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Bischofsberger M, Reinholdt C, Dannenhaus TA, Aleith J, Bergmann-Ewert W, Müller-Hilke B, Löbermann M, Reisinger EC, Sombetzki M. Individually or as a Team-The Immunological Milieu in the Lung Caused by Migrating Single-Sex or Mixed-Sex Larvae of Schistosoma mansoni. Pathogens 2023; 12:1432. [PMID: 38133315 PMCID: PMC10746046 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
While the lung is considered an efficient site for stopping the larvae of the acute Schistosoma spp. infection phase from migrating through extensive inflammatory responses in the surrounding tissues, little is known about these processes. To date, the highest resistance to infection has been achieved in experimental studies with radiation-attenuated cercariae immunization, which elicits a strong Th1/Th2 response in the lung and results in up to 80% protection. Based on our own studies demonstrating a systemic, unpolarized Th1/Th2 response resulting from infection with male or female Schistosoma mansoni, we hypothesize that this atypical immune response is already detectable during the pulmonary passage of parasite larvae. Therefore, we examined the immune milieu in the lungs of mice caused by migrating schistosome larvae, either male or female (single-sex groups) or male + female (bisexual control), 4 and 16 days after infection in bronchoalveolar lavage and lung tissue by flow cytometry, qPCR, and multiplex analyzes. Our results show only minor differences in the inflammatory profile between the single-sex groups but significant differences compared with the bisexual control group. Both single-sex infected groups have increased expression of inflammatory markers in lung tissue, higher numbers of cytotoxic T cells (day 4 post-infection) and more T helper cells (day 16 post-infection), compared with the bisexual control group. A single-sex infection, regardless of whether it is an infection with male or female cercariae, causes an immune milieu in the lung that is clearly different from an infection with both sexes. In terms of identifying therapeutic targets to achieve resistance to re-infection, it is of great scientific interest to identify the differences in the inflammatory potential of male or female and male + female parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Bischofsberger
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.B.); (C.R.); (T.A.D.); (M.L.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Cindy Reinholdt
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.B.); (C.R.); (T.A.D.); (M.L.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Tim Alexander Dannenhaus
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.B.); (C.R.); (T.A.D.); (M.L.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Johann Aleith
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.A.); (B.M.-H.)
| | - Wendy Bergmann-Ewert
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.A.); (B.M.-H.)
| | - Brigitte Müller-Hilke
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (J.A.); (B.M.-H.)
| | - Micha Löbermann
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.B.); (C.R.); (T.A.D.); (M.L.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Emil C. Reisinger
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.B.); (C.R.); (T.A.D.); (M.L.); (E.C.R.)
| | - Martina Sombetzki
- Division of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Center of Internal Medicine II, Rostock University Medical Center, Ernst-Heydemann-Straße 6, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (M.B.); (C.R.); (T.A.D.); (M.L.); (E.C.R.)
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2
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Collar AL, Clarke TN, Jamus AN, Frietze KM. Ensuring equity with pre-clinical planning for chlamydia vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:131. [PMID: 37673890 PMCID: PMC10482967 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00726-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) remains the most common bacterial sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide, causing significant morbidity particularly among women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Several vaccines are advancing through pre-clinical and clinical development, and it is likely that one or more vaccines will progress into human efficacy trials soon. In this Perspective, we present a case for considering the challenges of Ct vaccine development through a lens of equity and justice. These challenges include the need to protect against multiple serovars, in both females and males, at multiple anatomic sites, and in resource poor areas of the world. We propose that early consideration of vaccine implementation by conducting community-engaged research will ensure that a scientifically sound chlamydia vaccine promotes equity, justice, and shared-gendered responsibility for STI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Collar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Tegan N Clarke
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Andzoa N Jamus
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kathryn M Frietze
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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3
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Pollo SMJ, Leon-Coria A, Liu H, Cruces-Gonzalez D, Finney CAM, Wasmuth JD. Transcriptional patterns of sexual dimorphism and in host developmental programs in the model parasitic nematode Heligmosomoides bakeri. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:171. [PMID: 37246221 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05785-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heligmosomoides bakeri (often mistaken for Heligmosomoides polygyrus) is a promising model for parasitic nematodes with the key advantage of being amenable to study and manipulation within a controlled laboratory environment. While draft genome sequences are available for this worm, which allow for comparative genomic analyses between nematodes, there is a notable lack of information on its gene expression. METHODS We generated biologically replicated RNA-seq datasets from samples taken throughout the parasitic life of H. bakeri. RNA from tissue-dwelling and lumen-dwelling worms, collected under a dissection microscope, was sequenced on an Illumina platform. RESULTS We find extensive transcriptional sexual dimorphism throughout the fourth larval and adult stages of this parasite and identify alternative splicing, glycosylation, and ubiquitination as particularly important processes for establishing and/or maintaining sex-specific gene expression in this species. We find sex-linked differences in transcription related to aging and oxidative and osmotic stress responses. We observe a starvation-like signature among transcripts whose expression is consistently upregulated in males, which may reflect a higher energy expenditure by male worms. We detect evidence of increased importance for anaerobic respiration among the adult worms, which coincides with the parasite's migration into the physiologically hypoxic environment of the intestinal lumen. Furthermore, we hypothesize that oxygen concentration may be an important driver of the worms encysting in the intestinal mucosa as larvae, which not only fully exposes the worms to their host's immune system but also shapes many of the interactions between the host and parasite. We find stage- and sex-specific variation in the expression of immunomodulatory genes and in anthelmintic targets. CONCLUSIONS We examine how different the male and female worms are at the molecular level and describe major developmental events that occur in the worm, which extend our understanding of the interactions between this parasite and its host. In addition to generating new hypotheses for follow-up experiments into the worm's behavior, physiology, and metabolism, our datasets enable future more in-depth comparisons between nematodes to better define the utility of H. bakeri as a model for parasitic nematodes in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M J Pollo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Host-Parasite Interactions Research Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Aralia Leon-Coria
- Host-Parasite Interactions Research Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hongrui Liu
- Host-Parasite Interactions Research Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - David Cruces-Gonzalez
- Host-Parasite Interactions Research Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Constance A M Finney
- Host-Parasite Interactions Research Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - James D Wasmuth
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Host-Parasite Interactions Research Training Network, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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4
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Miles S, Dematteis S, Mourglia-Ettlin G. Experimental cystic echinococcosis as a proof of concept for the development of peptide-based vaccines following a novel rational workflow. Biologicals 2023; 82:101684. [PMID: 37201271 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2023.101684] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are among the most important advances in medicine throughout the human history. However, conventional vaccines exhibit several drawbacks in terms of design and production costs. Peptide-based vaccines are attractive alternatives, since they can be designed mainly in silico, can be produced cheaply and safely, and are able to induce immune responses exclusively towards protective epitopes. Yet, a proper peptide design is needed, not only to generate peptide-specific immune responses, but also for them to recognize the native protein in the occurrence of a natural infection. Herein, we propose a rational workflow for developing peptide-based vaccines including novel steps that assure the cross-recognition of native proteins. In this regard, we increased the probability of generating efficient antibodies through the selection of linear B-cell epitopes free of post-translational modifications followed by analyzing the 3D-structure similarity between the peptide in-solution vs. within its parental native protein. As a proof of concept, this workflow was applied to a set of seven previously suggested potential protective antigens against the infection by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Finally, two peptides were obtained showing the capacity to induce specific antibodies able to exert anti-parasite activities in different in vitro settings, as well as to provide significant protection in the murine model of secondary echinococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Miles
- Area Inmunología, DEPBIO/IQB, Facultad de Química/Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay; Graduate Program in Chemistry, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay
| | - Sylvia Dematteis
- Area Inmunología, DEPBIO/IQB, Facultad de Química/Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Mourglia-Ettlin
- Area Inmunología, DEPBIO/IQB, Facultad de Química/Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la Republica, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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5
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Geisshirt HA, Bonde CS, Marcussen C, Mejer H, Williams AR. Development of In Vitro Assays with the Canine Hookworm Uncinaria stenocephala and Assessment of Natural Plant Products for Anti-Parasitic Activity. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040536. [PMID: 37111422 PMCID: PMC10144190 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Enteric helminth infection is an increasing concern in companion animals due to reports of resistance to commonly used anthelmintic drugs. Thus, the assessment of new therapeutic options such as bioactive dietary additives is of high importance. Here, we adapted egg hatch, larval migration, and larval motility assays to screen extracts of several natural ingredients against the canine hookworm Uncinaria stenocephala, a prevalent parasite of dogs in northern Europe. Egg hatch and larval migration assays were established showing that the anthelmintic drugs levamisole and albendazole had strong anti-parasitic activity against U. stenocephala, validating the use of these assays for the assessment of novel anti-parasitic substances. Subsequently, we identified that extracts from the seaweed Saccharina latissima, but not extracts from grape seed or chicory, significantly inhibited both hatching and larval migration. Finally, we showed that α-linolenic acid, a putative anti-parasitic compound from S. latissima, also exhibited anti-parasitic activity. Collectively, our results established a platform for the screening for anthelmintic resistance or novel drug candidates against U. stenocephala and highlighted the potential use of seaweed extracts as a functional food component to help control hookworm infection in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi A Geisshirt
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Charlotte S Bonde
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Caroline Marcussen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Helena Mejer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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6
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You H, Jones MK, Gordon CA, Arganda AE, Cai P, Al-Wassiti H, Pouton CW, McManus DP. The mRNA Vaccine Technology Era and the Future Control of Parasitic Infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0024121. [PMID: 36625671 PMCID: PMC10035331 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00241-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive long-term efforts, with very few exceptions, the development of effective vaccines against parasitic infections has presented considerable challenges, given the complexity of parasite life cycles, the interplay between parasites and their hosts, and their capacity to escape the host immune system and to regulate host immune responses. For many parasitic diseases, conventional vaccine platforms have generally proven ill suited, considering the complex manufacturing processes involved and the costs they incur, the inability to posttranslationally modify cloned target antigens, and the absence of long-lasting protective immunity induced by these antigens. An effective antiparasite vaccine platform is required to assess the effectiveness of novel vaccine candidates at high throughput. By exploiting the approach that has recently been used successfully to produce highly protective COVID mRNA vaccines, we anticipate a new wave of research to advance the use of mRNA vaccines to prevent parasitic infections in the near future. This article considers the characteristics that are required to develop a potent antiparasite vaccine and provides a conceptual foundation to promote the development of parasite mRNA-based vaccines. We review the recent advances and challenges encountered in developing antiparasite vaccines and evaluate the potential of developing mRNA vaccines against parasites, including those causing diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis, against which vaccines are currently suboptimal or not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alexa E. Arganda
