L Benach
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Stony Brook University, New York, USA
| | - Christopher L Cooper
- Molecular and Translational Sciences, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Maryland, USA
| | - Raymond J Dattwyler
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, New York Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Maria Diuk-Wasser
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - J W Hovius
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Multidisciplinary Lyme Borreliosis Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Will Laegreid
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
| | | | - Richard T Marconi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Adriana R Marques
- Lyme Disease Studies Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sukanya Narasimhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Joao H F Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Maryland, USA
| | - Stanley Plotkin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel L Rock
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Patricia Rosa
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Sam R Telford
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean Tsao
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - X Frank Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University of School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Steven E Schutzer
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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24
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Djokic V, Akoolo L, Primus S, Schlachter S, Kelly K, Bhanot P, Parveen N. Protozoan Parasite Babesia microti Subverts Adaptive Immunity and Enhances Lyme Disease Severity. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1596. [PMID: 31354683 PMCID: PMC6635642 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most prominent tick-borne disease in the United States. Co-infections with the tick-transmitted pathogens Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto are becoming a serious health problem. B. burgdorferi is an extracellular spirochete that causes Lyme disease while B. microti is a protozoan that infects erythrocytes and causes babesiosis. Testing of donated blood for Babesia species is not currently mandatory due to unavailability of an FDA approved test. Transmission of this protozoan by blood transfusion often results in high morbidity and mortality in recipients. Infection of C3H/HeJ mice with B. burgdorferi and B. microti individually results in inflammatory Lyme disease and display of human babesiosis-like symptoms, respectively. Here we use this mouse model to provide a detailed investigation of the reciprocal influence of the two pathogens on each other during co-infection. We show that B. burgdorferi infection attenuates parasitemia in mice while B. microti subverts the splenic immune response, such that a marked decrease in splenic B and T cells, reduction in antibody levels and diminished functional humoral immunity, as determined by spirochete opsonophagocytosis, are observed in co-infected mice compared to only B. burgdorferi infected mice. Furthermore, immunosuppression by B. microti in co-infected mice showed an association with enhanced Lyme disease manifestations. This study demonstrates the effect of only simultaneous infection by B. burgdorferi and B. microti on each pathogen, immune response and on disease manifestations with respect to infection by the spirochete and the parasite. In our future studies, we will examine the overall effects of sequential infection by these pathogens on host immune responses and disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitomir Djokic
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Lavoisier Akoolo
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Shekerah Primus
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Samantha Schlachter
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Kathleen Kelly
- Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Purnima Bhanot
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Nikhat Parveen
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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25
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Federizon J, Lin YP, Lovell JF. Antigen Engineering Approaches for Lyme Disease Vaccines. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:1259-1272. [PMID: 30987418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Increasing rates of Lyme disease necessitate preventive measures such as immunization to mitigate the risk of contracting the disease. At present, there is no human Lyme disease vaccine available on the market. Since the withdrawal of the first and only licensed Lyme disease vaccine based on lipidated recombinant OspA, vaccine and antigen research has aimed to overcome its risks and shortcomings. Replacement of the putative cross-reactive T-cell epitope in OspA via mutation or chimerism addresses the potential risk of autoimmunity. Multivalent approaches in Lyme disease vaccines have been pursued to address sequence heterogeneity of Lyme borreliae antigens and to induce a repertoire of functional antibodies necessary for efficient heterologous protection. This Review summarizes recent antigen engineering strategies that have paved the way for the development of next generation vaccines against Lyme disease, some of which have reached clinical testing. Bioconjugation methods that incorporate antigens to self-assembling nanoparticles for immune response potentiation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Federizon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University at Buffalo, State University of New York , Buffalo , New York 14260 , United States
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health , Albany , New York 12208 , United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences , State University of New York at Albany , Albany , New York 12222 , United States
| | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University at Buffalo, State University of New York , Buffalo , New York 14260 , United States
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26
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[Lyme nephritis in humans: Physio-pathological bases and spectrum of kidney lesions]. Nephrol Ther 2019; 15:127-135. [PMID: 30713068 DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Known in less than half a century, borreliosis, or Lyme disease, is a zoonosis caused by the tick bite. It is the most common vector disease in Europe and the United States. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, the bacterium in question, is fitted with a "cunning device" that allows it to trick the immune system and implant the infection chronically. It causes multi-system tissue damage mediated by the inflammatory response of the host. Renal involvement is rarely reported and is better known in dogs as Lyme nephritis. The first case of kidney impairment in the human being was described in 1999, and since then eight other cases have been reported. The involvement is preferentially glomerular; the histological forms vary between immune complex nephropathy and podocytopathy. The pathophysiological mechanisms appear to be triple: immune complex deposits, podocytic hyper-expression of the B7-1 membrane protein, and renal infiltration of inflammatory cells. On the basis of the accumulated knowledge of the disease in just over 40 years, this review aims at establishing the physio-pathological hypotheses of renal involvement in order to better define the histological lesions.
