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Nahar UJ, Wang J, Shalash AO, Lu L, Islam MT, Alharbi N, Koirala P, Khalil ZG, Capon RJ, Hussein WM, Toth I, Skwarczynski M. Self-assembled monovalent lipidated mannose ligand as a standalone nanoadjuvant. Vaccine 2024; 42:126060. [PMID: 38897890 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.027] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Subunit vaccines require an immunostimulant (adjuvant) and/or delivery system to induce immunity. However, currently, available adjuvants are either too dangerous in terms of side effects for human use (experimental adjuvants) or have limited efficacy and applicability. In this study, we examined the capacity of mannose-lipopeptide ligands to enhance the immunogenicity of a vaccine consisting of polyleucine(L15)-antigen conjugates anchored to liposomes. The clinically tested Group A Streptococcus (GAS) B-cell epitope, J8, combined with universal T helper PADRE (P) was used as the antigen. Six distinct mannose ligands were incorporated into neutral liposomes carrying L15PJ8. While induced antibody titers were relatively low, the ligand carrying mannose, glycine/lysine spacer, and two palmitic acids as liposomal membrane anchoring moieties (ligand 3), induced significantly higher IgG titers than non-mannosylated liposomes. The IgG titers were significantly enhanced when positively charged liposomes were employed. Importantly, the produced antibodies were able to kill GAS bacteria. Unexpectedly, the physical mixture of only ligand 3 and PJ8 produced self-assembled nanorods that induced antibody titers as high as those elicited by the lead liposomal formulation and antigen adjuvanted with the potent, but toxic, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Antibodies produced upon immunization with PJ8 + 3 were even more opsonic than those induced by CFA + PJ8. Importantly, in contrast to CFA, ligand 3 did not induce observable adverse reactions or excessive inflammatory responses. Thus, we demonstrated that a mannose ligand, alone, can serve as an effective vaccine nanoadjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummey J Nahar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jingwen Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ahmed O Shalash
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lantian Lu
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Md T Islam
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nedaa Alharbi
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Prashamsa Koirala
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zeinab G Khalil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Waleed M Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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2
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Sattler JM, Keiber L, Abdelrahim A, Zheng X, Jäcklin M, Zechel L, Moreau CA, Steinbrück S, Fischer M, Janse CJ, Hoffmann A, Hentzschel F, Frischknecht F. Experimental vaccination by single dose sporozoite injection of blood-stage attenuated malaria parasites. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:2060-2079. [PMID: 39103697 PMCID: PMC11392930 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00101-6] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria vaccination approaches using live Plasmodium parasites are currently explored, with either attenuated mosquito-derived sporozoites or attenuated blood-stage parasites. Both approaches would profit from the availability of attenuated and avirulent parasites with a reduced blood-stage multiplication rate. Here we screened gene-deletion mutants of the rodent parasite P. berghei and the human parasite P. falciparum for slow growth. Furthermore, we tested the P. berghei mutants for avirulence and resolving blood-stage infections, while preserving sporozoite formation and liver infection. Targeting 51 genes yielded 18 P. berghei gene-deletion mutants with several mutants causing mild infections. Infections with the two most attenuated mutants either by blood stages or by sporozoites were cleared by the immune response. Immunization of mice led to protection from disease after challenge with wild-type sporozoites. Two of six generated P. falciparum gene-deletion mutants showed a slow growth rate. Slow-growing, avirulent P. falciparum mutants will constitute valuable tools to inform on the induction of immune responses and will aid in developing new as well as safeguarding existing attenuated parasite vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Sattler
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Keiber
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aiman Abdelrahim
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xinyu Zheng
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Jäcklin
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luisa Zechel
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Catherine A Moreau
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Smilla Steinbrück
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Fischer
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chris J Janse
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Hoffmann
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Hentzschel
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Medical School, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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3
