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Nakagawa M, Tomioka Y, Akuta T. Efficient expression and purification of tag-free recombinant human procalcitonin (hPCT) with precise sequence in E.coli. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 214:106374. [PMID: 37793478 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
We present an efficient method for expression and purification of recombinant human procalcitonin (hPCT) in E. coli T7 express LysY/Iq cells, ensuring precise N- and C-terminal amino acid sequences. Our method involves fusing codon-optimized cDNA with two distinct tag sequences: eXact tag and chitin binding domain (CBD) tag. To purify the protein, we employ a two-step affinity chromatography process. Firstly, we utilize the N-terminal Profinity eXact tag and purify the protein through Profinity eXact-affinity column chromatography using a resin on which a mutant subtilisin protease was immobilized. The eXact tag was removed by adding NaF to activate the enzyme. Subsequently, the digested sample containing C-terminal CBD tag is directly loaded for the second step of chitin affinity chromatography. Elution is achieved through dithiothreitol (DTT)-catalyzed self-cleavage of the intein sequence from the fusion protein. As a result, the target protein is selectively recovered in the flow-through, completely tag-free, with a purity exceeding 95%. To ensure high purity and eliminate potential contaminants, we effectively remove E. coli host DNA and endotoxins through a combination of streptomycin sulfate, Triton X-114, and ammonium sulfate treatment. The exceptional level of purity obtained eliminates the need for further purification steps in most applications. This highly purified hPCT can be used as a calibrator in procalcitonin or calcitonin immunoassays. Notably, our approach effectively manages small peptides that are prone to degradation by E. coli host proteases, offering a robust solution for various research and application requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Nakagawa
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., 3333-26, Aza-Asayama, Kamitezuna Takahagi-shi, Ibaraki, 318-0004, Japan
| | - Yui Tomioka
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., 3333-26, Aza-Asayama, Kamitezuna Takahagi-shi, Ibaraki, 318-0004, Japan
| | - Teruo Akuta
- Research and Development Division, Kyokuto Pharmaceutical Industrial Co., Ltd., 3333-26, Aza-Asayama, Kamitezuna Takahagi-shi, Ibaraki, 318-0004, Japan.
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Scheuplein NJ, Bzdyl NM, Lohr T, Kibble EA, Hasenkopf A, Herbst C, Sarkar-Tyson M, Holzgrabe U. Analysis of Structure-Activity Relationships of Novel Inhibitors of the Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator (Mip) Proteins of Neisseria meningitidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Burkholderia pseudomallei. J Med Chem 2023; 66:8876-8895. [PMID: 37389560 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
The macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) protein is a promising target for developing new drugs to combat antimicrobial resistance. New rapamycin-derived Mip inhibitors have been designed that may be able to combine two binding modes to inhibit the Mip protein of Burkholderia pseudomallei (BpMip). These novel compounds are characterized by an additional substituent in the middle chain linking the lateral pyridine to the pipecoline moiety, constituting different stereoisomers. These compounds demonstrated high affinity for the BpMip protein in the nanomolar range and high anti-enzymatic activity and ultimately resulted in significantly reduced cytotoxicity of B. pseudomallei in macrophages. They also displayed strong anti-enzymatic activity against the Mip proteins of Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and substantially improved the ability of macrophages to kill the bacteria. Hence, the new Mip inhibitors are promising, non-cytotoxic candidates for further testing against a broad spectrum of pathogens and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J Scheuplein
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole M Bzdyl
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia
| | - Theresa Lohr
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Emily A Kibble
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia
- DMTC Limited, Level 1, 620 High Street, Kew, Victoria 3101, Australia
| | - Anja Hasenkopf
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carina Herbst
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mitali Sarkar-Tyson
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, 6009 Perth, Australia