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27
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Plotkin SA. Lemons and Lyme. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2018; 7:267-269. [PMID: 30212842 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piy083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley A Plotkin
- Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Doylestown
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28
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Investigating disease severity in an animal model of concurrent babesiosis and Lyme disease. Int J Parasitol 2018; 49:145-151. [PMID: 30367867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of babesiosis, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases has increased steadily in Europe and North America during the last five decades. Babesia microti is transmitted by species of Ixodes, the same ticks that transmit the Lyme disease-causing spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. B. microti can also be transmitted through transfusion of blood products and is the most common transfusion-transmitted infection in the U.S.A. Ixodes ticks are commonly infected with both B. microti and B. burgdorferi, and are competent vectors for transmitting them together into hosts. Few studies have examined the effects of coinfections on humans and they had somewhat contradictory results. One study linked coinfection with B. microti to a greater number of symptoms of overall disease in patients, while another report indicated that B. burgdorferi infection either did not affect babesiosis symptoms or decreased its severity. Mouse models of infection that manifest pathological effects similar to those observed in human babesiosis and Lyme disease offer a unique opportunity to thoroughly investigate the effects of coinfection on the host. Lyme disease has been studied using the susceptible C3H mouse infection model, which can also be used to examine B. microti infection to understand pathological mechanisms of human diseases, both during a single infection and during coinfections. We observed that high B. microti parasitaemia leads to low haemoglobin levels in infected mice, reflecting the anaemia observed in human babesiosis. Similar to humans, B. microti coinfection appears to enhance the severity of Lyme disease-like symptoms in mice. Coinfected mice have lower peak B. microti parasitaemia compared to mice infected with B. microti alone, which may reflect attenuation of babesiosis symptoms reported in some human coinfections. These findings suggest that B. burgdorferi coinfection attenuates parasite growth while B. microti presence exacerbates Lyme disease-like symptoms in mice.
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29
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Littman MP, Gerber B, Goldstein RE, Labato MA, Lappin MR, Moore GE. ACVIM consensus update on Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:887-903. [PMID: 29566442 PMCID: PMC5980284 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An update of the 2006 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Small Animal Consensus Statement on Lyme Disease in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention was presented at the 2016 ACVIM Forum in Denver, CO, followed by panel and audience discussion and a drafted consensus statement distributed online to diplomates for comment. The updated consensus statement is presented below. The consensus statement aims to provide guidance on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Lyme borreliosis in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl P. Littman
- Department of Clinical Studies‐PhiladelphiaUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvania
| | - Bernhard Gerber
- The Clinic for Small Animal Internal MedicineVetsuisse Faculty, University of ZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Mary Anna Labato
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineTufts UniversityNorth GraftonMassachusetts
| | - Michael R. Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - George E. Moore
- Department of Veterinary Administration, College of Veterinary MedicinePurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIndiana
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30
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Izac JR, Oliver LD, Earnhart CG, Marconi RT. Identification of a defined linear epitope in the OspA protein of the Lyme disease spirochetes that elicits bactericidal antibody responses: Implications for vaccine development. Vaccine 2017; 35:3178-3185. [PMID: 28479174 PMCID: PMC8203411 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The lipoprotein OspA is produced by the Lyme disease spirochetes primarily in unfed ticks. OspA production is down-regulated by the blood meal and it is not produced in mammals except for possible transient production during late stage infection in patients with Lyme arthritis. Vaccination with OspA elicits antibody (Ab) that can target spirochetes in the tick midgut during feeding and inhibit transmission to mammals. OspA was the primary component of the human LYMErix™ vaccine. LYMErix™ was available from 1998 to 2002 but then pulled from the market due to declining sales as a result of unsubstantiated concerns about vaccination induced adverse events and poor efficacy. It was postulated that a segment of OspA that shares sequence similarity with a region in human LFA-1 and may trigger putative autoimmune events. While evidence supporting such a link has not been demonstrated, most efforts to move forward with OspA as a vaccine component have sought to eliminate this region of concern. Here we identify an OspA linear epitope localized within OspA amino acid residues 221–240 (OspA221–240) that lacks the OspA region suggested to elicit autoimmunity. A peptide consisting of residues 221–240 was immunogenic in mice. Ab raised against OspA221–240 peptide surface labeled B. burgdorferi in IFAs and displayed potent Ab mediated-complement dependent bactericidal activity. BLAST analyses identified several variants of OspA221–240 and a closely related sequence in OspB. It is our hypothesis that integration of the OspA221–240 epitope into a multivalent-OspC based chimeric epitope based vaccine antigen (chimeritope) could result in a subunit vaccine that protects against Lyme disease through synergistic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerilyn R Izac
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Lee D Oliver
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Christopher G Earnhart
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Richard T Marconi
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, United States.