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Harry Al-Wassiti
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin W. Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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7
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Nath SK, Pankajakshan P, Sharma T, Kumari P, Shinde S, Garg N, Mathur K, Arambam N, Harjani D, Raj M, Kwatra G, Venkatesh S, Choudhoury A, Bano S, Tayal P, Sharan M, Arora R, Strych U, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Rawal K. A Data-Driven Approach to Construct a Molecular Map of Trypanosoma cruzi to Identify Drugs and Vaccine Targets. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020267. [PMID: 36851145 PMCID: PMC9963959 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020267] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) is endemic in large parts of Central and South America, as well as in Texas and the southern regions of the United States. Successful parasites, such as the causative agent of CD, Trypanosoma cruzi have adapted to specific hosts during their phylogenesis. In this work, we have assembled an interactive network of the complex relations that occur between molecules within T. cruzi. An expert curation strategy was combined with a text-mining approach to screen 10,234 full-length research articles and over 200,000 abstracts relevant to T. cruzi. We obtained a scale-free network consisting of 1055 nodes and 874 edges, and composed of 838 proteins, 43 genes, 20 complexes, 9 RNAs, 36 simple molecules, 81 phenotypes, and 37 known pharmaceuticals. Further, we deployed an automated docking pipeline to conduct large-scale docking studies involving several thousand drugs and potential targets to identify network-based binding propensities. These experiments have revealed that the existing FDA-approved drugs benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox (Nf) show comparatively high binding energies to the T. cruzi network proteins (e.g., PIF1 helicase-like protein, trans-sialidase), when compared with control datasets consisting of proteins from other pathogens. We envisage this work to be of value to those interested in finding new vaccines for CD, as well as drugs against the T. cruzi parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarsat Kaushik Nath
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Preeti Pankajakshan
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Trapti Sharma
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Priya Kumari
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sweety Shinde
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nikita Garg
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Kartavya Mathur
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nevidita Arambam
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Divyank Harjani
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Manpriya Raj
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Garwit Kwatra
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sayantan Venkatesh
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Alakto Choudhoury
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saima Bano
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prashansa Tayal
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mahek Sharan
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ruchika Arora
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Kamal Rawal
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida 201303, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Correspondence:
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Mukherjee S. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory response to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): A review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011010. [PMID: 36634043 PMCID: PMC9836280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability and accessibility of safe and effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics are essential to reducing the immense global burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). National regulatory authorities, such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), play an essential role in this effort to ensure access to safe and effective medical products by working within a set of legal frameworks and regulatory functions. However, medical product development for NTDs remains neglected, as combating NTDs is not a viable commercial market for pharmaceutical companies. To spur research and development (R&D) of NTD products, the US government has authorized various programs and policies to engage pharmaceutical companies, many of which provide FDA with the legal authority to implement NTD programs and pathways. Thus, this review provides a clear overview of the various regulatory pathways and programs employed by the FDA to increase the availability of NTD drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. The review assesses the available information on various regulatory considerations and their impact on NTD product development as a first step in estimating the importance of such programs. Next, findings related to currently approved NTD products through these programs are discussed. Lastly, gaps in NTD R&D are identified and suggestions on how to address these are presented. The available data shows that while such incentive programs are factored into companies' decisions to pursue NTD R&D, approved products for NTDs remains vastly insufficient. Most approved products that utilize these NTD regulatory pathways and programs are overwhelmingly for tuberculosis and malaria-both of which are not considered NTDs by the World Health Organization (WHO). Dedicated efforts are needed to facilitate and accelerate NTD product including employing multiple incentive programs, regular assessment of such programs, and leveraging on public-private partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Mukherjee
- Center for Global Health Science and Security, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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9
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Shey RA, Ghogomu SM, Nebangwa DN, Shintouo CM, Yaah NE, Yengo BN, Nkemngo FN, Esoh KK, Tchatchoua NMT, Mbachick TT, Dede AF, Lemoge AA, Ngwese RA, Asa BF, Ayong L, Njemini R, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J. Rational design of a novel multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine against Onchocerca volvulus using transmembrane proteins. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1046522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost a decade ago, it was recognized that the global elimination of onchocerciasis by 2030 will not be feasible without, at least, an effective prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine to complement chemotherapy and vector control strategies. Recent advances in computational immunology (immunoinformatics) have seen the design of novel multi-epitope onchocerciasis vaccine candidates which are however yet to be evaluated in clinical settings. Still, continued research to increase the pool of vaccine candidates, and therefore the chance of success in a clinical trial remains imperative. Here, we designed a multi-epitope vaccine candidate by assembling peptides from 14 O. volvulus (Ov) proteins using an immunoinformatics approach. An initial 126 Ov proteins, retrieved from the Wormbase database, and at least 90% similar to orthologs in related nematode species of economic importance, were screened for localization, presence of transmembrane domain, and antigenicity using different web servers. From the 14 proteins retained after the screening, 26 MHC-1 and MHC-II (T-cell) epitopes, and linear B-lymphocytes epitopes were predicted and merged using suitable linkers. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Resuscitation-promoting factor E (RPFE_MYCTU), which is an agonist of TLR4, was then added to the N-terminal of the vaccine candidate as a built-in adjuvant. Immune simulation analyses predicted strong B-cell and IFN-γ based immune responses which are necessary for protection against O. volvulus infection. Protein-protein docking and molecular dynamic simulation predicted stable interactions between the 3D structure of the vaccine candidate and human TLR4. These results show that the designed vaccine candidate has the potential to stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses and should therefore be subject to further laboratory investigation.
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10
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Singh V, Eljaaly K, Md S, Alhakamy NA, Kesharwani P. Triblock copolymeric drug delivery as an emerging nanocarrier for treatment of infectious diseases. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Recent Progress in the Development of Indole-Based Compounds Active against Malaria, Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniasis. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010319. [PMID: 35011552 PMCID: PMC8746838 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human protozoan diseases represent a serious health problem worldwide, affecting mainly people in social and economic vulnerability. These diseases have attracted little investment in drug discovery, which is reflected in the limited available therapeutic arsenal. Authorized drugs present problems such as low efficacy in some stages of the disease or toxicity, which result in undesirable side effects and treatment abandonment. Moreover, the emergence of drug-resistant parasite strains makes necessary an even greater effort to develop safe and effective antiparasitic agents. Among the chemotypes investigated for parasitic diseases, the indole nucleus has emerged as a privileged molecular scaffold for the generation of new drug candidates. In this review, the authors provide an overview of the indole-based compounds developed against important parasitic diseases, namely malaria, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis, by focusing on the design, optimization and synthesis of the most relevant synthetic indole scaffolds recently reported.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Human infections with helminth worm parasites are extraordinarily prevalent across tropical and subtropical parts of the world, and control relies primarily on drugs that offer short-term suppression of infection. There is an urgent need for new vaccines that would confer long-lived immunity, protecting children in particular and minimizing community transmission. AREAS COVERED : This article discusses the development of helminth vaccines, from the first successful veterinary vaccines that demonstrated the feasibility of inducing protective immunity to helminths, to more recent initiatives to test human helminth antigens. The field has focussed primarily on evaluating individual antigens that could constitute targets amenable to antibody attack to inhibit parasite establishment. In a new direction, vaccines employing extracellular vesicles released by helminths have also given exciting results. EXPERT OPINION : Taking into account the complex life cycles and sophisticated immune evasion strategies of many helminths, a combination of antigens and approaches designed to target essential functional pathways of the parasite will be required to achieve a high level of protection in future anti-helminth vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick M. Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK,CONTACT Rick M. Maizels Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology; Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, GlasgowG12 8TA, UK
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13
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Lu M, Tian X, Wang W, Zhang Y, Aimulajiang K, Tian AL, Li C, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. The excretory-secretory antigen HcADRM1 to generate protective immunity against Haemonchus contortus. Parasitology 2021; 148:1497-1508. [PMID: 34193327 PMCID: PMC11010155 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021001141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The prevention, treatment and control of Haemonchus contortus have been increasingly problematic due to its widespread occurrence and anthelmintic resistance. There are very few descriptions of recombinant antigens being protective for H. contortus, despite the success of various native antigen preparations, including Barbervax. We recently identified an H. contortus excretory–secretory antigen, H. contortus adhesion-regulating molecule 1 (HcADRM1), that served as an immunomodulator to impair host T-cell functions. Given the prophylactic potential of HcADRM1 protein as a vaccine candidate, we hereby assessed the efficacies of HcADRM1 preparations against H. contortus infection. Parasitological and immunological parameters were evaluated throughout all time points of the trials, including fecal egg counts (FEC), abomasal worm burdens, complete blood counts, cytokine production profiles and antibody responses. Active vaccination with recombinant HcADRM1 (rHcADRM1) protein induced protective immunity in inoculated goats, resulting in reductions of 48.9 and 58.6% in cumulative FEC and worm burdens. Simultaneously, passive administration of anti-HcADRM1 antibodies generated encouraging levels of protection with 46.7 and 56.2% reductions in cumulative FEC and worm burdens in challenged goats. In addition, HcADRM1 preparations-immunized goats showed significant differences in mucosal and serum antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, total mucosal IgA levels, haemoglobin values and circulating interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-17A production compared to control goats in both trials. The preliminary data of these laboratory trials validated the immunoprophylactic effects of rHcADRM1 protein. It can be pursued as a potential vaccine antigen to develop an effective recombinant subunit vaccine against H. contortus under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingmin Lu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Xiaowei Tian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Kalibixiati Aimulajiang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Ai-Ling Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province730046, P. R. China
