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Sarfraz A, Wara TU, Sheheryar, Chen K, Ansari SH, Zaman A, Nishan U, Iqbal A, Ullah R, Ali EA, Shah M, Ojha SC. Structural informatics approach for designing an epitope-based vaccine against the brain-eating Naegleria fowleri. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284621. [PMID: 37965306 PMCID: PMC10642955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe lethal brain disease, is caused by a parasite, Naegleria fowleri, also known as the "brain-eating amoeba". The chances of a patient's recovery after being affected by this parasite are very low. Only 5% of people are known to survive this life-threatening infection. Despite the fact that N. fowleri causes a severe, fatal infection, there is no proper treatment available to prevent or cure it. In this context, it is necessary to formulate a potential vaccine that could be able to combat N. fowleri infection. The current study aimed at developing a multi-epitope subunit vaccine against N. fowleri by utilizing immunoinformatics techniques and reverse vaccinology approaches. The T- and B-cell epitopes were predicted by various tools. In order to choose epitopes with the ability to trigger both T- and B-cell-mediated immune responses, the epitopes were put through a screening pipeline including toxicity, antigenicity, cytokine-inductivity, and allergenicity analysis. Three vaccine constructs were designed from the generated epitopes linked with linkers and adjuvants. The modeled vaccines were docked with the immune receptors, where vaccine-1 showed the highest binding affinity. Binding affinity and stability of the docked complex were confirmed through normal mode analysis and molecular dynamic simulations. Immune simulations developed the immune profile, and in silico cloning affirmed the expression probability of the vaccine construct in Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain K12. This study demonstrates an innovative preventative strategy for the brain-eating amoeba by developing a potential vaccine through immunoinformatics and reverse vaccinology approaches. This study has great preventive potential for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, and further research is required to assess the efficacy of the designed vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asifa Sarfraz
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Tehreem Ul Wara
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Sheheryar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | | | - Aqal Zaman
- Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Umar Nishan
- Department of Chemistry, Kohat University of Science & Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Anwar Iqbal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Riaz Ullah
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Essam A. Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohibullah Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Suvash Chandra Ojha
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Flores-Huerta N, Pacheco-Yépez J, Sánchez-Monroy V, Rosales-Hernández MC, Silva-Olivares A, Serrano-Luna J, Shibayama M. The MPO system participates actively in the formation of an oxidative environment produced by neutrophils and activates the antioxidant mechanism of Naegleria fowleri. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:895-908. [PMID: 32531828 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4ma0520-565rr] [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: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri produces a fatal disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is characterized by an extensive inflammatory reaction in the CNS. It is known that the immune response is orchestrated mainly by neutrophils, which activate several defense mechanisms in the host, including phagocytosis, the release of different enzymes such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), and the production of neutrophil extracellular traps. However, the mechanisms by which amoebas evade the neutrophil response are still unknown. In this study, we analyzed the ability of N. fowleri to respond to the stress exerted by MPO. Interestingly, after the interaction of trophozoites with neutrophils, the amoeba viability was not altered; however, ultrastructural changes were observed. To analyze the influence of MPO against N. fowleri and its participation in free radical production, we evaluated its enzymatic activity, expression, and localization with and without the specific 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide inhibitor. The production of oxidizing molecules is the principal mechanism used by neutrophils to eliminate pathogens. In this context, we demonstrated an increase in the production of NO, superoxide anion, and reactive oxygen species; in addition, the overexpression of several antioxidant enzymes present in the trophozoites was quantified. The findings strongly suggest that N. fowleri possesses antioxidant machinery that is activated in response to an oxidative environment, allowing it to evade the neutrophil-mediated immune response, which may contribute to the establishment of PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Flores-Huerta