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31
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Live Attenuated Borrelia burgdorferi Targeted Mutants in an Infectious Strain Background Protect Mice from Challenge Infection. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2016; 23:725-31. [PMID: 27335385 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00302-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi, B. garinii, and B. afzelii are all agents of Lyme disease in different geographic locations. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause significant and long-term morbidity, which may continue after appropriate antibiotic therapy has been administered and live bacteria are no longer detectable. The increasing incidence and geographic spread of Lyme disease are renewing interest in the vaccination of at-risk populations. We took the approach of vaccinating mice with two targeted mutant strains of B. burgdorferi that, unlike the parental strain, are avirulent in mice. Mice vaccinated with both strains were protected against a challenge with the parental strain and a heterologous B. burgdorferi strain by either needle inoculation or tick bite. In ticks, the homologous strain was eliminated but the heterologous strain was not, suggesting that the vaccines generated a response to antigens that are produced by the bacteria both early in mammalian infection and in the tick. Partial protection against B. garinii infection was also conferred. Protection was antibody mediated, and reactivity to a variety of proteins was observed. These experiments suggest that live attenuated B. burgdorferi strains may be informative regarding the identification of protective antigens produced by the bacteria and recognized by the mouse immune system in vivo Further work may illuminate new candidates that are effective and safe for the development of Lyme disease vaccines.
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32
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Antibody profile to Borrelia burgdorferi in veterinarians from Nuevo León, Mexico, a non-endemic area of this zoonosis. Reumatologia 2016; 54:97-102. [PMID: 27504018 PMCID: PMC4967975 DOI: 10.5114/reum.2016.61208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease caused by infections with Borrelia. Persons infected with Borrelia can be asymptomatic or can develop disseminated disease. Diagnosis and recognition of groups at risk of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi is of great interest to contemporary rheumatology. There are a few reports about Borrelia infection in Mexico, including lymphocytoma cases positive to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto by PCR and a patient with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans. Veterinarians have an occupational risk due to high rates of tick contact. The aim of this work was to investigate antibodies to Borrelia in students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, at Nuevo León, Mexico, and determine the antibody profile to B. burgdorferi antigens. Material and methods Sera were screened using a C6 ELISA, IgG and IgM ELISA using recombinant proteins from B. burgdorferi, B. garinii and B. afzelii. Sera with positive or grey-zone values were tested by IgG Western blot to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto. Results All volunteers reported tick exposures and 72.5% remembered tick bites. Only nine persons described mild Lyme disease related symptoms, including headaches, paresthesias, myalgias and arthralgias. None of the volunteers reported erythema migrans. Nine samples were confirmed by IgG Western blot. The profile showed 89% reactivity to OspA, 67% to p83, and 45% to BmpA. Conclusions Positive sera samples shared antibody reactivity to the markers of late immune response p83 and BmpA, even if individuals did not present symptoms of Lyme arthritis or post-Lyme disease. The best criterion to diagnose Lyme disease in our country remains to be established, because it is probable that different strains coexist in Mexico. This is the first report of antibodies to B. burgdorferi in Latin American veterinarians. Veterinarians and high-risk people should be alert to take precautionary measures to prevent tick-borne diseases.
