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Jyoti, Bhatt D, Kumar S, Maurya A, Pal A, Darokar MP, Bawankule DU, Tandon S. Cu-catalyzed click reaction in synthesis of eugenol derivatives as potent antimalarial agents. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38828834 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2348670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Eugenol(1), a terpenoid found in Ocimum, has various biological activities. The present study aims at extraction, isolation of the plant secondary metabolite eugenol (1), it's derivatisation and structure identification as bioactive molecules. Synthesis and antiplasmodial activity (in-vitro and in-vivo), of a series of fourteen novel eugenol-based 1,2,3-triazole derivatives was done in the present study. Derivatives 5a-5n showed good antimalarial activity against the strain Plasmodium falciparum NF54. Derivative 5 m, IC50 at 2.85 µM was found to be several times better than its precursor 1 (106.82 µM) whereas the derivative 5n showed three fold better activity than compound 1, in vitro. The structure-activity relationship of the synthesised compounds indicated that the presence of triazole ring in eugenol analogues is responsible for their good activity. Compound 5m, was further evaluated for in-vivo antimalarial activity which showed about 79% parasitemia suppression. It is the first report on antimalarial activity of triazole eugenol derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti
- Phytochemistry Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Divya Bhatt
- Bio-Prospection and Product Development, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar
- Bio-Prospection and Product Development, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
| | - Aransha Maurya
- Phytochemistry Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
| | - Anirban Pal
- Bio-Prospection and Product Development, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
| | - Mahendra P Darokar
- Bio-Prospection and Product Development, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
| | - Dnyaneshwar U Bawankule
- Bio-Prospection and Product Development, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
| | - Sudeep Tandon
- Phytochemistry Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Dar A, Godara P, Prusty D, Bashir M. Plasmodium falciparum topoisomerases: Emerging targets for anti-malarial therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116056. [PMID: 38171145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Different metabolic pathways like DNA replication, transcription, and recombination generate topological constrains in the genome. These topological constraints are resolved by essential molecular machines known as topoisomerases. To bring changes in DNA topology, the topoisomerases create a single or double-stranded nick in the template DNA, hold the nicked ends to let the tangled DNA pass through, and finally re-ligate the breaks. The DNA nicking and re-ligation activities as well as ATPase activities (when present) in topoisomerases are subjected to inhibition by several anticancer and antibacterial drugs, thus establishing these enzymes as successful targets in anticancer and antibacterial therapies. The anti-topoisomerase drugs interfere with the functioning of these enzymes and result in the accumulation of DNA tangles or lethal genomic breaks, thereby promoting host cell (or organism) death. The potential of topoisomerases in the human malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum in antimalarial drug development has received little attention so far. Interestingly, the parasite genome encodes orthologs of topoisomerases found in eukaryotes, prokaryotes, and archaea, thus, providing an enormous opportunity for investigating these enzymes for antimalarial therapeutics. This review focuses on the features of Plasmodium falciparum topoisomerases (PfTopos) with respect to their closer counterparts in other organisms. We will discuss overall advances and basic challenges with topoisomerase research in Plasmodium falciparum and our attempts to understand the interaction of PfTopos with classical and new-generation topoisomerase inhibitors using in silico molecular docking approach. The recent episodes of parasite resistance against artemisinin, the only effective antimalarial drug at present, further highlight the significance of investigating new drug targets including topoisomerases in antimalarial therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Dar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006, India.
| | - Priya Godara
- Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Masarat Bashir
- COTS, Sheri-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Mirgund, Srinagar, India
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3
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Ajayi MY, Emeto DC. Awareness and acceptability of malaria vaccine among caregivers of under-5 children in Northern Nigeria. Malar J 2023; 22:329. [PMID: 37907916 PMCID: PMC10619215 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04768-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria vaccine, RTS, S/AS01, has demonstrated modest efficacy against malaria and holds promises for children living in areas where malaria transmission is high. This study assessed caregivers' awareness and willingness to accept the vaccine and provided vital information for policymakers, health workers, and social mobilizers on critical areas to focus on promoting the new vaccine uptake before its arrival for use in Nigeria. METHODS The study was a community-based cross-sectional survey. A multistage sampling technique was used to select four states in Northern Nigeria, where the incidence and prevalence of malaria are highest in the country and 504 caregivers of under-five children were interviewed. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used and data analysis was done with p-value at 0.05. RESULTS Two hundred and three (40.3%) respondents were aware of malaria vaccine while four hundred and sixty-three (91.9%) were willing to accept the vaccine when it is introduced for use in the country. Level of education (AOR; 0.42; CI 0.23-0.78), employment status (AOR; 3.03; CI 1.82-5.03), previous experience of other childhood vaccinations (AOR; 4.87; CI 2.89-8.20), and caregivers having suffered malaria within the last one year (AOR; 1.85; CI 1.10 -3.13) significantly predicted malaria vaccine awareness. Awareness of the new malaria vaccine (AOR = 6.88; 95% CI 1.53-30.99), and previous experience of other childhood vaccinations (AOR = 6.16; 95% CI 2.54-14.94) were significant predictors of the vaccine acceptability. CONCLUSION Caregiver's awareness of the new malaria vaccine was inadequate. There is a need to intensify efforts on social and behavioural communication change activities tailoring messages on the vaccine to address uptake hesitancy. Also, an intense community engagement with focus on providing information on the safety of the vaccine is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Yetunde Ajayi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Leaders of Africa Institute, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Daniel Chukwuyere Emeto
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Leaders of Africa Institute, Accra, Ghana
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Tsoumani ME, Voyiatzaki C, Efstathiou A. Malaria Vaccines: From the Past towards the mRNA Vaccine Era. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1452. [PMID: 37766129 PMCID: PMC10536368 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium spp. is the etiological agent of malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in endemic regions. Over the years, various vaccine candidates targeting different stages of Plasmodium parasite life-cycle have been explored, including subunit vaccines, vectored vaccines, and whole organism vaccines with Mosquirix, a vaccine based on a recombinant protein, as the only currently approved vaccine for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Despite the aforementioned notable progress, challenges such as antigenic diversity, limited efficacy, resistant parasites escaping protective immunity and the need for multiple doses have hindered the development of a highly efficacious malaria vaccine. The recent success of mRNA-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has sparked renewed interest in mRNA vaccine platforms. The unique mRNA vaccine features, including their potential for rapid development, scalability, and flexibility in antigen design, make them a promising avenue for malaria vaccine development. This review provides an overview of the malaria vaccines' evolution from the past towards the mRNA vaccine era and highlights their advantages in overcoming the limitations of previous malaria vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Tsoumani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Aigaleo, Greece; (M.E.T.); (C.V.)
| | - Chrysa Voyiatzaki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Aigaleo, Greece; (M.E.T.); (C.V.)
| | - Antonia Efstathiou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Aigaleo, Greece; (M.E.T.); (C.V.)
- Immunology of Infection Group, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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Ciubotariu II, Monroe A, Williams NA, Ogoma SB, Okumu F. Ifakara MasterClasses: lessons from leading experts on the battle against malaria. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:607-614. [PMID: 37331883 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - April Monroe
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA; Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.
| | - Nana Aba Williams
- MESA Alliance, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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El-Moamly AA, El-Sweify MA. Malaria vaccines: the 60-year journey of hope and final success-lessons learned and future prospects. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:29. [PMID: 37198702 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00516-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world has made great strides towards beating malaria, although about half of the world population is still exposed to the risk of contracting malaria. Developing an effective malaria vaccine was a huge challenge for medical science. In 2021 the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 vaccine (Mosquirix™), for widespread use. This review highlights the history of development, and the different approaches and types of malaria vaccines, and the literature to date. It covers the developmental stages of RTS,S/AS01 and recommends steps for its deployment. The review explores other potential vaccine candidates and their status, and suggests options for their further development. It also recommends future roles for vaccines in eradicating malaria. Questions remain on how RTS,S vaccine will work in widespread use and how it can best be utilized to benefit vulnerable communities. CONCLUSION Malaria vaccines have been in development for almost 60 years. The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has now been approved, but cannot be a stand-alone solution. Development should continue on promising candidates such as R21, PfSPZ and P. vivax vaccines. Multi-component vaccines may be a useful addition to other malaria control techniques in achieving eradication of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal A El-Moamly
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A El-Sweify
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Nourani L, Mehrizi AA, Pirahmadi S, Pourhashem Z, Asadollahi E, Jahangiri B. CRISPR/Cas advancements for genome editing, diagnosis, therapeutics, and vaccine development for Plasmodium parasites, and genetic engineering of Anopheles mosquito vector. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 109:105419. [PMID: 36842543 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Malaria as vector-borne disease remains important health concern with over 200 million cases globally. Novel antimalarial medicines and more effective vaccines must be developed to eliminate and eradicate malaria. Appraisal of preceding genome editing approaches confirmed the CRISPR/Cas nuclease system as a novel proficient genome editing system and a tool for species-specific diagnosis, and drug resistance researches for Plasmodium species, and gene drive to control Anopheles population. CRISPR/Cas technology, as a handy tool for genome editing can be justified for the production of transgenic malaria parasites like Plasmodium transgenic lines expressing Cas9, chimeric Plasmodium transgenic lines, knockdown and knockout transgenic parasites, and transgenic parasites expressing alternative alleles, and also mutant strains of Anopheles such as only male mosquito populations, generation of wingless mosquitoes, and creation of knock-out/ knock-in mutants. Though, the incorporation of traditional methods and novel molecular techniques could noticeably enhance the quality of results. The striking development of a CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostic kit that can specifically diagnose the Plasmodium species or drug resistance markers is highly required in malaria settings with affordable cost and high-speed detection. Furthermore, the advancement of genome modifications by CRISPR/Cas technologies resolves contemporary restrictions to culturing, maintaining, and analyzing these parasites, and the aptitude to investigate parasite genome functions opens up new vistas in the better understanding of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Nourani
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Abouie Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Pourhashem
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Asadollahi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Jahangiri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Pulido-Quevedo FA, Arévalo-Pinzón G, Castañeda-Ramírez JJ, Barreto-Santamaría A, Patarroyo ME, Patarroyo MA. Plasmodium falciparum rhoptry neck protein 4 has conserved regions mediating interactions with receptors on human erythrocytes and hepatocyte membrane. Int J Med Microbiol 2023; 313:151579. [PMID: 37030083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2023.151579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum-related malaria represents a serious worldwide public health problem due to its high mortality rates. P. falciparum expresses rhoptry neck protein 4 (PfRON4) in merozoite and sporozoite rhoptries, it participates in tight junction-TJ formation via the AMA-1/RON complex and is refractory to complete genetic deletion. Despite this, which PfRON4 key regions interact with host cells remain unknown; such information would be useful for combating falciparum malaria. Thirty-two RON4 conserved region-derived peptides were chemically synthesised for determining and characterising PfRON4 regions having high host cell binding affinity (high activity binding peptides or HABPs). Receptor-ligand interaction/binding assays determined their specific binding capability, the nature of their receptors and their ability to inhibit in vitro parasite invasion. Peptides 42477, 42479, 42480, 42505 and 42513 had greater than 2% erythrocyte binding activity, whilst peptides 42477 and 42480 specifically bound to HepG2 membrane, both of them having micromolar and submicromolar range dissociation constants (Kd). Cell-peptide interaction was sensitive to treating erythrocytes with trypsin and/or chymotrypsin and HepG2 with heparinase I and chondroitinase ABC, suggesting protein-type (erythrocyte) and heparin and/or chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan receptors (HepG2) for PfRON4. Erythrocyte invasion inhibition assays confirmed HABPs' importance during merozoite invasion. PfRON4 800-819 (42477) and 860-879 (42480) regions specifically interacted with host cells, thereby supporting their inclusion in a subunit-based, multi-antigen, multistage anti-malarial vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredy A Pulido-Quevedo
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá, Colombia; MSc programme in Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 # 26-85, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gabriela Arévalo-Pinzón
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 # 40-62, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jeimmy J Castañeda-Ramírez
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Barreto-Santamaría
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá, Colombia; Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222 # 55-37, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel E Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá, Colombia; Health Sciences Division, Main Campus, Universidad Santo Tomás, Carrera 9 # 51-11, Bogotá, Colombia; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 # 26-85, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá, Colombia; Health Sciences Division, Main Campus, Universidad Santo Tomás, Carrera 9 # 51-11, Bogotá, Colombia; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 # 26-85, Bogotá, Colombia.
