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Fernandes GM, Rodrigues-Mattos GH, Torres LM, Guedes KS, Fontes CJF, Ntumngia FB, Adams JH, Brito CFA, Kano FS, de Sousa TN, Carvalho LH. Natural genetic diversity of the DBL domain of a novel member of the Plasmodium vivax erythrocyte binding-like proteins (EBP2) in the Amazon rainforest. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105628. [PMID: 38936525 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
In malaria parasites, the erythrocyte binding-like proteins (EBL) are a family of invasion proteins that are attractive vaccine targets. In the case of Plasmodium vivax, the widespread malaria parasite, blood-stage vaccines have been largely focused on a single EBL candidate, the Duffy binding-like domain (DBL) of the Duffy binding protein (DBPII), due to its well-characterized role in the reticulocyte invasion. A novel P. vivax EBL family member, the Erythrocyte binding protein (EBP2, also named EBP or DBP2), binds preferentially to reticulocytes and may mediate an alternative P. vivax invasion pathway. To gain insight into the natural genetic diversity of the DBL domain of EBP2 (region II; EBP2-II), we analyzed ebp2-II gene sequences of 71 P. vivax isolates collected in different endemic settings of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, where P. vivax is the predominant malaria-associated species. Although most of the substitutions in the ebp2-II gene were non-synonymous and suggested positive selection, the results showed that the DBL domain of the EBP2 was much less polymorphic than that of DBPII. The predominant EBP2 haplotype in the Amazon region corresponded to the C127 reference sequence first described in Cambodia (25% C127-like haplotype). An overview of ebp2-II gene sequences available at GenBank (n = 352) from seven countries (Cambodia, Madagascar, Myanmar, PNG, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam) confirmed the C127-like haplotype as highly prevalent worldwide. Two out of 43 haplotypes (5 to 20 inferred per country) showed a global frequency of 60%. The results presented here open new avenues of research pursuit while suggesting that a vaccine based on the DBL domain of EBP2 should target a few haplotypes for broad coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M Fernandes
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Departamento de Parasitologia, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Guilherme H Rodrigues-Mattos
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Letícia M Torres
- Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Karla S Guedes
- Julio Muller School Hospital, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Cor J F Fontes
- Julio Muller School Hospital, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Francis B Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Cristiana F A Brito
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flora S Kano
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Taís N de Sousa
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Luzia H Carvalho
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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2
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Dickey TH, McAleese H, Salinas ND, Lambert LE, Tolia NH. Structure-based design of a Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein immunogen focuses the antibody response to functional epitopes. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5095. [PMID: 38988315 PMCID: PMC11237555 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The Duffy-binding protein (DBP) is a promising antigen for a malaria vaccine that would protect against clinical symptoms caused by Plasmodium vivax infection. Region II of DBP (DBP-II) contains the receptor-binding domain that engages host red blood cells, but DBP-II vaccines elicit many non-neutralizing antibodies that bind distal to the receptor-binding surface. Here, we engineered a truncated DBP-II immunogen that focuses the immune response to the receptor-binding surface. This immunogen contains the receptor-binding subdomain S1S2 and lacks the immunodominant subdomain S3. Structure-based computational design of S1S2 identified combinatorial amino acid changes that stabilized the isolated S1S2 without perturbing neutralizing epitopes. This immunogen elicited DBP-II-specific antibodies in immunized mice that were significantly enriched for blocking activity compared to the native DBP-II antigen. This generalizable design process successfully stabilized an integral core fragment of a protein and focused the immune response to desired epitopes to create a promising new antigen for malaria vaccine development.
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MESH Headings
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/chemistry
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/chemistry
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Plasmodium vivax/immunology
- Animals
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria Vaccines/chemistry
- Epitopes/immunology
- Epitopes/chemistry
- Mice
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/immunology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/chemistry
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Models, Molecular
- Malaria, Vivax/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/prevention & control
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne H. Dickey
- Host‐Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Holly McAleese
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Nichole D. Salinas
- Host‐Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Lynn E. Lambert
- Vaccine Development Unit, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Niraj H. Tolia
- Host‐Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health (NIH)BethesdaMarylandUSA
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3
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Dickey TH, Tolia NH. Designing an effective malaria vaccine targeting Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:850-858. [PMID: 37481347 PMCID: PMC11099547 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Malaria caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite is a major global health burden. Immunity against blood-stage infection reduces parasitemia and disease severity. Duffy-binding protein (DBP) is the primary parasite protein responsible for the invasion of red blood cells and it is a leading subunit vaccine candidate. An effective vaccine, however, is still lacking despite decades of interest in DBP as a vaccine candidate. This review discusses the reasons for targeting DBP, the challenges associated with developing a vaccine, and modern structural vaccinology methods that could be used to create an effective DBP vaccine. Next-generation DBP vaccines have the potential to elicit a broadly protective immune response and provide durable and potent protection from P. vivax malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayne H Dickey
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Niraj H Tolia
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
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4
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Hou MM, Barrett JR, Themistocleous Y, Rawlinson TA, Diouf A, Martinez FJ, Nielsen CM, Lias AM, King LDW, Edwards NJ, Greenwood NM, Kingham L, Poulton ID, Khozoee B, Goh C, Hodgson SH, Mac Lochlainn DJ, Salkeld J, Guillotte-Blisnick M, Huon C, Mohring F, Reimer JM, Chauhan VS, Mukherjee P, Biswas S, Taylor IJ, Lawrie AM, Cho JS, Nugent FL, Long CA, Moon RW, Miura K, Silk SE, Chitnis CE, Minassian AM, Draper SJ. Vaccination with Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein inhibits parasite growth during controlled human malaria infection. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadf1782. [PMID: 37437014 PMCID: PMC7615121 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adf1782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
There are no licensed vaccines against Plasmodium vivax. We conducted two phase 1/2a clinical trials to assess two vaccines targeting P. vivax Duffy-binding protein region II (PvDBPII). Recombinant viral vaccines using chimpanzee adenovirus 63 (ChAd63) and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vectors as well as a protein and adjuvant formulation (PvDBPII/Matrix-M) were tested in both a standard and a delayed dosing regimen. Volunteers underwent controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) after their last vaccination, alongside unvaccinated controls. Efficacy was assessed by comparisons of parasite multiplication rates in the blood. PvDBPII/Matrix-M, given in a delayed dosing regimen, elicited the highest antibody responses and reduced the mean parasite multiplication rate after CHMI by 51% (n = 6) compared with unvaccinated controls (n = 13), whereas no other vaccine or regimen affected parasite growth. Both viral-vectored and protein vaccines were well tolerated and elicited expected, short-lived adverse events. Together, these results support further clinical evaluation of the PvDBPII/Matrix-M P. vivax vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi M Hou
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jordan R Barrett
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | | | | | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Francisco J Martinez
- Unité de Biologie de Plasmodium et Vaccins, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Carolyn M Nielsen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Amelia M Lias
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Lloyd D W King
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Nick J Edwards
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Lucy Kingham
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ian D Poulton
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Cyndi Goh
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Susanne H Hodgson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Dylan J Mac Lochlainn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Jo Salkeld
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Micheline Guillotte-Blisnick
- Unité de Biologie de Plasmodium et Vaccins, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christèle Huon
- Unité de Biologie de Plasmodium et Vaccins, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Franziska Mohring
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Virander S Chauhan
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sumi Biswas
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Iona J Taylor
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Jee-Sun Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Fay L Nugent
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Robert W Moon
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Sarah E Silk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Chetan E Chitnis
- Unité de Biologie de Plasmodium et Vaccins, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Angela M Minassian
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon J Draper
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
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5
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Moskovitz R, Pholcharee T, DonVito SM, Guloglu B, Lowe E, Mohring F, Moon RW, Higgins MK. Structural basis for DARC binding in reticulocyte invasion by Plasmodium vivax. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3637. [PMID: 37336887 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39357-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The symptoms of malaria occur during the blood stage of infection, when the parasite replicates within human red blood cells. The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium vivax, selectively invades reticulocytes in a process which requires an interaction between the ectodomain of the human DARC receptor and the Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein, PvDBP. Previous studies have revealed that a small helical peptide from DARC binds to region II of PvDBP (PvDBP-RII). However, it is also known that sulphation of tyrosine residues on DARC affects its binding to PvDBP and these residues were not observed in previous structures. We therefore present the structure of PvDBP-RII bound to sulphated DARC peptide, showing that a sulphate on tyrosine 41 binds to a charged pocket on PvDBP-RII. We use molecular dynamics simulations, affinity measurements and growth-inhibition experiments in parasites to confirm the importance of this interaction. We also reveal the epitope for vaccine-elicited growth-inhibitory antibody DB1. This provides a complete understanding of the binding of PvDBP-RII to DARC and will guide the design of vaccines and therapeutics to target this essential interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Re'em Moskovitz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Tossapol Pholcharee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Sophia M DonVito
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Bora Guloglu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Edward Lowe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Franziska Mohring
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Robert W Moon
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Matthew K Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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6
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Thawornpan P, Malee C, Kochayoo P, Wangriatisak K, Leepiyasakulchai C, Ntumngia FB, De SL, Adams JH, Chootong P. Characterization of Duffy Binding Protein II-specific CD4 +T cell responses in Plasmodium vivax patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7741. [PMID: 37173361 PMCID: PMC10177721 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34903-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein region II (PvDBPII) is a leading vaccine candidate against blood-stage vivax malaria. Anti-PvDBPII antibodies potentially block parasite invasion by inhibition of erythrocyte binding. However, knowledge of PvDBPII-specific T cell responses is limited. Here, to assess the responses of PvDBPII-specific CD4+T cells in natural P. vivax infection, three cross-sectional studies were conducted in recovered subjects. In silico analysis was used for potential T cell epitope prediction and selection. PBMCs from P. vivax subjects were stimulated with selected peptides and examined for cytokine production by ELISPOT or intracellular cytokine staining. Six dominant T cell epitopes were identified. Peptide-driven T cell responses showed effector memory CD4+T cell phenotype, secreting both IFN-γ and TNF-α cytokines. Single amino acid substitutions in three T cell epitopes altered levels of IFN-γ memory T cell responses. Seropositivity of anti-PvDBPII antibodies were detected during acute malaria (62%) and persisted up to 12 months (11%) following P. vivax infection. Further correlation analysis showed four out of eighteen subjects had positive antibody and CD4+T cell responses to PvDBPII. Altogether, PvDBPII-specific CD4+T cells were developed in natural P. vivax infections. Data on their antigenicity could facilitate development of an efficacious vivax malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongsakorn Thawornpan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chayapat Malee
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyawan Kochayoo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kittikorn Wangriatisak
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaniya Leepiyasakulchai
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Francis B Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sai Lata De
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Patchanee Chootong
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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7
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da Veiga GTS, Moriggi MR, Vettorazzi JF, Müller-Santos M, Albrecht L. Plasmodium vivax vaccine: What is the best way to go? Front Immunol 2023; 13:910236. [PMID: 36726991 PMCID: PMC9885200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most devastating human infectious diseases caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites. A search for an effective and safe vaccine is the main challenge for its eradication. Plasmodium vivax is the second most prevalent Plasmodium species and the most geographically distributed parasite and has been neglected for decades. This has a massive gap in knowledge and consequently in the development of vaccines. The most significant difficulties in obtaining a vaccine against P. vivax are the high genetic diversity and the extremely complex life cycle. Due to its complexity, studies have evaluated P. vivax antigens from different stages as potential targets for an effective vaccine. Therefore, the main vaccine candidates are grouped into preerythrocytic stage vaccines, blood-stage vaccines, and transmission-blocking vaccines. This review aims to support future investigations by presenting the main findings of vivax malaria vaccines to date. There are only a few P. vivax vaccines in clinical trials, and thus far, the best protective efficacy was a vaccine formulated with synthetic peptide from a circumsporozoite protein and Montanide ISA-51 as an adjuvant with 54.5% efficacy in a phase IIa study. In addition, the majority of P. vivax antigen candidates are polymorphic, induce strain-specific and heterogeneous immunity and provide only partial protection. Nevertheless, immunization with recombinant proteins and multiantigen vaccines have shown promising results and have emerged as excellent strategies. However, more studies are necessary to assess the ideal vaccine combination and test it in clinical trials. Developing a safe and effective vaccine against vivax malaria is essential for controlling and eliminating the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to determine what is already known to propose and identify new candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Tatiane Soares da Veiga
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Müller-Santos
- Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Letusa Albrecht
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,*Correspondence: Letusa Albrecht,
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8
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Molina-Franky J, Reyes C, Picón Jaimes YA, Kalkum M, Patarroyo MA. The Black Box of Cellular and Molecular Events of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Invasion into Reticulocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314528. [PMID: 36498854 PMCID: PMC9739029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed malaria parasite affecting humans worldwide, causing ~5 million cases yearly. Despite the disease's extensive burden, there are gaps in the knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms by which P. vivax invades reticulocytes. In contrast, this crucial step is better understood for P. falciparum, the less widely distributed but more often fatal malaria parasite. This discrepancy is due to the difficulty of studying P. vivax's exclusive invasion of reticulocytes, which represent 1-2% of circulating cells. Its accurate targeting mechanism has not yet been clarified, hindering the establishment of long-term continuous in vitro culture systems. So far, only three reticulocyte invasion pathways have been characterised based on parasite interactions with DARC, TfR1 and CD98 host proteins. However, exposing the parasite's alternative invasion mechanisms is currently being considered, opening up a large field for exploring the entry receptors used by P. vivax for invading host cells. New methods must be developed to ensure better understanding of the parasite to control malarial transmission and to eradicate the disease. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on cellular and molecular mechanisms of P. vivax's merozoite invasion to contribute to a better understanding of the parasite's biology, pathogenesis and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Molina-Franky
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá 112111, Colombia
- Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - César Reyes
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá 112111, Colombia
- Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Animal Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Bogotá 111166, Colombia
| | | | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá 112111, Colombia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.A.P.)