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Judith Pacheco-Yépez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Virginia Sánchez-Monroy
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha Cecilia Rosales-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Biofísica y Biocatálisis, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Angélica Silva-Olivares
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
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Jahangeer M, Mahmood Z, Munir N, Waraich U, Tahir IM, Akram M, Ali Shah SM, Zulfqar A, Zainab R. Naegleria fowleri: Sources of infection, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management; a review. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 47:199-212. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Jahangeer
- Department of Biochemistry Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | - Zahed Mahmood
- Department of Biochemistry Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | - Naveed Munir
- Department of Biochemistry Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
- College of Allied Health Professionals Directorate of Medical Sciences Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | | | - Imtiaz Mahmood Tahir
- College of Allied Health Professionals Directorate of Medical Sciences Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine Directorate of Medical Sciences Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | - Syed Muhammad Ali Shah
- Department of Eastern Medicine Directorate of Medical Sciences Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Zulfqar
- Department of Biochemistry Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
| | - Rida Zainab
- Department of Eastern Medicine Directorate of Medical Sciences Government College University Faisalabad Faisalabad Pakistan
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Bellini NK, Santos TM, da Silva MTA, Thiemann OH. The therapeutic strategies against Naegleria fowleri. Exp Parasitol 2018; 187:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Siddiqui R, Ali IKM, Cope JR, Khan NA. Biology and pathogenesis of Naegleria fowleri. Acta Trop 2016; 164:375-394. [PMID: 27616699 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a protist pathogen that can cause lethal brain infection. Despite decades of research, the mortality rate related with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis owing to N. fowleri remains more than 90%. The amoebae pass through the nose to enter the central nervous system killing the host within days, making it one of the deadliest opportunistic parasites. Accordingly, we present an up to date review of the biology and pathogenesis of N. fowleri and discuss needs for future research against this fatal infection.
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Cervantes-Sandoval I, Serrano-Luna JDJ, Meza-Cervantez P, Arroyo R, Tsutsumi V, Shibayama M. Naegleria fowleri induces MUC5AC and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human epithelial cells via ROS production and EGFR activation. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2009; 155:3739-3747. [PMID: 19661176 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.030635-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is an amoeboflagellate responsible for the fatal central nervous system (CNS) disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This amoeba gains access to the CNS by invading the olfactory mucosa and crossing the cribriform plate. Studies using a mouse model of infection have shown that the host secretes mucus during the very early stages of infection, and this event is followed by an infiltration of neutrophils into the nasal cavity. In this study, we investigated the role of N. fowleri trophozoites in inducing the expression and secretion of airway mucin and pro-inflammatory mediators. Using the human mucoepidermal cell line NCI-H292, we demonstrated that N. fowleri induced the expression of the MUC5AC gene and protein and the pro-inflammatory mediators interleukin-8 (IL-8) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), but not tumour necrosis factor-alpha or chemokine c-c motif ligand 11 (eotaxin). Since the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common phenomenon involved in the signalling pathways of these molecules, we analysed if trophozoites were capable of causing ROS production in NCI-H292 cells by detecting oxidation of the fluorescent probe 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. NCI-H292 cells generated ROS after 15-30 min of trophozoite stimulation. Furthermore, the expression of MUC5AC, IL-8 and IL-1 beta was inhibited in the presence of the ROS scavenger DMSO. In addition, the use of an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor decreased the expression of MUC5AC and IL-8, but not IL-1 beta. We conclude that N. fowleri induces the expression of some host innate defence mechanisms, such as mucin secretion (MUC5AC) and local inflammation (IL-8 and IL-1 beta) in respiratory epithelial cells via ROS production and suggest that these innate immune mechanisms probably prevent most PAM infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Cervantes-Sandoval
