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Kim MJ, Chu KB, Kang HJ, Yoon KW, Eom GD, Mao J, Lee SH, Subbiah J, Kang SM, Moon EK, Quan FS. Protective Immunity Induced by Immunization with Baculovirus, Virus-like Particle, and Vaccinia Virus Expressing the AMA1 of Plasmodium berghei. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092289. [PMID: 36140395 PMCID: PMC9496152 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterologous prime–boost immunization regimens using various vaccine platforms demonstrated promising results against infectious diseases. Here, mice were sequentially immunized with the recombinant baculovirus (rBV), virus-like particle (VLP), and recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV) vaccines expressing the Plasmodium berghei apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) for protective efficacy evaluation. The rBV_V_rVV heterologous immunization regimen elicited high levels of parasite-specific IgG, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibody responses in sera. Upon P. berghei challenge infection, proliferations of germinal center B cells in the inguinal lymph nodes, as well as blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were induced. More importantly, rBV_V_rVV immunization significantly diminished the parasitemia and prevented drastic bodyweight loss in mice post-challenge infection with P. berghei. Our findings revealed that immunization with rBV, VLP, and rVV expressing the AMA1 conferred protection against P. berghei infection, providing evidence for the potential implementation of this strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Hae-Ji Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Keon-Woong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Gi-Deok Eom
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Jie Mao
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Su-Hwa Lee
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Jeeva Subbiah
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity, and Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Sang-Moo Kang
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity, and Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Tucker KD, Schanen BC, Phares TW, Sassano E, Terry FE, Hindocha P, Moise L, Kotraiah V, Martin WD, De Groot AS, Drake DR, Gutierrez GM, Noe AR. Identification, Selection and Immune Assessment of Liver Stage CD8 T Cell Epitopes From Plasmodium falciparum. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684116. [PMID: 34025684 PMCID: PMC8138313 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS) has been shown to protect against malaria infection, primarily through CD8 T cell responses, but protection is limited based on parasite strain. Therefore, while CD8 T cells are an ideal effector population target for liver stage malaria vaccine development strategies, such strategies must incorporate conserved epitopes that cover a large range of class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertypes to elicit cross-strain immunity across the target population. This approach requires identifying and characterizing a wide range of CD8 T cell epitopes for incorporation into a vaccine such that coverage across a large range of class I HLA alleles is attained. Accordingly, we devised an experimental framework to identify CD8 T cell epitopes from novel and minimally characterized antigens found at the pre-erythrocytic stage of parasite development. Through in silico analysis we selected conserved P. falciparum proteins, using P. vivax orthologues to establish stringent conservation parameters, predicted to have a high number of T cell epitopes across a set of six class I HLA alleles representative of major supertypes. Using the decision framework, five proteins were selected based on the density and number of predicted epitopes. Selected epitopes were synthesized as peptides and evaluated for binding to the class I HLA alleles in vitro to verify in silico binding predictions, and subsequently for stimulation of human T cells using the Modular IMmune In-vitro Construct (MIMIC®) technology to verify immunogenicity. By combining the in silico tools with the ex vivo high throughput MIMIC platform, we identified 15 novel CD8 T cell epitopes capable of stimulating an immune response in alleles across the class I HLA panel. We recommend these epitopes should be evaluated in appropriate in vivo humanized immune system models to determine their protective efficacy for potential inclusion in future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne S. De Groot
- EpiVax Inc., Providence, RI, United States
- University of Georgia Center for Vaccines and Immunology, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | | | - Amy R. Noe
- Leidos Life Sciences, Leidos Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