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Thawornpan P, Changrob S, Kochayoo P, Wangriatisak K, Ntumngia FB, De SL, Han ET, Adams JH, Chootong P. Cross-reactive inhibitory antibody and memory B cell responses to variant strains of Duffy binding protein II at post-Plasmodium vivax infection. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276335. [PMID: 36256619 PMCID: PMC9578595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Duffy binding protein region II (DBPII) is considered a strong potential vaccine candidate of blood-stage P. vivax. However, the highly polymorphic nature of this protein often misdirects immune responses, leading them to be strain-specific. Details of cross-reactive humoral immunity to DBPII variants have therefore become an important focus for the development of broadly protective vaccines. Here, cross-reactive humoral immunity against a panel of Thai DBPII variants (DBL-THs) was demonstrated in immunized BALB/c mice and P. vivax patients, by in vitro erythrocyte-binding inhibition assay. Sera from immunized animals showed both strain-transcending (anti-DBL-TH2 and -TH4) and strain-specific (anti-DBL-TH5, -TH6 and -TH9) binding to DBL-TH variants. Using anti-DBL-TH sera at 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the homologous strain, anti-DBL-TH2 sera showed cross inhibition to heterologous DBL-TH strains, whereas anti-DBL-TH5 sera exhibited only strain-specific inhibition. In P. vivax patients, 6 of 15 subjects produced and maintained cross-reactive anti-DBL-TH inhibitory antibodies through the 1-year post-infection timepoint. Cross-reactive memory B cell (MBC) responses to DBL-TH variants were analyzed in subjects recovered from P. vivax infection (RC). The plasma samples from 5 RC subjects showed broad inhibition. However, MBC-derived antibodies of these patients did not reveal cross-inhibition. Altogether, broadly anti-DBP variant inhibitory antibodies developed and persisted in P. vivax infections. However, the presence of cross-reactive anti-DBL-TH inhibitory function post-infection was not related with MBC responses to these variants. More detailed investigation of long-lasting, broadly protective antibodies to DBPII will guide the design of vivax malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongsakorn Thawornpan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siriruk Changrob
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyawan Kochayoo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kittikorn Wangriatisak
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Francis B. Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sai Lata De
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research and USF Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Patchanee Chootong
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- * E-mail:
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Prolonged Breastfeeding and the Risk of Plasmodium vivax Infection and Clinical Malaria in Early Childhood: A Birth Cohort Study. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:793-799. [PMID: 35763695 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relatively few Amazonian infants have clinical malaria diagnosed, treated and notified before their first birthday, either because they are little exposed to an infection or remain asymptomatic once infected. Here we measure the proportion of children who have experienced Plasmodium vivax infection and malaria by 2 years of age in the main transmission hotspot of Amazonian Brazil. METHODS We measured IgG antibodies to 3 blood-stage P. vivax antigens at the 1- and 2-year follow-up assessment of 435 participants in a population-based birth cohort. Children's malaria case notifications were retrieved from the electronic database of the Ministry of Health. We used multiple Poisson regression models to identify predictors of serologically proven P. vivax infection and clinical vivax malaria during the first 2 years of life. RESULTS Overall, 23 [5.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.5-7.8%) children had antibodies to ≥2 antigens detected during at least one follow-up assessment, consistent with past P. vivax infection(s). Fifteen (3.4%; 95% CI: 2.1-5.6%) children had clinical vivax episodes notified during the first 2 years of life; 7 of them were seronegative. We estimate that half of the infections remained unnotified. Children born to women who experienced P. vivax infection during pregnancy were more likely to be infected and develop clinical vivax malaria, while those breast-fed for ≥12 months had their risk of being P. vivax -seropositive (which we take as evidence of blood-stage P. vivax infection during the first 2 years of life) decreased by 79.8% (95% CI: 69.3-86.7%). CONCLUSION P. vivax infections in early childhood are underreported in the Amazon, are associated with anemia at 2 years of age, and appear to be partially prevented by prolonged breastfeeding.
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Kar S, Sinha A. Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein-Based Vaccine: a Distant Dream. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:916702. [PMID: 35909975 PMCID: PMC9325973 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.916702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neglected but highly prevalent Plasmodium vivax in South-east Asia and South America poses a great challenge, with regards to long-term in-vitro culturing and heavily limited functional assays. Such visible challenges as well as narrowed progress in development of experimental research tools hinders development of new drugs and vaccines. The leading vaccine candidate antigen Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP), is essential for reticulocyte invasion by binding to its cognate receptor, the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC), on the host’s reticulocyte surface. Despite its highly polymorphic nature, the amino-terminal cysteine-rich region II of PvDBP (PvDBPII) has been considered as an attractive target for vaccine-mediated immunity and has successfully completed the clinical trial Phase 1. Although this molecule is an attractive vaccine candidate against vivax malaria, there is still a question on its viability due to recent findings, suggesting that there are still some aspects which needs to be looked into further. The highly polymorphic nature of PvDBPII and strain-specific immunity due to PvDBPII allelic variation in Bc epitopes may complicate vaccine efficacy. Emergence of various blood-stage antigens, such as PvRBP, PvEBP and supposedly many more might stand in the way of attaining full protection from PvDBPII. As a result, there is an urgent need to assess and re-assess various caveats connected to PvDBP, which might help in designing a long-term promising vaccine for P. vivax malaria. This review mainly deals with a bunch of rising concerns for validation of DBPII as a vaccine candidate antigen for P. vivax malaria.
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12
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Lima BAS, Fernandes GM, Torres LM, Pires CV, Alves JRS, Moreira-Nascimento SL, Nascimento MFA, Afonso SL, Costa HL, Cerávolo IP, Sousa TN, Soares IS, Ntumngia FB, Adams JH, Carvalho LH, Kano FS. Antibody response to a new member of the DBL family (EBP2) after a brief Plasmodium vivax exposure. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010493. [PMID: 35714097 PMCID: PMC9205486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax blood-stage invasion into reticulocyte is critical for parasite development. Thus, validation of novel parasite invasion ligands is essential for malaria vaccine development. Recently, we demonstrated that EBP2, a Duffy binding protein (DBP) paralog, is antigenically distinct from DBP and could not be functionally inhibited by anti-DBP antibodies. Here, we took advantage of a small outbreak of P.vivax malaria, located in a non-malarious area of Brazil, to investigate for the first time IgM/IgG antibodies against EBP2 and DEKnull-2 (an engineering DBPII vaccine) among individuals who had their first and brief exposure to P.vivax (16 cases and 22 non-cases). Our experimental approach included 4 cross sectional surveys at 3-month interval (12-month follow-up). The results demonstrated that while a brief initial P.vivax infection was not efficient to induce IgM/ IgG antibodies to either EBP2 or DEKnull-2, IgG antibodies against DEKnull-2 (but not EBP2) were boosted by recurrent blood-stage infections following treatment. Of interest, in most recurrent P. vivax infections (4 out of 6 patients) DEKnull-2 IgG antibodies were sustained for 6 to 12 months. Polymorphisms in the ebp2 gene does not seem to explain EBP2 low immunogenicity as the ebp2 allele associated with the P.vivax outbreak presented high identity to the original EBP2 isolate used as recombinant protein. Although EBP2 antibodies were barely detectable after a primary episode of P.vivax infection, EBP2 was highly recognized by serum IgG from long-term malaria-exposed Amazonians (range from 35 to 92% according to previous malaria episodes). Taken together, the results showed that individuals with a single and brief exposure to P.vivax infection develop very low anti-EBP2 antibodies, which tend to increase after long-term malaria exposure. Finally, the findings highlighted the potential of DEKnull-2 as a vaccine candidate, as in non-immune individuals anti-DEKnull-2 IgG antibodies were boosted even after a brief exposure to P.vivax blood stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara A. S. Lima
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gabriela M. Fernandes
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Letícia M. Torres
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camilla V. Pires
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jéssica R. S. Alves
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sâmick L. Moreira-Nascimento
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda A. Nascimento
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sofia L. Afonso
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helena L. Costa
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela P. Cerávolo
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tais N. Sousa
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Irene S. Soares
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francis B. Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Luzia H. Carvalho
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flora S. Kano
- Biologia Molecular e Imunologia da Malária, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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13
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Estimation of Plasmodium falciparum transmission using multiepitope chimeric antigen in the postelimination phase in Yunnan, China. Parasitol Int 2022; 89:102597. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Liu ZSJ, Sattabongkot J, White M, Chotirat S, Kumpitak C, Takashima E, Harbers M, Tham WH, Healer J, Chitnis CE, Tsuboi T, Mueller I, Longley RJ. Naturally acquired antibody kinetics against Plasmodium vivax antigens in people from a low malaria transmission region in western Thailand. BMC Med 2022; 20:89. [PMID: 35260169 PMCID: PMC8904165 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02281-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) is the dominant Plasmodium spp. causing the disease malaria in low-transmission regions outside of Africa. These regions often feature high proportions of asymptomatic patients with sub-microscopic parasitaemia and relapses. Naturally acquired antibody responses are induced after Plasmodium infection, providing partial protection against high parasitaemia and clinical episodes. However, previous work has failed to address the presence and maintenance of such antibody responses to P. vivax particularly in low-transmission regions. METHODS We followed 34 patients in western Thailand after symptomatic P. vivax infections to monitor antibody kinetics over 9 months, during which no recurrent infections occurred. We assessed total IgG, IgG subclass and IgM levels to up to 52 P. vivax proteins every 2-4 weeks using a multiplexed Luminex® assay and identified protein-specific variation in antibody longevity. Mathematical modelling was used to generate the estimated half-life of antibodies, long-, and short-lived antibody-secreting cells. RESULTS Generally, an increase in antibody level was observed within 1-week post symptomatic infection, followed by an exponential decay of different rates. We observed mostly IgG1 dominance and IgG3 sub-dominance in this population. IgM responses followed similar kinetic patterns to IgG, with some proteins unexpectedly inducing long-lived IgM responses. We also monitored antibody responses against 27 IgG-immunogenic antigens in 30 asymptomatic individuals from a similar region. Our results demonstrate that most antigens induced robust and long-lived total IgG responses following asymptomatic infections in the absence of (detected) boosting infections. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides new insights into the development and maintenance of naturally acquired immunity to P. vivax and will guide the potential use of serology to indicate immune status and/or identify populations at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Shih-Jung Liu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Current affiliation: Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT, Institute for Innovation in Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation, Geelong, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael White
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Analytics G5 Unit, Department of Global Health, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sadudee Chotirat
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chalermpon Kumpitak
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Matthias Harbers
- CellFree Sciences Co., Ltd., Yokohama, Japan and RIKEN Centre for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Julie Healer
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Chetan E Chitnis
- Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines, Department of Parasites & Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Ivo Mueller
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Rhea J Longley
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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15
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Yao M, Xiao L, Sun X, Lin Z, Hao X, Bai QQ, Yin DH. Surveillance of Plasmodium vivax transmission using serological models in the border areas of China-Myanmar. Malar J 2022; 21:69. [PMID: 35241079 PMCID: PMC8895518 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To understand the Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission intensity and to assess the effectiveness of prevention and control measures taken along the China–Myanmar border, a catalytic model was used to calculate the seroconversion rate, an important indicator of malaria transmission intensity with high sensitivity, which is particularly useful in areas of low transmission. Methods Five counties in Yunnan Province bordering Myanmar were selected as survey sites, and subjects were obtained in each county by stratified random sampling in 2013–2014. Fingerstick blood was collected from each subject and tested for antibodies to P. vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1-19 (PvMSP1-19) using indirect ELISA. A catalytic conversion model was used to assess the transmission intensity of P. vivax malaria based on the maximum likelihood of generating a community seroconversion rate. Results A total of 3064 valid blood samples were collected. Antibody levels were positively correlated with age. The seroconversion rate (SCR) values for each village were Luoping (0.0054), Jingqiao (0.0061), Longpen (0.0087), Eluo (0.0079), Banwang (0.0042) and Banbie (0.0046), respectively. Conclusion Overall, the intensity of P. vivax malaria transmission in the border areas of Yunnan Province is low and not entirely consistent across counties. Consecutive serological surveys are needed to provide a sensitive evaluation of transmission dynamics and can help to confirm areas where infection is no longer present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixue Yao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209, Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lishun Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209, Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No.6 Xiyuan Road, Simao City, Puer, 665000, Yunnan, China