- Department of Immunology, National School of Biological Sciences, National Polytechnic Institute, Av. Manuel M. Carpio and Plan de Ayala, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
- Department of Infectomic and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - José de Jesús Serrano-Luna
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Patricia Meza-Cervantez
- Department of Infectomic and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Rossana Arroyo
- Department of Infectomic and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Víctor Tsutsumi
- Department of Infectomic and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Mineko Shibayama
- Department of Infectomic and Molecular Pathogenesis, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute, Av. IPN 2508, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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Jarillo-Luna A, Moreno-Fierros L, Campos-Rodríguez R, Rodríguez-Monroy MA, Lara-Padilla E, Rojas-Hernández S. Intranasal immunization with Naegleria fowleri lysates and Cry1Ac induces metaplasia in the olfactory epithelium and increases IgA secretion. Parasite Immunol 2008; 30:31-8. [PMID: 18086014 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2007.00999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
According to previous reports, intranasal administration of the Cry1Ac protein alone or with amoebic lysates increases protection against Naegleria fowleri meningoencephalitis in mice, apparently by eliciting IgA responses in the nasal mucosa. In the current study, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of IgA in the nasal mucosa of mice immunized intranasally with Cry1Ac, and amoebic lysates or a combination of both. The animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last immunization or after an intranasal lethal challenge with N. fowleri. Our results indicate that all of the intranasal immunizations provoked an increase in areas with metaplasia in the olfactory epithelium, allowing for secretion of IgA. As a result, IgA antibodies were found interacting with trophozoites in the nasal lumen, and there was a marked increase of IgA in the metaplasic epithelium. On the other hand in nonimmunized mice trophozoites were observed invading the nasal mucosa, which was not the case for immunized mice. Our results suggest that intranasal immunization provokes cellular changes in the olfactory epithelium, leading to greater protection against N. fowleri that is probably caused by an increased secretion of IgA. The increased IgA response induced in the nasal mucosa by immunization probably impedes both amoebic adhesion and subsequent invasion of the parasite to the nasal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jarillo-Luna
- Departamento de Investigación y Postgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luís y Díaz Mirón, México, D.F., Mexico
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Rojas-Hernández S, Jarillo-Luna A, Rodríguez-Monroy M, Moreno-Fierros L, Campos-Rodríguez R. Immunohistochemical characterization of the initial stages of Naegleria fowleri meningoencephalitis in mice. Parasitol Res 2004; 94:31-6. [PMID: 15338289 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-004-1177-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2004] [Accepted: 06/21/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The initial stages of Naegleria fowleri meningoencephalitis in mice were immunohistochemically characterized following the first 8 h post-intranasal inoculation. The events found after 8 h were: (1) amebas in contact with the mucous layer of the olfactory epithelium, (2) numerous parasites eliminated by extensive shedding of the mucous layer, and (3) many organisms reaching the nasal epithelium. In contrast to other works, we observed that after 24 h, amebas invaded the epithelium, without evidence of the disruption of the nasal mucosa. In addition some trophozoites invading through the respiratory epithelium were observed, suggesting an additional invasion route. The inflammatory response detected was scarce until 30 h post-inoculation. After 96 h, the inflammatory response was severe in the olfactory bulb and brain, and the tissue damage great. Consequently, an inflammatory reaction may enhance tissue damage but apparently does not destroy amebas which seem to proliferate in the olfactory bulb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Rojas-Hernández