| | - Charles Li
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Biosciences and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD20705, USA
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Lixin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu210095, P. R. China
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14
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Sangare M, Coulibaly YI, Huda N, Vidal S, Tariq S, Coulibaly ME, Coulibaly SY, Soumaoro L, Dicko I, Traore B, Sissoko IM, Traore SF, Faye O, Nutman TB, Valenzuela JG, Oliveira F, Doumbia S, Kamhawi S, Semnani RT. Individuals co-exposed to sand fly saliva and filarial parasites exhibit altered monocyte function. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009448. [PMID: 34106920 PMCID: PMC8189443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Mali, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and filariasis are co-endemic. Previous studies in animal models of infection have shown that sand fly saliva enhance infectivity of Leishmania parasites in naïve hosts while saliva-specific adaptive immune responses may protect against cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. In contrast, the human immune response to Phlebotomus duboscqi (Pd) saliva, the principal sand fly vector in Mali, was found to be dichotomously polarized with some individuals having a Th1-dominated response and others having a Th2-biased response. We hypothesized that co-infection with filarial parasites may be an underlying factor that modulates the immune response to Pd saliva in endemic regions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To understand which cell types may be responsible for polarizing human responses to sand fly saliva, we investigated the effect of salivary glands (SG) of Pd on human monocytes. To this end, elutriated monocytes were cultured in vitro, alone, or with SG, microfilariae antigen (MF ag) of Brugia malayi, or LPS, a positive control. The mRNA expression of genes involved in inflammatory or regulatory responses was then measured as were cytokines and chemokines associated with these responses. Monocytes of individuals who were not exposed to sand fly bites (mainly North American controls) significantly upregulated the production of IL-6 and CCL4; cytokines that enhance leishmania parasite establishment, in response to SG from Pd or other vector species. This selective inflammatory response was lost in individuals that were exposed to sand fly bites which was not changed by co-infection with filarial parasites. Furthermore, infection with filarial parasites resulted in upregulation of CCL22, a type-2 associated chemokine, both at the mRNA levels and by its observed effect on the frequency of recruited monocytes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Together, our data suggest that SG or recombinant salivary proteins from Pd alter human monocyte function by upregulating selective inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moussa Sangare
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- * E-mail: (MS); (RTS)
| | - Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Dermatology Hospital of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Naureen Huda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Silvia Vidal
- Institut Recerca H. Sant Pau C. Sant Quintí, Spain
| | - Sameha Tariq
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, LPD, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michel Emmanuel Coulibaly
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Siaka Yamoussa Coulibaly
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Lamine Soumaoro
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ilo Dicko
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bourama Traore
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Dermatology Hospital of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ibrahim Moussa Sissoko
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekou Fantamady Traore
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ousmane Faye
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Dermatology Hospital of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Thomas B. Nutman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, LPD, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jesus G. Valenzuela
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, LMVR, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, LMVR, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- Mali International Center for Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, LMVR, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Roshanak Tolouei Semnani
- Autoimmunity and Translational Immunology, Precigen, Inc. A wholly owned subsidiary of Intrexon Corporation, Germantown, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MS); (RTS)
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15
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Rahman F, Tabrez S, Ali R, Akand SK, Zahid M, Alaidarous MA, Alsaweed M, Alshehri BM, Banawas S, Bin Dukhyil AA, Rub A. Virtual screening of natural compounds for potential inhibitors of Sterol C-24 methyltransferase of Leishmania donovani to overcome leishmaniasis. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1216-1228. [PMID: 33955051 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by trypanosomatid parasite belonging to the genera Leishmania. Leishmaniasis is transmitted from one human to other through the bite of sandflies. It is endemic in around 98 countries including tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Southern America, and the Mediterranean region. Sterol C-24 methyltransferase (LdSMT) of Leishmania donovani (L. donovani) mediates the transfer of CH3-group from S-adenosyl methionine to C-24 position of sterol side chain which makes the ergosterol different from cholesterol. Absence of ortholog in human made it potential druggable target. Here, we performed virtual screening of library of natural compounds against LdSMT to identify the potential inhibitor for it and to fight leishmaniasis. Gigantol, flavan-3-ol, and parthenolide showed the best binding affinity towards LdSMT. Further, based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and biological activity prediction, gigantol showed the best lead-likeness and drug-likeness properties. Therefore, we further elucidated its antileishmanial properties. We found that gigantol inhibited the growth and proliferation of promastigotes as well as intra-macrophagic amastigotes. Gigantol exerted its antileishmanial action through the induction of reactive oxygen species in dose-dependent manner. Our study, suggested the possible use of gigantol as antileishmanial drug after further validations to overcome leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazlur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Shams Tabrez
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Rahat Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Sajjadul Kadir Akand
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mariya Zahid
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Mohammed A Alaidarous
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alsaweed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader Mohammed Alshehri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Banawas
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Health and Basic Sciences Research Center, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Aziz Bin Dukhyil
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdur Rub
- Department of Biotechnology, Infection and Immunity Lab (414), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India
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16
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Shey RA, Ghogomu SM, Shintouo CM, Nkemngo FN, Nebangwa DN, Esoh K, Yaah NE, Manka’aFri M, Nguve JE, Ngwese RA, Njume FN, Bertha FA, Ayong L, Njemini R, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J. Computational Design and Preliminary Serological Analysis of a Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine Candidate against Onchocerciasis and Related Filarial Diseases. Pathogens 2021; 10:99. [PMID: 33494344 PMCID: PMC7912539 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
: Onchocerciasis is a skin and eye disease that exerts a heavy socio-economic burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, a region which harbours greater than 96% of either infected or at-risk populations. The elimination plan for the disease is currently challenged by many factors including amongst others; the potential emergence of resistance to the main chemotherapeutic agent, ivermectin (IVM). Novel tools, including preventative and therapeutic vaccines, could provide additional impetus to the disease elimination tool portfolio. Several observations in both humans and animals have provided evidence for the development of both natural and artificial acquired immunity. In this study, immuno-informatics tools were applied to design a filarial-conserved multi-epitope subunit vaccine candidate, (designated Ov-DKR-2) consisting of B-and T-lymphocyte epitopes of eight immunogenic antigens previously assessed in pre-clinical studies. The high-percentage conservation of the selected proteins and epitopes predicted in related nematode parasitic species hints that the generated chimera may be instrumental for cross-protection. Bioinformatics analyses were employed for the prediction, refinement, and validation of the 3D structure of the Ov-DKR-2 chimera. In-silico immune simulation projected significantly high levels of IgG1, T-helper, T-cytotoxic cells, INF-γ, and IL-2 responses. Preliminary immunological analyses revealed that the multi-epitope vaccine candidate reacted with antibodies in sera from both onchocerciasis-infected individuals, endemic normals as well as loiasis-infected persons but not with the control sera from European individuals. These results support the premise for further characterisation of the engineered protein as a vaccine candidate for onchocerciasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francis Nongley Nkemngo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon;
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Yaounde BP 13591, Cameroon
| | - Derrick Neba Nebangwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Kevin Esoh
- Division of Human Genetics, Health Sciences Campus, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa;
| | - Ntang Emmaculate Yaah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Muyanui Manka’aFri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Joel Ebai Nguve
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Roland Akwelle Ngwese
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Ferdinand Ngale Njume
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
| | - Fru Asa Bertha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon;
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé Rue 2005, Cameroon;
| | - Rose Njemini
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
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17
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Ashwin H, Sadlova J, Vojtkova B, Becvar T, Lypaczewski P, Schwartz E, Greensted E, Van Bocxlaer K, Pasin M, Lipinski KS, Parkash V, Matlashewski G, Layton AM, Lacey CJ, Jaffe CL, Volf P, Kaye PM. Characterization of a new Leishmania major strain for use in a controlled human infection model. Nat Commun 2021; 12:215. [PMID: 33431825 PMCID: PMC7801518 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20569-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is widely regarded as a vaccine-preventable disease, but the costs required to reach pivotal Phase 3 studies and uncertainty about which candidate vaccines should be progressed into human studies significantly limits progress in vaccine development for this neglected tropical disease. Controlled human infection models (CHIMs) provide a pathway for accelerating vaccine development and to more fully understand disease pathogenesis and correlates of protection. Here, we describe the isolation, characterization and GMP manufacture of a new clinical strain of Leishmania major. Two fresh strains of L. major from Israel were initially compared by genome sequencing, in vivo infectivity and drug sensitivity in mice, and development and transmission competence in sand flies, allowing one to be selected for GMP production. This study addresses a major roadblock in the development of vaccines for leishmaniasis, providing a key resource for CHIM studies of sand fly transmitted cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Ashwin
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jovana Sadlova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Vojtkova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Becvar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Lypaczewski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eli Schwartz
- The Center for Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Greensted
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Katrien Van Bocxlaer
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | | | | | - Vivak Parkash
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Greg Matlashewski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alison M Layton
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Charles J Lacey
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Charles L Jaffe
- The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Paul M Kaye
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK.