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Abstract
In the United States, Lyme arthritis is the most common feature of late-stage Borrelia burgdorferi infection, usually beginning months after the initial bite. In some, earlier phases are asymptomatic and arthritis is the presenting manifestation. Patients with Lyme arthritis have intermittent or persistent attacks of joint swelling and pain in 1 or a few large joints. Serologic testing is the mainstay of diagnosis. Synovial fluid polymerase chain reaction for B burgdorferi DNA is often positive before treatment, but is not a reliable marker of spirochetal eradication after therapy. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of Lyme arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila L Arvikar
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Allen C Steere
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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34
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Šmit R, Postma MJ. Lyme borreliosis: reviewing potential vaccines, clinical aspects and health economics. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1549-61. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1091313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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35
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Sekhavati MH, Heravi RM, Tahmoorespur M, Yousefi S, Abbassi-Daloii T, Akbari R. Cloning, molecular analysis and epitopics prediction of a new chaperone GroEL Brucella melitensis antigen. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2015; 18:499-505. [PMID: 26124937 PMCID: PMC4475659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Brucellosis is a well-known domestic animal infectious disease, which is caused by Brucella bacterium. GroEL antigen increases Brucella survival and is one of the major antigens that stimulates the immune system. Hence, the objective of the present study was cloning and bioinformatics analysis of GroEL gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS The full-length open reading frame of this gene was amplified by specific primers and cloned into pTZ57R/T vector. Also, the sequence of this gene in the Brucella melitensis strain Rev 1 was submitted to the NCBI gene bank for the first time. Several prediction software applications were also used to predict B and T-cell epitopes, secondary and tertiary structures, antigenicity ability and enzymatic degradation sites. The used software applications validated experimental results. RESULTS The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that the GroEL sequence had near homology with other species instead of other Brucella spp. The bioinformatics tools used in the current study were validated by the results of four different experimental epitope predictions. Bioinformatics analysis identified eight B and seven T-cell epitopes. CONCLUSION According to the antigenic ability and proteasomal cleavage sites, four (150-160, 270-285,351-361 and 385-395) common epitopes were predicted for GroEL gene. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these regions had proper epitope characterization and so may be useful for stimulation of cell-mediated and humoral immunity system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Majidzadeh Heravi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran,*Corresponding author: Reza Majidzadeh Heravi. Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Tel: +98-51-38805747; Fax: +98-51-38796845;
| | | | - Soheil Yousefi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Rahebe Akbari
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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Rana A, Rub A, Akhter Y. Proteome-wide B and T cell epitope repertoires in outer membrane proteins of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis have vaccine and diagnostic relevance: a holistic approach. J Mol Recognit 2015; 28:506-20. [PMID: 25727233 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is an etiological agent of chronic inflammation of the intestine among ruminants and humans. Currently, there are no effective vaccines and sensitive diagnostic tests available for its control and detection. For this, it is of paramount importance to identify the MAP antigens, which may be immunologically recognized by the host immune system. To address this challenge, we performed identification of the immunogenic epitopes in the MAP outer membrane proteins (OMPs). We have previously identified 57 MAP proteins as OMPs [Rana A, Rub A, Akhter Y. 2014. Molecular BioSystems, 10:2329-2337] and have evaluated them for the epitope selection and analysis employing a computational approach. Thirty-five MAP OMPs are reported with nine-mer peptides showing high binding affinity to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and 28 MAP OMPs with 15-mer peptides of high binding affinity for MHC class II molecules. The presence of MHC binding epitopes indicates the potential cell-mediated immune response inducing capacity of these MAP OMPs in infected host. To further investigate the humoral response inducing properties of OMPs of MAP, we report potential B cell epitopes based on the sequences of peptide antigens and their molecular structures. We also report 10 proteins having epitopes for both B and T cells representing potential candidates which may invoke both humoral and cellular immune responses in the host. These findings will greatly accelerate and expedite the formulation of effective and cost-efficient vaccines and diagnostic tests against MAP infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Rana
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, 176206, India
| | - Abdur Rub
- Infection and Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi,, 110025, India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, 176206, India
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Comstedt P, Hanner M, Schüler W, Meinke A, Lundberg U. Design and development of a novel vaccine for protection against Lyme borreliosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113294. [PMID: 25409015 PMCID: PMC4237411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no Lyme borreliosis vaccine available for humans, although it has been shown that the disease can be prevented by immunization with an OspA-based vaccine (LYMErix). Outer surface protein A (OspA) is one of the dominant antigens expressed by the spirochetes when present in a tick. The Borrelia species causing Lyme borreliosis in Europe express different OspA serotypes on their surface, B. burgdorferi (serotype 1), B. afzelii (serotype 2), B. garinii (serotypes, 3, 5 and 6) and B. bavariensis (serotype 4), while only B. burgdorferi is present in the US. In order to target all these pathogenic Borrelia species, we have designed a multivalent OspA-based vaccine. The vaccine includes three proteins, each containing the C-terminal half of two OspA serotypes linked to form a heterodimer. In order to stabilize the C-terminal fragment and thus preserve important structural epitopes at physiological temperature, disulfide bonds were introduced. The immunogenicity was increased by introduction of a lipidation signal which ensures the addition of an N-terminal lipid moiety. Three immunizations with 3.0 µg adjuvanted vaccine protected mice from a challenge with spirochetes expressing either OspA serotype 1, 2 or 5. Mice were protected against both challenge with infected ticks and in vitro grown spirochetes. Immunological analyses (ELISA, surface binding and growth inhibition) indicated that the vaccine can provide protection against the majority of Borrelia species pathogenic for humans. This article presents the approach which allows for the generation of a hexavalent vaccine that can potentially protect against a broad range of globally distributed Borrelia species causing Lyme borreliosis.