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9
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Nnaji A, Ozdal MA. Perception and awareness towards malaria vaccine policy implementation in Nigeria by health policy actors. Malar J 2023; 22:111. [PMID: 36991411 PMCID: PMC10054212 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04536-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the perception and awareness of malaria vaccine policy implementation among health policy actors in Nigeria. METHODS A descriptive study was conducted to assess the opinions and perceptions of policy actors on the implementation of a vaccination programme against malaria in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics were carried out to study the characteristics of the population and the univariate analysis of the responses to questions presented to the participants. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the association between demographic characteristics and the responses. RESULTS The study revealed that malaria vaccine awareness was poor, with only 48.9% of the policy actors having previous knowledge of the malaria vaccine. The majority of participants (67.8%) declared that they were aware of the importance of vaccine policy in efforts to manage disease transmission. As the number of years of work experience of the participants increased, the odds of being more likely to be aware of the malaria vaccine increased [OR 2.491 (1.183-5.250), p value < 0.05]. CONCLUSION It is recommended that policy-makers develop methods of educating populations, increase awareness of the acceptability of the vaccine and ensure that an affordable malaria vaccine programme is implemented in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaugo Nnaji
- Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, European University of Lefke, Northern Cyprus, TR-10, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Macide Artac Ozdal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health Management, European University of Lefke, Northern Cyprus, TR-10, Mersin, Turkey
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Sesin V, Judy JD, Kapustka L, Opeolu B, Ottinger MA, Bertsch PM, Wang Y, Lazorchak J, Smythe TA, Stahl RG. The Importance of Fostering and Funding Scientific Research, and its Relevance to Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:581-593. [PMID: 36524856 PMCID: PMC10203974 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
What do environmental contaminants and climate change have in common with the virus SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19? We argue that one common element is the wealth of basic and applied scientific research that provides the knowledge and tools essential in developing effective programs for addressing threats to humans and social-ecological systems. Research on various chemicals, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, resulted in regulatory action to protect environmental and human health. Moreover, decades of research on coronaviruses, mRNA, and recently SARS-CoV-2 enabled the rapid development of vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In the present study, we explore the common elements of basic and applied scientific research breakthroughs that link chemicals, climate change, and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and describe how scientific information was applied for protecting human health and, more broadly, socio-ecological systems. We also offer a cautionary note on the misuse and mistrust of science that is not new in human history, but unfortunately is surging in modern times. Our goal was to illustrate the critical role of scientific research to society, and we argue that research must be intentionally fostered, better funded, and applied appropriately. To that end, we offer evidence that supports the importance of investing in scientific research and, where needed, ways to counter the spread of misinformation and disinformation that undermines legitimate discourse. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:581-593. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Sesin
- Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan D Judy
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
| | | | - Beatrice Opeolu
- Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Research Group, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary A Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Paul M Bertsch
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences Precinct, 41 Boggo Road, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Ying Wang
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - James Lazorchak
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Tristan A Smythe
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ralph G Stahl
- DuPont Company (Retired), Wilmington, Delaware, United States
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Mariano RMDS, Gonçalves AAM, de Oliveira DS, Ribeiro HS, Pereira DFS, Santos IS, Lair DF, da Silva AV, Galdino AS, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, da Silveira-Lemos D, Dutra WO, Giunchetti RC. A Review of Major Patents on Potential Malaria Vaccine Targets. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020247. [PMID: 36839519 PMCID: PMC9959516 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a parasitic infection that is a great public health concern and is responsible for high mortality rates worldwide. Different strategies have been employed to improve disease control, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of controlling vectors, and parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs requires the development of an effective preventive vaccine. There are countless challenges to the development of such a vaccine directly related to the parasite's complex life cycle. After more than four decades of basic research and clinical trials, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the pre-erythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum (RTS, S) malaria vaccine for widespread use among children living in malaria-endemic areas. However, there is a consensus that major improvements are needed to develop a vaccine with a greater epidemiological impact in endemic areas. This review discusses novel strategies for malaria vaccine design taking the target stages within the parasite cycle into account. The design of the multi-component vaccine shows considerable potential, especially as it involves transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) that eliminate the parasite's replication towards sporozoite stage parasites during a blood meal of female anopheline mosquitoes. Significant improvements have been made but additional efforts to achieve an efficient vaccine are required to improve control measures. Different strategies have been employed, thus demonstrating the ineffectiveness in controlling vectors, and parasite resistance to antimalarial drugs requires the development of a preventive vaccine. Despite having a vaccine in an advanced stage of development, such as the RTS, S malaria vaccine, the search for an effective vaccine against malaria is far from over. This review discusses novel strategies for malaria vaccine design taking into account the target stages within the parasite's life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reysla Maria da Silveira Mariano
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Alice Maia Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Diana Souza de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Helen Silva Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Diogo Fonseca Soares Pereira
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Ingrid Soares Santos
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel Ferreira Lair
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Augusto Ventura da Silva
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Alexsandro Sobreira Galdino
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Microorganisms, Federal University of São João Del-Rei, Divinópolis CEP 35501-296, MG, Brazil
| | - Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Arequipa 04000, Peru
| | - Denise da Silveira-Lemos
- Campus Jaraguá, University José of Rosário Vellano, UNIFENAS, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Walderez Ornelas Dutra
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
- Laboratory of Biology of Cell Interactions, Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270-901, MG, Brazil
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +55-31-3409-3003
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12
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Tchoumi SY, Chukwu CW, Diagne ML, Rwezaura H, Juga ML, Tchuenche JM. Optimal control of a two-group malaria transmission model with vaccination. NETWORK MODELING AND ANALYSIS IN HEALTH INFORMATICS AND BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 36575768 PMCID: PMC9780107 DOI: 10.1007/s13721-022-00403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a vector-borne disease that poses major health challenges globally, with the highest burden in children less than 5 years old. Prevention and treatment have been the main interventions measures until the recent groundbreaking highly recommended malaria vaccine by WHO for children below five. A two-group malaria model structured by age with vaccination of individuals aged below 5 years old is formulated and theoretically analyzed. The disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when the disease-induced death rate in both human groups is zero. Descarte's rule of signs is used to discuss the possible existence of multiple endemic equilibria. By construction, mathematical models inherit the loss of information that could make prediction of model outcomes imprecise. Thus, a global sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number and the vaccination class as response functions using Latin-Hypercube Sampling in combination with partial rank correlation coefficient are graphically depicted. As expected, the most sensitive parameters are related to children under 5 years old. Through the application of optimal control theory, the best combination of interventions measures to mitigate the spread of malaria is investigated. Simulations results show that concurrently applying the three intervention measures, namely: personal protection, treatment, and vaccination of childreen under-five is the best strategy for fighting against malaria epidemic in a community, relative to using either single or any dual combination of intervention(s) at a time.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Y. Tchoumi
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences ENSAI, University of NGaoundere, P. O. Box 455, Ngaoundere, Cameroon ,Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - C. W. Chukwu
- Department of Mathematics, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109 USA
| | - M. L. Diagne
- Departement de Mathematiques, UFR des Sciences et Technologies, Universite de Thies, Thies, Senegal
| | - H. Rwezaura
- Mathematics Department, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35062, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - M. L. Juga
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006 South Africa
| | - J. M. Tchuenche
- School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa ,School of Computational and Communication Sciences and Engineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
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13
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Stochastic expression of invasion genes in Plasmodium falciparum schizonts. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3004. [PMID: 35637187 PMCID: PMC9151791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30605-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically identical cells are known to exhibit differential phenotypes in the same environmental conditions. These phenotypic variants are linked to transcriptional stochasticity and have been shown to contribute towards adaptive flexibility of a wide range of unicellular organisms. Here, we investigate transcriptional heterogeneity and stochastic gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum by performing the quasilinear multiple annealing and looping based amplification cycles (MALBAC) based amplification and single cell RNA sequencing of blood stage schizonts. Our data reveals significant transcriptional variations in the schizont stage with a distinct group of highly variable invasion gene transcripts being identified. Moreover, the data reflects several diversification processes including putative developmental “checkpoint”; transcriptomically distinct parasite sub-populations and transcriptional switches in variable gene families (var, rifin, phist). Most of these features of transcriptional variability are preserved in isogenic parasite cell populations (albeit with a lesser amplitude) suggesting a role of epigenetic factors in cell-to-cell transcriptional variations in human malaria parasites. Lastly, we apply quantitative RT-PCR and RNA-FISH approach and confirm stochastic expression of key invasion genes, such as, msp1, msp3, msp7, eba181 and ama1 which represent prime candidates for invasion-blocking vaccines. Genetically identical cells can be phenotypically diverse to allow adaptive flexibility in a given environment. This phenotypic diversity is driven by epigenetic and transcriptional variability. Here, Tripathi et al. perform scRNA-seq of isogenic and non-isogenic Plasmodium falciparum schizont populations to explore transcriptional heterogeneity and stochastic gene expression during the course of development.