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18
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Girasol MJ, Grecia LR, Fabi JC, Fernandez AJ, Isabela Fernandez JN, Flores G, Flores R, Fontanilla EL, Fragante PJ, Genuino VC, Go SC, Gotico I, Gregorio ME, Griño MA, Guevarra PM, Guinal S, Guldam R, Infante GC, Jalandoni JP, Juyad IG, Valencia C, Makalinao I, Tongol-Rivera P, Manglicmot-Yabes A. Evaluation of crude adult Ascaris suum intestinal tract homogenate in inducing protective IgG production against A. suum larvae in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2020; 221:108049. [PMID: 33307097 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Globally, ascariasis ranks as the second leading intestinal helminth infection. However, progress in developing better control strategies, such as vaccines, remains slow-paced. This study aims to measure antibody production and parasite load in male BALB/c mice immunized with crude Ascaris suum intestinal tract homogenate. Thirty-two (32) mice were randomized into: (1) unvaccinated, uninfected (UU); (2) unvaccinated, infected (UI); (3) vaccinated, uninfected (VU); and (4) vaccinated, infected (VI) groups. A 100-μL vaccine containing 50 μg of homogenized A. suum intestines and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (1:1) were introduced intraperitoneally. Immunizations were done on days 0, 10, and 20. Oral gavage with 1000 embryonated eggs was done on day 30. Blood was obtained at day 40. To measure serum IgG levels, indirect ELISA was done. Microtiter plates were coated with 100 μg larval homogenate, and HRP-conjugated anti-mouse IgG was used as secondary antibody. Parasite load was measured in lung and liver tissues. Tukey's HSD of signal to cut-off ratios of absorbance readings obtained in indirect ELISA procedure for the 1:200 serum dilution showed statistically significant difference between the UU and VI (p = 0.026) as well as between UI and VI (p = 0.003) groups. No statistically significant difference in parasite load was observed in the lungs (p = 0.074), liver (p = 0.130), and both lungs and liver (p = 0.101). Immunization elicited a significant larva-directed IgG production. However, there is no significant difference in parasite loads in either lung or liver tissues across all treatment groups as the larval counts obtained from the study were very low and may not be indicative of the actual parasite load in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark John Girasol
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines.
| | - Lordom Reno Grecia
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Jillean Camille Fabi
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Andro Jibreel Fernandez
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | | | - Gabrielle Flores
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Rafael Flores
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Enrique Luis Fontanilla
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Paolo Joaquin Fragante
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Virgilio Clemente Genuino
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Stacey Caryl Go
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Israel Gotico
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Mary Eurielle Gregorio
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Manuel Angelo Griño
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Patricia Marie Guevarra
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Safrollah Guinal
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Raissa Guldam
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Gian Carlo Infante
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - John Paul Jalandoni
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Ian Gabriel Juyad
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Cynthia Valencia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Irma Makalinao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Pilarita Tongol-Rivera
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
| | - Ailyn Manglicmot-Yabes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila, 1000, Philippines
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Abstract
Efforts to produce vaccines against SARS and MERS were prematurely halted since their scope was perceived to be geographically restricted and they were subsequently categorized as neglected diseases. However, when a similar virus spread globally triggering the COVID-19 pandemic, we were harshly reminded that several other neglected diseases might also be waiting for the perfect opportunity to become mainstream. As climate change drives urbanization, natural selection of pathogens and their intermediate vectors and reservoirs, the risk of neglected diseases emerging within a larger susceptible pool becomes an even greater threat. Availability of a vaccine for COVID-19 is widely considered the only way to end this pandemic. Similarly, vaccines are also seen as the best tools available to control the spread of neglected (sometimes referred to as emerging or re-emerging) diseases, until the water, hygiene and sanitation infrastructure is improved in areas of their prevalence. Vaccine production is usually cost and labour intensive and thus minimal funding is directed towards controlling and eliminating neglected diseases (NDs). A customised but sustainable approach is needed to develop and deploy vaccines against NDs. While safety, efficacy and public trust are the three main success pillars for most vaccines, affordability is vital when formulating vaccines for neglected diseases.
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Serum proteomics of active tuberculosis patients and contacts reveals unique processes activated during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3844. [PMID: 32123229 PMCID: PMC7052228 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is the most lethal infection among infectious diseases. The specific aim of this study was to establish panels of serum protein biomarkers representative of active TB patients and their household contacts who were either infected (LTBI) or uninfected (EMI-TB Discovery Cohort, Pontevedra Region, Spain). A TMT (Tamdem mass tags) 10plex-based quantitative proteomics study was performed in quintuplicate containing a total of 15 individual serum samples per group. Peptides were analyzed in an LC-Orbitrap Elite platform, and raw data were processed using Proteome Discoverer 2.1. A total of 418 proteins were quantified. The specific protein signature of active TB patients was characterized by an accumulation of proteins related to complement activation, inflammation and modulation of immune response and also by a decrease of a small subset of proteins, including apolipoprotein A and serotransferrin, indicating the importance of lipid transport and iron assimilation in the progression of the disease. This signature was verified by the targeted measurement of selected candidates in a second cohort (EMI-TB Verification Cohort, Maputo Region, Mozambique) by ELISA and nephelometry techniques. These findings will aid our understanding of the complex metabolic processes associated with TB progression from LTBI to active disease.
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Nascimento LFMD, Moura LDD, Lima RT, Cruz MDSPE. Novos adjuvantes vacinais: importante ferramenta para imunoterapia da leishmaniose visceral. HU REVISTA 2019. [DOI: 10.34019/1982-8047.2018.v44.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atualmente, muitas das vacinas em desenvolvimento são aquelas compostas de proteínas antigênicas individuais de parasitas ou uma combinação de vários antígenos individuais que são produzidos como produtos recombinantes obtidos por técnicas de biologia molecular. Dentre elas a Leish-111f e sua variação Leish-110f tem ganhado destaque na proteção contra a LV e LC e alcançaram estudos de fase II em seres humanos. A eficácia de uma vacina é otimizada pela adição de adjuvantes imunológicos. No entanto, embora os adjuvantes tenham sido usados por mais de um século, até o momento, apenas alguns adjuvantes são aprovados para o uso em humanos, a maioria destinada a melhorar a eficácia da vacina e a produção de anticorpos protetores específicos do antígeno. Os mecanismos de ação dos adjuvantes imunológicos são diversos, dependendo da sua natureza química e molecular sendo capazes de ativar células imunes especificas que conduzem a respostas imunes inatas e adaptativas melhoradas. Embora o mecanismo de ação molecular detalhado de muitos adjuvantes ainda seja desconhecido, a descoberta de receptores Toll-like (TLRs) forneceu informações críticas sobre o efeito imunoestimulador de numerosos componentes bacterianos que envolvem interação com receptores TLRs, mostrando que estes ligantes melhoram tanto a qualidade como a quantidade de respostas imunes adaptativas do hospedeiro quando utilizadas em formulações de vacinais direcionadas para doenças. O potencial desses adjuvantes de TLR em melhorar o design e os resultados de várias vacinas está em constante evolução, à medida que novos agonistas são descobertos e testados em modelos experimentais e estudos clínicos de vacinação. Nesta revisão, é apresentado um resumo do progresso recente no desenvolvimento de proteínas recombinantes de segunda geração e adjuvantes de TLR, sendo o foco principal nos TLR4 e suas melhorias.
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Shey RA, Ghogomu SM, Esoh KK, Nebangwa ND, Shintouo CM, Nongley NF, Asa BF, Ngale FN, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J. In-silico design of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against onchocerciasis and related filarial diseases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4409. [PMID: 30867498 PMCID: PMC6416346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40833-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease with high socio-economic burden particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The elimination plan for this disease has faced numerous challenges. A multi-epitope prophylactic/therapeutic vaccine targeting the infective L3 and microfilaria stages of the parasite's life cycle would be invaluable to achieve the current elimination goal. There are several observations that make the possibility of developing a vaccine against this disease likely. For example, despite being exposed to high transmission rates of infection, 1 to 5% of people have no clinical manifestations of the disease and are thus considered as putatively immune individuals. An immuno-informatics approach was applied to design a filarial multi-epitope subunit vaccine peptide consisting of linear B-cell and T-cell epitopes of proteins reported to be potential novel vaccine candidates. Conservation of the selected proteins and predicted epitopes in other parasitic nematode species suggests that the generated chimera could be helpful for cross-protection. The 3D structure was predicted, refined, and validated using bioinformatics tools. Protein-protein docking of the chimeric vaccine peptide with the TLR4 protein predicted efficient binding. Immune simulation predicted significantly high levels of IgG1, T-helper, T-cytotoxic cells, INF-γ, and IL-2. Overall, the constructed recombinant putative peptide demonstrated antigenicity superior to current vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Kevin Kum Esoh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Neba Derrick Nebangwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Nkemngo Francis Nongley
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Bertha Fru Asa
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ferdinand Njume Ngale
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.
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23
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Pourseif MM, Yousefpour M, Aminianfar M, Moghaddam G, Nematollahi A. A multi-method and structure-based in silico vaccine designing against Echinococcus granulosus through investigating enolase protein. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 9:131-144. [PMID: 31508329 PMCID: PMC6726745 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2019.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction: Hydatid disease is a ubiquitous parasitic zoonotic disease, which causes different medical, economic and serious public health problems in some parts of the world. The causal organism is a multi-stage parasite named Echinococcus granulosus whose life cycle is dependent on two types of mammalian hosts viz definitive and intermediate hosts.
Methods: In this study, enolase, as a key functional enzyme in the metabolism of E. granulosus (EgEnolase), was targeted through a comprehensive in silico modeling analysis and designing a host-specific multi-epitope vaccine. Three-dimensional (3D) structure of enolase was modeled using MODELLER v9.18 software. The B-cell epitopes (BEs) were predicted based on the multi-method approach and via some authentic online predictors. ClusPro v2.0 server was used for docking-based T-helper epitope prediction. The 3D structure of the vaccine was modeled using the RaptorX server. The designed vaccine was evaluated for its immunogenicity, physicochemical properties, and allergenicity. The codon optimization of the vaccine sequence was performed based on the codon usage table of E. coli K12. Finally, the energy minimization and molecular docking were implemented for simulating the vaccine binding affinity to the TLR-2 and TLR-4 and the complex stability.
Results: The designed multi-epitope vaccine was found to induce anti-EgEnolase immunity which may have the potential to prevent the survival and proliferation of E. granulosus into the definitive host.