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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Radwanska M, de Lemos Esteves F, Linsen L, Coltel N, Cencig S, Widart J, Massart AC, Colson S, Di Paolo A, Percier P, Ait Djebbara S, Guillonneau F, Flamand V, De Pauw E, Frère JM, Carlier Y, Truyens C. Macrophage-infectivity potentiator of Trypanosoma cruzi (TcMIP) is a new pro-type 1 immuno-stimulating protein for neonatal human cells and vaccines in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1138526. [PMID: 37033946 PMCID: PMC10077492 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1138526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This work identifies the protein "macrophage infectivity potentiator" of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes, as supporting a new property, namely a pro-type 1 immunostimulatory activity on neonatal cells. In its recombinant form (rTcMIP), this protein triggers the secretion of the chemokines CCL2 and CCL3 by human umbilical cord blood cells from healthy newborns, after 24h in vitro culture. Further stimulation for 72h results in secretion of IFN-γ, provided cultures are supplemented with IL-2 and IL-18. rTcMIP activity is totally abolished by protease treatment and is not associated with its peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase enzymatic activity. The ability of rTcMIP to act as adjuvant was studied in vivo in neonatal mouse immunization models, using acellular diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-vaccine (DTPa) or ovalbumin, and compared to the classical alum adjuvant. As compared to the latter, rTcMIP increases the IgG antibody response towards several antigens meanwhile skewing antibody production towards the Th-1 dependent IgG2a isotype. The amplitude of the rTcMIP adjuvant effect varied depending on the antigen and the co-presence of alum. rTcMIP did by contrast not increase the IgE response to OVA combined with alum. The discovery of the rTcMIP immunostimulatory effect on neonatal cells opens new possibilities for potential use as pro-type 1 adjuvant for neonatal vaccines. This, in turn, may facilitate the development of more efficient vaccines that can be given at birth, reducing infection associated morbidity and mortality which are the highest in the first weeks after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Radwanska
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Loes Linsen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Coltel
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Cencig
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joelle Widart
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry (LSM), Department of Chemistry, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anne-Cécile Massart
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry (LSM), Department of Chemistry, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Séverine Colson
- Center for Protein Engineering (CIP), Université de Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Di Paolo
- Center for Protein Engineering (CIP), Université de Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Pauline Percier
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarra Ait Djebbara
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - François Guillonneau
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry (LSM), Department of Chemistry, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Véronique Flamand
- Institute for Medical Immunology (IMI), and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (U-CRI), Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry (LSM), Department of Chemistry, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marie Frère
- Center for Protein Engineering (CIP), Université de Liège (ULg), Liège, Belgium
| | - Yves Carlier
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, MA, United States
| | - Carine Truyens
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, and ULB Center for Research in Immunology (UCRI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Carine Truyens,
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Christodoulides M. Update on the Neisseria Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator-Like PPIase Protein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:861489. [PMID: 35392612 PMCID: PMC8981591 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.861489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria pathogens express a Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator Protein (MIP), which belongs to the FK506 binding protein (FKBP) family of proteins that exhibit peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. Neisseria MIP proteins are potential candidates for inclusion into vaccines for gonorrhoea caused by N. gonorrhoeae infection, and meningitis/sepsis caused by M. meningitidis infection. Neisseria MIP proteins are also potential targets for directed drug treatments, although this remains relatively unexplored. In this mini-review, we provide an update into the vaccine potential of Neisseria MIP and the few published drug targeting studies, and explore further the diversity of this protein amongst both pathogenic and commensal Neisseria spp.