| | - Zurui Lin
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No.6 Xiyuan Road, Simao City, Puer, 665000, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiao Hao
- Jinan Blood Center, No.127 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250001, Shandong, China
| | - Qiong-Qiong Bai
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209, Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - De-Hui Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209, Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Alves JRS, de Araújo FF, Pires CV, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Lima BAS, Torres LM, Ntumngia FB, Adams JH, Kano FS, Carvalho LH. Multiplexed Microsphere-Based Flow Cytometric Assay to Assess Strain Transcending Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein II Reveals an Efficient Tool to Identify Binding-Inhibitory Antibody Responders. Front Immunol 2021; 12:704653. [PMID: 34675915 PMCID: PMC8523986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.704653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health problem worldwide, and Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed malaria parasite. Naturally acquired binding inhibitory antibodies (BIAbs) to region II of the Duffy binding protein (DBPII), a P. vivax ligand that is critical for reticulocyte invasion, are associated with a reduced risk of clinical malaria. Owing to methodological issues in evaluating antibodies that inhibit the DBPII-DARC interaction, a limited number of studies have investigated DBPII BIAbs in P. vivax-exposed populations. Based on the assumption that individuals with a consistent BIAb response are characterized by strain-transcending immune responses, we hypothesized that detecting broadly reactive DBPII antibodies would indicate the presence of BIAb response. By taking advantage of an engineered DBPII immunogen targeting conserved DBPII neutralizing epitopes (DEKnull-2), we standardized a multiplex flow cytometry-based serological assay to detect broadly neutralizing IgG antibodies. For this study, a standard in vitro cytoadherence assay with COS-7 cells expressing DBPII was used to test for DBPII BIAb response in long-term P. vivax-exposed Amazonian individuals. Taken together, the results demonstrate that this DBPII-based multiplex assay facilitates identifying DBPII BIAb carriers. Of relevance, the ability of the multiplex assay to identify BIAb responders was highly accurate when the positivity for all antigens was considered. In conclusion, the standardized DBPII-based flow cytometric assay confirmed that DBPII-BIAb activity was associated with the breadth rather than the magnitude of anti-DBPII antibodies. Altogether, our results suggest that multiplex detection of broadly DBPII-reactive antibodies facilitates preliminary screening of BIAb responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica R. S. Alves
- Molecular Biology and Malaria Immunology, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F. de Araújo
- Integrated Research Group in Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Camilla V. Pires
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho
- Integrated Research Group in Biomarkers, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Barbara A. S. Lima
- Molecular Biology and Malaria Immunology, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Letícia M. Torres
- Molecular Biology and Malaria Immunology, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Francis B. Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Flora S. Kano
- Molecular Biology and Malaria Immunology, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luzia H. Carvalho
- Molecular Biology and Malaria Immunology, René Rachou Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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17
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Ndegwa DN, Kundu P, Hostetler JB, Marin-Menendez A, Sanderson T, Mwikali K, Verzier LH, Coyle R, Adjalley S, Rayner JC. Using Plasmodium knowlesi as a model for screening Plasmodium vivax blood-stage malaria vaccine targets reveals new candidates. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1008864. [PMID: 34197567 PMCID: PMC8279373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is responsible for the majority of malaria cases outside Africa. Unlike P. falciparum, the P. vivax life-cycle includes a dormant liver stage, the hypnozoite, which can cause infection in the absence of mosquito transmission. An effective vaccine against P. vivax blood stages would limit symptoms and pathology from such recurrent infections, and therefore could play a critical role in the control of this species. Vaccine development in P. vivax, however, lags considerably behind P. falciparum, which has many identified targets with several having transitioned to Phase II testing. By contrast only one P. vivax blood-stage vaccine candidate based on the Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP), has reached Phase Ia, in large part because the lack of a continuous in vitro culture system for P. vivax limits systematic screening of new candidates. We used the close phylogenetic relationship between P. vivax and P. knowlesi, for which an in vitro culture system in human erythrocytes exists, to test the scalability of systematic reverse vaccinology to identify and prioritise P. vivax blood-stage targets. A panel of P. vivax proteins predicted to function in erythrocyte invasion were expressed as full-length recombinant ectodomains in a mammalian expression system. Eight of these antigens were used to generate polyclonal antibodies, which were screened for their ability to recognize orthologous proteins in P. knowlesi. These antibodies were then tested for inhibition of growth and invasion of both wild type P. knowlesi and chimeric P. knowlesi lines modified using CRISPR/Cas9 to exchange P. knowlesi genes with their P. vivax orthologues. Candidates that induced antibodies that inhibited invasion to a similar level as PvDBP were identified, confirming the utility of P. knowlesi as a model for P. vivax vaccine development and prioritizing antigens for further follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan N. Ndegwa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
| | - Prasun Kundu
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica B. Hostetler
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Theo Sanderson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kioko Mwikali
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa H. Verzier
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Coyle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Adjalley
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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18
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De SL, May S, Shah K, Slawinski M, Changrob S, Xu S, Barnes SJ, Chootong P, Ntumngia FB, Adams JH. Variable immunogenicity of a vivax malaria blood-stage vaccine candidate. Vaccine 2021; 39:2668-2675. [PMID: 33840564 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.072] [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: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Relapsing malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax is a neglected tropical disease and an important cause of malaria worldwide. Vaccines to prevent clinical disease and mosquito transmission of vivax malaria are needed to overcome the distinct challenges of this important public health problem. In this vaccine immunogenicity study in mice, we examined key variables of responses to a P. vivax Duffy binding protein vaccine, a leading candidate to prevent the disease-causing blood-stages. Significant sex-dependent differences were observed in B cell (CD80+) and T cell (CD8+) central memory subsets, resulting in significant differences in functional immunogenicity and durability of anti-DBP protective efficacy. These significant sex-dependent differences in inbred mice were in the CD73+CD80+ memory B cell, H2KhiCD38hi/lo, and effector memory subsets. This study highlights sex and immune genes as critical variables that can impact host responses to P. vivax antigens and must be taken into consideration when designing clinical vaccine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Lata De
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Samuel May
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Keshav Shah
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Michelle Slawinski
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Siriruk Changrob
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Shulin Xu
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Samantha J Barnes
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Patchanee Chootong
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Francis B Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
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De SL, Ntumngia FB, Nicholas J, Adams JH. Progress towards the development of a P. vivax vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:97-112. [PMID: 33481638 PMCID: PMC7994195 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1880898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Plasmodium vivax causes significant public health problems in endemic regions. A vaccine to prevent disease is critical, considering the rapid spread of drug-resistant parasite strains, and the development of hypnozoites in the liver with potential for relapse. A minimally effective vaccine should prevent disease and transmission while an ideal vaccine provides sterile immunity. AREAS COVERED Despite decades of research, the complex life cycle, technical challenges and a lack of funding have hampered progress of P. vivax vaccine development. Here, we review the progress of potential P. vivax vaccine candidates from different stages of the parasite life cycle. We also highlight the challenges and important strategies for rational vaccine design. These factors can significantly increase immune effector mechanisms and improve the protective efficacy of these candidates in clinical trials to generate sustained protection over longer periods of time. EXPERT OPINION A vaccine that presents functionally-conserved epitopes from multiple antigens from various stages of the parasite life cycle is key to induce broadly neutralizing strain-transcending protective immunity to effectively disrupt parasite development and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Lata De
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
| | - Francis B. Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
| | - Justin Nicholas
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
| | - John H. Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa – 33612, FL
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20
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Longley RJ, White MT, Takashima E, Brewster J, Morita M, Harbers M, Obadia T, Robinson LJ, Matsuura F, Liu ZSJ, Li-Wai-Suen CSN, Tham WH, Healer J, Huon C, Chitnis CE, Nguitragool W, Monteiro W, Proietti C, Doolan DL, Siqueira AM, Ding XC, Gonzalez IJ, Kazura J, Lacerda M, Sattabongkot J, Tsuboi T, Mueller I. Development and validation of serological markers for detecting recent Plasmodium vivax infection. Nat Med 2020; 26:741-749. [DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0841-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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21
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Patarroyo MA, Arévalo-Pinzón G, Moreno-Pérez DA. From a basic to a functional approach for developing a blood stage vaccine against Plasmodium vivax. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:195-207. [PMID: 32077349 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1733421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Numerous challenges have hampered developing an anti-malarial vaccine against the most widespread malarial parasite worldwide: Plasmodium vivax. Despite the progress achieved in studying proteins in short-term in vitro culture or in experimental models, there is still no clear method for defining which antigens or their regions should be prioritized for including them in a vaccine.Areas covered: The methods used by research groups so far which have focused on the functional analysis of P. vivax blood stage antigens have been reviewed here. A logical strategy orientated toward resolving two of the most commonly occurring problems in designing vaccines against this species has thus been proposed (i.e. the search for candidates and evaluating/ascertaining their functional role in the invasion of such molecules).Expert commentary: Advances in knowledge regarding P. vivax biology have been extremely slow. Only two key receptor-ligand interactions concerning merozoite entry to reticulocytes have been reported during the last 20 years: PvDBP1-DARC and PvRBP2b-CD71. Despite increasing knowledge about the parasite's intimate preference for its host cells, it has yet to be determined which regions of the merozoite molecules characterized to date meet the requirement of inducing protective immune responses effectively blocking heterologous parasite entry to human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Gabriela Arévalo-Pinzón
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Darwin A Moreno-Pérez
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,Livestock Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas Y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Bogotá DC, Colombia
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22
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Amplification of Duffy binding protein-encoding gene allows Plasmodium vivax to evade host anti-DBP humoral immunity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:953. [PMID: 32075983 PMCID: PMC7031336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14574-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antigenic variation, the capacity to produce a range of variable antigens, is a well-described strategy of Plasmodium and other parasites to evade host immunity. Here, we show that gene amplification is an additional evasion mechanism used by Plasmodium vivax to escape humoral immunity targeting PvDBP, the key ligand involved in reticulocyte invasion. PvDBP gene amplification leads to increased mRNA levels and protects P. vivax in vitro against invasion inhibitory human monoclonal antibodies targeting a conserved binding domain of DBP. Patient samples suggest that parasites with increased pvdbp copy number are able to infect individuals with naturally acquired antibodies highly blocking the binding of PvDBP to the Duffy receptor. These results show that gene copy number variation affect the parasite’s ability to evade anti-PvDBP humoral immunity. Duffy binding protein (DBP) of Plasmodium vivax is important for invasion and is a potential vaccine candidate. Here, the authors show that PvDBP gene amplification protects P vivax in vitro against invasion inhibitory human monoclonal antibodies and is associated to infection of patients with PvDBP binding inhibitory antibodies.