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14
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Nadeem AY, Shehzad A, Islam SU, Al-Suhaimi EA, Lee YS. Mosquirix™ RTS, S/AS01 Vaccine Development, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050713. [PMID: 35632469 PMCID: PMC9143879 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by bites from Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum)-infected mosquitoes with a present scale of symptoms ranging from moderate fever to neurological disorders. P. falciparum is the most lethal of the five strains of malaria, and is a major case of morbidity and mortality in endemic regions. Recent advancements in malaria diagnostic tools and prevention strategies have improved conjugation antimalarial therapies using fumigation and long-lasting insecticidal sprays, thus lowering malarial infections. Declines in the total number of infected individuals have been correlated with antimalarial drugs. Despite this, malaria remains a major health threat, affecting more than 30 million men, women, and children around the globe, and 20 percent of all children around the globe have malaria parasites in their blood. To overcome this life-threatening condition, novel therapeutic strategies, including immunization, are urgently needed to tackle this infection around the world. In line with this, the development of the RTS, S vaccine was a significant step forward in the fight against malaria. RTS, S is a vaccine for P. falciparum in which R specifies central repeat units, T the T-cell epitopes, and S indicates surface antigen. The RTS, S/AS01 malarial vaccine was synthesized and screened in several clinical trials between 2009 and 2014, involving thousands of young children in seven African countries, showing that children who received the vaccine did not suffer from severe malaria. Mosquirix™ was approved by the World Health Organization in 2021, indicating it to be safe and advocating its integration into routine immunization programs and existing malaria control measures. This paper examines the various stages of the vaccine’s development, including the evaluation of its immunogenicity and efficacy on the basis of a total of 2.3 million administered doses through a routine immunization program. The protection and effectiveness provided by the vaccine are strong, and evidence shows that it can be effectively delivered through the routine child immunization platform. The economic cost of the vaccine remains to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroosa Younis Nadeem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (A.Y.N.); (A.S.)
| | - Adeeb Shehzad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (A.Y.N.); (A.S.)
| | - Salman Ul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, CECOS University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Ebtesam A. Al-Suhaimi
- Biology Department, College of Science and Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Young Sup Lee
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-950-6353; Fax: +82-53-943-2762
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15
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Nirmolia T, Ahmed MA, Sathishkumar V, Sarma NP, Bhattacharyya DR, Mohapatra PK, Bansal D, Bharti PK, Sehgal R, Mahanta J, Sultan AA, Narain K, Patgiri SJ. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum AMA-1 antigen from the Northeast Indian state of Tripura and comparison with global sequences: implications for vaccine development. Malar J 2022; 21:62. [PMID: 35193607 PMCID: PMC8861999 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04081-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria continues to be a major public health problem in the Northeastern part of India despite the implementation of vector control measures and changes in drug policies. To develop successful vaccines against malaria, it is important to assess the diversity of vaccine candidate antigens in field isolates. This study was done to assess the diversity of Plasmodium falciparum AMA-1 vaccine candidate antigen in a malaria-endemic region of Tripura in Northeast India and compare it with previously reported global isolates with a view to assess the feasibility of developing a universal vaccine based on this antigen. Methods Patients with fever and malaria-like illness were screened for malaria and P. falciparum positive cases were recruited for the current study. The diversity of PfAMA-1 vaccine candidate antigen was evaluated by nested PCR and RFLP. A selected number of samples were sequenced using the Sanger technique. Results Among 56 P. falciparum positive isolates, Pfama-1 was successfully amplified in 75% (n = 42) isolates. Allele frequencies of PfAMA-1 antigen were 16.6% (n = 7) for 3D7 allele and 33.3% (n = 14) in both K1 and HB3 alleles. DNA sequencing revealed 13 haplotypes in the Pfama-1 gene including three unique haplotypes not reported earlier. No unique amino-acid substitutions were found. Global analysis with 2761 sequences revealed 435 haplotypes with a very complex network composition and few clusters. Nucleotide diversity for Tripura (0.02582 ± 0.00160) showed concordance with South-East Asian isolates while recombination parameter (Rm = 8) was lower than previous reports from India. Population genetic structure showed moderate differentiation. Conclusions Besides documenting all previously reported allelic forms of the vaccine candidate PfAMA-1 antigen of P. falciparum, new haplotypes not reported earlier, were found in Tripura. Neutrality tests indicate that the Pfama-1 population in Tripura is under balancing selection. This is consistent with global patterns. However, the high haplotype diversity observed in the global Pfama-1 network analysis indicates that designing a universal vaccine based on this antigen may be difficult. This information adds to the existing database of genetic diversity of field isolates of P. falciparum and may be helpful in the development of more effective vaccines against the parasite. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04081-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulika Nirmolia
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Md Atique Ahmed
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Vinayagam Sathishkumar
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Nilanju P Sarma
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India.,SRL Reference Laboratory, Mumbai, 400060, India
| | - Dibya R Bhattacharyya
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Pradyumna K Mohapatra
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Devendra Bansal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar.,Ministry of Public Health, Doha, Qatar
| | - Praveen K Bharti
- ICMR - National Institute for Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482003, India
| | - Rakesh Sehgal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Punjab, 160012, India
| | - Jagadish Mahanta
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Ali A Sultan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kanwar Narain
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India
| | - Saurav J Patgiri
- ICMR - Regional Medical Research Centre, North East Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786001, India.
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16
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Chemoprophylaxis under sporozoites-lumefantrine (CPS-LMF) immunization induce protective immune responses against Plasmodium yoelii sporozoites infection in mice. 3 Biotech 2021; 11:465. [PMID: 34745816 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-021-03022-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria represents one of the major life-threatening diseases that poses a huge socio-economic impact, worldwide. Chemoprophylaxis vaccination using a relatively low number of wild-type infectious sporozoites represents an attractive and effective vaccine strategy against malaria. However, the role of immune responses to pre-erythrocytic versus blood-stage parasites in protection against different antimalarial drugs remains unclear. Here, in the present study, we explored the immune responses against the repetitive inoculation of live Plasmodium yoelii (P. yoelii) sporozoites in an experimental Swiss mouse model under antimalarial drug lumefantrine chemoprophylaxis (CPS-LMF). We monitored the liver stage parasitic load, pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines expression, and erythrocytic stage patency, following repetitive cycles of sporozoites inoculations. It was found that repetitive sporozoites inoculation under CPS-LMF results in delayed blood-stage infection during the fourth sporozoites challenge, while sterile protection was produced in mice following the fifth cycle of sporozoites challenge. Intriguingly, we observed a significant up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-12) and iNOS response and down-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β) in the liver HMNC (hepatic mononuclear cells) and spleen cells after 4th and 5th cycle of sporozoites challenge in the CPS-LMF mice. Meanwhile, we also noticed that the liver stage parasites load under CPS-LMF immunization has gradually reduced after 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th sporozoites challenge. Overall, our study suggests that chemoprophylaxis vaccination under LMF drug cover develops strong immune responses and confer superior long-lasting protection against P. yoelii sporozoites. Furthermore, this vaccination strategy can be used to study the protective and stage-specific immunity against new protective antigens. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03022-0.
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17
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Patra S, Singh M, Wasnik K, Pareek D, Gupta PS, Mukherjee S, Paik P. Polymeric Nanoparticle Based Diagnosis and Nanomedicine for Treatment and Development of Vaccines for Cerebral Malaria: A Review on Recent Advancement. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:7342-7365. [PMID: 35006689 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.1c00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria occurs due to Plasmodium falciparum infection, which causes 228 million infections and 450,000 deaths worldwide every year. African people are mostly affected with nearly 91% cases, of which 86% are pregnant women and infants. India and Brazil are the other two countries severely suffering from malaria endemicity. Commonly used drugs have severe side effects, and unfortunately no suitable vaccine is available in the market today. In this line, this review is focused on polymeric nanomaterials and nanocapsules that can be used for the development of effective diagnostic strategies, nanomedicines, and vaccines in the management of cerebral malaria. Further, this review will help scientists and medical professionals by updating the status on the development stages of polymeric nanoparticle based diagnostics, nanomedicines, and vaccines and strategies to eradicate cerebral malaria. In addition to this, the predominant focus of this review is antimalarial agents based on polymer nanomedicines that are currently in the preclinical and clinical trial stages, and potential developments are suggested as well. This review further will have an important social and commercial impact worldwide for the development of polymeric nanomedicines and strategies for the treatment of cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukanya Patra
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Monika Singh
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Kirti Wasnik
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Divya Pareek
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Prem Shankar Gupta
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Sudip Mukherjee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Pradip Paik
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology-BHU, Varanasi 221005, India
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18
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Raghuwanshi AS, Kumar A, Raghuwanshi N, Singh SK, Singh AK, Tripathi U, Kaviraj S, Singh S. Development of a process for large scale production of PfRH5 in E. coli expression system. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 188:169-179. [PMID: 34364940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte binding protein homologue 5 (PfRH5) has recently shown great promise to be developed as a vaccine candidate to prevent blood-stage malaria. However, because of its molecular complexity, most previous efforts were focused on expressing PfRH5 in its native and soluble form. Here, we describe the E. coli expression of full-length PfRH5 as inclusion bodies (IBs), followed by its high cell density fermentation at 1, 5 and 30 L scale. Denatured full-length PfRH5 was purified using a two-step chromatography process before being refolded using design of experiments (DoE). Refolded PfRH5 was further purified using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), recovering high purity antigen with an overall yield of 102 mg/L from fermentation cell harvest. Purified PfRH5 was further characterized using orthogonal analytical methods, and a short-term stability study revealed -80 °C as an optimum storage temperature. Moreover, refolded, and purified PfRH5, when formulated with adjuvant Glucopyranosyl A lipid stable emulsion (GLA-SE), elicited high antibody titers in BALB/c mice, proving its potential to neutralize the blood-stage malarial parasite. Here, we establish an E. coli-based process platform for the large-scale cGMP production of full-length PfRH5, enabling global malaria vaccine development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Singh Raghuwanshi
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ankit Kumar
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India
| | - Navdeep Raghuwanshi
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shravan Kumar Singh
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India
| | - Avinash Kumar Singh
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India
| | - Umanath Tripathi
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India
| | - Swarnendu Kaviraj
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Vaccine Formulation and Research Center, Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Limited, Pune 411057, Maharashtra, India.