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Viviani V, Biolchi A, Pizza M. Synergistic activity of antibodies in the multicomponent 4CMenB vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:645-658. [PMID: 35257644 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2050697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Vaccines based on multiple antigens often induce an immune response which is higher than that triggered by each single component, with antibodies acting cooperatively and synergistically in tackling the infection. AREAS COVERED An interesting example is the antibody response induced by the 4CMenB vaccine, currently licensed for the prevention of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (MenB). It contains four antigenic components: Factor H binding protein (fHbp), Neisseria adhesin A (NadA), Neisserial Heparin Binding Antigen (NHBA) and Outer Membrane Vesicles (OMV). Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies raised by vaccination with 4CMenB show synergistic activity in complement-dependent bacterial killing. This review summarizes published and unpublished data and provides evidence of the added value of multicomponent vaccines. EXPERT OPINION : The ability of 4CMenB vaccine to elicit antibodies targeting multiple surface-exposed antigens is corroborated by the recent data on real world evidences. Bactericidal activity is generally mediated by antibodies that bind to antigens highly expressed on the bacterial surface and immunologically related. However, simultaneous binding of antibodies to various surface-exposed antigens can overcome the threshold density of antigen-antibody complexes needed for complement activation. The data discussed in this review highlight the interplay between antibodies targeting major and minor antigens and their effect on functionality. Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov identifiers of studies with original data mentioned in the article: NCT00937521, NCT00433914, NCT02140762 and NCT02285777.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariagrazia Pizza
- Bacterial Vaccines, GSK, Siena, Italy.,GVGH, GSK Vaccine Institute for Global Health, Siena, Italy
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Christodoulides M, Humbert MV, Heckels JE. The potential utility of liposomes for Neisseria vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1235-1256. [PMID: 34524062 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1981865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Species of the genus Neisseria are important global pathogens. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) causes meningitis and sepsis. Liposomes are self-assembled spheres of phospholipid bilayers enclosing a central aqueous space, and they have attracted much interest and use as a delivery vehicle for Neisseria vaccine antigens. AREAS COVERED A brief background on Neisseria infections and the success of licensed meningococcal vaccines are provided. The absence of a gonococcal vaccine is highlighted. The use of liposomes for delivering Neisseria antigens and adjuvants, for the purposes of generating specific immune responses, is reviewed. The use of other lipid-based systems for antigen and adjuvant delivery is examined briefly. EXPERT OPINION With renewed interest in developing a gonococcal vaccine, liposomes remain an attractive option for delivering antigens. The discipline of nanotechnology provides additional nanoparticle-based options for gonococcal vaccine development. Future work would be needed to tailor the composition of liposomes and other nanoparticles to the specific vaccine antigen(s), in order to generate optimal anti-gonococcal immune responses. The potential use of liposomes and other nanoparticles to deliver anti-gonococcal compounds to treat infections also should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Victoria Humbert
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - John E Heckels
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
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Bagwe P, Bajaj L, Gala R, Zughaier SM, Uddin MN, D’Souza MJ. Meningococcal Vaccines: Challenges and Prospects. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040738. [PMID: 33291728 PMCID: PMC7761900 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Priyal Bagwe
- Center for Drug Delivery Research, Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (P.B.); (L.B.); (M.N.U.)
| | - Lotika Bajaj
- Center for Drug Delivery Research, Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (P.B.); (L.B.); (M.N.U.)
| | - Rikhav Gala
- Fraunhofer USA Center for Molecular Biotechnology, Newark, DE 19711, USA;
| | - Susu M. Zughaier
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar;
| | - Mohammad N. Uddin
- Center for Drug Delivery Research, Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (P.B.); (L.B.); (M.N.U.)
| | - Martin J. D’Souza
- Center for Drug Delivery Research, Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (P.B.); (L.B.); (M.N.U.)
- Correspondence:
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Zhou P, Wu H, Chen S, Bai Q, Chen X, Chen L, Zeng X, Liu L, Chen L. MOMP and MIP DNA-loaded bacterial ghosts reduce the severity of lung lesions in mice after Chlamydia psittaci respiratory tract infection. Immunobiology 2019; 224:739-746. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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9
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Humbert MV, Jackson A, Orr CM, Tews I, Christodoulides M. Characterization of two putative Dichelobacter nodosus footrot vaccine antigens identifies the first lysozyme inhibitor in the genus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10055. [PMID: 31296905 PMCID: PMC6624275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46506-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus (Dn) causes footrot in ruminants, a debilitating and highly contagious disease that results in necrotic hooves and significant economic losses in agriculture. Vaccination with crude whole-cell vaccine mixed with multiple recombinant fimbrial proteins can provide protection during species-specific outbreaks, but subunit vaccines containing broadly cross-protective antigens are desirable. We have investigated two D. nodosus candidate vaccine antigens. Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator Dn-MIP (DNO_0012, DNO_RS00050) and Adhesin Complex Protein Dn-ACP (DNO_0725, DNO_RS06795) are highly conserved amongst ~170 D. nodosus isolates in the https://pubmlst.org/dnodosus/ database. We describe the presence of two homologous ACP domains in Dn-ACP with potent C-type lysozyme inhibitor function, and homology of Dn-MIP to other putative cell-surface and membrane-anchored MIP virulence factors. Immunization of mice with recombinant proteins with a variety of adjuvants induced antibodies that recognised both proteins in D. nodosus. Notably, immunization with fimbrial-whole-cell Footvax vaccine induced anti-Dn-ACP and anti-Dn-MIP antibodies. Although all adjuvants induced high titre antibody responses, only antisera to rDn-ACP-QuilA and rDn-ACP-Al(OH)3 significantly prevented rDn-ACP protein from inhibiting lysozyme activity in vitro. Therefore, a vaccine incorporating rDn-ACP in particular could contribute to protection by enabling normal innate immune lysozyme function to aid bacterial clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Victoria Humbert
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Jackson
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christian M Orr
- Beamline I23, Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ivo Tews
- Biological Sciences, Institute for Life Sciences, B85 Highfield Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom.