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23
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Kale S, Yadav CP, Rao PN, Shalini S, Eapen A, Srivasatava HC, Sharma SK, Pande V, Carlton JM, Singh OP, Mallick PK. Antibody responses within two leading Plasmodium vivax vaccine candidate antigens in three geographically diverse malaria-endemic regions of India. Malar J 2019; 18:425. [PMID: 31842894 PMCID: PMC6916228 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying highly immunogenic blood stage antigens which can work as target for naturally acquired antibodies in different eco-epidemiological settings is an important step for designing malaria vaccine. Blood stage proteins of Plasmodium vivax, apical membrane antigen-1 (PvAMA-1) and 19 kDa fragment of merozoite surface protein (PvMSP-119) are such promising vaccine candidate antigens. This study determined the naturally-acquired antibody response to PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119 antigens in individuals living in three geographically diverse malaria endemic regions of India. Methods A total of 234 blood samples were collected from individuals living in three different eco-epidemiological settings, Chennai, Nadiad, and Rourkela of India. Indirect ELISA was performed to measure human IgG antibodies against recombinant PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119 antigens. The difference in seroprevalence and factors associated with antibody responses at each site was statistically analysed. Results The overall seroprevalence was 40.6% for PvAMA-1 and 62.4% for PvMSP-119. Seroprevalence to PvAMA-1 was higher in Chennai (47%) followed by Nadiad (46.7%) and Rourkela (27.6%). For PvMSP-119, seroprevalence was higher in Chennai (80.3%) as compared to Nadiad (53.3%) and Rourkela (57.9%). Seroprevalence for both the antigens were found to be higher in Chennai where P. vivax is the dominant malaria species. In addition, heterogeneous antibody response was observed for PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119 antigens at each of the study sites. Two factors, age and malaria positivity were significantly associated with seropositivity for both the antigens PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119. Conclusion These data suggest that natural acquired antibody response is higher for PvMSP-119 antigen as compared to PvAMA-1 antigen in individuals living in three geographically diverse malaria endemic regions in India. PvMSP-119 appears to be highly immunogenic in Indian population and has great potential as a malaria vaccine candidate. The differences in immune response against vaccine candidate antigens in different endemic settings should be taken into account for development of asexual stage based P. vivax malaria vaccine, which in turn can enhance malaria control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Kale
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Chander P Yadav
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Pavitra N Rao
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Sneh Shalini
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Alex Eapen
- National Institute of Malaria Research Field Unit, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Epidemiology Campus, Ayapakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Harish C Srivasatava
- National Institute of Malaria Research Field Unit, Civil Hospital, Nadiad, Gujarat, India
| | - Surya K Sharma
- Jigyansha, International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Sector 1, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jane M Carlton
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Om P Singh
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi, India.
| | - Prashant K Mallick
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi, India.
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24
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Kochayoo P, Changrob S, Wangriatisak K, Lee SK, Chootong P, Han ET. The persistence of naturally acquired antibodies and memory B cells specific to rhoptry proteins of Plasmodium vivax in patients from areas of low malaria transmission. Malar J 2019; 18:382. [PMID: 31783870 PMCID: PMC6884809 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhoptries are the large, paired, secretory organelles located at the apical tip of the malaria merozoite that are considered important for parasite invasion processes. Plasmodium vivax rhoptry proteins have been shown to induce humoral immunity during natural infections. Therefore, these proteins may be potential novel vaccine candidates. However, there is a lack of data on the duration of antibody and memory B cell (MBC) responses. Here, the longitudinal analysis of antibody and MBC responses to the P. vivax rhoptry proteins PvRALP1-Ecto and PvRhopH2 were monitored and analysed in individuals to determine their persistence. Methods Thirty-nine samples from P. vivax-infected subjects (age 18–60 years) were recruited to explore the frequency and persistence of antibody and MBC responses against rhoptry proteins (PvRALP1-Ecto and PvRhopH2) using both cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study designs. Antibody levels were determined by ELISA during clinical malaria, and at 3, 9 and 12 months post-infection. The frequency of MBC sub-sets and presence of rhoptry-specific MBCs in subjects 18 months after treatment were detected by flow cytometry and ELISPOT assay. Results The seroprevalence of antibodies against PvRALP1-Ecto and PvRhopH2 proteins was found to be high during acute infection, with IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 sub-classes predominant. However, these anti-rhoptry responses were short-lived and significantly decreased at 9 months post-infection. To relate the durability of these antibody responses to MBC persistence at post-infection, 18-month post-infection peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) samples were taken to detect rhoptry-specific MBCs and frequency of MBC sub-sets, and correlate with antibody responses. These late post-infection samples revealed that rhoptry-specific MBCs were present in about 70% of total subjects. However, the persistence of specific MBCs was not correlated with antibody responses as the majority of malaria subjects who were positive for PvRALP1-Ecto- or PvRhopH2-specific MBCs were seronegative for the rhoptry antigens. The frequencies of classical MBCs were increased after infection, whereas those of activated and atypical MBCs were decreased, indicating that MBC responses could switch from activated or atypical MBCs to classical MBCs after parasite clearance, and were maintained in blood circulating at post-infection. Conclusion The study showed that rhoptry antigens induced the development and persistence of MBC responses in P. vivax-infected subjects who lived in a region of low malaria transmission, which were not related to the longevity of antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyawan Kochayoo
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Siriruk Changrob
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Kittikorn Wangriatisak
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Seong Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Patchanee Chootong
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-701, Republic of Korea.
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25
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Duffy PE. Structure Solves the Problem with Malaria Merozoite Vaccines. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:855-857. [PMID: 31623952 PMCID: PMC11131090 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Malaria vaccines targeting merozoite invasion of erythrocytes have long held appeal but failed in clinical trials. Three structural studies of antibody-antigen complexes by Alanine et al., Urusova et al., and Rawlinson et al. define neutralizing and nonneutralizing epitopes in essential invasion proteins, leading to rational design of improved merozoite vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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26
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Antonelli LR, Junqueira C, Vinetz JM, Golenbock DT, Ferreira MU, Gazzinelli RT. The immunology of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Immunol Rev 2019; 293:163-189. [PMID: 31642531 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax infection, the predominant cause of malaria in Asia and Latin America, affects ~14 million individuals annually, with considerable adverse effects on wellbeing and socioeconomic development. A clinical hallmark of Plasmodium infection, the paroxysm, is driven by pyrogenic cytokines produced during the immune response. Here, we review studies on the role of specific immune cell types, cognate innate immune receptors, and inflammatory cytokines on parasite control and disease symptoms. This review also summarizes studies on recurrent infections in individuals living in endemic regions as well as asymptomatic infections, a serious barrier to eliminating this disease. We propose potential mechanisms behind these repeated and subclinical infections, such as poor induction of immunological memory cells and inefficient T effector cells. We address the role of antibody-mediated resistance to P. vivax infection and discuss current progress in vaccine development. Finally, we review immunoregulatory mechanisms, such as inhibitory receptors, T regulatory cells, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, that antagonizes both innate and acquired immune responses, interfering with the development of protective immunity and parasite clearance. These studies provide new insights for the clinical management of symptomatic as well as asymptomatic individuals and the development of an efficacious vaccine for vivax malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis R Antonelli
- Instituto de Pesquisas Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Caroline Junqueira
- Instituto de Pesquisas Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Joseph M Vinetz
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Douglas T Golenbock
- Division of Infectious Disease and immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Gazzinelli
- Instituto de Pesquisas Rene Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Division of Infectious Disease and immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Plataforma de Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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27
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Ntumngia FB, Thomson-Luque R, Galusic S, Frato G, Frischmann S, Peabody DS, Chackerian B, Ferreira MU, King CL, Adams JH. Identification and Immunological Characterization of the Ligand Domain of Plasmodium vivax Reticulocyte Binding Protein 1a. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:1110-1118. [PMID: 29741629 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Erythrocyte invasion by malaria parasites is essential for blood-stage development. Consequently, parasite proteins critically involved in erythrocyte invasion, such as the Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding proteins (RBPs) that mediate preferential invasion of reticulocytes, are considered potential vaccine targets. Thus, targeting the RBPs could prevent blood-stage infection and disease. The RBPs are large, and little is known about their functional domains and whether individuals naturally exposed to P. vivax acquire binding-inhibitory antibodies to these critical binding regions. This study aims to functionally and immunologically characterize Plasmodium vivax RBP1a. Methods Recombinant proteins of overlapping fragments of RBP1a were used to determine binding specificity to erythrocytes and immunogenicity in laboratory animals. The naturally acquired antibody response to these proteins was evaluated using serum samples from individuals in regions of endemicity. Results The N-terminal extracellular region, RBP1157-650 (RBP1:F8), was determined to bind both reticulocytes and normocytes, with a preference for immature reticulocytes. Antibodies elicited against rRBP1:F8 blocked binding between RBP1:F8 and erythrocytes. Naturally acquired anti-RBP1 binding-inhibitory antibodies were detected in serum specimens from P. vivax-exposed individuals from Papua New Guinea and Brazil. Conclusion Recombinant RBP1:F8 binds human erythrocytes, elicits artificially induced functional blocking antibodies, and is a target of naturally acquired binding-inhibitory antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis B Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Richard Thomson-Luque
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Sandra Galusic
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
| | - Gabriel Frato
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sarah Frischmann
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - David S Peabody
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Bryce Chackerian
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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28
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Urusova D, Carias L, Huang Y, Nicolete VC, Popovici J, Roesch C, Salinas ND, Dechavanne S, Witkowski B, Ferreira MU, Adams JH, Gross ML, King CL, Tolia NH. Structural basis for neutralization of Plasmodium vivax by naturally acquired human antibodies that target DBP. Nat Microbiol 2019; 4:1486-1496. [PMID: 31133752 PMCID: PMC6707876 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0461-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP) is a prime target of the protective immune response and a promising vaccine candidate for P. vivax malaria. Naturally acquired immunity (NAI) protects against malaria in adults residing in infection-endemic regions, and the passive transfer of malarial immunity confers protection. A vaccine that replicates NAI will effectively prevent disease. Here, we report the structures of DBP region II in complex with human-derived, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies obtained from an individual in a malaria-endemic area with naturally acquired immunity. We identified protective epitopes by X-ray crystallography, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, mutational mapping, and P. vivax invasion studies. These approaches reveal that naturally-acquired human antibodies neutralize P. vivax by targeting the DARC–binding site and dimer interface of P. vivax DBP. Antibody binding is unaffected by polymorphisms in the vicinity of epitopes, suggesting the antibodies have evolved to engage multiple polymorphic variants of DBP. The human antibody epitopes are broadly conserved and are distinct from previously defined epitopes for broadly conserved murine mAbs. A library of globally conserved epitopes of neutralizing human antibodies opens new horizons for rational design of strain-transcending DBP-based vaccines and therapeutics against P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Urusova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lenore Carias
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yining Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA.,Bioproduct Research and Development, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Jean Popovici
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Camille Roesch
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Nichole D Salinas
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sebastien Dechavanne
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Benoit Witkowski
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - John H Adams
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael L Gross
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Niraj H Tolia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA. .,Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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29
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Structural basis for inhibition of Plasmodium vivax invasion by a broadly neutralizing vaccine-induced human antibody. Nat Microbiol 2019; 4:1497-1507. [PMID: 31133755 PMCID: PMC6711757 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-019-0462-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The most widespread form of malaria is caused by Plasmodium vivax. To replicate, this parasite must invade immature red blood cells, through a process which requires interaction of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein, PvDBP with its human receptor, the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines, DARC. Naturally acquired antibodies that inhibit this interaction associate with clinical immunity, suggesting PvDBP as a leading candidate for inclusion in a vaccine to prevent malaria due to Plasmodium vivax. Here, we isolated a panel of monoclonal antibodies from human volunteers immunised in a clinical vaccine trial of PvDBP. We screened their ability to prevent PvDBP from binding to DARC, and their capacity to block red blood cell invasion by a transgenic Plasmodium knowlesi parasite genetically modified to express PvDBP and to prevent reticulocyte invasion by multiple clinical isolates of Plasmodium vivax. This identified a broadly neutralising human monoclonal antibody which inhibited invasion of all tested strains of Plasmodium vivax. Finally, we determined the structure of a complex of this antibody bound to PvDBP, indicating the molecular basis for inhibition. These findings will guide future vaccine design strategies and open up possibilities for testing the prophylactic use of such an antibody.