Conclusion: Based on the results, this step-by-step immunoinformatics approach could be considered as a rational platform for designing vaccines against such multi-stage parasites. Furthermore, it is proposed that this multi-epitope vaccine is served as a promising preventive anti-echinococcosis agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mostafa Pourseif
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Yousefpour
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Aminianfar
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamali Moghaddam
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Nematollahi
- Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary College, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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24
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Mateos J, Estévez O, González-Fernández Á, Anibarro L, Pallarés Á, Reljic R, Gallardo JM, Medina I, Carrera M. High-resolution quantitative proteomics applied to the study of the specific protein signature in the sputum and saliva of active tuberculosis patients and their infected and uninfected contacts. J Proteomics 2019; 195:41-52. [PMID: 30660769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Our goal was to establish panels of protein biomarkers that are characteristic of patients with microbiologically confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and their contacts, including latent TB-infected (LTBI) and uninfected patients. Since the first pathogen-host contact occurs in the oral and nasal passages the saliva and sputum were chosen as the biological fluids to be studied. Quantitative shotgun proteomics was performed using a LTQ-Orbitrap-Elite platform. For active TB patients, both fluids exhibited a specific accumulation of proteins that were related to complement activation, inflammation and modulation of immune response. In the saliva of TB patients, a decrease of in proteins related to glucose and lipid metabolism was detected. In contrast, the sputum of uninfected contacts presented a specific proteomic signature that was composed of proteins involved in the perception of bitter taste, defense against pathogens and innate immune response, suggesting that those are key events during the initial entry of the pathogen in the host. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study to compare the saliva and sputum from active TB patients and their contacts. Our findings strongly suggest that TB patients show not only an activation of processes that are related to complement activation and modulation of inflammation but also an imbalance in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In addition, those individuals who do not get infected after direct exposure to the pathogen display a typical proteomic signature in the sputum, which is a reflection of the secretion from the nasal and oral mucosa, the first immunological barriers that M. tuberculosis encounters in the host. Thus, this result indicates the importance of the processes related to the innate immune response in fighting the initial events of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Mateos
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain.
| | - Olivia Estévez
- Biomedical Research Centre (CINBIO), Galician Singular Center of Research, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), University of Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - África González-Fernández
- Biomedical Research Centre (CINBIO), Galician Singular Center of Research, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), University of Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Luis Anibarro
- Biomedical Research Centre (CINBIO), Galician Singular Center of Research, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), University of Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain; Tuberculosis Unit, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine Service, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), Pontevedra, Spain; Mycobacterial Infections Study Group (GEIM) of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángeles Pallarés
- Tuberculosis Unit, Infectious Diseases, Internal Medicine Service, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Pontevedra, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS-GS), Pontevedra, Spain
| | | | - José M Gallardo
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Isabel Medina
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Mónica Carrera
- Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain.
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27
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Egesa M, Lubyayi L, Jones FM, van Diepen A, Chalmers IW, Tukahebwa EM, Bagaya BS, Hokke CH, Hoffmann KF, Dunne DW, Elliott AM, Yazdanbakhsh M, Wilson S, Cose S. Antibody responses to Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula antigens. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12591. [PMID: 30239012 PMCID: PMC6492298 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While antigens from Schistosoma schistosomula have been suggested as potential vaccine candidates, the association between antibody responses with schistosomula antigens and infection intensity at reinfection is not well known. Schistosoma mansoni-infected individuals were recruited from a schistosomiasis endemic area in Uganda (n = 372), treated with 40 mg/kg praziquantel (PZQ) and followed up at five weeks and at one year post-treatment. Pre-treatment and five weeks post-treatment immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG1 and IgG4 levels against recombinant schistosomula antigens rSmKK7, rSmLy6A, rSmLy6B and rSmTSP7 were measured using ELISA. Factors associated with detectable pre-treatment or post-treatment antibody response against the schistosomula antigens and the association between five-week antibody responses and one year post-treatment reinfection intensity among antibody responders were examined. Being male was associated with higher pre-treatment IgG1 to rSmKK7, rSmLy6a and AWA. Five weeks post-treatment antibody responses against schistosomula antigens were not associated with one year post-treatment reinfection intensity among antibody responders' antibody levels against rSmKK7, rSmLy6B and rSmTSP7 dropped, but increased against rSmLy6A, AWA and SEA at five weeks post-treatment among antibody responders. S. mansoni-infected individuals exhibit detectable antibody responses to schistosomula antigens that are affected by treatment. These findings indicate that schistosomula antigens induce highly varied antibody responses and could have implications for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Egesa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
| | - Lawrence Lubyayi
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
| | | | - Angela van Diepen
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | | | - Bernard S. Bagaya
- Department of Immunology and Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
| | - Cornelis H. Hokke
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - David W. Dunne
- Department of PathologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Shona Wilson
- Department of PathologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Stephen Cose
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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28
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Diemert DJ, Bottazzi ME, Plieskatt J, Hotez PJ, Bethony JM. Lessons along the Critical Path: Developing Vaccines against Human Helminths. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:747-758. [PMID: 30064902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Helminthic parasites are important targets for vaccine research as they infect an estimated 1 billion people worldwide. Despite significant progress in the discovery of defined antigens as candidates for vaccines, the potential of a helminth vaccine advancing to an investigational product to be tested in humans remains as challenging as it did 50 years ago. Candidate helminth vaccines must still advance along a 'critical path' of preclinical research, vaccine process development (which includes 'chemistry, manufacturing, and controls' or CMC), current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) production of the vaccine, and clinical trials. This path is highly targeted towards meeting the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy criteria of regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For nearly 20 years our product development partnership (PDP), the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development (TCH-CVD), has followed the critical paths of several novel subunit vaccines for the human hookworm Necator americanus and the intestinal trematode Schistosoma mansoni. Herein, we describe the critical lessons learned along this critical path.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development - a Product Development Partnership, Houston, TX, USA.
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Torben W, Molehin AJ, Blair RV, Kenway C, Shiro F, Roslyn D, Chala B, Gutu D, Kebede MA, Ahmad G, Zhang W, Aye P, Mohan M, Lackner A, Siddiqui AA. The self-curing phenomenon of schistosome infection in rhesus macaques: insight from in vitro studies. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2017; 1408:79-89. [PMID: 29239481 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A reduction in the burden of schistosomiasis is potentially achievable by integrating a schistosomiasis vaccine with current control measures. Here, we determine parasite-specific in vitro responses of B, T, and NK cells from naive uninfected rhesus macaques to Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) egg (SmEA) and worm antigen (SmWA) preparations isolated from infected baboons. Pronounced B cell responses to SmEA and NK cell responses to both SmEA and SmWA were observed. High levels of IL-2 and IL-21 responses against Sm antigens were observed in T and non-T cells of lymph nodes (LNs) and gut lamina propria-derived lymphocytes (LPLs). Data analysis showed multifunctionality of LN-derived CD4+ , CD8+ , and CD4+ CD8+ double positive T cells against either SmWA or SmWA+SmEA antigen preparations. Distinct SmEA-specific multifunctional responses were observed in gut LPLs, suggesting simultaneous responses against egg antigens. These data provide insight into the immune effectors involved in schistosome responses by rhesus macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Workineh Torben
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Adebayo J Molehin
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Robert V Blair
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Carys Kenway
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Faith Shiro
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Davis Roslyn
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Bayissa Chala
- Department of Applied Biology, Adama Science and Technology University, School of Applied Natural Sciences, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Dereje Gutu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Michael A Kebede
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Gul Ahmad
- Department of Biology, Peru State College, Peru, Nebraska
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Pyone Aye
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Mahesh Mohan
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Andrew Lackner
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, TNPRC, Comparative Pathology/Immunology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Covington, Louisiana
| | - Afzal A Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
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Pourseif MM, Moghaddam G, Daghighkia H, Nematollahi A, Omidi Y. A novel B- and helper T-cell epitopes-based prophylactic vaccine against Echinococcus granulosus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 8:39-52. [PMID: 29713601 PMCID: PMC5915707 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2018.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction:
In this study, we targeted the worm stage of Echinococcus granulosus to design a novel multi-epitope B- and helper T-cell based vaccine construct for immunization of dogs against this multi-host parasite.
Methods:
The vaccine was designed based on the local Eg14-3-3 antigen (Ag). DNA samples were extracted from the protoscoleces of the infected sheep’s liver, and then subjected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with 14-3-3 specific forward and reverse primers. For the vaccine designing, several in silico steps were undertaken. Three-dimensional (3D) structure of the local Eg14-3-3 Ag was modeled by EasyModeller software. The protein modeling accuracy was then analyzed via various validation assays. Potential transmembrane helix, signal peptide, post-translational modifications and allergenicity of Eg14-3-3 were evaluated as the preliminary measures of B-cell epitopes (BEs ) prediction. Having used many web-servers, a well-designed process was carried out for improved prediction of BEs. High ranked linear and conformational BEs were utilized for engineering the final vaccine construct. Possible T-helper epitopes (TEs) were identified by the molecular docking between 13-mer fragments of the Eg14-3-3 Ag and two high frequent dog class II MHC alleles (i.e., DLA-DRB1*01101 and DRB1*01501). The epitopes coverage was evaluated by Shannon’s variability plot.
Results:
The final designed construct was analyzed based on different physicochemical properties, which was then codon optimized for high-level expression in Escherichia coli k12. This minigene construct is the first dog-specific epitopic vaccine construct that is established based on TEs with high-binding affinity to canine MHC alleles.