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Razzaqi M, Rasaee MJ, Paknejad M. A critical challenge in the development of antibody: Selecting the appropriate fragment of the target protein as an antigen based on various epitopes or similar structure. Mol Immunol 2019; 111:128-135. [PMID: 31054406 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The main challenge in the development of antibody is to select the appropriate antigen particularly when a truncated protein is used for immunization or as vaccine antigen. In previous studies, fragment selection was mainly based on epitopes and less often on the structure. Fewer studies have paid attention to the prediction of the truncated protein 3D structure and retained its similarity in the native and truncated proteins. Here we used in silico analysis to select two fragments of Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2), as a tumor marker. One fragment, M-tPKM2, had a shorter sequence with one epitope although the predicted 3D structure was similar to the native PKM2. The other fragment, R-tPKM2, had a longer sequence and thus more epitopes, but had a different structure from the native PKM2. Recombinant truncated proteins were expressed in E. coli and purified via affinity chromatography. Secondary structure elements in purified proteins were determined by Circular Dichroism, then they were utilized to develop antibodies in mice. Both antigens could elicit high immune response against themselves (OD450 = 3.326 ± 0.562 for M-tPKM2; OD450 = 3.562 ± 0.110 for R-tPKM2). However, significantly higher response against PKM2 was observed among the mice immunized with M-tPKM2 (p < 0.0001 by One way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc comparison). Also, the monoclonal antibody produced against the M-tPKM2 could recognize the native PKM2 in the MCF7 cells. Our finding suggested that for the purpose of designing an antigen with the ability to produce a potent antibody against the target protein, it is better to select sequences which have a similar structure in truncated and native proteins, even at the cost of having shorter sequences and fewer epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Razzaqi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Rasaee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maliheh Paknejad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Structure of the Recombinant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Adhesin Complex Protein (rNg-ACP) and Generation of Murine Antibodies with Bactericidal Activity against Gonococci. mSphere 2018; 3:3/5/e00331-18. [PMID: 30305317 PMCID: PMC6180225 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00331-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus [Ng]) is the causative organism of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, and the organism is listed by the World Health Organization as a high-priority pathogen for research and development of new control measures, including vaccines. In this study, we demonstrated that the N. gonorrhoeae adhesin complex protein (Ng-ACP) was conserved and expressed by 50 gonococcal strains and that recombinant proteins induced antibodies in mice that killed the bacteria in vitro. We determined the structure of Ng-ACP by X-ray crystallography and investigated structural conservation with Neisseria meningitidis ACP and MliC/PliC proteins from other bacteria which act as inhibitors of the human innate defense molecule lysozyme. These findings are important and suggest that Ng-ACP could provide a potential dual target for tackling gonococcal infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus [Ng]) is the causative organism of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, and no effective vaccine exists currently. In this study, the structure, biological properties, and vaccine potential of the Ng-adhesin complex protein (Ng-ACP) are presented. The crystal structure of recombinant Ng-ACP (rNg-ACP) protein was solved at 1.65 Å. Diversity and conservation of Ng-ACP were examined in different Neisseria species and gonococcal isolates (https://pubmlst.org/neisseria/ database) in silico, and protein expression among 50 gonococcal strains in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Food and Drug Administration (CDCP/FDA) AR Isolate Bank was examined by Western blotting. Murine antisera were raised to allele 10 (strain P9-17)-encoded rNg-ACP protein with different adjuvants and examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, and a human serum bactericidal assay. Rabbit antiserum to rNg-ACP was tested for its ability to prevent Ng-ACP from inhibiting human lysozyme activity in vitro. Ng-ACP is structurally homologous to Neisseria