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Virus-Like Particle (VLP) Plus Microcrystalline Tyrosine (MCT) Adjuvants Enhance Vaccine Efficacy Improving T and B Cell Immunogenicity and Protection against Plasmodium berghei/vivax. Vaccines (Basel) 2017; 5:vaccines5020010. [PMID: 28468322 PMCID: PMC5492007 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines5020010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective prophylactic tool against infectious diseases. Despite continued efforts to control malaria, the disease still generally represents a significant unmet medical need. Microcrystalline tyrosine (MCT) is a well described depot used in licensed allergy immunotherapy products and in clinical development. However, its proof of concept in prophylactic vaccines has only recently been explored. MCT has never been used in combination with virus-like particles (VLPs), which are considered to be one of the most potent inducers of cellular and humoral immune responses in mice and humans. In the current study we assessed the potential of MCT to serve as an adjuvant in the development of a vaccine against malaria either alone or combined with VLP using Plasmodium vivax thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) as a target antigen. We chemically coupled PvTRAP to VLPs derived from the cucumber mosaic virus fused to a universal T-cell epitope of the tetanus toxin (CMVtt), formulated with MCT and compared the induced immune responses to PvTRAP formulated in PBS or Alum. The protective capacity of the various formulations was assessed using Plasmodium berghei expressing PvTRAP. All vaccine formulations using adjuvants and/or VLP increased humoral immunogenicity for PvTRAP compared to the antigen alone. The most proficient responder was the group of mice immunized with the vaccine formulated with PvTRAP-VLP + MCT. The VLP-based vaccine formulated in MCT also induced the strongest T cell response and conferred best protection against challenge with recombinant Plasmodium berghei. Thus, the combination of VLP with MCT may take advantage of the properties of each component and appears to be an alternative biodegradable depot adjuvant for development of novel prophylactic vaccines.
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Giddam AK, Reiman JM, Zaman M, Skwarczynski M, Toth I, Good MF. A semi-synthetic whole parasite vaccine designed to protect against blood stage malaria. Acta Biomater 2016; 44:295-303. [PMID: 27544810 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Although attenuated malaria parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) are promising vaccine candidates, their application in humans may be restricted for ethical and regulatory reasons. Therefore, we developed an organic microparticle-based delivery platform as a whole parasite malaria-antigen carrier to mimic pRBCs. Killed blood stage parasites were encapsulated within liposomes that are targeted to antigen presenting cells (APCs). Mannosylated lipid core peptides (MLCPs) were used as targeting ligands for the liposome-encapsulated parasite antigens. MLCP-liposomes, but not unmannosylated liposomes, were taken-up efficiently by APCs which then significantly upregulated expression of MHC-ll and costimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86. Two such vaccines using rodent model systems were constructed - one with Plasmodium chabaudi and the other with P. yoelii. MLCP-liposome vaccines were able to control the parasite burden and extended the survival of mice. Thus, we have demonstrated an alternative delivery system to attenuated pRBCs with similar vaccine efficacy and added clinical advantages. Such liposomes are promising candidates for a human malaria vaccine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Attenuated whole parasite-based vaccines, by incorporating all parasite antigens, are very promising candidates, but issues relating to production, storage and safety concerns are significantly slowing their development. We therefore developed a semi-synthetic whole parasite malaria vaccine that is easily manufactured and stored. Two such prototype vaccines (a P. chabaudi and a P. yoelii vaccine) have been constructed. They are non-infectious, highly immunogenic and give good protection profiles. This semi-synthetic delivery platform is an exciting strategy to accelerate the development of a licensed malaria vaccine. Moreover, this strategy can be potentially applied to a wide range of pathogens.
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Bliss CM, Salman AM, Longley RJ, Khan SM, Janse CJ, Hill AVS, Ewer KJ. Development of an in vitro Plasmodium parasite killing assay for the evaluation of cell-mediated immune responses following vaccination with pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine candidates. Malar J 2014. [PMCID: PMC4179295 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-s1-p14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Harnessing immune responses against Plasmodium for rational vaccine design. Trends Parasitol 2011; 27:274-83. [PMID: 21531627 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2011.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, groundbreaking advances have been made in understanding the biology of and immune mechanisms against the Plasmodium spp. parasite, the causative agent of malaria. Novel features of the Plasmodium life cycle have been unravelled and immune mechanisms, which take place during both infection and immunization, have been dissected. We have undoubtedly enhanced our knowledge, but the question now is how to use this information to manipulate immune responses against Plasmodium and to develop an efficacious malaria vaccine. In this review, we discuss the latest developments in the field and speculate on how immune responses against Plasmodium could be harnessed for rational vaccine design and application.