Conclusion:
This in silico study is the first part of a multi-antigenic vaccine designing work that represents as a novel dog-specific vaccine against E. granulosus. Here, we present key data on the step-by-step methodologies used for designing this de novo vaccine, which is under comprehensive in vivo investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Pourseif
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.,Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamali Moghaddam
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Daghighkia
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Nematollahi
- Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary Collage, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Abdossamadi Z, Seyed N, Zahedifard F, Taheri T, Taslimi Y, Montakhab-Yeganeh H, Badirzadeh A, Vasei M, Gharibzadeh S, Rafati S. Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 as immunotherapeutic agent against Leishmania infected BALB/c mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006123. [PMID: 29253854 PMCID: PMC5749894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 (HNP1) produced by neutrophils, is a well-known antimicrobial peptide which plays a role both in innate as well as in adaptive immunity and is under intensive investigation as a potential therapeutic agent. Previous in vitro experiments have indicated the leishmaniacidal effect of recombinant HNP1 on Leishmania major (L. major) promastigotes and amastigotes. In the current study, we further extended the idea to explore the remedial effect of HNP1 in the two modalities of peptide therapy (folded HNP1) and gene therapy in L. major infected BALB/c mice. To this end, mice in five different groups received synthetic folded HNP1 (G1), pcDNA-HNP1-EGFP (G2), pcDNA-EGFP (G3), Amphotericin B (G4) and PBS (G5), which was started three weeks after infection for three consecutive weeks. Footpad swelling was monitored weekly and a day after the therapy ended, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-6 and nitric oxide produced by splenocytes were analyzed together with the parasite load in draining lymph nodes. Arginase activity and dermal histopathological changes were also analyzed in the infected footpads. We demonstrated that both therapeutic approaches effectively induced Th1 polarization and restricted parasite burden. It can control disease progression in contrast to non-treated groups. However, pcDNA-HNP1-EGFP is more promising in respect to parasite control than folded HNP1, but less effective than AmB treatment. We concluded with the call for a future approach, that is, a DNA-based expression of HNP1 combined with AmB as it can improve the leishmaniacidal efficacy. The outbreak level of cutaneous leishmaniasis is approximated between one and 1.5 million individuals per year. Owning to several disadvantages of current therapies, special attention to expand novel and efficient therapies has been demanded. Among Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs), Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 (HNP1) is one of the most potential defensins. Our promising in vitro experiments have shown the leishmaniacidal effect of recombinant HNP1. Here, we displayed the remedial effect of HNP1 in two approaches including peptide therapy and gene therapy in susceptible mice infected with L. major. Our investigation showed that although both approaches could decrease the parasite load and induce Th1 immune response compared to the control group, pcDNA-HNP1-EGFP has a better effect compared to the folded HNP1. Hence, immunotherapy by HNP1 can help elicit proper immunity despite the direct effect on promastigotes and amastigotes forms of parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abdossamadi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnaz Zahedifard
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Taslimi
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Montakhab-Yeganeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Badirzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Vasei
- Cell-Based Therapies Research Center, Digestive Disease Research Institute and Department of Pathology, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safoora Gharibzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: ,
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Pourseif MM, Moghaddam G, Naghili B, Saeedi N, Parvizpour S, Nematollahi A, Omidi Y. A novel in silico minigene vaccine based on CD4 + T-helper and B-cell epitopes of EG95 isolates for vaccination against cystic echinococcosis. Comput Biol Chem 2017; 72:150-163. [PMID: 29195784 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
EG95 oncospheral antigen plays a crucial role in Echinococcus granulosus pathogenicity. Considering the diversity of antigen among different EG95 isolates, it seems to be an ideal antigen for designing a universal multivalent minigene vaccine, so-called multi-epitope vaccine. This is the first in silico study to design a construct for the development of global EG95-based hydatid vaccine against E. granulosus in intermediate hosts. After antigen sequence selection, the three-dimensional structure of EG95 was modeled and multilaterally validated. The preliminary parameters for B-cell epitope prediction were implemented such as the possible transmembrane helix, signal peptide, post-translational modifications and allergenicity. The high ranked linear and conformational B-cell epitopes derived from several online web-servers (e.g., ElliPro, BepiPred v1.0, BcePred, ABCpred, SVMTrip, IEDB algorithms, SEPPA v2.0 and Discotope v2.0) were utilized for multiple sequence alignment and then for engineering the vaccine construct. T-helper based epitopes were predicted by molecular docking between the high frequent ovar class II allele (Ovar-DRB1*1202) and hexadecamer fragments of the EG95 protein. Having used the immune-informatics tools, we formulated the first EG95-based minigene vaccine based on T-helper epitope with high-binding affinity to the ovar MHC allele. This designed construct was analyzed for different physicochemical properties. It was also codon-optimized for high-level expression in Escherichia coli k12. Taken all, we propose the present in silico vaccine constructs as a promising platform for the generation of broadly protective vaccines for species and genus-specific immunization of the natural hosts of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M Pourseif
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Gholamali Moghaddam
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Behrouz Naghili
- Research Center for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazli Saeedi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Parvizpour
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Nematollahi
- Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary College, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; School of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Cortés A, Sotillo J, Muñoz-Antolí C, Molina-Durán J, Esteban JG, Toledo R. Antibody trapping: A novel mechanism of parasite immune evasion by the trematode Echinostoma caproni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005773. [PMID: 28715423 PMCID: PMC5531663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Helminth infections are among the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases, causing an enormous impact in global health and the socioeconomic growth of developing countries. In this context, the study of helminth biology, with emphasis on host-parasite interactions, appears as a promising approach for developing new tools to prevent and control these infections. Methods/Principal findings The role that antibody responses have on helminth infections is still not well understood. To go in depth into this issue, work on the intestinal helminth Echinostoma caproni (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) has been undertaken. Adult parasites were recovered from infected mice and cultured in vitro. Double indirect immunofluorescence at increasing culture times was done to show that in vivo-bound surface antibodies become trapped within a layer of excretory/secretory products that covers the parasite. Entrapped antibodies are then degraded by parasite-derived proteases, since protease inhibitors prevent for antibody loss in culture. Electron microscopy and immunogold-labelling of secreted proteins provide evidence that this mechanism is consistent with tegument dynamics and ultrastructure, hence it is feasible to occur in vivo. Secretory vesicles discharge their content to the outside and released products are deposited over the parasite surface enabling antibody trapping. Conclusion/Significance At the site of infection, both parasite secretion and antibody binding occur simultaneously and constantly. The continuous entrapment of bound antibodies with newly secreted products may serve to minimize the deleterious effects of the antibody-mediated attack. This mechanism of immune evasion may aid to understand the limited effect that antibody responses have in helminth infections, and may contribute to the basis for vaccine development against these highly prevalent diseases. Helminthiases are highly prevalent neglected tropical diseases, affecting millions of people worldwide, mainly in the poorest regions. The lack of vaccines against these infections is one of the major constraints in the current parasitology and massive efforts are being done in that direction. Herein, we present a potential mechanism for parasite immune evasion consisting in trapping of surface-bound antibodies within the excretory/secretory products that are deposited over the parasite. This mechanism is aided by parasite-derived proteases, well documented virulence factors that degrade the entrapped antibodies. Altogether, this parasite strategy may serve to minimize the antibody-mediated response and promote the development of chronic infections. The present study has been done using the model trematode Echinostoma caproni, though is expected to work in other helminths, even in other groups of extracellular pathogens. This opens new expectative to better understanding of host-parasite interactions and susceptibility to helminth infections. Therefore, the results presented in this manuscript may contribute to the basis of anti-helminth vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Cortés
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carla Muñoz-Antolí
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Molina-Durán
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - J. Guillermo Esteban
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael Toledo
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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Palafox B, Mocumbi AO, Kumar RK, Ali SKM, Kennedy E, Haileamlak A, Watkins D, Petricca K, Wyber R, Timeon P, Mwangi J. The WHF Roadmap for Reducing CV Morbidity and Mortality Through Prevention and Control of RHD. Glob Heart 2017; 12:47-62. [PMID: 28336386 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable non-communicable condition that disproportionately affects the world's poorest and most vulnerable. The World Heart Federation Roadmap for improved RHD control is a resource designed to help a variety of stakeholders raise the profile of RHD nationally and globally, and provide a framework to guide and support the strengthening of national, regional and global RHD control efforts. The Roadmap identifies the barriers that limit access to and uptake of proven interventions for the prevention and control of RHD. It also highlights a variety of established and promising solutions that may be used to overcome these barriers. As a general guide, the Roadmap is meant to serve as the foundation for the development of tailored plans of action to improve RHD control in specific contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Palafox
- ECOHOST -The Centre for Health and Social Change, Faculty of Public Health & Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ana Olga Mocumbi
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde and Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - R Krishna Kumar
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Cochin, Kerala, India
| | - Sulafa K M Ali
- University of Khartoum and Sudan Heart Center, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Elizabeth Kennedy
- Fiji RHD Prevention and Control Project, Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Cure Kids New Zealand, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kadia Petricca
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rosemary Wyber
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Azad CS, Saxena M, Siddiqui AJ, Bhardwaj J, Puri SK, Dutta GP, Anand N, Saxena AK. Synthesis of primaquine glyco-conjugates as potential tissue schizontocidal antimalarial agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 90:254-261. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chandra S. Azad
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry; CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow UP India
| | - Mridula Saxena
- Department of Chemistry; Amity University (Lucknow Campus); Lucknow UP India
| | - Arif J. Siddiqui
- Division of Parasitology; CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow UP India
| | - Jyoti Bhardwaj
- Division of Parasitology; CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow UP India
| | - Sunil K. Puri
- Division of Parasitology; CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow UP India
| | - Guru P. Dutta
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry; CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow UP India
| | - Nitya Anand
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry; CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow UP India
| | - Anil K. Saxena
- Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry; CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute; Lucknow UP India
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Brelsford JB, Plieskatt JL, Yakovleva A, Jariwala A, Keegan BP, Peng J, Xia P, Li G, Campbell D, Periago MV, Correa-Oliveira R, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Diemert D, Bethony JM. Advances in neglected tropical disease vaccines: Developing relative potency and functional assays for the Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel hookworm vaccine. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005385. [PMID: 28192438 PMCID: PMC5325600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A new generation of vaccines for the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have now advanced into clinical development, with the Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel Hookworm Vaccine already being tested in Phase 1 studies in healthy adults. The current manuscript focuses on the often overlooked critical aspects of NTD vaccine product development, more specifically, vaccine stability testing programs. A key measure of vaccine stability testing is "relative potency" or the immunogenicity of the vaccine during storage. As with most NTD vaccines, the Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel Hookworm Vaccine was not developed by attenuation or inactivation of the pathogen (Necator americanus), so conventional methods for measuring relative potency are not relevant for this investigational product. Herein, we describe a novel relative potency testing program and report for the first time on the clinical lot of this NTD vaccine during its first 60 months of storage at 2-8°C. We also describe the development of a complementary functional assay that measures the ability of IgG from animals or humans immunized with Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel to neutralize this important hookworm enzyme. While 90% inhibition of the catalytic activity of Na-GST-1 was achieved in animals immunized with Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel, lower levels of inhibition were observed in immunized humans. Moreover, anti-Na-GST-1 antibodies from volunteers in non-hookworm endemic areas were better able to inhibit catalytic activity than anti-Na-GST-1 antibodies from volunteers resident in hookworm endemic areas. The results described herein provide the critical tools for the product development of NTD vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill B. Brelsford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Jordan L. Plieskatt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Anna Yakovleva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Amar Jariwala
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Brian P. Keegan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine, Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jin Peng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Pengjun Xia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Guangzhao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Doreen Campbell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - David Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
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Wu HW, Ito A, Ai L, Zhou XN, Acosta LP, Lee Willingham A. Cysticercosis/taeniasis endemicity in Southeast Asia: Current status and control measures. Acta Trop 2017; 165:121-132. [PMID: 26802488 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The parasitic zoonoses cysticercosis/taeniasis is among the 17 major Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) identified by the WHO as a focus for research and control. It is caused by a larval stage (cysticercus) infection of Taenia solium tapeworm in both humans and pigs. Cysticercosis occurs in many resource-poor countries, especially those with warm and mild climates in the regions of Latin America (LA), Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The prevalence of human cysticercosis is marked in those areas where individuals are traditionally keen to consume raw or insufficiently cooked pork and/or where the husbandry of pigs is improper. The worldwide burden of cysticercosis is unclear and notably, large-scale control initiatives are lacking in all regions. This review focuses on the current endemic status of cysticercosis caused by T. solium infection in both humans and pigs living in 13 Southeast Asian countries. We will also emphasize epidemiological data as well as prevention and control of human neurocysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Wei Wu
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University Medical School, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Akira Ito
- Department of Parasitology and Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Laboratory, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Lin Ai
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Luz P Acosta
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines
| | - Arve Lee Willingham
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, West Indies
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Pharmacokinetics of the Antischistosomal Lead Ozonide OZ418 in Uninfected Mice Determined by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:7364-7371. [PMID: 27697760 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02394-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major neglected tropical diseases, schistosomiasis, is currently treated and controlled with a single drug, praziquantel. The quest for an alternative drug is fueled by the lack of activity of praziquantel against juvenile Schistosoma worms and the fear of emerging resistance. The synthetic ozonide OZ418 has shown high activity against Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, and S. japonicum in vivo, but its drug disposition remains unknown. To bridge this gap, our study determined the basic pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of a single oral dose (400 mg/kg of body weight) of OZ418 in uninfected mice. First, a simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify OZ418 concentrations in mouse plasma was successfully developed and validated according to U.S. FDA guidelines. This method proved to be selective, accurate (93 to 103%), precise (5 to 16%), and devoid of significant matrix effects (90 to 102%) and provided excellent recovery (101 to 102%). A median peak concentration of 190 (range, 185 to 231) μg/ml was reached at 2 h (2 to 3 h) posttreatment. A naive pooled noncompartmental PK analysis estimated a mean area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) of 9,303 μg h/ml (7,039.2 to 11,908.5 μg h/ml) and a half-life of 38.7 h (20 to 64.6 h). Thus, the OZ418 level in plasma remained well above its in vitro 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 27.4 μg/ml (adult S. mansoni worms at 72 h) for at least 75 h. Consistently, OZ418 degraded little in plasma at 37°C (<20% in 121 h) and weakly inhibited cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolism (IC50 of 37 to 144 μM). Our results provide a first insight into the disposition of OZ418, paving the way for further studies of its biological fate and effect.