meningitidis ACP and MliC/PliC lysozyme inhibitors. Gonococci expressed predominantly allele 10- and allele 6-encoded Ng-ACP (81% and 15% of isolates, respectively). Murine antisera were bactericidal (titers of 64 to 512, P < 0.05) for the homologous P9-17 strain and heterologous (allele 6) FA1090 strain. Rabbit anti-rNg-ACP serum prevented Ng-ACP from inhibiting human lysozyme with ∼100% efficiency. Ng-ACP protein was expressed by all 50 gonococcal isolates examined with minor differences in the relative levels of expression. rNg-ACP is a potential vaccine candidate that induces antibodies that (i) are bactericidal and (ii) prevent the gonococcus from inhibiting the lytic activity of an innate defense molecule. IMPORTANCENeisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus [Ng]) is the causative organism of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea, and the organism is listed by the World Health Organization as a high-priority pathogen for research and development of new control measures, including vaccines. In this study, we demonstrated that the N. gonorrhoeae adhesin complex protein (Ng-ACP) was conserved and expressed by 50 gonococcal strains and that recombinant proteins induced antibodies in mice that killed the bacteria in vitro. We determined the structure of Ng-ACP by X-ray crystallography and investigated structural conservation with Neisseria meningitidis ACP and MliC/PliC proteins from other bacteria which act as inhibitors of the human innate defense molecule lysozyme. These findings are important and suggest that Ng-ACP could provide a potential dual target for tackling gonococcal infections.
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Immunization with recombinant truncated Neisseria meningitidis-Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator (rT-Nm-MIP) protein induces murine antibodies that are cross-reactive and bactericidal for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Vaccine 2018; 36:3926-3936. [PMID: 29803329 PMCID: PMC6018565 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.05.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antigenicity of rT-N. meningitidis-MIP vaccine batches is reproducible in mice. Antibodies to rT-Nm-MIP cross-react with surface Ng-MIP and adhere to gonococci. Antisera to rT-Nm-MIP are cross-bactericidal for gonococci. Meningococcal OM can be engineered to express T-Nm-MIP.
Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) and N. gonorrhoeae (Ng) express a Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator (MIP, NMB1567/NEIS1487) protein in their outer membrane (OM). In this study, we prepared independent batches of liposomes (n = 3) and liposomes + MonoPhosphoryl Lipid A (MPLA) (n = 3) containing recombinant truncated Nm-MIP protein encoded by Allele 2 (rT-Nm-MIP, amino acids 22–142), and used these to immunize mice. We tested the hypothesis that independent vaccine batches showed similar antigenicity, and that antisera could recognise both meningococcal and gonococcal MIP and induce cross-species bactericidal activity. The different batches of M2 rT-Nm-MIP-liposomes ± MPLA showed no significant (P > 0.05) batch-to-batch variation in antigenicity. Anti-rT-Nm-MIP sera reacted equally and specifically with Nm-MIP and Ng-MIP in OM and on live bacterial cell surfaces. Specificity was shown by no antiserum reactivity with Δmip bacteria. Using human complement/serum bactericidal assays, anti-M2 rT-Nm-MIP sera killed homologous meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) strains (median titres of 32–64 for anti-rT-Nm-MIP-liposome sera; 128–256 for anti-rT-Nm-MIP-liposome + MPLA sera) and heterologous M1 protein-expressing MenB strains (titres of 64 for anti rT-Nm-MIP-liposome sera; 128–256 for anti-rT-Nm-MIP-liposome + MPLA sera). Low-level killing (P < 0.05) was observed for a MenB isolate expressing M7 protein (titres 4–8), but MenB strains expressing M6 protein were not killed (titre < 4–8). Killing (P < 0.05) was observed against MenC and MenW bacteria expressing homologous M2 protein (titres of 8–16) but not against MenA or MenY bacteria (titres < 4–8). Antisera to M2 rT-Nm-MIP showed significant (P < 0.05) cross-bactericidal activity against gonococcal strain P9-17 (expressing M35 Ng-MIP, titres of 64–512) and strain 12CFX_T_003 (expressing M10 Ng-MIP, titres 8–16) but not against FA1090 (expressing M8 Ng-MIP). As an alternative to producing recombinant protein, we engineered successfully the Nm-OM to express M2 Truncated–Nm-MIP, but lipooligosaccharide-extraction with Na-DOC was contra-indicated. Our data suggest that a multi-component vaccine containing a select number of Nm- and Ng-MIP type proteins would be required to provide broad coverage of both pathogens.