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Abstract
Malaria has had a greater impact on world history than any other infectious disease. More than 300 to 500 million individuals worldwide are infected with Plasmodium spp, and 1.5 to 2.7 million people a year, most of whom are children, die from the infection. Malaria is endemic in over 90 countries in which 2400 million people live; this represents 40% of the world's population. Approximately 90% of malaria deaths occur in Africa. Despite continuing efforts in vaccine development, malaria prevention is difficult, and no drug is universally effective. This article examines malaria caused by the 4 most common Plasmodium spp that infect humans, P vivax, P ovale, P malariae, and P falciparum, as well as mixed infections and the simian parasite P knowlesi. A comprehensive review of the microbiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of these forms of malaria is given.
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Costa FTM, Avril M, Nogueira PA, Gysin J. Cytoadhesion of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes and the infected placenta: a two-way pathway. Braz J Med Biol Res 2007; 39:1525-36. [PMID: 17160261 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2006001200003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2006] [Accepted: 08/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is undoubtedly the world's most devastating parasitic disease, affecting 300 to 500 million people every year. Some cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection progress to the deadly forms of the disease responsible for 1 to 3 million deaths annually. P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes adhere to host receptors in the deep microvasculature of several organs. The cytoadhesion of infected erythrocytes to placental syncytiotrophoblast receptors leads to pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM). This specific maternal-fetal syndrome causes maternal anemia, low birth weight and the death of 62,000 to 363,000 infants per year in sub-Saharan Africa, and thus has a poor outcome for both mother and fetus. However, PAM and non-PAM parasites have been shown to differ antigenically and genetically. After multiple pregnancies, women from different geographical areas develop adhesion-blocking antibodies that protect against placental parasitemia and clinical symptoms of PAM. The recent description of a new parasite ligand encoded by the var2CSA gene as the only gene up-regulated in PAM parasites renders the development of an anti-PAM vaccine more feasible. The search for a vaccine to prevent P. falciparum sequestration in the placenta by eliciting adhesion-blocking antibodies and a cellular immune response, and the development of new methods for evaluating such antibodies should be key priorities in mother-child health programs in areas of endemic malaria. This review summarizes the main molecular, immunological and physiopathological aspects of PAM, including findings related to new targets in the P. falciparum var gene family. Finally, we focus on a new methodology for mimicking cytoadhesion under blood flow conditions in human placental tissue.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/blood
- Antigens, Protozoan/drug effects
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Cell Adhesion/physiology
- Erythrocytes/immunology
- Erythrocytes/parasitology
- Female
- Humans
- Malaria Vaccines
- Malaria, Falciparum/blood
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Placenta/parasitology
- Plasmodium falciparum/genetics
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium falciparum/physiology
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/blood
- Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/blood
- Protozoan Proteins/drug effects
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- F T M Costa
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, 13083-862 Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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Abstract
Vaccines that comprise attenuated viral vectors encoding antigens from target pathogens generate potent T-cell responses. One such pathogen is malaria, and in particular the liver stage of its life cycle. Immunogenicity and efficacy studies in animals and humans have revealed the generation of memory T cells of both the central and effector phenotypes, depending on the viral vectors used in the malaria vaccination regime (viral species and serotype, combination and sequence for prime-boost) and suggest a divergence in their protective role. Being able to influence the memory T-cell make-up in a rational manner may allow us to develop more efficacious vaccines.