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19
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Reuling IJ, Mendes AM, de Jong GM, Fabra-García A, Nunes-Cabaço H, van Gemert GJ, Graumans W, Coffeng LE, de Vlas SJ, Yang ASP, Lee C, Wu Y, Birkett AJ, Ockenhouse CF, Koelewijn R, van Hellemond JJ, van Genderen PJJ, Sauerwein RW, Prudêncio M. An open-label phase 1/2a trial of a genetically modified rodent malaria parasite for immunization against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/544/eaay2578. [PMID: 32434846 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay2578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For some diseases, successful vaccines have been developed using a nonpathogenic counterpart of the causative microorganism of choice. The nonpathogenicity of the rodent Plasmodium berghei (Pb) parasite in humans prompted us to evaluate its potential as a platform for vaccination against human infection by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), a causative agent of malaria. We hypothesized that the genetic insertion of a leading protein target for clinical development of a malaria vaccine, Pf circumsporozoite protein (CSP), in its natural pre-erythrocytic environment, would enhance Pb's capacity to induce protective immunity against Pf infection. Hence, we recently generated a transgenic Pb sporozoite immunization platform expressing PfCSP (PbVac), and we now report the clinical evaluation of its biological activity against controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). This first-in-human trial shows that PbVac is safe and well tolerated, when administered by a total of ~300 PbVac-infected mosquitoes per volunteer. Although protective efficacy evaluated by CHMI showed no sterile protection at the tested dose, significant delays in patency (2.2 days, P = 0.03) and decreased parasite density were observed after immunization, corresponding to an estimated 95% reduction in Pf liver parasite burden (confidence interval, 56 to 99%; P = 0.010). PbVac elicits dose-dependent cross-species cellular immune responses and functional PfCSP-dependent antibody responses that efficiently block Pf sporozoite invasion of liver cells in vitro. This study demonstrates that PbVac immunization elicits a marked biological effect, inhibiting a subsequent infection by the human Pf parasite, and establishes the clinical validation of a new paradigm in malaria vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaie J Reuling
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - António M Mendes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gerdie M de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Amanda Fabra-García
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Helena Nunes-Cabaço
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Wouter Graumans
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Luc E Coffeng
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sake J de Vlas
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annie S P Yang
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Cynthia Lee
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Yimin Wu
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | | | - Rob Koelewijn
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Perry J J van Genderen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, 3015 GD Rotterdam, Netherlands. .,Corporate Travel Clinic Erasmus MC, 3015 CP Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.
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20
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Pirahmadi S, Zakeri S, Djadid ND, Mehrizi AA. A review of combination adjuvants for malaria vaccines: a promising approach for vaccine development. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:699-717. [PMID: 33798560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
It is obvious that there is a critical need for an efficient malaria vaccine to accelerate malaria eradication. Currently, recombinant subunit vaccination against malaria using proteins and peptides is gaining attention. However, one of the major drawbacks of this approach is the lack of an efficient and durable immune response. Therefore, subunit vaccines require adjuvants to make the vaccine sufficiently immunogenic. Considering the history of the RTS,S vaccine, it seems likely that no single adjuvant is capable of eliciting all the protective immune responses required in many malarial subunit vaccines and the use of combination adjuvants will be increasingly important as the science of malaria vaccines advances. In light of this, it appears that identifying the most effective mixture of adjuvants with minimal adverse effects offers tremendous opportunities in improving the efficacy of vaccines against malaria. Owing to the importance of a multi-adjuvanted approach in subunit malaria vaccine development, this review paper outlines some of the best known combination adjuvants used in malaria subunit vaccines, focusing on their proposed mechanisms of action, their immunological properties, and their notable results. The aim of the present review is to consolidate these findings to aid the application of these combination adjuvants in experimental malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Navid D Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram A Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Arora N, C Anbalagan L, Pannu AK. Towards Eradication of Malaria: Is the WHO's RTS,S/AS01 Vaccination Effective Enough? Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:1033-1039. [PMID: 33737844 PMCID: PMC7966294 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s219294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in mosquito eradication and antimalarial treatments have reduced the malaria burden only modestly. An effective malaria vaccine remains a high priority, but its development has several challenges. Among many potential candidates, the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine (MosquirixTM) remains the leading candidate. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD This review aims to understand the advances in the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, and future comments regarding the vaccine's effectiveness in malaria eradication. Literature review for the past five decades was performed searching PubMed, EMBASE Ovid, and Cochrane Library, with using the following search items: ("malaria" OR "WHO's malaria" OR "Plasmodium falciparum" OR "RTS,S" OR "RTS,S/AS01" OR "RTS,S/AS02" OR "pre-erythrocytic malaria" OR "circumsporozoite" OR "Mosquirix") AND ("vaccine" OR "vaccination"). RESULTS RTS,S/AS01, a recombinant pre-erythrocytic vaccine containing Plasmodium falciparum surface-protein (circumsporozoite) antigen, is safe, well-tolerated, and immunogenic in children. Three doses, along with a booster, have a modest efficacy of about 36% in children (age 5-17 months) and about 26% in infants (age 6-12 weeks) against clinical malaria during a 48-month follow-up. However, the efficacy varies among population subgroups and with the parasite strain, it reduces without a booster and offers protection for a limited duration. Because of its potential cost-effectiveness and positive public health effect, the vaccine is being investigated in a pilot program for mortality benefits and broader deployment. CONCLUSION The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine prevents malaria; however, it should be considered another addition to the malaria-control program and not as an eradication tool because of its relatively low to modest efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Arora
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Ashok K Pannu
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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22
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Mina PR, Kumar S, Agarwal K, Kumar R, Pal A, Tandon S, Yadav SK, Yadav S, Darokar MP. 4-chloro eugenol interacts synergistically with artesunate against drug resistant P. falciparum inducing oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111311. [PMID: 33524782 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
4-chloro eugenol (4CE), a semisynthetic analog of phytomolecule eugenol exhibited potent antiplasmodial activity with IC50 in the range of 1.5-5 μM against sensitive as well as drug resistant strain of P. falciparum. This analog also showed synergy with a clinically used antimalarial drug artesunate and was able to curtail the IC50 of artesunate up to 4-5 folds. Although, 4CE did not show any effect on heme polymerization, the most common drug target in the malaria parasite, it could increase the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) alone as well as in combination with artesunate. Further, 4CE induced oxidative stress was observed to affect the macromolecules in terms of DNA damage, protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation. At the physiological level, cellular organelles like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum were observed to be get affected by 4CE in terms of membrane depolarization and calcium ion leakage respectively. These observations could be validated by expression analysis of oxidative stress responsive genes and proteins. Further, in in vivo assay, 4CE showed significant chemo-suppression of parasitemia as well as an increase in mean survival time in the murine malaria model. Interestingly, in combination with artesunate, 4CE showed higher chemo-suppression as well as enhanced mean survival time at a much lower concentrations of both the partners as compared to an individual dose of artesunate and 4CE. A combination of 4CE and artesunate was also observed to attenuate cerebral malaria pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Rani Mina
- Bioprospectionand Product Development Division, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar
- Bioprospectionand Product Development Division, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Karishma Agarwal
- Phytochemistry Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Ravi Kumar
- Bioprospectionand Product Development Division, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Anirban Pal
- Bioprospectionand Product Development Division, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Sudeep Tandon
- Phytochemistry Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Yadav
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Sanjay Yadav
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India
| | - Mahendra P Darokar
- Bioprospectionand Product Development Division, CSIR- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India.
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Mathematical assessment of the impact of human-antibodies on sporogony during the within-mosquito dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. J Theor Biol 2020; 515:110562. [PMID: 33359209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We develop and analyze a deterministic ordinary differential equation mathematical model for the within-mosquito dynamics of the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. Our model takes into account the action and effect of blood resident human-antibodies, ingested by the mosquito during a blood meal from humans, in inhibiting gamete fertilization. The model also captures subsequent developmental processes that lead to the different forms of the parasite within the mosquito. Continuous functions are used to model the switching transition from oocyst to sporozoites as well as human antibody density variations within the mosquito gut are proposed and used. In sum, our model integrates the developmental stages of the parasite within the mosquito such as gametogenesis, fertilization and sporogenesis culminating in the formation of sporozoites. Quantitative and qualitative analyses including a sensitivity analysis for influential parameters are performed. We quantify the average sporozoite load produced at the end of the within-mosquito malaria parasite's developmental stages. Our analysis shows that an increase in the efficiency of the ingested human antibodies in inhibiting fertilization within the mosquito's gut results in lowering the density of oocysts and hence sporozoites that are eventually produced by each mosquito vector. So, it is possible to control and limit oocysts development and hence sporozoites development within a mosquito by boosting the efficiency of antibodies as a pathway to the development of transmission-blocking vaccines which could potentially reduce oocysts prevalence among mosquitoes and hence reduce the transmission potential from mosquitoes to human.
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Abstract
The vaccine field is pursuing diverse approaches to translate the molecular insights from analyses of effective antibodies and their targeted epitopes into immunogens capable of eliciting protective immune responses. Here we review current antibody-guided strategies including conformation-based, epitope-based, and lineage-based vaccine approaches, which are yielding promising vaccine candidates now being evaluated in clinical trials. We summarize directions being employed by the field, including the use of sequencing technologies to monitor and track developing immune responses for understanding and improving antibody-based immunity. We review opportunities and challenges to transform powerful new discoveries into safe and effective vaccines, which are encapsulated by vaccine efforts against a variety of pathogens including HIV-1, influenza A virus, malaria parasites, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Overall, this review summarizes the extensive progress that has been made to realize antibody-guided structure-based vaccines, the considerable challenges faced, and the opportunities afforded by recently developed molecular approaches to vaccine development.
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Casarrubias-Tabarez B, Rivera-Fernández N, Rojas-Lemus M, López-Valdez N, Fortoul TI. Evaluation of the genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and antimalarial effect of sodium metavanadate po in a Plasmodium yoelii yoelii infected murine model. Toxicol Rep 2020; 7:1001-1007. [PMID: 32874923 PMCID: PMC7451625 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.08.006] [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] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral administration of sodium metavanadate 10 mg/kg decreased parasitemia and increased survival in the Pyy mice model. Oral administration of 10 mg/kg of sodium metavanadate was neither genotoxic nor cytotoxic in the Pyy mice model. Sodium metavanadate is proposed as a potential antimalaric agent.