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Christodoulides M, Heckels J. Novel approaches to Neisseria meningitidis vaccine design. Pathog Dis 2018; 75:3078540. [PMID: 28369428 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of vaccines is available for preventing life-threatening diseases caused by infection with Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus, Men). Capsule polysaccharide (CPS)-conjugate vaccines are successful prophylactics for serogroup MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY infections, and outer membrane vesicle (OMV) vaccines have been used successfully for controlling clonal serogroup MenB infections. MenB vaccines based on recombinant proteins identified by reverse vaccinology (Bexsero™) and proteomics (Trumenba™) approaches have recently been licensed and Bexsero™ has been introduced into the UK infant immunisation programme. In this review, we chart the development of these licensed vaccines. In addition, we discuss the plethora of novel vaccinology approaches that have been applied to the meningococcus with varying success in pre-clinical studies, but which provide technological platforms for application to other pathogens. These strategies include modifying CPS, lipooligosaccharide and OMV; the use of recombinant proteins; structural vaccinology approaches of designing synthetic peptide/mimetope vaccines, DNA vaccines and engineered proteins; epitope presentation on biological and synthetic particles; through vaccination with live-attenuated pathogen(s), or with heterologous bacteria expressing vaccine antigens, or to competitive occupation of the nasopharyngeal niche by commensal bacterial spp. After close to a century of vaccine research, it is possible that meningococcal disease may be added, shortly, to the list of diseases to have been eradicated worldwide by rigorous vaccination campaigns.
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14
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Meningococcal Vaccines: Current Status and Emerging Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2018; 6:vaccines6010012. [PMID: 29495347 PMCID: PMC5874653 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines6010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis causes most cases of bacterial meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is a public health burden to both developed and developing countries throughout the world. There are a number of vaccines (polysaccharide-based, glycoconjugate, protein-based and combined conjugate vaccines) that are approved to target five of the six disease-causing serogroups of the pathogen. Immunization strategies have been effective at helping to decrease the global incidence of meningococcal meningitis. Researchers continue to enhance these efforts through discovery of new antigen targets that may lead to a broadly protective vaccine and development of new methods of homogenous vaccine production. This review describes current meningococcal vaccines and discusses some recent research discoveries that may transform vaccine development against N. meningitidis in the future.
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Freixeiro P, Pensado A, Allen L, Humphries H, Taylor S, Seijo B, Ferreirós C, Gorringe A, Sánchez S, Sánchez A. Solid sorbitan esters nanoparticles are efficient and low-cost vehicles for subunit vaccines: Proof of concept with Neisseria meningitidis protein Mip. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2017.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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16
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Costoya L, Marzoa J, Ferreirós C, Criado MT. Liposomes or traditional adjuvants: induction of bactericidal activity by the macrophage infectivity potentiator protein (Mip) of Neisseria meningitidis. APMIS 2017; 125:725-731. [PMID: 28543600 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Currently, one of the main approaches to achieve a vaccine for serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis is based on outer membrane proteins with low antigenic variability among strains. Since these proteins tend to be minor components of the outer membrane, recombinant production is required to obtain them in sufficient amounts for evaluation and development of vaccines. In this study, we analysed the ability of recombinant macrophage infectivity potentiator (rMip) protein to induce protective bactericidal activity in mice. The rMip protein was cloned from N. meningitidis strain H44/76 and was used to immunise mice, and the sera obtained were tested against the homologous and several heterologous N. meningitidis strains. The sera were obtained using the rMip alone, with adjuvant Al(OH)3 , or after inclusion into liposomes. Bactericidal activity was variable depending on the strain, although high titres were seen against strains H44/76 and NmP27. Liposomes enhanced fourfold the reactivity against the homologous strain. The results presented suggest that the rMip protein should be considered a promising candidate for the improvement of future protein-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Costoya
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Juan Marzoa
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carlos Ferreirós
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Criado
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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17
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Hooda Y, Shin HE, Bateman TJ, Moraes TF. Neisserial surface lipoproteins: structure, function and biogenesis. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:2966469. [PMID: 28158534 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The surface of many Gram-negative bacteria contains lipidated protein molecules referred to as surface lipoproteins or SLPs. SLPs play critical roles in host immune evasion, nutrient acquisition and regulation of the bacterial stress response. The focus of this review is on the SLPs present in Neisseria, a genus of bacteria that colonise the mucosal surfaces of animals. Neisseria contains two pathogens of medical interest, namely Neisseria meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae. Several SLPs have been identified in Neisseria and their study has elucidated key strategies used by these pathogens to survive inside the human body. Herein, we focus on the identification, structure and function of SLPs that have been identified in Neisseria. We also survey the translocation pathways used by these SLPs to reach the cell surface. Specifically, we elaborate on the strategies used by neisserial SLPs to translocate across the outer membrane with an emphasis on Slam, a novel outer membrane protein that has been implicated in SLP biogenesis. Taken together, the study of SLPs in Neisseria illustrates the widespread roles played by this family of proteins in Gram-negative bacteria.