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Yadav M, Dahiya N, Janjoter S, Kataria D, Dixit R, Sehrawat N. A review on RNA interference studies in Anophelines to reveal candidate genes for malaria transmission blocking vaccine. Life Sci 2024; 351:122822. [PMID: 38866221 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122822] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Malaria is a major public health concern. The development of parasite-based vaccine RTS/AS01 has some therapeutic value but its lower efficacy is one of the major limitations. Mosquito-based transmission-blocking vaccines could have a higher potential for parasite inhibition within the mosquitoes. Several genes of mosquito midgut, salivary gland, hemolymph, etc. get activate in response to the Plasmodium-infected blood and helps in parasite invasion directly or indirectly inside the mosquito. The studies of such genes provided a new insight into developing the more efficient vaccines. In the field of malaria genetics research, RNAi has become an innovative strategy used to identify mosquito candidate genes for transmission-blocking vaccines. This review targeted the gene studies that have been conducted in the period 2000-2023 in different malaria vectors against different malarial parasites using the RNAi approach to reveal mosquito novel gene candidates for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Yadav
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Nisha Dahiya
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Sangeeta Janjoter
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Divya Kataria
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | | | - Neelam Sehrawat
- Department of Genetics, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
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4
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Rooholamini Z, Dianat-Moghadam H, Esmaeilifallah M, Khanahmad H. From classical approaches to new developments in genetic engineering of live attenuated vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis: potential and immunization. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1382996. [PMID: 39035184 PMCID: PMC11257927 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1382996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of a vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis in preclinical and clinical studies, we still do not have a safe and effective vaccine for human use. Given this situation, the search for a new prophylactic alternative to control leishmaniasis should be a global priority. A first-generation vaccine strategy-leishmanization, in which live Leishmania major parasites are inoculated into the skin to protect against reinfection, is taking advantage of this situation. Live attenuated Leishmania vaccine candidates are promising alternatives due to their robust protective immune responses. Importantly, they do not cause disease and could provide long-term protection following challenges with a virulent strain. In addition to physical and chemical methods, genetic tools, including the Cre-loxP system, have enabled the selection of safer null mutant live attenuated Leishmania parasites obtained by gene disruption. This was followed by the discovery and introduction of CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing tools, which can be easily and precisely used to modify genes. Here, we briefly review the immunopathology of L. major parasites and then present the classical methods and their limitations for the production of live attenuated vaccines. We then discuss the potential of current genetic engineering tools to generate live attenuated vaccine strains by targeting key genes involved in L. major pathogenesis and then discuss their discovery and implications for immune responses to control leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rooholamini
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hassan Dianat-Moghadam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Esmaeilifallah
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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5
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Obaldía N, Da Silva Filho JL, Núñez M, Glass KA, Oulton T, Achcar F, Wirjanata G, Duraisingh M, Felgner P, Tetteh KK, Bozdech Z, Otto TD, Marti M. Sterile protection against P. vivax malaria by repeated blood stage infection in the Aotus monkey model. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302524. [PMID: 38158220 PMCID: PMC10756917 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax remains a major global public health challenge, and no vaccine is approved for use in humans. Here, we assessed whether P. vivax strain-transcendent immunity can be achieved by repeated infection in Aotus monkeys. Sterile immunity was achieved after two homologous infections, whereas subsequent heterologous challenge provided only partial protection. IgG levels based on P. vivax lysate ELISA and protein microarray increased with repeated infections and correlated with the level of homologous protection. Parasite transcriptional profiles provided no evidence of major antigenic switching upon homologous or heterologous challenge. However, we observed significant sequence diversity and transcriptional differences in the P. vivax core gene repertoire between the two strains used in the study, suggesting that partial protection upon heterologous challenge is due to molecular differences between strains rather than immune evasion by antigenic switching. Our study demonstrates that sterile immunity against P. vivax can be achieved by repeated homologous blood stage infection in Aotus monkeys, thus providing a benchmark to test the efficacy of candidate blood stage P. vivax malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicanor Obaldía
- Departamento de Investigaciones en Parasitologia, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá City, Republic of Panamá
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- https://ror.org/00vtgdb53 Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joao Luiz Da Silva Filho
- https://ror.org/00vtgdb53 Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- https://ror.org/02crff812 Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marlon Núñez
- Departamento de Investigaciones en Parasitologia, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panamá City, Republic of Panamá