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Schneerson R, Kubler-Kielb J, Liu TY, Dai ZD, Leppla SH, Yergey A, Backlund P, Shiloach J, Majadly F, Robbins JB. Poly(gamma-D-glutamic acid) protein conjugates induce IgG antibodies in mice to the capsule of Bacillus anthracis: a potential addition to the anthrax vaccine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:8945-50. [PMID: 12857944 PMCID: PMC166418 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1633512100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Both the protective antigen (PA) and the poly(gamma-d-glutamic acid) capsule (gamma dPGA) are essential for the virulence of Bacillus anthracis. A critical level of vaccine-induced IgG anti-PA confers immunity to anthrax, but there is no information about the protective action of IgG anti-gamma dPGA. Because the number of spores presented by bioterrorists might be greater than encountered in nature, we sought to induce capsular antibodies to expand the immunity conferred by available anthrax vaccines. The nonimmunogenic gamma dPGA or corresponding synthetic peptides were bound to BSA, recombinant B. anthracis PA (rPA), or recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (rEPA). To identify the optimal construct, conjugates of B. anthracis gamma dPGA, Bacillus pumilus gamma dLPGA, and peptides of varying lengths (5-, 10-, or 20-mers), of the d or l configuration with active groups at the N or C termini, were bound at 5-32 mol per protein. The conjugates were characterized by physico-chemical and immunological assays, including GLC-MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight spectrometry, and immunogenicity in 5- to 6-week-old mice. IgG anti-gamma dPGA and antiprotein were measured by ELISA. The highest levels of IgG anti-gamma dPGA were elicited by decamers of gamma dPGA at 10 -20 mol per protein bound to the N- or C-terminal end. High IgG anti-gamma dPGA levels were elicited by two injections of 2.5 microg of gamma dPGA per mouse, whereas three injections were needed to achieve high levels of protein antibodies. rPA was the most effective carrier. Anti-gamma dPGA induced opsonophagocytic killing of B. anthracis tox-, cap+. gamma dPGA conjugates may enhance the protection conferred by PA alone. gamma dPGA-rPA conjugates induced both anti-PA and anti-gamma dPGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Schneerson
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Kong HH, Seo SA, Shin CO, Im KI. [The effect of active immunization with Acanthamoeba culbertsoni in mice born to immune mother]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 1993; 31:157-63. [PMID: 8343458 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.1993.31.2.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba culbertsoni is a pathogenic free-living amoeba causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAME) in human and mouse. Several reports on the immune responses in mice with this amoebic infection have been published, but the effects of transferred passive immunity on the active immunization in offspring mice have not been demonstrated. This experiment was done to observe the effect of active immunization with Acanthamoeba culbertsoni in mice born to immune mothers. Acanthamoeba culbertsoni was cultured in the CGV medium axenically. Female BALB/c mice weighing about 20g were immunized through the intraperitoneal injection of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni trophozoites 1 x 10(6) each three times at the interval of one week. Offspring mice were immunized two times. The mice were inoculated intranasally with 1 x 10(4) trophozoites under secobarbital anesthesia. There was a statistical difference in mortality between the transferred immunity group and the active immunization group. Statistical differences were not demonstrated in antibody titer between both groups. But L3T4+ T cell/Ly2+ T cell ratio was increased in the transferred immunity group more than active immunization group of the offspring mice at the age of 5 weeks. There was no differences statistically in mortality between both groups. It was recognized that active immunization in offspring mice born to immune mother could modulate the immune status according to the time of immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Kong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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Soh EY, Shin HJ, Im K. [The protective effects of monoclonal antibodies in mice from Naegleria fowleri infection]. KISAENGCH'UNGHAK CHAPCHI. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 1992; 30:113-23. [PMID: 1627499 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.1992.30.2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Protective effects of monoclonal antibodies against N. fowleri were comparatively studied. BALB/c mice were treated with two types of monoclonal antibodies, Nf 2 and Nf 154, before and after the infection with N. fowleri. The mortality and mean survival times were then compared. Also, direct effect of the monoclonal antibodies on the N. fowleri trophozoites in vitro were observed. In vitro protective effects of the monoclonal antibodies were also studied in cells infected with N. fowleri. The observed results are summarized as follows: 1. Among mice pretreated twice before the infection with monoclonal antibody Nf 2(McAb Nf 2), only 15.8% were killed, and the mean survival time was 17.7 days. This was not much different from the mice pretreated once, as the mortality and mean survival time were 16.7% and 17 days. Those effects were compatible with monoclonal antibody Nf 154(McAb Nf 154). The above findings contrast with the mortality and mean survival time of the control mice, which were 22.7% and 14.6 days respectively. 