Malaria is a parasitic disease with the highest morbidity and mortality worldwide and antimalarial drug resistance has increased in last two decades. Chloroquine and artemisinin which were usedfor the treatment of malaria are also reported with resistances. Recently, some metallic compounds of ruthenium and iridium have been used as possible therapeutic agents against other parasites such as Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi. Organic and inorganic compounds of vanadium such as metavanadate, have been used lately because its therapeutic properties as antineoplastic and hypoglycemic agents. In this study we evaluated the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of metavanadate per os and its working dose, as a previous step for the future use of metavanadate as anti-parasitic agent in a Plasmodium yoelii yoelii malarial lethal model. Our findings suggest that 10 mg/kg is a safe dose that decreases parasitemia and increases the survival of the Plasmodium yoelii yoelii infected mice with no evidence of genotoxicity, cytotoxicity with the dose selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Casarrubias-Tabarez
- Department of Cellular and Tissular Biology, School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biologicas, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Norma Rivera-Fernández
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcela Rojas-Lemus
- Department of Cellular and Tissular Biology, School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nelly López-Valdez
- Department of Cellular and Tissular Biology, School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Teresa I Fortoul
- Department of Cellular and Tissular Biology, School of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
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26
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Tam DNH, Tawfik GM, El-Qushayri AE, Mehyar GM, Istanbuly S, Karimzadeh S, Tu VL, Tiwari R, Van Dat T, Nguyen PTV, Hirayama K, Huy NT. Correlation between anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin activities of anti-malarial compounds. Malar J 2020; 19:298. [PMID: 32825818 PMCID: PMC7441662 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite noticeable improvement in anti-malarial treatment, rapid growth of resistant malaria strains points out the need for continuous development of novel anti-malarials to fight the disastrous infection. Haemozoin is considered as a novel inhibitory pathway for new anti-malarial drugs, therefore, this study aimed to systematically review all articles investigating the correlation between anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin activities of anti-malarial compounds. Methods A literature search was conducted on 22 October 2017 in eight databases for relevant in vitro articles reporting the correlation between anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin of anti-malarial compounds, based on the constructed search terms and inclusion criteria. ToxRtool was used to assess quality of each study. Results A total of ten articles were included in the review. In vitro anti-malarial and anti-haemozoin activity had a good correlation for quinolines for sensitive strains (R2 ranging from 0.66 to 0.95) and xanthones (Spearman ρ = 0.886). However, these correlations were reached after removing some compounds which had non-detectable anti-malarial or anti-haemozoin effects. Other structures (acridines, pyrolidines) showed negligible correlation with Spearman ρ ranging from 0.095 to 0.381 for acridines, and r varying from 0.54 to 0.62 for pyrolidines. Some good correlations were only shown in a logarithmic manner or when the anti-malarial activity was normalized. Conclusion The results raised a relative relationship between anti-haemozoin and in vitro anti-malarial activities. Some studies reported compounds that were effective in the inhibition of haemozoin formation, but failed to inhibit the parasite survival and vice versa. The correlation results in these studies were calculated after these compounds were removed from their analysis. The ability of anti-malarial compounds to accumulate inside the reaction site might strengthen their anti-malarial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dao Ngoc Hien Tam
- Asia Shine Trading & Service CO. LTD., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Gehad Mohamed Tawfik
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amr Ehab El-Qushayri
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | - Ghaleb Muhammad Mehyar
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,Southwest Physicians Associates S.C., 2955 W 95th St, Evergreen Park, IL, 60805, USA
| | - Sedralmontaha Istanbuly
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Sedighe Karimzadeh
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Vo Linh Tu
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ranjit Tiwari
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal
| | - Truong Van Dat
- Online Research Club, Nagasaki, Japan.,University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Leading Graduate School Program, and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam.
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27
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Şahar EA, Can H, İz SG, Döşkaya AD, Kalantari-Dehaghi M, Deveci R, Gürüz AY, Döşkaya M. Development of a hexavalent recombinant protein vaccine adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 50 V and determination of its protective efficacy against acute toxoplasmosis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:493. [PMID: 32650739 PMCID: PMC7348124 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, avian species and humans. Toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in healthy individuals, whereas it may lead to death in immune suppressed or deficient patients. A vaccine against T. gondii is required to prevent consequences of the infection. The aim of this study is to generate a multivalent recombinant protein vaccine against T. gondii. Methods 49 previously discovered antigenic proteins of T gondii were evaluated by their expression level in E. coli and by comprehensive bioinformatics analyses to determine antigenic epitopes. Based on these analyses, six vaccine candidate proteins were selected to generate a hexavalent recombinant protein vaccine adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 50 V. Humoral and cellular immune responses were determined by flow cytometry and ELISA. Vaccinated mice were challenged with T. gondii Ankara strain tachyzoites. Results In mice vaccinated with hexavalent vaccine, strong total IgG (P < 0.0001) and IgG2a (P < 0.001) responses were induced compared to controls, the ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ increased, and significantly higher extracellular IFN-γ secretion was achieved compared to the controls (P < 0.001). The survival time of the vaccinated mice increased to 8.38 ± 2.13 days which was significantly higher than controls (P < 0.01). Conclusions Altogether, these results show that the hexavalent vaccine which is developed for the first time against T. gondii induced strong and balanced Th1 and Th2 immune responses as well as conferred significant protection against challenge with lethal toxoplasmosis in murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Atalay Şahar
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, 35100, Bornova, Turkey.,Department of Biotechnology, Ege University Faculty of Science, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, 35100, Bornova, Turkey
| | - Sultan Gülçe İz
- Department of Bioengineering, Ege University Faculty of Engineering, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Remziye Deveci
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, 35100, Bornova, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Present address: Department of Parasitology, Vaccine Research and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, 35100, İzmir, Turkey.
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Skwarczynski M, Chandrudu S, Rigau-Planella B, Islam MT, Cheong YS, Liu G, Wang X, Toth I, Hussein WM. Progress in the Development of Subunit Vaccines against Malaria. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030373. [PMID: 32664421 PMCID: PMC7563759 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening disease and one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the human population. The disease also results in a major socio-economic burden. The rapid spread of malaria epidemics in developing countries is exacerbated by the rise in drug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. At present, malaria research is focused mainly on the development of drugs with increased therapeutic effects against Plasmodium parasites. However, a vaccine against the disease is preferable over treatment to achieve long-term control. Trials to develop a safe and effective immunization protocol for the control of malaria have been occurring for decades, and continue on today; still, no effective vaccines are available on the market. Recently, peptide-based vaccines have become an attractive alternative approach. These vaccines utilize short protein fragments to induce immune responses against malaria parasites. Peptide-based vaccines are safer than traditional vaccines, relatively inexpensive to produce, and can be composed of multiple T- and B-cell epitopes integrated into one antigenic formulation. Various combinations, based on antigen choice, peptide epitope modification and delivery mechanism, have resulted in numerous potential malaria vaccines candidates; these are presently being studied in both preclinical and clinical trials. This review describes the current landscape of peptide-based vaccines, and addresses obstacles and opportunities in the production of malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Saranya Chandrudu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Berta Rigau-Planella
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Md. Tanjir Islam
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Yee S. Cheong
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Genan Liu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiumin Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (W.M.H.)
| | - Waleed M. Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (M.S.); (S.C.); (B.R.-P.); (M.T.I.); (Y.S.C.); (G.L.); (X.W.)
- Correspondence: (I.T.); (W.M.H.)
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Bemani P, Amirghofran Z, Mohammadi M. Designing a multi-epitope vaccine against blood-stage of Plasmodium falciparum by in silico approaches. J Mol Graph Model 2020; 99:107645. [PMID: 32454399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2020.107645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form of malaria disease and is the major cause of infection-related mortalities in the world. Due to increasing in P. falciparum resistance to the first-line antimalarial drugs, an effective vaccine for the control and elimination of malaria infection is urgent. Because the pathogenesis of malaria disease results from blood-stage infection, and all of the symptoms and clinical illness of malaria occur during this stage, there is a strong rationale to develop vaccine against this stage. In the present study, different structural-vaccinology and immuno informatics tools were applied to design an effective antibody-inducing multi-epitope vaccine against the blood-stage of P. falciparum. The designed multi-epitope vaccine was composed of three main parts including B cell epitopes, T helper (Th) cell epitopes, and two adjuvant motives (HP91 and RS09), which were linked to each other via proper linkers. B cell and T cell epitopes were derived from four protective antigens expressed on the surface of merozoites, which are critical to invade the erythrocytes. HP91 and RS09 adjuvants and Th cell epitopes were used to induce, enhance and direct the best form of humoral immune-response against P. falciparum surface merozoite antigens. The vaccine construct was modeled, and after model quality evaluation and refinement by different software, the high-quality 3D-structure model of the vaccine was achieved. Analysis of immunological and physicochemical features of the vaccine showed acceptable results. We believe that this multi-epitope vaccine can be effective for preventing malaria disease caused by P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Bemani
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Zahra Amirghofran
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mozafar Mohammadi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Keating
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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31
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Abstract
Immunity to malaria has been linked to the availability and function of helper CD4+ T cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and γδ T cells that can respond to both the asymptomatic liver stage and the symptomatic blood stage of Plasmodium sp. infection. These T cell responses are also thought to be modulated by regulatory T cells. However, the precise mechanisms governing the development and function of Plasmodium-specific T cells and their capacity to form tissue-resident and long-lived memory populations are less well understood. The field has arrived at a point where the push for vaccines that exploit T cell-mediated immunity to malaria has made it imperative to define and reconcile the mechanisms that regulate the development and functions of Plasmodium-specific T cells. Here, we review our current understanding of the mechanisms by which T cell subsets orchestrate host resistance to Plasmodium infection on the basis of observational and mechanistic studies in humans, non-human primates and rodent models. We also examine the potential of new experimental strategies and human infection systems to inform a new generation of approaches to harness T cell responses against malaria.