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18
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Reimer A, Seufert F, Weiwad M, Ebert J, Bzdyl NM, Kahler CM, Sarkar-Tyson M, Holzgrabe U, Rudel T, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Inhibitors of macrophage infectivity potentiator-like PPIases affect neisserial and chlamydial pathogenicity. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2016; 48:401-8. [PMID: 27516227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenic bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis express the surface-exposed macrophage infectivity potentiator (MIP)-like protein, which plays a role in their pathogenicity. MIP exhibits a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) activity that is inhibited by rapamycin and FK506. In this study, pipecolic acid derivatives were tested for their activity against the chlamydial and neisserial MIP. Two MIP inhibitors were identified, PipN3 and PipN4, that affected the developmental cycle of C. trachomatis in HeLa cells. Furthermore, we could show that deletion of neisserial MIP or addition of the two MIP inhibitors affected the survival of N. gonorrhoeae in the presence of neutrophils. Furthermore, both compounds inhibited the adherence, invasion and/or survival of N. meningitidis in epithelial cells. These results confirm the importance of MIP-like proteins in infection and indicate the relevance of pipecolic acid derivatives as antimicrobials against C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasija Reimer
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Seufert
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Weiwad
- Department of Enzymology, Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jutta Ebert
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicole M Bzdyl
- Marshall Center for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlene M Kahler
- Marshall Center for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mitali Sarkar-Tyson
- Marshall Center for Infectious Disease Research and Training, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JQ, UK
| | - Ulrike Holzgrabe
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vera Kozjak-Pavlovic
- Biocenter, Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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Krupka M, Masek J, Barkocziova L, Turanek Knotigova P, Kulich P, Plockova J, Lukac R, Bartheldyova E, Koudelka S, Chaloupkova R, Sebela M, Zyka D, Droz L, Effenberg R, Ledvina M, Miller AD, Turanek J, Raska M. The Position of His-Tag in Recombinant OspC and Application of Various Adjuvants Affects the Intensity and Quality of Specific Antibody Response after Immunization of Experimental Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148497. [PMID: 26848589 PMCID: PMC4744052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi-caused infection, if not recognized and appropriately treated by antibiotics, may lead to chronic complications, thus stressing the need for protective vaccine development. The immune protection is mediated by phagocytic cells and by Borrelia-specific complement-activating antibodies, associated with the Th1 immune response. Surface antigen OspC is involved in Borrelia spreading through the host body. Previously we reported that recombinant histidine tagged (His-tag) OspC (rOspC) could be attached onto liposome surfaces by metallochelation. Here we report that levels of OspC-specific antibodies vary substantially depending upon whether rOspC possesses an N' or C' terminal His-tag. This is the case in mice immunized: (a) with rOspC proteoliposomes containing adjuvants MPLA or non-pyrogenic MDP analogue MT06; (b) with free rOspC and Montanide PET GEL A; (c) with free rOspC and alum; or (d) with adjuvant-free rOspC. Stronger responses are noted with all N'-terminal His-tag rOspC formulations. OspC-specific Th1-type antibodies predominate post-immunization with rOspC proteoliposomes formulated with MPLA or MT06 adjuvants. Further analyses confirmed that the structural features of soluble N' and C' terminal His-tag rOspC and respective rOspC proteoliposomes are similar including their thermal stabilities at physiological temperatures. On the other hand, a change in the position of the rOspC His-tag from N' to C' terminal appears to affect substantially the immunogenicity of rOspC arguably due to steric hindrance of OspC epitopes by the C' terminal His-tag itself and not due to differences in overall conformations induced by changes in the His-tag position in rOspC variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Krupka
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Masek
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Barkocziova
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pavel Kulich
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Plockova
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Robert Lukac
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eliska Bartheldyova
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stepan Koudelka
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne´s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Chaloupkova
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne´s University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
- Loschmidt Laboratories, Department of Experimental Biology and Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment RECETOX, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Sebela
- Centre of the Region Hana for Biotechnological and Agricultural Research, Faculty of Science, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Roman Effenberg