2. Mice which received twice the McAb Nf 2 following N. fowleri infection incurred a 19.4% mortality rate with 13.6 days survival time; 17.9% and 15.8 days with on time administration, in contrast to the 25% and 14.6 days in the control group. 3. Marked agglutination effect of McAb Nf 2 or McAb Nf 154 were observed on N. fowleri trophozoites. 4. When N. fowleri trophozoites were treated with McAb Nf 2 or McAb Nf 154 combined with comments, the proliferation rate was more significantly suppressed than in that the control. 5. N. fowleri trophozoites treated with McAb Nf 2 or McAb Nf 154 showed an increased number of swollen mitochondria, disfigured cisternae, lipid droplets, and osmiophilic granules in the cytoplasm. 6. A remarkable protective effect of monoclonal antibodies was noticed in CHO cells infected with N. fowleri. More than 90.6% of the infected CHO cells survived, contrasted with 27% of untreated cells. The overall results in this study suggest that N. fowleri treated with monoclonal antibodies against N. fowleri reduce the mortality and prolong the survival time of the mice when the antibodies are administered before the infection. The protective effect of the monoclonal antibodies is surmised being caused by agglutination of the trophozoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Y Soh
- Department of General Surgery, College of Medicine, Aju University, Suwon, Korea
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Abstract
Free-living amoebae causes three well-defined disease entities: (i) primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, caused by Naegleria fowleri, (ii) granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and (iii) chronic amoebic keratitis, caused by species of Acanthamoeba. Both Naegleria infections and chronic amoebic keratitis occur in healthy individuals while granulomatous amoebic encephalitis is often associated with patients with acquired immunodeficiencies. The different pathogenic behaviour of these organisms is associated with differences in life cycle, amoeboidal locomotion, enzyme composition (such as phospholipase A), and cytotoxins, as well as natural host immunity. Immunity against these amoebae (whether acquired or natural) involves a combination of complement, antibody and cell-mediated immunity. Evidence suggests that the major mechanisms of immunity against these amoebae is activation of phagocytic cells, especially neutrophils, by lymphokines and opsonization of the amoebae by antibody which promote an antibody dependent cellular destruction of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferrante
- Department of Immunology, Adelaide Children's Hospital, Australia
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Ferrante A, Hill NL, Goh DH, Kumaratilake L. Altered neutrophils in mice immune to experimental Naegleria amoebic meningoencephalitis. Immunol Lett 1989; 22:301-5. [PMID: 2628288 DOI: 10.1016/0165-2478(89)90169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is the cause of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in man. The mouse is considered to be a suitable experimental model for this disease. The data presented shows that blood neutrophils from N. fowleri immune mice (immunised) that had received a 'recall' amoeba antigen had altered responses compared with those from similarly treated normal mice. The neutrophils from immune animals showed increased basal levels of oxygen-dependent respiratory activity, measured by the chemiluminescence response. These neutrophils also showed increased responses to formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP), phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and opsonized N. fowleri. The results are consistent with previous data suggesting that the neutrophil (and its activation) is important in defence against N. fowleri.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferrante
- Department of Immunology, Adelaide Children's Hospital, South Australia
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Ferrante A. Augmentation of the neutrophil response to Naegleria fowleri by tumor necrosis factor alpha. Infect Immun 1989; 57:3110-5. [PMID: 2777375 PMCID: PMC260777 DOI: 10.1128/iai.57.10.3110-3115.1989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditioned medium from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated human mononuclear leukocytes, previously shown to activate neutrophils for amoeba killing, was found to contain high levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of human recombinant TNF-alpha on the response of human neutrophils to the pathogenic free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri was studied in vitro. The data showed that recombinant human TNF-alpha augmented the neutrophil respiratory burst (assessed by the cytochrome c reduction assay and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence assay) in response to amoebae opsonized with human serum. The priming effects of TNF-alpha were transient; marked enhancement was found with short 5- to 30-min preincubations of neutrophils with the cytokine. The enhancement of oxygen radical production was evident with 20 U of TNF-alpha per 10(6) neutrophils and continued to increase with up to 100 U. TNF-alpha also augmented the neutrophil lysosomal enzyme release in response to N. fowleri. The results support previous reports suggesting an important role of neutrophil cytokine activation for effective immunity against free-living amoebae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferrante