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Bettencourt P. Current Challenges in the Identification of Pre-Erythrocytic Malaria Vaccine Candidate Antigens. Front Immunol 2020; 11:190. [PMID: 32153565 PMCID: PMC7046804 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium spp.-infected mosquitos inject sporozoites into the skin of a mammalian host during a blood meal. These enter the host's circulatory system and establish an infection in the liver. After a silent metamorphosis, merozoites invade the blood leading to the symptomatic and transmissible stages of malaria. The silent pre-erythrocytic malaria stage represents a bottleneck in the disease which is ideal to block progression to clinical malaria, through chemotherapeutic and immunoprophylactic interventions. RTS,S/AS01, the only malaria vaccine close to licensure, although with poor efficacy, blocks the sporozoite invasion mainly through the action of antibodies against the CSP protein, a major component of the pellicle of the sporozoite. Strikingly, sterile protection against malaria can be obtained through immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites, genetically attenuated sporozoites or through chemoprophylaxis with infectious sporozoites in animals and humans, but the deployability of sporozoite-based live vaccines pose tremendous challenges. The protection induced by sporozoites occurs in the pre-erythrocytic stages and is mediated mainly by antibodies against the sporozoite and CD8+ T cells against peptides presented by MHC class I molecules in infected hepatocytes. Thus, the identification of malaria antigens expressed in the sporozoite and liver-stage may provide new vaccine candidates to be included, alone or in combination, as recombinant protein-based, virus-like particles or sub-unit virally-vectored vaccines. Here I review the efforts being made to identify Plasmodium falciparum antigens expressed during liver-stage with focus on the development of parasite, hepatocyte, mouse models, and resulting rate of infection in order to identify new vaccine candidates and to improve the efficacy of the current vaccines. Finally, I propose new approaches for the identification of liver-stage antigens based on immunopeptidomics.
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Malik A, Steinbeis F, Carillo MA, Seeberger PH, Lepenies B, Varón Silva D. Immunological Evaluation of Synthetic Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Glycoconjugates as Vaccine Candidates against Malaria. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:171-178. [PMID: 31573796 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) are complex glycolipids present on the surfaces of Plasmodium parasites that may act as toxins during the progression of malaria. GPIs can activate the immune system during infection and induce the formation of anti-GPI antibodies that neutralize their activity. Therefore, an antitoxic vaccine based on GPI glycoconjugates may prevent malaria pathogenesis. To evaluate the role of three key modifications on Plasmodium GPI glycan in the activity of these glycolipids, we synthesized and investigated six structurally distinct GPI fragments from Plasmodium falciparum. The synthetic glycans were conjugated to the CRM197 carrier protein and were tested for immunogenicity and efficacy as antimalarial vaccine candidates in an experimental cerebral malaria model using C57BL/6JRj mice. Protection may be dependent on both the antibody and the cellular immune response to GPIs, and the elicited immune response depends on the orientation of the glycan, the number of mannoses in the structure, and the presence of the phosphoethanolamine and inositol units. This study provides insights into the epitopes in GPIs and contributes to the development of GPI-based antitoxin vaccine candidates against cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Malik
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fridolin Steinbeis
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Maria Antonietta Carillo
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Peter H. Seeberger
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Lepenies
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Immunology Unit & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniel Varón Silva
- Department of Biomolecular Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 22, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Narula AK, Azad CS, Nainwal LM. New dimensions in the field of antimalarial research against malaria resurgence. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 181:111353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Sanasam BD, Kumar S. PRE-binding protein of Plasmodium falciparum is a potential candidate for vaccine design and development: An in silico evaluation of the hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2019; 125:119-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Khan S, Parrillo M, Gutierrez AH, Terry FE, Moise L, Martin WD, De Groot AS. Immune escape and immune camouflage may reduce the efficacy of RTS,S vaccine in Malawi. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:214-227. [PMID: 30614773 PMCID: PMC7062414 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1560772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine will undergo a pilot vaccination study in sub-Saharan Africa beginning in 2019. RTS,S/AS01 Phase III trials reported an efficacy of 28.3% (children 5–17 months) and 18.3% (infants 6–12 weeks), with substantial variability across study sites. We postulated that the relatively low efficacy of the RTS,S vaccine and variability across sites may be due to lack of T-cell epitopes in the vaccine antigen, and due to the HLA distribution of the vaccinated population, and/or due to ‘immune camouflage’, an immune escape mechanism. To examine these hypotheses, we used immunoinformatics tools to compare T helper epitopes contained in RTS,S vaccine antigens with Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) variants isolated from infected individuals in Malawi. The prevalence of epitopes restricted by specific HLA-DRB1 alleles was inversely associated with prevalence of the HLA-DRB1 allele in the Malawi study population, suggesting immune escape. In addition, T-cell epitopes in the CSP of strains circulating in Malawi were more often restricted by low-frequency HLA-DRB1 alleles in the population. Furthermore, T-cell epitopes that were highly conserved across CSP variants in Malawi possessed TCR-facing residues that were highly conserved in the human proteome, potentially reducing T-cell help through tolerance. The CSP component of the RTS,S vaccine also exhibited a low degree of T-cell epitope relatedness to circulating variants. These results suggest that RTS,S vaccine efficacy may be impacted by low T-cell epitope content, reduced presentation of T-cell epitopes by prevalent HLA-DRB1, high potential for human-cross-reactivity, and limited conservation with the CSP of circulating malaria strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundos Khan
- Institute for Immunology and Informatics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Matthew Parrillo
- Institute for Immunology and Informatics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Leonard Moise
- Institute for Immunology and Informatics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA.,EpiVax, Inc., Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Anne S De Groot
- Institute for Immunology and Informatics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA.,EpiVax, Inc., Providence, RI, USA
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Cooper MM, Loiseau C, McCarthy JS, Doolan DL. Human challenge models: tools to accelerate the development of malaria vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:241-251. [PMID: 30732492 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1580577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria challenge models, where healthy human volunteers are intentionally infected with Plasmodium species parasites under controlled conditions, can be undertaken in several well-defined ways. These challenge models enable evaluation of the kinetics of parasite growth and clearance, host-pathogen interactions and the host immune response. They can facilitate discovery of candidate diagnostic biomarkers and novel vaccine targets. As translational tools they can facilitate testing of candidate vaccines and drugs and evaluation of diagnostic tests. AREAS COVERED Until recently, malaria human challenge models have been limited to only a few Plasmodium falciparum strains and used exclusively in malaria-naïve volunteers in non-endemic regions. Several recent advances include the use of alternate P. falciparum strains and other species of Plasmodia, as well as strains attenuated by chemical, radiation or genetic modification, and the conduct of studies in pre-exposed individuals. Herein, we discuss how this diversification is enabling more thorough vaccine efficacy testing and informing rational vaccine development. EXPERT OPINION The ability to comprehensively evaluate vaccine efficacy in controlled settings will continue to accelerate the translation of candidate malaria vaccines to the clinic, and inform the development and optimisation of potential vaccines that would be effective against multiple strains in geographically and demographically diverse settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M Cooper
- a Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine , James Cook University , Cairns , Australia
| | - Claire Loiseau
- a Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine , James Cook University , Cairns , Australia
| | - James S McCarthy
- b Infectious Diseases Programme , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Denise L Doolan
- a Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine , James Cook University , Cairns , Australia
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Pirahmadi S, Zakeri S, Mehrizi AA, Karimi L, Djadid ND. Heterogeneity in the acquisition of naturally acquired antibodies to cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS) and thrombospondin-related adhesion protein (TRAP) of Plasmodium falciparum in naturally infected patients from unstable malaria areas in Iran. Acta Trop 2019; 190:365-374. [PMID: 30543766 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is no subunit malaria vaccine capable of providing long-lasting protection, and a vaccine based on a single-antigen has shown moderate to unsatisfactory efficacies in clinical trials. As in malaria elimination and eradication strategies, the primary objective is reduction in disease and death due to P. falciparum, in the present investigation, for the first time, we attempted to determine and compare the naturally acquired immune responses to two well-recognized sporozoite antigens, cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS) and thrombospondin-related adhesion protein (TRAP), in P. falciparum-infected individuals (n = 204) in low malaria transmission settings of Iran using ELISA. Besides, the profile of IgG isotype responses, the avidity of IgG, IgG1, and IgG3, and the association of anti-PfCelTOS and -PfTRAP antibodies with host age were evaluated. Positive antibody responses to PfCelTOS and PfTRAP antigens were detected in 16.2% and 31.9% of Iranian P. falciparum-infected individuals, respectively, indicating significantly lower immune response to PfCelTOS than PfTRAP (P <0.0001, McNemar's test). Also, among the positive samples for anti-PfCelTOS (n = 33) and -PfTRAP (n = 65) total IgG, the cytophilic IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies were predominant. A significant proportion of the examined positive responders had high- and intermediate-avidity for IgG (93.9%, 87.7%), IgG1 (96.3%, 87.7%), and IgG3 (76%, 78.7%) antibodies to both PfCelTOS and PfTRAP antigens, respectively, with no correlation with age (P >0.05; Spearman's correlation test). In conclusion, the present data suggests the acquisition of heterogenic immune responses to both antigens in the same patients naturally infected with P. falciparum from settings of low malaria transmission intensity in Iran in which their role in protection to malaria needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Akram Abouie Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Karimi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Ssemaganda A, Giddam AK, Zaman M, Skwarczynski M, Toth I, Stanisic DI, Good MF. Induction of Plasmodium-Specific Immune Responses Using Liposome-Based Vaccines. Front Immunol 2019; 10:135. [PMID: 30774635 PMCID: PMC6367261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the development of vaccines, the ability to initiate both innate and subsequent adaptive immune responses need to be considered. Live attenuated vaccines achieve this naturally, while inactivated and sub-unit vaccines generally require additional help provided through delivery systems and/or adjuvants. Liposomes present an attractive adjuvant/delivery system for antigens. Here, we review the key aspects of immunity against Plasmodium parasites, liposome design considerations and their current application in the development of a malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mehfuz Zaman