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A Novel multivalent OspA vaccine against Lyme borreliosis is safe and immunogenic in an adult population previously infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2014; 21:1490-9. [PMID: 25185574 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00406-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) patients who recover, as well as previously infected asymptomatic individuals, remain vulnerable to reinfection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. There is limited information available about the use of OspA vaccines in this population. In this study, a randomized double-blind phase I/II trial was performed to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of a novel multivalent OspA vaccine in healthy adults who were either seronegative or seropositive for previous B. burgdorferi sensu lato infection. The participants received three monthly priming immunizations with either 30 μg or 60 μg alum-adjuvanted OspA antigen and a booster vaccination either 6 months or 9 to 12 months after the first immunization. The antibody responses to the six OspA serotypes included in the vaccine were evaluated. Adverse events were predominantly mild and transient and were similar in the seronegative and seropositive populations. Substantial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface-binding antibody responses against all six OspA antigens were induced after the primary immunization schedule in both populations, and they were substantially increased with both booster schedules. The antibody responses induced by the two doses were similar in the seronegative population, but there was a significant dose response in the seropositive population. These data indicate that the novel multivalent OspA vaccine is well tolerated and immunogenic in individuals previously infected with B. burgdorferi sensu lato. (This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01504347.).
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Kelesidis T. The Cross-Talk between Spirochetal Lipoproteins and Immunity. Front Immunol 2014; 5:310. [PMID: 25071771 PMCID: PMC4075078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spirochetal diseases such as syphilis, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis are major threats to public health. However, the immunopathogenesis of these diseases has not been fully elucidated. Spirochetes interact with the host through various structural components such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS), surface lipoproteins, and glycolipids. Although spirochetal antigens such as LPS and glycolipids may contribute to the inflammatory response during spirochetal infections, spirochetes such as Treponema pallidum and Borrelia burgdorferi lack LPS. Lipoproteins are most abundant proteins that are expressed in all spirochetes and often determine how spirochetes interact with their environment. Lipoproteins are pro-inflammatory, may regulate responses from both innate and adaptive immunity and enable the spirochetes to adhere to the host or the tick midgut or to evade the immune system. However, most of the spirochetal lipoproteins have unknown function. Herein, the immunomodulatory effects of spirochetal lipoproteins are reviewed and are grouped into two main categories: effects related to immune evasion and effects related to immune activation. Understanding lipoprotein-induced immunomodulation will aid in elucidating innate immunopathogenesis processes and subsequent adaptive mechanisms potentially relevant to spirochetal disease vaccine development and to inflammatory events associated with spirochetal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Kelesidis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles, CA , USA
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Barrett PN, Portsmouth D. A novel multivalent OspA vaccine against Lyme borreliosis shows promise in Phase I/II studies. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 12:973-5. [PMID: 24053389 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2013.824704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P Noel Barrett
- Vaccine R&D, Baxter BioScience, Biomedical Research Centre, Uferstraße 15, A-2304 Orth/Donau, Austria +43 1 20100 244 4316 +43 1 20100 244 5134