- Department of Immunology, Adelaide Children's Hospital, South Australia
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Lee SG, Shin HJ, Im KI. [Studies on the cell-mediated immunity in experimental Naegleria spp. infections]. KISAENGCH'UNGHAK CHAPCHI. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 1989; 27:177-86. [PMID: 2486928 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.1989.27.3.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Observations were made on the differences in cell-mediated immune responses in the mice infected with strongly pathogenic Naegleria fowleri ITMAP 359, weakly pathogenic Naegleria jadini 0400, or non-pathogenic Naegleria gruberi EGB, respectively. Variations in cell-mediated responses and changes in antibody titers according to the duration after infection were noted. Infections were done by dropping 5 microliters saline suspension containing 10 x 10(4) trophozoites cultured axenically in the CGVS medium into the right nasal cavity of ICR mice aging about 6-7 weeks, under the anesthesia by intraperitoneal injection of secobarbital. Following infection, delayed type hypersensitivity(DTH) responses in the footpad and blastogenic responses of the mouse spleen cells using [3H]-thymidine were observed on the day 1, 4, 7, 10 and 14 after infection. For the preparation of amoeba lysates, each of cultured trophozoites were homogenized with an ultrasonicator, and centrifugated at 20,000 g. The supernatants of amoeba lysates were used as the mitogen and antigen for ELISA. Concanavalin A(Con. A) and lipopolysaccharide(LPS) were also used as mitogens in the blastogenic response. 1. The mice infected with N. fowleri showed the mortality rate of 75.7%. The rate was 6.2% for the N. jadini infected group, while no dead mouse was observed for N. gruberi infections. 2. In regard to DTH responses in the N. fowleri infected mice, the level increased in comparison to the control group but declined after 7 days. An increase was also noted for the N. jadini group after 1 day, but gradual decreases were observed through the infection period. In addition, no difference was noted between the N. gruberi infected and control groups. 3. Concerning the blastogenic response of the splenocytes, it increased after 10 days in the experimental group of N. fowleri infection, but the differences were not statistically significant compared with control group. It was evident that N. jadini group was not different from control group either, while there was a tendency of decrease in N. gruberi infected group. In regard to the blastogenic response of the splenocytes by LPS, it was found that the N. fowleri, N. jadini and N. gruberi infected groups had no differences from the control group. 4. The serum antibody titer of N. fowleri and N. jadini infected mice increased from the day 7 and 14 after infection respectively, while the N. gruberi infected mice showed no increase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Ahn MH, Min DY. [Resistance to Naegleria fowleri infection passively acquired from immunized splenocyte, serum or milk]. KISAENGCH'UNGHAK CHAPCHI. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 1989; 27:79-86. [PMID: 2486833 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.1989.27.2.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A pathogenic free-living amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis to human and experimental animals. This infection is rare, but the mortality is very high. Nowadays, drug treatment or active immunization of human or mice are being tried with partial effectiveness. This study shows passive immunization effect by transfer of immunized spleen cells, serum, or milk from immunized mother in mouse experimental model. Young BALB/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally with 2-3 X 10(6) trophozoites of N. fowleri, and spleen cells and sera were collected for injection to recipient mice. There were seven transfer groups, i.e., immunized mouse serum, spleen cells, serum and spleen cells, normal mouse serum, spleen cells, serum and spleen cells, and control group. Three days later, BALB/c mice were inoculated with 1 x 10(4) trophozoites of N. fowleri intranasally. After infection, decreased mortality and prolonged survival time of mice were noted in immunized groups compared with non-immunized control group. The groups injected with immunized spleen cells or normal serum showed lower mortality than that of controls but showed no changes of serum IgG level. The groups injected with