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Sm-p80-Based Schistosomiasis Vaccine: Preparation for Human Clinical Trials. Trends Parasitol 2016; 33:194-201. [PMID: 27865740 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mass antiparasitic drug administration programs and other control strategies have made important contributions in reducing the global prevalence of helminths. Schistosomiasis, however, continues to spread to new geographic areas. The advent of a viable vaccine and its deployment, coupled with existing control efforts, is expected to make significant headway towards sustained schistosomiasis control. In 2016, Science ranked the schistosomiasis vaccine as one of the top 10 vaccines that needs to be urgently developed. A vaccine that is effective against geographically distinct forms of intestinal/hepatic and urinary disease is essential to make a meaningful impact in global reduction of the disease burden. In this opinion article, we focus on salient features of schistosomiasis vaccines in different phases of the clinical development pipeline and highlight the Sm-p80-based vaccine which is now being prepared for human clinical trials.
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by helminths belonging to the Schistosoma genus. Approximately 700 million people are at risk of infection and 200 million people are currently infected. Schistosomiasis is the most important helminth infection, and treatment relies solely on the drug praziquantel. Worries of praziquantel resistance as well as high disease burden are only some of the justifications which support the development of a vaccine against schistosomiasis. To date, only 2 schistosome vaccines have made it into clinical trials: Sh28GST (Bilhvax) and Sm14. However, there are several vaccine candidates, such as TSP-2, sm-p8, and Sm-Cathepsin B, which are generating promising results in pre-clinical studies. Schistosomiasis vaccine development has been an uphill battle, and there are still several hurdles to overcome in the future. Fortunately, the research groups involved in the research for vaccine development have not abandoned their work. Furthermore, in the last few years, schistosomiasis has garnered some additional attention on a global scale due to its significant impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ricciardi
- a National Reference Center for Parasitoloy; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center ; Montreal , Quebec , Canada.,b Department of Microbiology & Immunology ; McGill University ; Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Momar Ndao
- a National Reference Center for Parasitoloy; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center ; Montreal , Quebec , Canada.,b Department of Microbiology & Immunology ; McGill University ; Montreal , Quebec , Canada
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Poggio TV, Jensen O, Mossello M, Iriarte J, Avila HG, Gertiser ML, Serafino JJ, Romero S, Echenique MA, Dominguez DE, Barrios JR, Heath D. Serology and longevity of immunity against Echinococcus granulosus in sheep and llama induced by an oil-based EG95 vaccine. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:496-502. [PMID: 27104482 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An oil-based formulation of the EG95 vaccine to protect grazing animals against infection with Echinococcus granulosus was formulated in Argentina. The efficacy of the vaccine was monitored by serology in sheep and llama (Lama glama) and was compared to the serology in sheep previously published using a QuilA-adjuvanted vaccine. Long-term efficacy was also tested in sheep by challenging with E. granulosus eggs of the G1 strain 4 years after the beginning of the trial. The serological results for both sheep and llama were similar to those described previously, except that there was a more rapid response after the first vaccination. A third vaccination given after 1 year resulted in a transient boost in serology that lasted for about 12 months, which was similar to results previously described. Sheep challenged after 4 years with three vaccinations presented 84·2% reduction of live cysts counts compared with control group, and after a fourth vaccination prior to challenge, this reduction was 94·7%. The oil-based vaccine appeared to be bio-equivalent to the QuilA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Poggio
- Centro de Virologia Animal, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología "Dr. Cesar Milstein" - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - O Jensen
- Centro de Investigación en Zoonosis, Chubut, Argentina
| | - M Mossello
- Departamento Zooantroponosis, Ministerio de Salud, Chubut, Argentina
| | - J Iriarte
- Departamento Zooantroponosis, Ministerio de Salud, Chubut, Argentina
| | - H G Avila
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (IMPAM-CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Gertiser
- Centro de Investigación en Zoonosis, Chubut, Argentina
| | - J J Serafino
- Centro de Virologia Animal, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología "Dr. Cesar Milstein" - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Romero
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria, INTA, Abra Pampa, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - M A Echenique
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria, INTA, Abra Pampa, Jujuy, Argentina
| | - D E Dominguez
- Dirección de Sanidad Animal, Subsecretaría de Ganadería y Agricultura, Ministerio de Desarrollo Territorial y Sectores Productivos, Chubut, Argentina
| | - J R Barrios
- Oficina Local Puerto Madryn, Dirección de Sanidad Animal, Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Animal (SENASA), Argentina
| | - D Heath
- AgResearch Ltd., Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Hotez PJ, Strych U, Lustigman S, Bottazzi ME. Human anthelminthic vaccines: Rationale and challenges. Vaccine 2016; 34:3549-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Oliveira FM, Coelho IEV, Lopes MD, Taranto AG, Junior MC, Santos LLD, Villar JAPF, Fonseca CT, Lopes DDO. The Use of Reverse Vaccinology and Molecular Modeling Associated with Cell Proliferation Stimulation Approach to Select Promiscuous Epitopes from Schistosoma mansoni. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 179:1023-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Mendonça AMB, Feitosa APS, Veras DL, Matos-Rocha TJ, Cavalcanti MGDS, Barbosa CCGS, Brayner FA, Alves LC. THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF RECENT ISOLATES OF Schistosoma mansoni TO PRAZIQUANTEL. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2016; 58:7. [PMID: 26910445 PMCID: PMC4793948 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946201658007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus
Schistosoma and its control is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ), but
concerns over PZQ resistance have renewed interest in evaluating the in vitro
susceptibility of recent isolates of Schistosoma mansoni to PZQ in comparison with
well-established strains in the laboratory. Material and methods: The in vitro activity of PZQ (6.5-0.003 µg/mL) was evaluated in terms of
mortality, reduced motor activity and ultrastructural alterations against S.
mansoni. Results: After 3 h of incubation, PZQ, at 6.5 µg/mL, caused 100% mortality of all adult
worms in the three types of recent isolates, while PZQ was inactive at
concentrations of 0.08-0.003 µg/mL after 3 h of incubation. The results show that
the SLM and Sotave isolates basically presented the same pattern of
susceptibility, differing only in the concentration of 6.5 µg/mL, where deaths
occurred from the range of 1.5 h in Sotave and just in the 3 h range of SLM.