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Alam J, Kim YC, Choi Y. Potential role of bacterial infection in autoimmune diseases: a new aspect of molecular mimicry. Immune Netw 2014; 14:7-13. [PMID: 24605075 PMCID: PMC3942510 DOI: 10.4110/in.2014.14.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mimicry is an attractive mechanism for triggering autoimmunity. In this review, we explore the potential role of evolutionary conserved bacterial proteins in the production of autoantibodies with focus on granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seven autoantigens characterized in GPA and RA were BLASTed against a bacterial protein database. Of the seven autoantigens, proteinase 3, type II collagen, binding immunoglobulin protein, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, α-enolase, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein have well-conserved bacterial orthologs. Importantly, those bacterial orthologs are also found in human-associated bacteria. The wide distribution of the highly conserved stress proteins or enzymes among the members of the normal flora and common infectious microorganisms raises a new question on how cross-reactive autoantibodies are not produced during the immune response to these bacteria in most healthy people. Understanding the mechanisms that deselect auto-reactive B cell clones during the germinal center reaction to homologous foreign antigens may provide a novel strategy to treat autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehan Alam
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Dental research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul 110-749, Korea
| | - Yong Chul Kim
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Dental research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul 110-749, Korea
| | - Youngnim Choi
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Microbiology, Dental research Institute, Seoul National University School of Dentistry, Seoul 110-749, Korea
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Immunization with a Borrelia burgdorferi BB0172-derived peptide protects mice against lyme disease. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88245. [PMID: 24505447 PMCID: PMC3914939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most prevalent arthropod borne disease in the US and it is caused by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), which is acquired through the bite of an infected Ixodes tick. Vaccine development efforts focused on the von Willebrand factor A domain of the borrelial protein BB0172 from which four peptides (A, B, C and D) were synthesized and conjugated to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin, formulated in Titer Max® adjuvant and used to immunize C3H/HeN mice subcutaneously at days 0, 14 and 21. Sera were collected to evaluate antibody responses and some mice were sacrificed for histopathology to evaluate vaccine safety. Twenty-eight days post-priming, protection was evaluated by needle inoculation of half the mice in each group with 103 Bb/mouse, whereas the rest were challenged with 105Bb/mouse. Eight weeks post-priming, another four groups of similarly immunized mice were challenged using infected ticks. In both experiments, twenty-one days post-challenge, the mice were sacrificed to determine antibody responses, bacterial burdens and conduct histopathology. Results showed that only mice immunized with peptide B were protected against challenge with Bb. In addition, compared to the other the treatment groups, peptide B-immunized mice showed very limited inflammation in the heart and joint tissues. Peptide B-specific antibody titers peaked at 8 weeks post-priming and surprisingly, the anti-peptide B antibodies did not cross-react with Bb lysates. These findings strongly suggest that peptide B is a promising candidate for the development of a new DIVA vaccine (Differentiate between Infected and Vaccinated Animals) for protection against Lyme disease.
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Lantos PM. Lyme disease vaccination: safety first - author's reply. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014; 14:13. [PMID: 24355030 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(13)70346-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Lantos
- Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 100800, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Cotté V, Sabatier L, Schnell G, Carmi-Leroy A, Rousselle JC, Arsène-Ploetze F, Malandrin L, Sertour N, Namane A, Ferquel E, Choumet V. Differential expression of Ixodes ricinus salivary gland proteins in the presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. J Proteomics 2014; 96:29-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Barrett PN, Crowe BA, Wressnigg N, Portsmouth D, Aichinger G. Lyme disease vaccination: safety first - authors' reply. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2013; 14:12-13. [PMID: 24355029 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(13)70362-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P Noel Barrett
- Vaccine R&D, Biomedical Research Centre, Baxter Bioscience, Uferstraße 15, A-2304 Orth/Donau, Austria.