immunized serum or normal spleen cells showed increased serum IgG level after immunization but hundred percent mortality was observed. Mother mice were immunized intraperitoneally with 2-3 X 10(6) trophozoites of N. fowleri at the end of pregnancy and weaning period. Soon after the delivery, litters born of non-immunized mother were matched with immunized mother for feeding immune milk. After three weeks, the litters were infected with 1 X 10(4) trophozoites of N. fowleri or sacrificed for serum collection to measure the IgG levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Ferrante A, Carter RF, Lopez AF, Rowan-Kelly B, Hill NL, Vadas MA. Depression of immunity to Naegleria fowleri in mice by selective depletion of neutrophils with a monoclonal antibody. Infect Immun 1988; 56:2286-91. [PMID: 3410537 PMCID: PMC259562 DOI: 10.1128/iai.56.9.2286-2291.1988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to define the role of neutrophils in immunity to Naegleria fowleri in vivo, we examined the effects of treating immunized (with amoeba culture supernatant antigen) mice with the monoclonal antibody NIMP-R10, which binds to neutrophil complement receptor type 3bi (CR3) and causes selective neutrophil depletion in mice. Mice in the nonimmunized group challenged with amoebae all died by day 12, while 97% in the immunized group survived. By contrast, the immunized group treated with NIMP-R10 showed only 25% survival. The immunized group treated with "control" mouse ascites, WEM-G11, was highly resistant (90% survival). There was a significant neutrophil response in the nasal mucosa and olfactory lobes of immunized, NIMP-R10-treated mice, despite a marked degree of neutropenia similar to that seen in immunized, untreated mice. Nonimmunized mice showed virtually no neutrophil response. Despite this response in the NIMP-R10-treated mice, amoebic proliferation was not depressed, and there was no evidence of neutrophil degranulation or amoebic killing, despite the close apposition of large numbers of neutrophils to amoebae. The results indicate that neutrophils are necessary for the expression of immunity to N. fowleri.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ferrante
- Department of Immunology, Adelaide Children's Hospital, South Australia
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Dubray BL, Wilhelm WE, Jennings BR. Serology of Naegleria fowleri and Naegleria lovaniensis in a hospital survey. THE JOURNAL OF PROTOZOOLOGY 1987; 34:322-7. [PMID: 3309270 DOI: 10.1111/j.1550-7408.1987.tb03183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
An avidin-biotin horseradish peroxidase method was used to detect antibodies to Naegleria fowleri and N. lovaniensis in human serum samples. Antibodies were detected in 101 specimens from 115 hospital patients ranging in age from 15 to 98 years. Class-specific anti-immunoglobulins identified antibodies as IgG and IgM. IgG antibody titers to both species ranged from 1:20 to 1:640. Seven of 15 serum samples collected from newborn infants also demonstrated IgG antibodies to these organisms with a titer range of 1:20 to 1:80. The immunoperoxidase test and Western blot analysis of selected serum samples demonstrated a close similarity in serological results between N. fowleri and N. lovaniensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Dubray
- Biology Department, Memphis State University, Tennessee 38152
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Ferrante A, Hill NL, Abell TJ, Pruul H. Role of myeloperoxidase in the killing of Naegleria fowleri by lymphokine-altered human neutrophils. Infect Immun 1987; 55:1047-50. [PMID: 3032797 PMCID: PMC260466 DOI: 10.1128/iai.55.5.1047-1050.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously we have shown that human neutrophils treated with conditioned medium from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated mononuclear leukocytes (sCM) in the presence of antisera have amoebicidal properties for Naegleria fowleri, a pathogenic free-living amoeba. The data now presented show that neutrophils which lack myeloperoxidase (MPO) but have a normal oxygen-dependent respiratory burst could not be altered by sCM to express the amoebicidal activity. Catalase inhibited this amoebicidal activity of sCM-treated neutrophils. Various components and products of the neutrophils were examined for effects on naegleriae. A granule extract was found to have no effect at concentrations up to 100-fold that which killed Salmonella minnesota R595. Hydrogen peroxide appeared to have little effect even at 100 microM. However, in the presence of MPO, H2O2 was amoebicidal at 2.5 microM. The generation of amoebicidal activity required the presence of chloride ions. Azide inhibited the effects of the MPO-H2O2-Cl- system. Arginine, a scavenger of hypochlorite, significantly depressed the ability of sCM-treated neutrophils to kill amoebae and also prevented the amoebicidal properties of the MPO-H2O2-halide system. These results suggest that the MPO-H2O2-halide system is important in the killing of naegleriae by sCM-treated neutrophils and that hypochlorite may be the amoebicidal agent.