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
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Hansen SG, Womack J, Scholz I, Renner A, Edgel KA, Xu G, Ford JC, Grey M, St Laurent B, Turner JM, Planer S, Legasse AW, Richie TL, Aguiar JC, Axthelm MK, Villasante ED, Weiss W, Edlefsen PT, Picker LJ, Früh K. Cytomegalovirus vectors expressing Plasmodium knowlesi antigens induce immune responses that delay parasitemia upon sporozoite challenge. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210252. [PMID: 30673723 PMCID: PMC6343944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a sterilizing vaccine against malaria remains one of the highest priorities for global health research. While sporozoite vaccines targeting the pre-erythrocytic stage show great promise, it has not been possible to maintain efficacy long-term, likely due to an inability of these vaccines to maintain effector memory T cell responses in the liver. Vaccines based on human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) might overcome this limitation since vectors based on rhesus CMV (RhCMV), the homologous virus in rhesus macaques (RM), elicit and indefinitely maintain high frequency, non-exhausted effector memory T cells in extralymphoid tissues, including the liver. Moreover, RhCMV strain 68-1 elicits CD8+ T cells broadly recognizing unconventional epitopes exclusively restricted by MHC-II and MHC-E. To evaluate the potential of these unique immune responses to protect against malaria, we expressed four Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk) antigens (CSP, AMA1, SSP2/TRAP, MSP1c) in RhCMV 68-1 or in Rh189-deleted 68-1, which additionally elicits canonical MHC-Ia-restricted CD8+ T cells. Upon inoculation of RM with either of these Pk Ag expressing RhCMV vaccines, we obtained T cell responses to each of the four Pk antigens. Upon challenge with Pk sporozoites we observed a delayed appearance of blood stage parasites in vaccinated RM consistent with a 75-80% reduction of parasite release from the liver. Moreover, the Rh189-deleted RhCMV/Pk vectors elicited sterile protection in one RM. Once in the blood, parasite growth was not affected. In contrast to T cell responses induced by Pk infection, RhCMV vectors maintained sustained T cell responses to all four malaria antigens in the liver post-challenge. The delayed appearance of blood stage parasites is thus likely due to a T cell-mediated inhibition of liver stage parasite development. As such, this vaccine approach can be used to efficiently test new T cell antigens, improve current vaccines targeting the liver stage and complement vaccines targeting erythrocytic antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Hansen
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Jennie Womack
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Isabel Scholz
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Andrea Renner
- US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A Edgel
- US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Guangwu Xu
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Julia C Ford
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Mikayla Grey
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Brandyce St Laurent
- National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, Malaria Pathogenesis and Human Immunity Unit, Rockville, MD, United States of America
| | - John M Turner
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Shannon Planer
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Al W Legasse
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Thomas L Richie
- US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Joao C Aguiar
- US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Michael K Axthelm
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Eileen D Villasante
- US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Walter Weiss
- US Military Malaria Vaccine Program, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Paul T Edlefsen
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Louis J Picker
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Klaus Früh
- Oregon Health & Science University, Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
- Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
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Khamsehnejad MI, Djadid ND, Raz A. Identification, Molecular Characterization, and In Silico Structural Analysis of Carboxypeptidase B2 of Anopheles stephensi. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:72-85. [PMID: 30124910 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease that is considered a priority of the World Health Organization due to its enormous impacts on global health. Plasmodium spp. (Haemosporida: Plasmodiidae), Anopheles spp. (Diptera: Culicidae), and a suitable host are the key elements for malaria transmission. To disrupt the parasitic life cycle of malaria or prevent its transmission, these three key elements should be targeted by effective control strategies. Development of vaccines that interrupt malaria transmission is one of the solutions that has been recommended to the countries that aim to eliminate malaria. With respect to the important role of Anopheles stephensi in malaria transmission and involvement of Anopheles carboxypeptidase B1 in sexual parasite development, we characterized the second member of cpb gene family (cpbAs2) of An. Stephensi to provide some basic information and evaluate significance of cpbAs2's role in complementing sexual plasmodium development role of cpbAs1. The cpbAs2 mRNA sequence was characterized by 3' and 5' RACE and the structural features of its coded protein were studied by in silico modeling. The coding sequence and gene structure of cpbAs2 were determined empirically and compared with the in silico predictions from the An. stephensi genome sequencing project. Furthermore, homology modeling revealed that its structure is very similar to the structurally important domains of procarboxypeptidase B2 in humans. This study provides basic molecular and structural information about another member of the cpb gene family of An. stephensi. The reported results are informative and necessary for evaluation of the role of this gene in sexual parasite development by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdokht Ilbeigi Khamsehnejad
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), Pasteur Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), Pasteur Avenue, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), Pasteur Avenue, Tehran, Iran
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Plasmodium falciparum Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinase Interacts with a Subunit of the Parasite Proteasome. Infect Immun 2018; 87:IAI.00523-18. [PMID: 30323024 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00523-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium, which undergoes a complex life cycle in a human host and a mosquito vector. The parasite's cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) is essential at multiple steps of the life cycle. Phosphoproteomic studies in Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic stages and Plasmodium berghei ookinetes have identified proteolysis as a major biological pathway dependent on PKG activity. To further understand PKG's mechanism of action, we screened a yeast two-hybrid library for P. falciparum proteins that interact with P. falciparum PKG (PfPKG) and tested peptide libraries to identify its phosphorylation site preferences. Our data suggest that PfPKG has a distinct phosphorylation site and that PfPKG directly phosphorylates parasite RPT1, one of six AAA+ ATPases present in the 19S regulatory particle of the proteasome. PfPKG and RPT1 interact in vitro, and the interacting fragment of RPT1 carries a PfPKG consensus phosphorylation site; a peptide carrying this consensus site competes with the RPT1 fragment for binding to PfPKG and is efficiently phosphorylated by PfPKG. These data suggest that PfPKG's phosphorylation of RPT1 could contribute to its regulation of parasite proteolysis. We demonstrate that proteolysis plays an important role in a biological process known to require Plasmodium PKG: invasion by sporozoites of hepatocytes. A small-molecule inhibitor of proteasomal activity blocks sporozoite invasion in an additive manner when combined with a Plasmodium PKG-specific inhibitor. Mining the previously described parasite PKG-dependent phosphoproteomes using the consensus phosphorylation motif identified additional proteins that are likely to be direct substrates of the enzyme.
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Chichester JA, Green BJ, Jones RM, Shoji Y, Miura K, Long CA, Lee CK, Ockenhouse CF, Morin MJ, Streatfield SJ, Yusibov V. Safety and immunogenicity of a plant-produced Pfs25 virus-like particle as a transmission blocking vaccine against malaria: A Phase 1 dose-escalation study in healthy adults. Vaccine 2018; 36:5865-5871. [PMID: 30126674 PMCID: PMC6143384 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Malaria continues to be one of the world's most devastating infectious tropical diseases, and alternative strategies to prevent infection and disease spread are urgently needed. These strategies include the development of effective vaccines, such as malaria transmission blocking vaccines (TBV) directed against proteins found on the sexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum parasites present in the mosquito midgut. The Pfs25 protein, which is expressed on the surface of gametes, zygotes and ookinetes, has been a primary target for TBV development. One such vaccine strategy based on Pfs25 is a plant-produced malaria vaccine candidate engineered as a chimeric non-enveloped virus-like particle (VLP) comprising Pfs25 fused to the Alfalfa mosaic virus coat protein. This Pfs25 VLP-FhCMB vaccine candidate has been engineered and manufactured in Nicotiana benthamiana plants at pilot plant scale under current Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines. The safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of Pfs25 VLP-FhCMB was assessed in healthy adult volunteers. This Phase 1, dose escalation, first-in-human study was designed primarily to evaluate the safety of the purified plant-derived Pfs25 VLP combined with Alhydrogel® adjuvant. At the doses tested in this Phase 1 study, the vaccine was generally shown to be safe in healthy volunteers, with no incidence of vaccine-related serious adverse events and no evidence of any dose-limiting or dose-related toxicity, demonstrating that the plant-derived Pfs25 VLP-FhCMB vaccine had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. In addition, although the vaccine did induce Pfs25-specific IgG in vaccinated patients in a dose dependent manner, the transmission reducing activity of the antibodies generated were weak, suggesting the need for an alternative vaccine adjuvant formulation. This study was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov under reference identifier NCT02013687.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian J Green
- Fraunhofer USA Inc. Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - R Mark Jones
- Fraunhofer USA Inc. Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Yoko Shoji
- Fraunhofer USA Inc. Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Cynthia K Lee
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vidadi Yusibov
- Fraunhofer USA Inc. Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Newark, DE 19711, USA.