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Identification of an Immunogenic Broadly Inhibitory Surface Epitope of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein Ligand Domain. mSphere 2019; 4:4/3/e00194-19. [PMID: 31092602 PMCID: PMC6520440 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00194-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vivax malaria is the second leading cause of malaria worldwide and the major cause of non-African malaria. Unfortunately, efforts to develop antimalarial vaccines specifically targeting Plasmodium vivax have been largely neglected, and few candidates have progressed into clinical trials. The Duffy binding protein is considered a leading blood-stage vaccine candidate because this ligand’s recognition of the Duffy blood group reticulocyte surface receptor is considered essential for infection. This study identifies a new target epitope on the ligand’s surface that may serve as the target of vaccine-induced binding-inhibitory antibody (BIAb). Understanding the potential targets of vaccine protection will be important for development of an effective vaccine. The Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein region II (DBPII) is a vital ligand for the parasite’s invasion of reticulocytes, thereby making this molecule an attractive vaccine candidate against vivax malaria. However, strain-specific immunity due to DBPII allelic variation in Bc epitopes may complicate vaccine efficacy, suggesting that an effective DBPII vaccine needs to target conserved epitopes that are potential targets of strain-transcending neutralizing immunity. The minimal epitopes reactive with functionally inhibitory anti-DBPII monoclonal antibody (MAb) 3C9 and noninhibitory anti-DBPII MAb 3D10 were mapped using phage display expression libraries, since previous attempts to deduce the 3C9 epitope by cocrystallographic methods failed. Inhibitory MAb 3C9 binds to a conserved conformation-dependent epitope in subdomain 3, while noninhibitory MAb 3D10 binds to a linear epitope in subdomain 1 of DBPII, consistent with previous studies. Immunogenicity studies using synthetic linear peptides of the minimal epitopes determined that the 3C9 epitope, but not the 3D10 epitope, could induce functionally inhibitory anti-DBPII antibodies. Therefore, the highly conserved binding-inhibitory 3C9 epitope offers the potential as a component in a broadly inhibitory, strain-transcending DBP subunit vaccine. IMPORTANCE Vivax malaria is the second leading cause of malaria worldwide and the major cause of non-African malaria. Unfortunately, efforts to develop antimalarial vaccines specifically targeting Plasmodium vivax have been largely neglected, and few candidates have progressed into clinical trials. The Duffy binding protein is considered a leading blood-stage vaccine candidate because this ligand’s recognition of the Duffy blood group reticulocyte surface receptor is considered essential for infection. This study identifies a new target epitope on the ligand’s surface that may serve as the target of vaccine-induced binding-inhibitory antibody (BIAb). Understanding the potential targets of vaccine protection will be important for development of an effective vaccine.
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Carias LL, Dechavanne S, Nicolete VC, Sreng S, Suon S, Amaratunga C, Fairhurst RM, Dechavanne C, Barnes S, Witkowski B, Popovici J, Roesch C, Chen E, Ferreira MU, Tolia NH, Adams JH, King CL. Identification and Characterization of Functional Human Monoclonal Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax Duffy-Binding Protein. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:2648-2660. [PMID: 30944159 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax invasion of reticulocytes relies on distinct receptor-ligand interactions between the parasite and host erythrocytes. Engagement of the highly polymorphic domain II of the P. vivax Duffy-binding protein (DBPII) with the erythrocyte's Duffy Ag receptor for chemokines (DARC) is essential. Some P. vivax-exposed individuals acquired Abs to DBPII that block DBPII-DARC interaction and inhibit P. vivax reticulocyte invasion, and Ab levels correlate with protection against P. vivax malaria. To better understand the functional characteristics and fine specificity of protective human Abs to DBPII, we sorted single DBPII-specific IgG+ memory B cells from three individuals with high blocking activity to DBPII. We identified 12 DBPII-specific human mAbs from distinct lineages that blocked DBPII-DARC binding. All mAbs were P. vivax strain transcending and targeted known binding motifs of DBPII with DARC. Eleven mAbs competed with each other for binding, indicating recognition of the same or overlapping epitopes. Naturally acquired blocking Abs to DBPII from individuals with high levels residing in different P. vivax-endemic areas worldwide competed with mAbs, suggesting broadly shared recognition sites. We also found that mAbs inhibited P. vivax entry into reticulocytes in vitro. These findings suggest that IgG+ memory B cell activity in individuals with P. vivax strain-transcending Abs to DBPII display a limited clonal response with inhibitory blocking directed against a distinct region of the molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenore L Carias
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Sebastien Dechavanne
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | - Vanessa C Nicolete
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sao Paulo, 05508-000 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sokunthea Sreng
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, 12101 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Seila Suon
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, 12101 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Rick M Fairhurst
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Celia Dechavanne
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106.,UMR 261-Mother and Child Facing Tropical Infections, French National Research Institute for Development, Paris Descartes University, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Samantha Barnes
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Benoit Witkowski
- Malaria Unit, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, 12201 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jean Popovici
- Malaria Unit, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, 12201 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Camille Roesch
- Malaria Unit, Pasteur Institute in Cambodia, 12201 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Edwin Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, University of Sao Paulo, 05508-000 Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Niraj H Tolia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110.,Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106; .,Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106
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Moderately Neutralizing Epitopes in Nonfunctional Regions Dominate the Antibody Response to Plasmodium falciparum EBA-140. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00716-18. [PMID: 30642904 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00716-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte-binding antigen 140 (EBA-140) plays a role in tight junction formation during parasite invasion of red blood cells and is a potential vaccine candidate for malaria. Individuals in areas where malaria is endemic possess EBA-140-specific antibodies, and individuals with high antibody titers to this protein have a lower rate of reinfection by parasites. The red blood cell binding segment of EBA-140 is comprised of two Duffy-binding-like domains, called F1 and F2, that together create region II. The sialic acid-binding pocket of F1 is essential for binding, whereas the sialic acid-binding pocket in F2 appears dispensable. Here, we show that immunization of mice with the complete region II results in poorly neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, immunization of mice with the functionally relevant F1 domain of region II results in antibodies that confer a 2-fold increase in parasite neutralization compared to that of the F2 domain. Epitope mapping of diverse F1 and F2 monoclonal antibodies revealed that the functionally relevant F1 sialic acid-binding pocket is a privileged site inaccessible to antibodies, that the F2 sialic acid-binding pocket contains a nonneutralizing epitope, and that two additional epitopes reside in F1 on the opposite face from the sialic acid-binding pocket. These studies indicate that focusing the immune response to the functionally important F1 sialic acid binding pocket improves the protective immune response of EBA-140. These results have implications for improving future vaccine designs and emphasize the importance of structural vaccinology for malaria.