Additionally, this article presents ultrastructural evidence of rapid severe
PZQ-induced surface membrane damage in S. mansoni after treatment with the drug,
such as disintegration, sloughing, and erosion of the surface. Conclusion: According to these results, PZQ is very effective to induce tegument destruction
of recent isolates of S. mansoni.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Paula S Feitosa
- Department of Parasitology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Dyana L Veras
- Department of Parasitology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Thiago J Matos-Rocha
- Department of Parasitology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fábio A Brayner
- Department of Parasitology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Luiz C Alves
- Department of Parasitology, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, PE, Brazil
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Hosking CG, McWilliam HEG, Driguez P, Piedrafita D, Li Y, McManus DP, Ilag LL, Meeusen ENT, de Veer MJ. Generation of a Novel Bacteriophage Library Displaying scFv Antibody Fragments from the Natural Buffalo Host to Identify Antigens from Adult Schistosoma japonicum for Diagnostic Development. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004280. [PMID: 26684756 PMCID: PMC4686158 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of effective diagnostic tools will be essential in the continuing fight to reduce schistosome infection; however, the diagnostic tests available to date are generally laborious and difficult to implement in current parasite control strategies. We generated a series of single-chain antibody Fv domain (scFv) phage display libraries from the portal lymph node of field exposed water buffaloes, Bubalus bubalis, 11–12 days post challenge with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae. The selected scFv-phages showed clear enrichment towards adult schistosomes and excretory-secretory (ES) proteins by immunofluorescence, ELISA and western blot analysis. The enriched libraries were used to probe a schistosome specific protein microarray resulting in the recognition of a number of proteins, five of which were specific to schistosomes, with RNA expression predominantly in the adult life-stage based on interrogation of schistosome expressed sequence tags (EST). As the libraries were enriched by panning against ES products, these antigens may be excreted or secreted into the host vasculature and hence may make good targets for a diagnostic assay. Further selection of the scFv library against infected mouse sera identified five soluble scFv clones that could selectively recognise soluble whole adult preparations (SWAP) relative to an irrelevant protein control (ovalbumin). Furthermore, two of the identified scFv clones also selectively recognised SWAP proteins when spiked into naïve mouse sera. These host B-cell derived scFvs that specifically bind to schistosome protein preparations will be valuable reagents for further development of a cost effective point-of-care diagnostic test. Mass drug administration using the highly effective drug praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the method of choice to combat schistosomiasis. However, this treatment regime has limitations; in particular, it does not prevent re-infection and sporadic parasite resistance against PZQ is a continuing threat. The path to the successful control of schistosomiasis is highly challenging and must consider, not only the complex nature of the host-parasite interaction, but also the capacity to assess disease burden and parasite re-emergence in communities where successful control has been achieved. Furthermore, control programs must be economically sustainable in endemic countries and despite significant recent advancements the elimination of schistosomiasis may still be some time away. Accordingly, there is a definitive need to formulate innovative approaches for the development of improved diagnostic tools to accurately assess the disease burden associated with active schistosome infections. Here we describe the usefulness of a phage display library to mature antibody fragments derived from lymph node RNA of the natural buffalo host of the Asian schistosome, Schistosoma japonicum, following an experimental infection. These mature antibody fragments were able to bind native parasite proteins and could thus be used to develop a low cost and accurate point-of-care diagnostic test.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamish E. G. McWilliam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Driguez
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Piedrafita
- School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Federation University, Churchill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leodevico L. Ilag
- Bio21 Molecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Els N. T. Meeusen
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J. de Veer
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
Vaccination is one of the cheapest health-care interventions that have saved more lives than any other drugs or therapies. Due to successful immunization programs we rarely hear about some of the common diseases of the early twentieth century including small pox and polio. Vaccination programs have also helped to increase food production notably poultry, cattle, and milk production due to lower incidence of infectious diseases in farm animals. Though vaccination programs have eradicated several diseases and increased the quality of life there are several diseases that have no effective vaccines. Currently there are no vaccines for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as infectious diseases like tuberculosis, AIDS, and parasitic diseases including malaria. Abuse of antibiotics has resulted in the generation of several antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains; hence there is a need to develop novel vaccines for antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Changes in climate is another concern for vaccinologists. Climate change could lead to generation of new strains of infectious microorganisms that would require development of novel vaccines. Use of conventional vaccination strategies to develop vaccines has severe limitations; hence innovative strategies are essential in the development of novel and effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Thomas
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA.
| | - Rima Dilbarova
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, 100 East Lancaster Avenue, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA.,College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Larrieu E, Mujica G, Gauci CG, Vizcaychipi K, Seleiman M, Herrero E, Labanchi JL, Araya D, Sepúlveda L, Grizmado C, Calabro A, Talmon G, Poggio TV, Crowley P, Cespedes G, Santillán G, García Cachau M, Lamberti R, Gino L, Donadeu M, Lightowlers MW. Pilot Field Trial of the EG95 Vaccine Against Ovine Cystic Echinococcosis in Rio Negro, Argentina: Second Study of Impact. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004134. [PMID: 26517877 PMCID: PMC4627725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important zoonotic disease caused by the cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus. It occurs in many parts of the world where pastoral activities predominate, including the Rio Negro province of Argentina. Although CE control activities have been undertaken in the western regions of Rio Negro for more than two decades, the disease continues to remain prevalent in both the human and livestock animal populations. Vaccination of animal intermediate hosts of CE with the EG95 vaccine may provide a new opportunity to improve the effectiveness of CE control measures, although data are lacking about field application of the vaccine. Aims Evaluate the impact of EG95 vaccination in sheep on the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus in a field environment. Methodology Two trial sites were established in western Rio Negro province within indigenous communities. Vaccination of lambs born into one trial site was introduced and continued for 6 years. Prior to initiation of the trial, and at the end of the trial, the prevalence of CE in sheep was determined by necropsy. Weaned lambs received two injections of EG95 vaccine, approximately one month apart, and a single booster injection one year later. Vaccination was not implemented at the second trial site. A total of 2725 animals were vaccinated in the first year. Animals from this cohort as well as age-matched sheep from the control area were evaluated by necropsy. Key results Introduction of the vaccine led to a statistically significant in the number and size of hydatid cysts in comparison to the situation prior to the introduction of the vaccine, or compared to CE prevalence in the control area where the vaccine was not applied. The prevalence of infection in the vaccinated area was also significantly reduced by 62% compared to the re-intervention level, being lower than the prevalence seen in the control area, although the difference from the control area after the intervention was not significant possibly due to limitations in the numbers of animals available for necropsy. Conclusions Vaccination of sheep with the EG95 vaccine provides a valuable new tool which improves the effectiveness of CE control activities. Vaccination was effective even in a difficult, remote environment where only approximately half the lambs born into the communities were fully vaccinated. Hydatid disease, otherwise known as cystic echinococcosis (CE), is caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The disease is common in many pastoral areas, including parts of the Rio Negro province of Argentina, and is formally recognised by the WHO as a Neglected Tropical Disease. We undertook the first scientific evaluation of the EG95 vaccine against transmission of hydatid disease in a field situation. Sheep in remote indigenous communities of Rio Negro were vaccinated over a six year period. Young lambs received two injections of vaccine and a single booster injection as one year old sheep. A similar region acted as a control where vaccination was not implemented. Evaluation of the outcomes of vaccination revealed a significant, 62% decrease in the prevalence of hydatid infection in 6 year old sheep. Our study provides a template for the application of vaccination in future efforts to control transmission of E. granulosus and reduce the burden of human disease caused by the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmundo Larrieu
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Choele Choel, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Charles G. Gauci
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | | | - Marcos Seleiman
- Ministerio de Salud, Provincia de Río Negro, Viedma, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Herrero
- Ministerio de Salud, Provincia de Río Negro, Viedma, Argentina
| | | | - Daniel Araya
- Ministerio de Salud, Provincia de Río Negro, Viedma, Argentina
| | - Luis Sepúlveda
- Ministerio de Salud, Provincia de Río Negro, Viedma, Argentina
| | | | - Arnoldo Calabro
- Ministerio de Salud, Provincia de Río Negro, Viedma, Argentina
| | - Gabriel Talmon
- Ministerio de Salud, Provincia de Río Negro, Viedma, Argentina
| | - Thelma Verónica Poggio
- Centro de Virología Animal (CEVAN), Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología / Cesar Milstein-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Crowley
- Escuela de Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Choele Choel, Argentina
| | - Graciela Cespedes
- Departamento de Parasitología "INEI- ANLIS", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Mariela García Cachau
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
| | - Roberto Lamberti
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
| | - Lilia Gino
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, General Pico, Argentina
| | - Meritxell Donadeu
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
| | - Marshall W. Lightowlers
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Australia
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Abstract
The 2000 Millennium Development Goals helped stimulate the development of life-saving childhood vaccines for pneumococcal and rotavirus infections while greatly expanding coverage of existing vaccines. However, there remains an urgent need to develop new vaccines for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as for respiratory syncytial virus and those chronic and debilitating (mostly parasitic) infections known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The NTDs represent the most common diseases of people living in extreme poverty and are the subject of this review. The development of NTD vaccines, including those for hookworm infection, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease, is being led by nonprofit product development partnerships (PDPs) working in consortia of academic and industrial partners, including vaccine manufacturers in developing countries. NTD vaccines face unique challenges with respect to their product development and manufacture, as well as their preclinical and clinical testing. We emphasize global efforts to accelerate the development of NTD vaccines and some of the hurdles to ensuring their availability to the world's poorest people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; .,Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; , .,Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030.,Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, DC and Houston, Texas.,Baker Institute, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; .,Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; , .,Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030.,Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, DC and Houston, Texas.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76706
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030; .,Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030
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Distribution of Peripheral Memory T Follicular Helper Cells in Patients with Schistosomiasis Japonica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004015. [PMID: 26284362 PMCID: PMC4540279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a helminthic disease that affects more than 200 million people. An effective vaccine would be a major step towards eliminating the disease. Studies suggest that T follicular helper (Tfh) cells provide help to B cells to generate the long-term humoral immunity, which would be a crucial component of successful vaccines. Thus, understanding the biological characteristics of Tfh cells in patients with schistosomiasis, which has never been explored, is essential for vaccine design. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we investigated the biological characteristics of peripheral memory Tfh cells in schistosomiasis patients by flow cytometry. Our data showed that the frequencies of total and activated peripheral memory Tfh cells in patients were significantly increased during Schistosoma japonicum infection. Moreover, Tfh2 cells, which were reported to be a specific subpopulation to facilitate the generation of protective antibodies, were increased more greatly than other subpopulations of total peripheral memory Tfh cells in patients with schistosomiasis japonica. More importantly, our result showed significant correlations of the percentage of Tfh2 cells with both the frequency of plasma cells and the level of IgG antibody. In addition, our results showed that the percentage of T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells was also increased in patients with schistosomiasis. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our report is the first characterization of peripheral memory Tfh cells in schistosomasis patients, which not only provides potential targets to improve immune response to vaccination, but also is important for the development of vaccination strategies to control schistosomiasis.
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