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Richie T. High road, low road? Choices and challenges on the pathway to a malaria vaccine. Parasitology 2007; 133 Suppl:S113-44. [PMID: 17274843 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182006001843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Malaria causes much physical and economic hardship in endemic countries with billions of people at risk. A vaccine would clearly benefit these countries, reducing the requirement for hospital care and the economic impact of infection. Successful immunization with irradiated sporozoites and the fact that repeated exposure to malaria induces partial immunity to infection and high levels of protection against the clinical manifestations, suggest that a vaccine is feasible. Numerous candidate antigens have been identified but the vaccine, which has been promised to be 'just round the corner' for many years, remains elusive. The factors contributing to this frustratingly slow progress are discussed including gaps in the knowledge of host/parasite biology, methods to induce potent cell-mediated immune responses, the difficulties associated with defining immune correlates of protection and antigen production and delivery. Finally, the use of attenuated organism vaccines is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Richie
- Malaria Program, Naval Medical Research Center, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-7500, USA.
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Strauss R, Hüser A, Ni S, Tuve S, Kiviat N, Sow PS, Hofmann C, Lieber A. Baculovirus-based Vaccination Vectors Allow for Efficient Induction of Immune Responses Against Plasmodium falciparum Circumsporozoite Protein. Mol Ther 2007; 15:193-202. [PMID: 17164791 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mt.6300008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculovirus vectors are able to transduce a large variety of mammalian cell types and express transgenes placed under the control of heterologous promoters. In this study, we evaluated the potential of baculovirus vectors for malaria vaccination. To induce efficient CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses, we produced a series of vectors that display the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) protein in the virion envelope and/or allow for CS expression upon transduction of mammalian cells. We found that baculovirus vectors can transduce professional antigen-presenting cells and trigger their maturation, which is a prerequisite for efficient antigen presentation. Upon intramuscular injection into mice, the vector that both displayed and expressed CS induced higher anti-CS antibody titers (of the immunoglobulin (IgG)1 and IgG2a type) and a higher frequency of interferon-gamma-producing T cells specific to CS, than the vectors which either only displayed or only expressed CS. The baculovirus CS display/expression vector was also superior in inducing CS-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses in vitro using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells from naive donors. This, together with the absence of pre-existing immunity to baculoviruses in humans, the absence of viral gene expression in mammalian cells, and the relative low immunogenicity of baculovirus virions, makes these vectors promising tools for vaccination. Furthermore, the ability to produce large amounts in serum-free medium at a low cost adds a further advantage to this vector system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Strauss
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Vichchathorn P, Jenwithisuk R, Leelaudomlipi S, Tungpradabkul S, Hongeng S, Cui L, Sattabongkot J, Udomsangpetch R. Induction of specific immune responses against the Plasmodium vivax liver-stage via in vitro activation by dendritic cells. Parasitol Int 2006; 55:187-93. [PMID: 16793328 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2006.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Revised: 03/17/2006] [Accepted: 04/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Due to chronic morbidity, the risk of increasing drug resistance and the existence of the hypnozoite stage in Plasmodium vivax malaria, there is a need to find out how hosts develop immunity to compromise the malaria parasites. Here we focused on an in vitro model for immunotherapy and vaccine development. Immunosuppressive mechanisms in malaria include inhibition of T cell response and suppression of dendritic cell function. Using in vitro activation of lymphocytes by malaria antigen-pulsed dendritic cells could overcome the limitation of antigen presentation during acute infections. Here we showed that the sporozoite-pulsed dendritic cell could elicit cytotoxicity against liver stage of P. vivax. Analysis using immunophenotypic markers showed maturation of the dendritic cells and stimulation of cytotoxic T cells. Functional assay of the in vitro-activated cytotoxic T cells showed enhancement of specific killing of the P. vivax exoerythrocytic stages within infected hepatocytes. This model may be useful for vaccine development against human malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachya Vichchathorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, and Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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