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Antibody responses to Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding and Erythrocyte binding proteins predict risk of infection and are associated with protection from clinical Malaria. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0006987. [PMID: 30768655 PMCID: PMC6400399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP) is a key target of naturally acquired immunity. However, region II of PvDBP, which contains the receptor-binding site, is highly polymorphic. The natural acquisition of antibodies to different variants of PvDBP region II (PvDBPII), including the AH, O, P and Sal1 alleles, the central region III-V (PvDBPIII-V), and P. vivax Erythrocyte Binding Protein region II (PvEBPII) and their associations with risk of clinical P. vivax malaria are not well understood. Methodology Total IgG and IgG subclasses 1, 2, and 3 that recognize four alleles of PvDBPII (AH, O, P, and Sal1), PvDBPIII-V and PvEBPII were measured in samples collected from a cohort of 1 to 3 year old Papua New Guinean (PNG) children living in a highly endemic area of PNG. The levels of binding inhibitory antibodies (BIAbs) to PvDBPII (AH, O, and Sal1) were also tested in a subset of children. The association of presence of IgG with age, cumulative exposure (measured as the product of age and malaria infections during follow-up) and prospective risk of clinical malaria were evaluated. Results The increase in antigen-specific total IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 with age and cumulative exposure was only observed for PvDBPII AH and PvEBPII. High levels of total IgG and predominant subclass IgG3 specific for PvDBPII AH were associated with decreased incidence of clinical P. vivax episodes (aIRR = 0.56–0.68, P≤0.001–0.021). High levels of total IgG and IgG1 to PvEBPII correlated strongly with protection against clinical vivax malaria compared with IgGs against all PvDBPII variants (aIRR = 0.38, P<0.001). Antibodies to PvDBPII AH and PvEBPII showed evidence of an additive effect, with a joint protective association of 70%. Conclusion Antibodies to the key parasite invasion ligands PvDBPII and PvEBPII are good correlates of protection against P. vivax malaria in PNG. This further strengthens the rationale for inclusion of PvDBPII in a recombinant subunit vaccine for P. vivax malaria and highlights the need for further functional studies to determine the potential of PvEBPII as a component of a subunit vaccine for P. vivax malaria. Plasmodium vivax is responsible for most malaria infections outside Africa, with 13.8 million vivax malaria cases reported annually worldwide. Antibodies are a key component of the host response to P. vivax infection, and their study can assist in identifying suitable vaccine candidates and serological biomarkers for malaria surveillance. The binding of P. vivax Duffy binding protein region II (PvDBPII) to the Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines (DARC) is critical for P. vivax invasion of reticulocytes. Although the binding residues for DARC are highly conserved across PvDBPII, the parasite displays high sequence diversity in non-binding residues of PvDBPII. Other regions such as PvDBPIII-V are relatively conserved. Recently, sequencing of P. vivax field isolates, identified a homologous erythrocyte-binding protein (PvEBP), which harbors a domain, region II (PvEBPII), that is homologous to PvDBPII. To date, there has been limited investigation into the naturally acquired immunity to both PvDBPIII-V and PvEBPII in human populations. Using a longitudinal cohort study, we have characterized the serological response to PvDBPII, PvDBPIII-V, and PvEBPII among 1–3 years old PNG children and investigated associations with protection against clinical malaria. This study shows that both total IgG and IgG3 to the predominant PvDBPII AH allele in PNG, and total IgG and IgG1 to PvEBPII were associated with protection from P. vivax malaria.
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Guy AJ, Irani V, Richards JS, Ramsland PA. Structural patterns of selection and diversity for Plasmodium vivax antigens DBP and AMA1. Malar J 2018; 17:183. [PMID: 29720179 PMCID: PMC5930944 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2324-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax is a significant contributor to the global malaria burden, and a vaccine targeting vivax malaria is urgently needed. An understanding of the targets of functional immune responses during the course of natural infection will aid in the development of a vaccine. Antibodies play a key role in this process, with responses against particular epitopes leading to immune selection pressure on these epitopes. A number of techniques exist to estimate levels of immune selection pressure on particular epitopes, with a sliding window analysis often used to determine particular regions likely to be under immune pressure. However, such analysis neglects protein three-dimensional structural information. With this in mind, a newly developed tool, BioStructMap, was applied to two key antigens from Plasmodium vivax: PvAMA1 and PvDBP Region II. This tool incorporates structural information into tests of selection pressure. RESULTS Sequences from a number of populations were analysed, examining spatially-derived nucleotide diversity and Tajima's D over protein structures for PvAMA1 and PvDBP. Structural patterns of nucleotide diversity were similar across all populations examined, with Domain I of PvAMA1 having the highest nucleotide diversity and displaying significant signatures of immune selection pressure (Tajima's D > 0). Nucleotide diversity for PvDBP was highest bordering the dimerization and DARC-binding interface, although there was less evidence of immune selection pressure on PvDBP compared with PvAMA1. This study supports previous work that has identified Domain I as the main target of immune-mediated selection pressure for PvAMA1, and also supports studies that have identified functional epitopes within PvDBP Region II. CONCLUSIONS The BioStructMap tool was applied to leading vaccine candidates from P. vivax, to examine structural patterns of selection and diversity across a number of geographic populations. There were striking similarities in structural patterns of diversity across multiple populations. Furthermore, whilst regions of high diversity tended to surround conserved binding interfaces, a number of protein regions with very low diversity were also identified, and these may be useful targets for further vaccine development, given previous evidence of functional antibody responses against these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Guy
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vashti Irani
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jack S Richards
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Paul A Ramsland
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. .,School of Science, RMIT University, Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia. .,Department of Surgery Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia.
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Nyunt MH, Soe TN, Shein T, Zaw NN, Han SS, Muh F, Lee SK, Han JH, Park JH, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Kyaw MP, Han ET. Estimation on local transmission of malaria by serological approach under low transmission setting in Myanmar. Malar J 2018; 17:6. [PMID: 29304809 PMCID: PMC5755288 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the prevalence of the malaria has been decreasing in many endemic countries including Myanmar, malaria elimination in Greater Mekong Region was targeted not later than 2030. The relevance of molecular and serological tools to identify residual transmission remains to be established in this setting. Methods One-year cohort study was conducted and sera samples were collected in every 3 months with active and passive case detection for clinical malaria episodes by RDT, microscopy and molecular method. The sera were used to detect the malaria antibody against PfMSP1-19, PvAMA1, PvDBPII and PvMSP1-19 by protein microarray. Results Among the recruited 1182 participants, there was no RDT positive case for malaria infection although two vivax infections were detected by microscopy in initial collection. Molecular methods detected the asymptomatic cases of 28/1182 (2.37%) in first, 5/894 (0.42%) in second, 12/944 (1.02%) in third, 6/889 (0.51%) in fourth collection, respectively. Seropositivity rates against the PfMSP1-19, PvMSP1-19, PvAMA1 and PvDBPII were 73/270 (27.0%), 85/270 (31.5%), 65/270 (24.1%) and 160/270 (59.3%), respectively. PfMSP1-19 and PvMSP1-19 showed high and stable antigenicity in acute and subacute samples but declining in 1-year history samples. No cross reactivity of PfMSP1-19 and PvMSP1-19 between the two species and higher seropositivity among the asymptomatic carriers were observed. Mapping data indicated serological surveillance can detect the geographical pattern of malaria infection under low transmission setting. Conclusions These findings support that PfMSP1-19 and PvMSP1-19 are suggested for serosurveillance of the malaria especially in low transmission setting for further necessary actions have to be carried out to eliminate the malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myat Htut Nyunt
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | - Ni Ni Zaw
- Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Soe Soe Han
- Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Fauzi Muh
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Park
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon national University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
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Koepfli C, Ome-Kaius M, Jally S, Malau E, Maripal S, Ginny J, Timinao L, Kattenberg JH, Obadia T, White M, Rarau P, Senn N, Barry AE, Kazura JW, Mueller I, Robinson LJ. Sustained Malaria Control Over an 8-Year Period in Papua New Guinea: The Challenge of Low-Density Asymptomatic Plasmodium Infections. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1434-1443. [PMID: 29029179 PMCID: PMC5853328 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The scale-up of effective malaria control in the last decade has resulted in a substantial decline in the incidence of clinical malaria in many countries. The effects on the proportions of asymptomatic and submicroscopic infections and on transmission potential are yet poorly understood. Methods In Papua New Guinea, vector control has been intensified since 2008, and improved diagnosis and treatment was introduced in 2012. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Madang Province in 2006 (with 1280 survey participants), 2010 (with 2117 participants), and 2014 (with 2516 participants). Infections were quantified by highly sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and gametocytes were quantified by reverse-transcription qPCR analysis. Results Plasmodium falciparum prevalence determined by qPCR decreased from 42% in 2006 to 9% in 2014. The P. vivax prevalence decreased from 42% in 2006 to 13% in 2010 but then increased to 20% in 2014. Parasite densities decreased 5-fold from 2006 to 2010; 72% of P. falciparum and 87% of P. vivax infections were submicroscopic in 2014. Gametocyte density and positivity correlated closely with parasitemia, and population gametocyte prevalence decreased 3-fold for P. falciparum and 29% for P. vivax from 2010 to 2014. Conclusions Sustained control has resulted in reduced malaria transmission potential, but an increasing proportion of gametocyte carriers are asymptomatic and submicroscopic and represent a challenge to malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Koepfli
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- University of California–Irvine
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang
| | | | - Elisheba Malau
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Jason Ginny
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang
| | | | - Johanna Helena Kattenberg
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang
| | - Thomas Obadia
- Malaria: Parasites & Hosts Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Center for Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, and Integrative Biology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Michael White
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Medical Research Council Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Rarau
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alyssa E Barry
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Ivo Mueller
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Malaria: Parasites & Hosts Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Barcelona Center for International Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leanne J Robinson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang
- Correspondence: L. Robinson, PhD, MPH, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia ()
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Mechanisms of naturally acquired immunity to P. falciparum and approaches to identify merozoite antigen targets. Parasitology 2017; 145:839-847. [PMID: 29144217 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one the most serious infectious diseases with over 200 million clinical cases annually. Most cases of the severe disease are caused by Plasmodium falciparum. The blood stage of Plasmodium parasite is entirely responsible for malaria-associated pathology. The population most susceptible to severe malaria are children under the age of 5, with low levels of immunity. It is only after many years of repeated exposure that individuals living in endemic areas develop clinical immunity. This form of protection prevents clinical episodes by substantially reducing parasite burden. Naturally acquired immunity predominantly targets blood-stage parasites with antibody responses being the main mediators of protection. The targets of clinical immunity are the extracellular merozoite and the infected erythrocyte surface, with the extremely diverse PfEMP1 proteins the main target here. This observation provides a strong rationale that an effective anti-malaria vaccine targeting blood-stage parasites is achievable. Thus the identification of antigenic targets of naturally acquired immunity remains an important step towards the formulation of novel vaccine combinations before testing their efficacy in clinical trials. This review summarizes the main findings to date defining antigenic targets present on the extracellular merozoite associated with naturally acquired immunity to P. falciparum malaria.
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Ntumngia FB, Pires CV, Barnes SJ, George MT, Thomson-Luque R, Kano FS, Alves JRS, Urusova D, Pereira DB, Tolia NH, King CL, Carvalho LH, Adams JH. An engineered vaccine of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein enhances induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13779. [PMID: 29062081 PMCID: PMC5653783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13891-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax invasion into human reticulocytes is a complex process. The Duffy binding protein (DBP) dimerization with its cognate receptor is vital for junction formation in the invasion process. Due to its functional importance, DBP is considered a prime vaccine candidate, but variation in B-cell epitopes at the dimer interface of DBP leads to induction of strain-limited immunity. We believe that the polymorphic residues tend to divert immune responses away from functionally conserved epitopes important for receptor binding or DBP dimerization. As a proof of concept, we engineered the vaccine DEKnull to ablate the dominant Bc epitope to partially overcome strain-specific immune antibody responses. Additional surface engineering on the next generation immunogen, DEKnull-2, provides an immunogenicity breakthrough to conserved protective epitopes. DEKnull-2 elicits a stronger broadly neutralizing response and reactivity with long-term persistent antibody responses of acquired natural immunity. By using novel engineered DBP immunogens, we validate that the prime targets of protective immunity are conformational epitopes at the dimer interface. These successful results indicate a potential approach that can be used generally to improve efficacy of other malaria vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis B Ntumngia
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA
| | - Camilla V Pires
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, 30190, Brazil
| | - Samantha J Barnes
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA
| | - Miriam T George
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA
| | - Richard Thomson-Luque
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA
| | - Flora S Kano
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, 30190, Brazil
| | - Jessica R S Alves
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, 30190, Brazil
| | - Darya Urusova
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology & Microbial Pathogenesis, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, 63130, USA
| | - Dhelio B Pereira
- Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical de Rondonia-CEPEM, Porto Velho, 76812-245, Brazil
| | - Niraj H Tolia
- Departments of Molecular Microbiology & Microbial Pathogenesis, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, 63130, USA
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106, USA
| | - Luzia H Carvalho
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, 30190, Brazil
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA.