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Abstract
Four species of Naegleria were tested for their ability to migrate under agarose. Pathogenic N. fowleri strains exhibited rapid locomotion at 37 degrees C. Environmental isolates of N. fowleri moved faster than clinical isolates which had been kept in axenic culture for longer periods, and this result was confirmed by using the 84-2205-7 strain kept in axenic culture for 1 or 5 months. Nonpathogenic N. gruberi strains migrated actively at 28 degrees C but not at 37 degrees C; moreover, even at 28 degrees C, active amoebae constituted only a small proportion of the whole. The temperature-tolerant, nonpathogenic species N. lovaniensis moved more slowly than N. fowleri at 37 degrees C. In contrast, N. australiensis, which is temperature tolerant as well as pathogenic for mice, migrated at a rate comparable to that of N. fowleri. There appears to be a direct correlation between the locomotive ability of free-living amoebae and their pathogenic potential.
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Ferrante A, Lederer E. Curative properties of muramyl dipeptide in experimental Naegleria meningoencephalitis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1986; 80:323-6. [PMID: 3538525 DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(86)90048-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba which causes a fatal meningoencephalitis in man. Mice injected with the immunostimulant MDP or an attenuated 11RX strain of Salmonella enteritidis showed some resistance to an intranasal challenge with N. fowleri. In addition it was observed that some of the mice infected with N. fowleri and showing symptoms of naegleria meningoencephalitis, given a single injection of MDP were cured of this disease. Our findings suggest that the use of immunostimulants could be a new approach in the quest for therapeutic agents for this disease.
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Lee SG, Im KI, Lee KT. [Protective immunity against Naegleria meningoencephalitis in mice]. KISAENGCH'UNGHAK CHAPCHI. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 1985; 23:293-299. [PMID: 12888673 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.1985.23.2.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study is to verify the protective ability against experimental Naegleria meningoencephalitis by immunization with Naegleria fowleri in mice. Naegleria fowleri, strain 0359, and Naegleria gruberi, strain EGB, were used in this study, and cultured in CGVS medium axenically. Inbred BALB/c mice, weighing about 20g, were immunized by three intraperitoneal injection of 1 x 10(6) N. fowleri trophozoites at the interval of one week. This N. fowleri trophozoites antigen was fixed with 5 percent formaldehyde. N. fowleri trophozoites from culture were homogenized with sonicator at 4 degrees C as monitored by phase contrast microscopy, and their membrane and cell content preparations were made for the immunization of mice. Their inoculation dose in volume was equivalent to the 1 x 10(6) trophozoites in each injection for immunization. And N. gruberi trophozoites, which was fixed with 5 percent formaldehyde, were also used for immunization. Mice were inoculated intranasally with 5 x 10(4) N. fowleri trophozoites in a 5 microliter suspension under anesthesia by as intraperitoneal injection of about l mg secobarbiturate. Nervousness, rotation or sluggish behaviour were observed in the mice which were infected with N. fowleri. Necrotic lesion was demonstrated in the anterior portion of brain, especially in the olfactory lobe. The inflammatory cell infiltration with numerous N. fowleri trophozoites was noticed. This pathological changes were more extensive in the control than in the experimental groups. Mice were dead due to experimental primary amoebic meningoencephalitis that developed between 8 days and 23 days after inoculation. Mortality rate of the mice was low in the immunized experimental group. Mean survival time, which is the survival duration of mice from the infection to death, was prolonged significantly in the immunized mice except in the mice immunized with N. fowleri membrane. Even in the mice immunized with N. gruberi, survival time was delayed. In summary, the effectiveness of immunization is demonstrated in terms of protective immunity against Naegleria meningoencephalitis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Gone Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital, Korea
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Rowan-Kelly B, Ferrante A. Immunization with killed Acanthamoeba culbertsoni antigen and amoeba culture supernatant antigen in experimental Acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 1984; 78:179-82. [PMID: 6464105 DOI: 10.1016/0035-9203(84)90272-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice immunized with killed (sonicated) Acanthamoeba culbertsoni A-1 antigen displayed marked resistance to intranasal challenge with the amoeba. A primary immunization produced a survival rate of approximately 40%, and survival values of greater than 80% were obtained by multiple immunizations. Similarly mice immunized with fluids from A-1 cultures were highly resistant to infection.
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