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Mendes AM, Machado M, Gonçalves-Rosa N, Reuling IJ, Foquet L, Marques C, Salman AM, Yang ASP, Moser KA, Dwivedi A, Hermsen CC, Jiménez-Díaz B, Viera S, Santos JM, Albuquerque I, Bhatia SN, Bial J, Angulo-Barturen I, Silva JC, Leroux-Roels G, Janse CJ, Khan SM, Mota MM, Sauerwein RW, Prudêncio M. A Plasmodium berghei sporozoite-based vaccination platform against human malaria. NPJ Vaccines 2018; 3:33. [PMID: 30155278 PMCID: PMC6109154 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-018-0068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a pressing need for safe and highly effective Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria vaccines. The circumsporozoite protein (CS), expressed on sporozoites and during early hepatic stages, is a leading target vaccine candidate, but clinical efficacy has been modest so far. Conversely, whole-sporozoite (WSp) vaccines have consistently shown high levels of sterilizing immunity and constitute a promising approach to effective immunization against malaria. Here, we describe a novel WSp malaria vaccine that employs transgenic sporozoites of rodent P. berghei (Pb) parasites as cross-species immunizing agents and as platforms for expression and delivery of PfCS (PbVac). We show that both wild-type Pb and PbVac sporozoites unabatedly infect and develop in human hepatocytes while unable to establish an infection in human red blood cells. In a rabbit model, similarly susceptible to Pb hepatic but not blood infection, we show that PbVac elicits cross-species cellular immune responses, as well as PfCS-specific antibodies that efficiently inhibit Pf sporozoite liver invasion in human hepatocytes and in mice with humanized livers. Thus, PbVac is safe and induces functional immune responses in preclinical studies, warranting clinical testing and development. A genetically engineered parasite, related to malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum, excels as a vaccine in preclinical tests. A team led by Miguel Prudêncio, of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, developed a genetically altered vaccine candidate based on Plasmodium berghei, which is pathogenic to rodents but, in humans, fails to progress from a harmless, transient liver infection to causing full, blood-borne malaria. The candidate expresses a human form of ‘circumsporozoite protein,’ a known antigen, and is designed to provoke a more comprehensive immune response as it presents a whole pathogen to the host. In preclinical tests, the candidate generated antibodies able to neutralize infection in human hepatocytes and also provoked a cellular immune response in rabbits. The team’s candidate proved safe and efficacious, warranting further trials and clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- António M Mendes
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Machado
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nataniel Gonçalves-Rosa
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isaie J Reuling
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lander Foquet
- 3Center for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Departments of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cláudia Marques
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ahmed M Salman
- 5Leiden Malaria Research Group, Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,6The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Annie S P Yang
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kara A Moser
- 7Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Ankit Dwivedi
- 7Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Cornelus C Hermsen
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Belén Jiménez-Díaz
- 8Diseases of the Developing World, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa, 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid Spain
| | - Sara Viera
- 8Diseases of the Developing World, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa, 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid Spain
| | - Jorge M Santos
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.,12Present Address: Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, 02115 Boston, MA USA
| | - Inês Albuquerque
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sangeeta N Bhatia
- 9Health Sciences and Technology/Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - John Bial
- 10Yecuris Corporation, PO Box 4645, Tualatin, OR 97062 USA
| | - Iñigo Angulo-Barturen
- 8Diseases of the Developing World, GlaxoSmithKline, Severo Ochoa, 2, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid Spain
| | - Joana C Silva
- 7Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.,11Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- 3Center for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chris J Janse
- 5Leiden Malaria Research Group, Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Shahid M Khan
- 5Leiden Malaria Research Group, Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria M Mota
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- 2Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, Microbiology 268, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel Prudêncio
- 1Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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Bowyer G, Rampling T, Powlson J, Morter R, Wright D, Hill AVS, Ewer KJ. Activation-induced Markers Detect Vaccine-Specific CD4⁺ T Cell Responses Not Measured by Assays Conventionally Used in Clinical Trials. Vaccines (Basel) 2018; 6:vaccines6030050. [PMID: 30065162 PMCID: PMC6161310 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines6030050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunogenicity of T cell-inducing vaccines, such as viral vectors or DNA vaccines and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), are frequently assessed by cytokine-based approaches. While these are sensitive methods that have shown correlates of protection in various vaccine studies, they only identify a small proportion of the vaccine-specific T cell response. Responses to vaccination are likely to be heterogeneous, particularly when comparing prime and boost or assessing vaccine performance across diverse populations. Activation-induced markers (AIM) can provide a broader view of the total antigen-specific T cell response to enable a more comprehensive evaluation of vaccine immunogenicity. We tested an AIM assay for the detection of vaccine-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in healthy UK adults vaccinated with viral vectored Ebola vaccine candidates, ChAd3-EBO-Z and MVA-EBO-Z. We used the markers, CD25, CD134 (OX40), CD274 (PDL1), and CD107a, to sensitively identify vaccine-responsive T cells. We compared the use of OX40+CD25+ and OX40+PDL1+ in CD4+ T cells and OX40+CD25+ and CD25+CD107a+ in CD8+ T cells for their sensitivity, specificity, and associations with other measures of vaccine immunogenicity. We show that activation-induced markers can be used as an additional method of demonstrating vaccine immunogenicity, providing a broader picture of the global T cell response to vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Bowyer
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | - Tommy Rampling
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | | | - Richard Morter
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | - Daniel Wright
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | - Adrian V S Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | - Katie J Ewer
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
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Chukwuocha UM, Okorie PC, Iwuoha GN, Ibe SN, Dozie IN, Nwoke BE. Awareness, perceptions and intent to comply with the prospective malaria vaccine in parts of South Eastern Nigeria. Malar J 2018; 17:187. [PMID: 29720172 PMCID: PMC5932831 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2335-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are potentials of a malaria vaccine being developed sooner than expected. While focus is more on the development of a vaccine, less attention has been paid on the extent to which such vaccines could be well accepted and the readiness among caregivers to comply with its use in order to achieve the effectiveness of the vaccine in the malaria endemic areas. Compliance rates are influenced by the level of awareness, as well as the perception of the population. This cross-sectional study was aimed at assessing the awareness, perceptions and intent to comply with the prospective malaria vaccine by caregivers in Owerri West, South Eastern Nigeria. Methods Structured pretested questionnaires were used to collect data from 500 randomly selected consenting care givers (mostly mothers). Items used to assess the intent to comply with the vaccine include willingness to accept and use the vaccine, and allow children to be vaccinated. Results The study found that awareness of malaria as a public health problem was high (89.8%), but awareness about a prospective malaria vaccine was not high (48.2%). Up to 88.2% of respondents showed positive perception towards the vaccine, of which 65.2% had strong positive perception. The study found high level of intent to comply with the prospective malaria vaccine among the study group (95.6% positive). Significant association was established between caregivers perception and intent to comply with the prospective malaria vaccine (χ2 = 144.52; p < 0.0001). Conclusions While malaria vaccine adoption is likely to be a welcome development in South Eastern Nigeria, proper consideration should be given to factors that are likely to influence people’s perceptions about vaccines in the plans/process of malaria vaccine development and vaccination programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter C Okorie
- Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Gregory N Iwuoha
- Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Sally N Ibe
- Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu N Dozie
- Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
| | - Bertram E Nwoke
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Mosquitos are responsible for a number of protozoal and viral diseases. Malaria, dengue, Japanese encephalitis (JE) and chikungunya epidemics occur commonly all over the world, leading to marked mortality and morbidity in children. Zika, Yellow fever and West Nile fever are others requiring prevention. Environmental control and mosquito bite prevention are useful in decreasing the burden of disease but vaccination has been found to be most cost-effective and is the need of the hour. RTS,S/AS01 vaccine is the first malaria vaccine being licensed for use against P. falciparum malaria. Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) against dengue was licensed first in Mexico in 2015. A Vero-cell derived, inactivated and alum-adjuvanted JE vaccine based on the SA14-14-2 strain was approved in 2009 in North America, Australia and various European countries. It can be used from 2 mo of age. In India, immunization is carried out in endemic regions at 1 y of age. Another inactivated Vero-cell culture derived Kolar strain, 821564XY, JE vaccine is being used in India. Candidate vaccines against dengue, chikungunya and West Nile fever are been discussed. A continued research and development of new vaccines are required for controlling these mosquito-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Aggarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, New Delhi, 110095, India.
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, New Delhi, 110095, India
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48
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Panda S, Rout JR, Pati P, Ranjit M, Sahoo SL. Antimalarial activity of Artemisia nilagirica against Plasmodium falciparum. J Parasit Dis 2017; 42:22-27. [PMID: 29491554 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0956-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most prevalent vector borne infectious disease and a serious global health problem in the world. Treatment for malaria is commonly inadequate due to the lack of quality assured limited number of effective drugs, underline how important it is to discover new antimalarial plants from number of natural sources. In the present study, the efficacy of antimalarial activity was studied by taking six various (n-hexane, chloroform, petroleum ether, ethanol, methanol and aqueous) organic leaf extracts of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) Pamp. against malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Promising antiplasmodial activity was found in all tested extracts; however, maximum 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were noticed after 32 h of incubation, which is 5.76 ± 0.82, 7.09 ± 1.09, 9.88 ± 1.13, 10.24 ± 1.52, 11.37 ± 1.77 and 50.15 ± 6.16 µg/ml in methanol, chloroform, n-hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. In conclusion, A. nilagirica leaf extract possesses antiplasmodial activity which may be used as a potent plant-based antimalarial drug in the future by investigating the hidden phytochemical/(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagorika Panda
- 1Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004 India
| | - Jyoti Ranjan Rout
- 1Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004 India
- Department of Biotechnology, Academy of Management and Information Technology, 67/68, IID Centre, Bidya Vihar, Barunei Hills, Khurda, Odisha 752057 India
| | - Pallabi Pati
- Molecular Epidemiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023 India
| | - Manoranjan Ranjit
- Molecular Epidemiology, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751023 India
| | - Santi Lata Sahoo
- 1Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Botany, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751004 India
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49
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Fotoran WL, Santangelo R, de Miranda BNM, Irvine DJ, Wunderlich G. DNA-Loaded Cationic Liposomes Efficiently Function as a Vaccine against Malarial Proteins. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 7:1-10. [PMID: 28879213 PMCID: PMC5581859 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of antigens as DNA vaccines is an efficient alternative to induce immune responses against antigens, which are difficult to produce in recombinant form. However, the delivery of naked DNA is ineffective or relies on sophisticated ballistic devices. Here, we show a combination of liposome application and naked DNA vaccine that successfully overcomes these problems. Upon entrapment of plasmids encoding different antigens in cationic particles, transfection efficiencies similar to commercial kits were achieved in in vitro cell cultures. The liposome-based approach provided strong humoral responses against three malarial antigens, namely the Circumsporozoite protein and the C terminus of merozoite surface protein 1 from Plasmodium vivax (titers 104 or 103–104, respectively) and P. falciparum Rhoptry antigen 5 from Plasmodium falciparum (titers 103–104). When employed in P. falciparum growth-inhibition assays, antibodies demonstrated consistent reinvasion-blocking activities that were dose dependent. Liposome-formulated DNA vaccines may prove useful when targets cannot be produced as recombinant proteins and when conformation-dependent and highly specific antibodies are mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley L Fotoran
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Rachele Santangelo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
| | - Beatriz N M de Miranda
- Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-Carlense 400, São Carlos, 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 1374, São Paulo, 05508000, Brazil
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50
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Acharya P, Garg M, Kumar P, Munjal A, Raja KD. Host-Parasite Interactions in Human Malaria: Clinical Implications of Basic Research. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:889. [PMID: 28572796 PMCID: PMC5435807 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite, Plasmodium, is one of the oldest parasites documented to infect humans and has proven particularly hard to eradicate. One of the major hurdles in designing an effective subunit vaccine against the malaria parasite is the insufficient understanding of host–parasite interactions within the human host during infections. The success of the parasite lies in its ability to evade the human immune system and recruit host responses as physiological cues to regulate its life cycle, leading to rapid acclimatization of the parasite to its immediate host environment. Hence understanding the environmental niche of the parasite is crucial in developing strategies to combat this deadly infectious disease. It has been increasingly recognized that interactions between parasite proteins and host factors are essential to establishing infection and virulence at every stage of the parasite life cycle. This review reassesses all of these interactions and discusses their clinical importance in designing therapeutic approaches such as design of novel vaccines. The interactions have been followed from the initial stages of introduction of the parasite under the human dermis until asexual and sexual blood stages which are essential for transmission of malaria. We further classify the interactions as “direct” or “indirect” depending upon their demonstrated ability to mediate direct physical interactions of the parasite with host factors or their indirect manipulation of the host immune system since both forms of interactions are known to have a crucial role during infections. We also discuss the many ways in which this understanding has been taken to the field and the success of these strategies in controlling human malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Manika Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Hamdard UniversityNew Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Akshay Munjal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - K D Raja
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
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