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Ledvina
- Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrew D. Miller
- King's College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, London, United Kingdom, and GlobalAcorn Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaroslav Turanek
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: (MR); (JT)
| | - Milan Raska
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Pharmacology and Immunotherapy, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail: (MR); (JT)
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20
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Humbert MV, Almonacid Mendoza HL, Jackson AC, Hung MC, Bielecka MK, Heckels JE, Christodoulides M. Vaccine potential of bacterial macrophage infectivity potentiator (MIP)-like peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) proteins. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1633-49. [PMID: 26468663 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1095638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) are a superfamily of proteins ubiquitously distributed among living organisms, which function primarily to assist the folding and structuring of unfolded and partially folded polypeptide chains and proteins. In this review, we focus specifically on the Macrophage Infectivity Potentiator (MIP)-like PPIases, which are members of the immunophilin family of FK506-binding proteins (FKBP). MIP-like PPIases have accessory roles in virulence and are candidates for inclusion in vaccines protective against both animal and human bacterial pathogens. A structural vaccinology approach obviates any issues over molecular mimicry and potential cross-reactivity with human FKBP proteins and studies with a representative antigen, the Neisseria meningitidis-MIP, support this strategy. Moreover, a dual approach of vaccination and drug targeting could be considered for controlling bacterial infectious diseases of humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Humbert
- a Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories , University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine , Southampton , UK
| | - Hannia L Almonacid Mendoza
- a Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories , University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine , Southampton , UK
| | - Alexandra C Jackson
- a Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories , University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine , Southampton , UK
| | - Miao-Chiu Hung
- a Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories , University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine , Southampton , UK
| | - Magdalena K Bielecka
- a Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories , University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine , Southampton , UK
| | - John E Heckels
- a Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories , University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine , Southampton , UK
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- a Neisseria Research, Molecular Microbiology, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories , University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine , Southampton , UK
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21
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Gasparini R, Panatto D, Bragazzi NL, Lai PL, Bechini A, Levi M, Durando P, Amicizia D. How the Knowledge of Interactions between Meningococcus and the Human Immune System Has Been Used to Prepare Effective Neisseria meningitidis Vaccines. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:189153. [PMID: 26351643 PMCID: PMC4553322 DOI: 10.1155/2015/189153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, tremendous advancement in dissecting the mechanisms of pathogenicity of Neisseria meningitidis at a molecular level has been achieved, exploiting converging approaches of different disciplines, ranging from pathology to microbiology, immunology, and omics sciences (such as genomics and proteomics). Here, we review the molecular biology of the infectious agent and, in particular, its interactions with the immune system, focusing on both the innate and the adaptive responses. Meningococci exploit different mechanisms and complex machineries in order to subvert the immune system and to avoid being killed. Capsular polysaccharide and lipooligosaccharide glycan composition, in particular, play a major role in circumventing immune response. The understanding of these mechanisms has opened new horizons in the field of vaccinology. Nowadays different licensed meningococcal vaccines are available and used: conjugate meningococcal C vaccines, tetravalent conjugate vaccines, an affordable conjugate vaccine against the N. menigitidis serogroup A, and universal vaccines based on multiple antigens each one with a different and peculiar function against meningococcal group B strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Gasparini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - D. Panatto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - N. L. Bragazzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - P. L. Lai
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - A. Bechini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - M. Levi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 48, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - P. Durando
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - D. Amicizia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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