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França CT, White MT, He WQ, Hostetler JB, Brewster J, Frato G, Malhotra I, Gruszczyk J, Huon C, Lin E, Kiniboro B, Yadava A, Siba P, Galinski MR, Healer J, Chitnis C, Cowman AF, Takashima E, Tsuboi T, Tham WH, Fairhurst RM, Rayner JC, King CL, Mueller I. Identification of highly-protective combinations of Plasmodium vivax recombinant proteins for vaccine development. eLife 2017; 6:28673. [PMID: 28949293 PMCID: PMC5655538 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of antigenic targets of naturally-acquired immunity is essential to identify and prioritize antigens for further functional characterization. We measured total IgG antibodies to 38 P. vivax antigens, investigating their relationship with prospective risk of malaria in a cohort of 1–3 years old Papua New Guinean children. Using simulated annealing algorithms, the potential protective efficacy of antibodies to multiple antigen-combinations, and the antibody thresholds associated with protection were investigated for the first time. High antibody levels to multiple known and newly identified proteins were strongly associated with protection (IRR 0.44–0.74, p<0.001–0.041). Among five-antigen combinations with the strongest protective effect (>90%), EBP, DBPII, RBP1a, CyRPA, and PVX_081550 were most frequently identified; several of them requiring very low antibody levels to show a protective association. These data identify individual antigens that should be prioritized for further functional testing and establish a clear path to testing a multicomponent P. vivax vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Tenorio França
- Division of Population Health and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Michael T White
- Division of Population Health and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia.,MRC Center for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wen-Qiang He
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jessica B Hostetler
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, United States
| | - Jessica Brewster
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Gabriel Frato
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
| | - Indu Malhotra
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
| | - Jakub Gruszczyk
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Christele Huon
- Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Enmoore Lin
- Malaria Immuno-Epidemiology Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea
| | - Benson Kiniboro
- Malaria Immuno-Epidemiology Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea
| | - Anjali Yadava
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, United States
| | - Peter Siba
- Malaria Immuno-Epidemiology Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea
| | - Mary R Galinski
- International Center for Malaria Research, Education, and Development, Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, United States.,Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Julie Healer
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Chetan Chitnis
- Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Alan F Cowman
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, United States
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Rick M Fairhurst
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, United States
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, United States
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Division of Population Health and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Malaria Parasites and Hosts Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Barcelona Institute of Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
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40
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França CT, Li Wai Suen CSN, Carmagnac A, Lin E, Kiniboro B, Siba P, Schofield L, Mueller I. IgG antibodies to synthetic GPI are biomarkers of immune-status to both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria in young children. Malar J 2017; 16:386. [PMID: 28946883 PMCID: PMC5613389 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Further reduction in malaria prevalence and its eventual elimination would be greatly facilitated by the development of biomarkers of exposure and/or acquired immunity to malaria, as well as the deployment of effective vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. A better understanding of the acquisition of immunity in naturally-exposed populations is essential for the identification of antigens useful as biomarkers, as well as to inform rational vaccine development. Methods ELISA was used to measure total IgG to a synthetic form of glycosylphosphatidylinositol from P. falciparum (PfGPI) in a cohort of 1–3 years old Papua New Guinea children with well-characterized individual differences in exposure to P. falciparum and P. vivax blood-stage infections. The relationship between IgG levels to PfGPI and measures of recent and past exposure to P. falciparum and P. vivax infections was investigated, as well as the association between antibody levels and prospective risk of clinical malaria over 16 months of follow-up. Results Total IgG levels to PfGPI were low in the young children tested. Antibody levels were higher in the presence of P. falciparum or P. vivax infections, but short-lived. High IgG levels were associated with higher risk of P. falciparum malaria (IRR 1.33–1.66, P = 0.008–0.027), suggesting that they are biomarkers of increased exposure to P. falciparum infections. Given the cross-reactive nature of antibodies to PfGPI, high IgG levels were also associated with reduced risk of P. vivax malaria (IRR 0.65–0.67, P = 0.039–0.044), indicating that these antibodies are also markers of acquired immunity to P. vivax. Conclusions This study highlights that in young children, IgG to PfGPI might be a useful marker of immune-status to both P. falciparum and P. vivax infections, and potentially useful to help malaria control programs to identify populations at-risk. Further functional studies are necessary to confirm the potential of PfGPI as a target for vaccine development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-2042-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila T França
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Connie S N Li Wai Suen
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amandine Carmagnac
- Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Enmoore Lin
- Malaria Immuno-Epidemiology Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Benson Kiniboro
- Malaria Immuno-Epidemiology Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Peter Siba
- Malaria Immuno-Epidemiology Unit, PNG Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Louis Schofield
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Malaria Parasites & Hosts Unit, Department of Parasites & Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGLOBAL), Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is the second most prevalent cause of malaria worldwide and the leading cause of malaria outside of Africa. Although infections are seldom fatal clinical disease can be debilitating and imposes significant health and economic impacts on affected populations. Estimates of transmission and prevalence intensity can be problematic because many episodes of vivax originate from hypnozoite stages in the liver that have remained dormant from previous infections by an unknown mechanism. Lack of treatment options to clear hypnozoites and the ability to infect mosquitoes before disease symptoms present represent major challenges for control and eradication of vivax malaria. Compounding these challenges is the unique biology of P. vivax and limited progress in development of experimental research tools, thereby hindering development of new drugs and vaccines. Renewed emphasis on vivax malaria research is beginning to make progress in overcoming some of these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Golassa L, White MT. Population-level estimates of the proportion of Plasmodium vivax blood-stage infections attributable to relapses among febrile patients attending Adama Malaria Diagnostic Centre, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Malar J 2017; 16:301. [PMID: 28750669 PMCID: PMC5530918 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1944-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is ranked as the leading communicable disease in Ethiopia, where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are co-endemic. The incidence of P. vivax is usually considered to be less seasonal than P. falciparum. Clinical cases of symptomatic P. falciparum exhibit notable seasonal variation, driven by rainfall-dependent variation in the abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes. A similar peak of clinical cases of P. vivax is usually observed during the rainy season. However, the ability of P. vivax to relapse causing new blood-stage infections weeks to months after an infectious mosquito bite can lead to substantial differences in seasonal patterns of clinical cases. These cannot be detected with currently available diagnostic tools and are not cleared upon treatment with routinely administered anti-malarial drugs. Methods A health- facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Adama malaria diagnostic centre from May 2015 to April 2016. Finger-prick blood samples were collected for thin and thick blood film preparation from participants seeking treatment for suspected cases of febrile malaria. Informed consent was obtained from each study participant or their guardians. Seasonal patterns in malaria cases were analysed using statistical models, identifying the peaks in cases, and the seasonally varying proportion of P. vivax cases attributable to relapses. Results The proportion of patients with malaria detectable by light microscopy was 36.1% (1141/3161) of which P. vivax, P. falciparum, and mixed infections accounted for 71.4, 25.8 and 2.8%, respectively. Of the febrile patients diagnosed, 2134 (67.5%) were males and 1919 (60.7%) were urban residents. The model identified a primary peak in P. falciparum and P. vivax cases from August to October, as well as a secondary peak of P. vivax cases from February to April attributable to cases arising from relapses. During the secondary peak of P. vivax cases approximately 77% (95% CrI 68, 84%) of cases are estimated to be attributable to relapses. During the primary peak from August to October, approximately 40% (95% CrI 29, 57%) of cases are estimated to be attributable to relapses. Discussion It is not possible to diagnose whether a P. vivax case has been caused by blood-stage infection from a mosquito bite or a relapse. However, differences in seasonal patterns of P. falciparum and P. vivax cases can be used to estimate the population-level proportion of P. vivax cases attributable to relapses. These observations have important implications for the epidemiological assessment of vivax malaria, and initiating therapy that is effective against both blood stages and relapses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1944-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Michael T White
- MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.,Division of Population Health and Immunity, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, 1G Royal Parade, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
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43
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Payne RO, Silk SE, Elias SC, Milne KH, Rawlinson TA, Llewellyn D, Shakri AR, Jin J, Labbé GM, Edwards NJ, Poulton ID, Roberts R, Farid R, Jørgensen T, Alanine DG, de Cassan SC, Higgins MK, Otto TD, McCarthy JS, de Jongh WA, Nicosia A, Moyle S, Hill AV, Berrie E, Chitnis CE, Lawrie AM, Draper SJ. Human vaccination against Plasmodium vivax Duffy-binding protein induces strain-transcending antibodies. JCI Insight 2017; 2:93683. [PMID: 28614791 PMCID: PMC5470884 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.93683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread human malaria geographically; however, no effective vaccine exists. Red blood cell invasion by the P. vivax merozoite depends on an interaction between the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) and region II of the parasite’s Duffy-binding protein (PvDBP_RII). Naturally acquired binding-inhibitory antibodies against this interaction associate with clinical immunity, but it is unknown whether these responses can be induced by human vaccination. METHODS. Safety and immunogenicity of replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus serotype 63 (ChAd63) and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) viral vectored vaccines targeting PvDBP_RII (Salvador I strain) were assessed in an open-label dose-escalation phase Ia study in 24 healthy UK adults. Vaccines were delivered by the intramuscular route in a ChAd63-MVA heterologous prime-boost regimen using an 8-week interval. RESULTS. Both vaccines were well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile in malaria-naive adults. PvDBP_RII–specific ex-vivo IFN-γ T cell, antibody-secreting cell, memory B cell, and serum IgG responses were observed after the MVA boost immunization. Vaccine-induced antibodies inhibited the binding of vaccine homologous and heterologous variants of recombinant PvDBP_RII to the DARC receptor, with median 50% binding-inhibition titers greater than 1:100. CONCLUSION. We have demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge that strain-transcending antibodies can be induced against the PvDBP_RII antigen by vaccination in humans. These vaccine candidates warrant further clinical evaluation of efficacy against the blood-stage P. vivax parasite. TRIAL REGISTRATION. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01816113. FUNDING. Support was provided by the UK Medical Research Council, UK National Institute of Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, and the Wellcome Trust. A clinical trial of a candidate blood-stage Plasmodium vivax vaccine targeting the Duffy-binding protein demonstrates safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults and induces strain-transcending antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth O Payne
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Silk
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sean C Elias
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn H Milne
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Llewellyn
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - A Rushdi Shakri
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Jing Jin
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nick J Edwards
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ian D Poulton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Roberts
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan Farid
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas Jørgensen
- ExpreS2, ion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | | | | | - Matthew K Higgins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas D Otto
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James S McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Willem A de Jongh
- ExpreS2, ion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- ReiThera SRL (formerly Okairòs SRL), Viale Città d'Europa, Rome, Italy.,CEINGE, Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sarah Moyle
- Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Vs Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Berrie
- Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chetan E Chitnis
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.,Institut Pasteur, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Alison M Lawrie