| | - Brian A Crowe
- Vaccine R&D, Biomedical Research Centre, Baxter Bioscience, Uferstraße 15, A-2304 Orth/Donau, Austria
| | | | - Daniel Portsmouth
- Vaccine R&D, Biomedical Research Centre, Baxter Bioscience, Uferstraße 15, A-2304 Orth/Donau, Austria
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Schwendinger MG, O'Rourke M, Traweger A, Savidis-Dacho H, Pilz A, Portsmouth D, Livey I, Barrett PN, Crowe BA. Evaluation of OspA vaccination-induced serological correlates of protection against Lyme borreliosis in a mouse model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79022. [PMID: 24260146 PMCID: PMC3832494 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For clinical development of a novel multivalent OspA vaccine against Lyme borreliosis, serological assays are required which can be used to establish immune correlates of protection against infection with Borrelia. METHODS Four assays (an OspA IgG ELISA, a competitive inhibition (CI) ELISA, a Borrelia surface-binding (SB) assay and a Borrelia killing assay) were used to evaluate the correlation between immune responses induced by rOspA 1/2 (a chimeric immunogen containing protective epitopes from OspA serotypes 1 and 2), and protective immunity against infection by B. burgdorferi s.s. (OspA-1) and B. afzelii (OspA-2). Mice were immunized with OspA 1/2 doses ranging from 0.3 ng to 100 ng, to induce a range of OspA antibody titers, and exposed to needle challenge with B. burgdorferi s.s. or tick challenge with B. afzelii. Receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed for each assay, and the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and Youden Index were calculated. Potential cutoff antibody titers which could be used as correlates of vaccine-induced protection were derived from the maximum Youden Index. RESULTS Immunization with OspA-1/2 provided dose-dependent protection against infection with B. burgdorferi s.s. and B. afzelii. Antibody responses detected by all four assays were highly significantly correlated with protection from infection by either B. burgdorferi s.s. (p<0.0001 to 0.0062) or B. afzelii (p<0.0001). ROC analyses of the diagnostic effectiveness of each assay showed the AUC to range between 0.95 and 0.79, demonstrating that all assays distinguish well between infected and non-infected animals. Based on sensitivity, specificity and AUC, the OspA IgG ELISA and SB assays best discriminated between infected and non-infected animals. CONCLUSIONS All four assays differentiate well between Borrelia-infected and non-infected animals. The relatively simple, high throughput IgG ELISA would be suitable to establish immune correlates of protection for the novel OspA vaccine in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Pilz
- Vaccine R&D, Baxter BioScience, Orth/Donau, Austria
| | | | - Ian Livey
- Vaccine R&D, Baxter BioScience, Orth/Donau, Austria
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Gaultney RA, Gonzalez T, Floden AM, Brissette CA. BB0347, from the lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is surface exposed and interacts with the CS1 heparin-binding domain of human fibronectin. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75643. [PMID: 24086600 PMCID: PMC3785480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, codes for several known fibronectin-binding proteins. Fibronectin a common the target of diverse bacterial pathogens, and has been shown to be essential in allowing for the development of certain disease states. Another borrelial protein, BB0347, has sequence similarity with these other known fibronectin-binding proteins, and may be important in Lyme disease pathogenesis. Herein, we perform an initial characterization of BB0347 via the use of molecular and biochemical techniques. We found that BB0347 is expressed, produced, and presented on the outer surface of intact B. burgdorferi. We also demonstrate that BB0347 has the potential to be important in Lyme disease progression, and have begun to characterize the nature of the interaction between human fibronectin and this bacterial protein. Further work is needed to define the role of this protein in the borrelial infection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Gaultney
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Edwin C. James Medical Research Facility Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
| | - Tammy Gonzalez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Edwin C. James Medical Research Facility Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
| | - Angela M. Floden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Edwin C. James Medical Research Facility Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
| | - Catherine A. Brissette
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Edwin C. James Medical Research Facility Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Safety and immunogenicity of a novel multivalent OspA vaccine against Lyme borreliosis in healthy adults: a double-blind, randomised, dose-escalation phase 1/2 trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2013; 13:680-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(13)70110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Li X, Strle K, Wang P, Acosta DI, McHugh GA, Sikand N, Strle F, Steere AC. Tick-specific borrelial antigens appear to be upregulated in American but not European patients with Lyme arthritis, a late manifestation of Lyme borreliosis. J Infect Dis 2013; 208:934-41. [PMID: 23766526 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) sensu lato, the etiologic agent of Lyme borreliosis, adapts to distinct environments in the mammalian host and the tick vector by differential gene expression. As a result, infected mice are not exposed to and rarely make antibodies to the set of antigens that are preferentially expressed in the tick, including outer surface protein A (OspA), Borrelia iron and copper-binding protein A (BicA), and OspD. Surprisingly, however, antibodies to OspA and BicA have been noted in American patients with Lyme arthritis. Here, we examined serum samples from 210 American patients and 66 European patients with a range of early or late manifestations of Lyme borreliosis and found that only American patients with Lyme arthritis commonly had antibody responses to OspA, BicA, and OspD. This suggests that infection with American but not European Borrelia strains often leads to concerted upregulation or derepression of tick-specific spirochetal antigens in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
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