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Muh F, Han JH, Nyunt MH, Lee SK, Jeon HY, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Ahmed MA, Na S, Takashima E, Tsuboi T, Han ET. Identification of a novel merozoite surface antigen of Plasmodium vivax, PvMSA180. Malar J 2017; 16:133. [PMID: 28351409 PMCID: PMC5369000 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1760-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although a number of Plasmodium vivax proteins have been identified, few have been investigated as potential vaccine candidates. This study characterized the Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface antigen 180 (PvMSA180, PVX_094920), a novel P. vivax antigenic protein. Methods The target gene was amplified as four overlapping domains (D1, D2, D3 and D4) to enable expression of the recombinant protein using cell-free and bacterial expression systems. The recombinant PvMSA180 proteins were used in protein microarrays to evaluate the humoral immune response of 72 vivax-infected patients and 24 vivax-naïve individuals. Antibodies produced in mice against the PvMSA180-D1 and -D4 domains were used to assess the subcellular localization of schizont-stage parasites with immunofluorescence assays. A total of 51 pvmsa180 sequences from 12 countries (41 sequences from PlasmoDB and 6 generated in this study) were used to determine the genetic diversity and genealogical relationships with DNAsp and NETWORK software packages, respectively. Results PvMSA180 consists of 1603 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 182 kDa, and has a signal peptide at the amino-terminus. A total of 70.8% of patients (51/72) showed a specific antibody response to at least one of the PvMSA180 domains, and 20.8% (15/72) exhibited a robust antibody response to at least three of the domains. These findings suggest that PvMSA180 is targeted by the humoral immune response during natural infection with P. vivax. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that PvMSA180 is localized on the merozoite surface of schizont-stage parasites, and pvmsa180 sequences originating from various geographic regions worldwide showed low genetic diversity. Twenty-two haplotypes were found, and haplotype 6 (Hap_6, 77%) of pvmsa180 was detected in isolates from six countries. Conclusions A novel P. vivax surface protein, PvMSA180, was characterized in this study. Most of P. vivax-infected patients had specific antibodies against particular antigenic domains, indicating that this protein is immunogenic in naturally exposed populations. Genetic analysis of worldwide isolates showed that pvmsa180 is less polymorphic than other well-known candidates and that some haplotypes are common to several countries. However, additional studies with a larger sample size are necessary to evaluate the antibody responses in geographically separated populations, and to identify the function of PvMSA180 during parasite invasion. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1760-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauzi Muh
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Myat Htut Nyunt
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Republic of the Union of Myanmar
| | - Seong-Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yoon Jeon
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Atique Ahmed
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
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López C, Yepes-Pérez Y, Hincapié-Escobar N, Díaz-Arévalo D, Patarroyo MA. What Is Known about the Immune Response Induced by Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Candidates? Front Immunol 2017; 8:126. [PMID: 28243235 PMCID: PMC5304258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax continues being one of the most important infectious diseases around the world; P. vivax is the second most prevalent species and has the greatest geographic distribution. Developing an effective antimalarial vaccine is considered a relevant control strategy in the search for means of preventing the disease. Studying parasite-expressed proteins, which are essential in host cell invasion, has led to identifying the regions recognized by individuals who are naturally exposed to infection. Furthermore, immunogenicity studies have revealed that such regions can trigger a robust immune response that can inhibit sporozoite (hepatic stage) or merozoite (erythrocyte stage) invasion of a host cell and induce protection. This review provides a synthesis of the most important studies to date concerning the antigenicity and immunogenicity of both synthetic peptide and recombinant protein candidates for a vaccine against malaria produced by P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina López
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yoelis Yepes-Pérez
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; MSc Programme in Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Hincapié-Escobar
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC) , Bogotá , Colombia
| | - Diana Díaz-Arévalo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (UDCA), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Basic Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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46
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Tham WH, Beeson JG, Rayner JC. Plasmodium vivax vaccine research - we've only just begun. Int J Parasitol 2016; 47:111-118. [PMID: 27899329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax parasites cause the majority of malaria cases outside Africa, and are increasingly being acknowledged as a cause of severe disease. The unique attributes of P. vivax biology, particularly the capacity of the dormant liver stage, the hypnozoite, to maintain blood-stage infections even in the absence of active transmission, make blood-stage vaccines particularly attractive for this species. However, P. vivax vaccine development remains resolutely in first gear, with only a single blood-stage candidate having been evaluated in any depth. Experience with Plasmodium falciparum suggests that a much broader search for new candidates and a deeper understanding of high priority targets will be required to make significant advances. This review discusses some of the particular challenges of P. vivax blood-stage vaccine development, highlighting both recent advances and key remaining barriers to overcome in order to move development forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - James G Beeson
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute of Medical Research, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Central Clinical School and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, United Kingdom.
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47
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Ntumngia FB, Thomson-Luque R, Pires CV, Adams JH. The role of the human Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines in malaria susceptibility: current opinions and future treatment prospects. JOURNAL OF RECEPTOR, LIGAND AND CHANNEL RESEARCH 2016; 9:1-11. [PMID: 28943755 PMCID: PMC5608092 DOI: 10.2147/jrlcr.s99725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Duffy antigen receptor for chemokine (DARC) is a nonspecific receptor for several proinflammatory cytokines. It is homologous to the G-protein chemokine receptor superfamily, which is suggested to function as a scavenger in many inflammatory-and proinflammatory-related diseases. G-protein chemokine receptors are also known to play a critical role in infectious diseases; they are commonly used as entry vehicles by infectious agents. A typical example is the chemokine receptor CCR5 or CXCR4 used by HIV for infecting target cells. In malaria, DARC is considered an essential receptor that mediates the entry of the human and zoonotic malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi into human reticulocytes and erythrocytes, respectively. This process is mediated through interaction with the parasite ligand known as the Duffy binding protein (DBP). Most therapeutic strategies have been focused on blocking the interaction between DBP and DARC by targeting the parasite ligand, while strategies targeting the receptor, DARC, have not been intensively investigated. The rapid increase in drug resistance and the lack of new effective drugs or a vaccine for malaria constitute a major threat and a need for novel therapeutics to combat disease. This review explores strategies that can be used to target the receptor. Inhibitors of DARC, which block DBP-DARC interaction, can potentially provide an effective strategy for preventing malaria caused by P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis B Ntumngia
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Richard Thomson-Luque
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Camilla V Pires
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - John H Adams
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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48
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Nicolete VC, Frischmann S, Barbosa S, King CL, Ferreira MU. Naturally Acquired Binding-Inhibitory Antibodies to Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein and Clinical Immunity to Malaria in Rural Amazonians. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1539-1546. [PMID: 27578850 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibodies to the cysteine-rich domain II of Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) can inhibit binding of this parasite ligand to its receptor on red blood cells, the Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines. These binding-inhibitory antibodies (BIAbs) also inhibit P. vivax invasion of reticulocytes in vitro. METHODS To investigate whether naturally acquired anti-PvDBP antibodies are associated with reduced risk of clinical malaria in a population exposed to low levels of P. vivax transmission, we measured total levels of immunoglobulin G antibodies to 5 PvDBP variants and used a functional in vitro assay to quantify their binding-inhibitory activity in a cohort of 466 rural Amazonians followed up for up to 37 months. RESULTS No association between total immunoglobulin G antibody responses to any PvDBP variant and risk of symptomatic, laboratory-confirmed vivax malaria was observed in this cohort. However, a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for age, sex, and genotype for the Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines, showed a >40% decrease in the prospective risk of clinical vivax malaria in subjects with the strongest BIAb responses (upper and middle terciles). High BIAb responses were mostly PvDBP variant transcending and stable over time. CONCLUSIONS Strong naturally acquired BIAb responses are associated with a reduced risk of clinical P. vivax malaria in rural Amazonians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa C Nicolete
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
| | - Sarah Frischmann
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
| | - Susana Barbosa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.,Veteran Affairs Research Service, Louis B. Stokes VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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49
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Cassiano GC, Furini AAC, Capobianco MP, Storti-Melo LM, Almeida ME, Barbosa DRL, Póvoa MM, Nogueira PA, Machado RLD. Immunogenetic markers associated with a naturally acquired humoral immune response against an N-terminal antigen of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP-1). Malar J 2016; 15:306. [PMID: 27255376 PMCID: PMC4891883 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1350-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Humoral immune responses against proteins of asexual blood-stage malaria parasites have been associated with clinical immunity. However, variations in the antibody-driven responses may be associated with a genetic component of the human host. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of co-stimulatory molecule gene polymorphisms of the immune system on the magnitude of the humoral immune response against a Plasmodium vivax vaccine candidate antigen. Methods Polymorphisms in the CD28, CTLA4, ICOS, CD40, CD86 and BLYS genes of 178 subjects infected with P. vivax in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The levels of IgM, total IgG and IgG subclasses specific for ICB2-5, i.e., the N-terminal portion of P. vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP-1), were determined by enzyme-linked immuno assay. The associations between the polymorphisms and the antibody response were assessed by means of logistic regression models. Results After correcting for multiple testing, the IgG1 levels were significantly higher in individuals recessive for the single nucleotide polymorphism rs3116496 in CD28 (p = 0.00004). Furthermore, the interaction between CD28 rs35593994 and BLYS rs9514828 had an influence on the IgM levels (p = 0.0009). Conclusions The results of the present study support the hypothesis that polymorphisms in the genes of co-stimulatory components of the immune system can contribute to a natural antibody-driven response against P. vivax antigens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1350-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Capatti Cassiano
- Department of Biology, São Paulo State University, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Department of Skin, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, São José do Rio Preto Medical School, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Adriana A C Furini
- Department of Skin, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, São José do Rio Preto Medical School, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcela P Capobianco
- Department of Biology, São Paulo State University, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Skin, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, São José do Rio Preto Medical School, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciane M Storti-Melo
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Maria E Almeida
- Leônidas and Maria Deane Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Danielle R L Barbosa
- Laboratory of Malaria Basic Research, Division of Parasitology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marinete M Póvoa
- Laboratory of Malaria Basic Research, Division of Parasitology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Nogueira
- Leônidas and Maria Deane Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Ricardo L D Machado
- Department of Biology, São Paulo State University, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Skin, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, São José do Rio Preto Medical School, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Malaria Basic Research, Division of Parasitology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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50
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Chen E, Salinas ND, Huang Y, Ntumngia F, Plasencia MD, Gross ML, Adams JH, Tolia NH. Broadly neutralizing epitopes in the Plasmodium vivax vaccine candidate Duffy Binding Protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:6277-82. [PMID: 27194724 PMCID: PMC4896725 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600488113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein (PvDBP) is the most promising vaccine candidate for P. vivax malaria. The polymorphic nature of PvDBP induces strain-specific immune responses, however, and the epitopes of broadly neutralizing antibodies are unknown. These features hamper the rational design of potent DBP-based vaccines and necessitate the identification of globally conserved epitopes. Using X-ray crystallography, small-angle X-ray scattering, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, and mutational mapping, we have defined epitopes for three inhibitory mAbs (mAbs 2D10, 2H2, and 2C6) and one noninhibitory mAb (3D10) that engage DBP. These studies expand the currently known inhibitory epitope repertoire by establishing protective motifs in subdomain three outside the receptor-binding and dimerization residues of DBP, and introduce globally conserved protective targets. All of the epitopes are highly conserved among DBP alleles. The identification of broadly conserved epitopes of inhibitory antibodies provides critical motifs that should be retained in the next generation of potent vaccines for P. vivax malaria.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Erythrocytes/immunology
- Erythrocytes/parasitology
- Erythrocytes/pathology
- Genetic Variation
- Humans
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Malaria, Vivax/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/parasitology
- Malaria, Vivax/prevention & control
- Models, Molecular
- Plasmodium vivax/genetics
- Plasmodium vivax/immunology
- Protein Binding
- Protein Conformation
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Chen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Nichole D Salinas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Yining Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Francis Ntumngia
- Global Health Infectious Disease Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
| | - Manolo D Plasencia
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Michael L Gross
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - John H Adams
- Global Health Infectious Disease Research, Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620
| | - Niraj Harish Tolia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
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