| | - Katherine A Glass
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tate Oulton
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fiona Achcar
- https://ror.org/00vtgdb53 Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- https://ror.org/02crff812 Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Grennady Wirjanata
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manoj Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip Felgner
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Ka Tetteh
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zbynek Bozdech
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thomas D Otto
- https://ror.org/00vtgdb53 Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthias Marti
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- https://ror.org/00vtgdb53 Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- https://ror.org/02crff812 Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Lopez-Perez M, Jain A, Davies DH, Vásquez-Jiménez JM, Herrera SM, Oñate J, Felgner PL, Herrera S, Arévalo-Herrera M. Profiling the antibody response of humans protected by immunization with Plasmodium vivax radiation-attenuated sporozoites. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2790. [PMID: 38307966 PMCID: PMC10837454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria sterile immunity has been reproducibly induced by immunization with Plasmodium radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS). Analyses of sera from RAS-immunized individuals allowed the identification of P. falciparum antigens, such as the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the basis for the RTS, S and R21Matrix-M vaccines. Similar advances in P. vivax (Pv) vaccination have been elusive. We previously reported 42% (5/12) of sterile protection in malaria-unexposed, Duffy-positive (Fy +) volunteers immunized with PvRAS followed by a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI). Using a custom protein microarray displaying 515 Pv antigens, we found a significantly higher reactivity to PvCSP and one hypothetical protein (PVX_089630) in volunteers protected against P. vivax infection. In mock-vaccinated Fy + volunteers, a strong antibody response to CHMI was also observed. Although the Fy- volunteers immunized with non-irradiated Pv-infected mosquitoes (live sporozoites) did not develop malaria after CHMI, they recognized a high number of antigens, indicating the temporary presence of asexual parasites in peripheral blood. Together, our findings contribute to the understanding of the antibody response to P. vivax infection and allow the identification of novel parasite antigens as vaccine candidates.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01082341.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lopez-Perez
- Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center (MVDC), Cali, Colombia
| | - Aarti Jain
- Department Physiology & Biophysics, Vaccine R&D Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - D Huw Davies
- Department Physiology & Biophysics, Vaccine R&D Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Philip L Felgner
- Department Physiology & Biophysics, Vaccine R&D Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sócrates Herrera
- Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center (MVDC), Cali, Colombia
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Myriam Arévalo-Herrera
- Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center (MVDC), Cali, Colombia.
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, Colombia.
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7
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Takashima E, Otsuki H, Morita M, Ito D, Nagaoka H, Yuguchi T, Hassan I, Tsuboi T. The Need for Novel Asexual Blood-Stage Malaria Vaccine Candidates for Plasmodium falciparum. Biomolecules 2024; 14:100. [PMID: 38254700 PMCID: PMC10813614 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive control efforts have significantly reduced malaria cases and deaths over the past two decades, but in recent years, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, success has stalled. The WHO has urged the implementation of a number of interventions, including vaccines. The modestly effective RTS,S/AS01 pre-erythrocytic vaccine has been recommended by the WHO for use in sub-Saharan Africa against Plasmodium falciparum in children residing in moderate to high malaria transmission regions. A second pre-erythrocytic vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, was also recommended by the WHO on 3 October 2023. However, the paucity and limitations of pre-erythrocytic vaccines highlight the need for asexual blood-stage malaria vaccines that prevent disease caused by blood-stage parasites. Few asexual blood-stage vaccine candidates have reached phase 2 clinical development, and the challenges in terms of their efficacy include antigen polymorphisms and low immunogenicity in humans. This review summarizes the history and progress of asexual blood-stage malaria vaccine development, highlighting the need for novel candidate vaccine antigens/molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Hitoshi Otsuki
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (H.O.); (D.I.)
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (H.O.); (D.I.)
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Takaaki Yuguchi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Ifra Hassan
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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8
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Okoth WA, Ho MF, Zaman M, Cooper E, Som P, Burgess M, Walton M, Nevagi RJ, Beattie L, Murphy D, Stanisic DI, Good MF. A CAF01-adjuvanted whole asexual blood-stage liposomal malaria vaccine induces a CD4 + T-cell-dependent strain-transcending protective immunity in rodent models. mBio 2023; 14:e0254723. [PMID: 37962347 PMCID: PMC10746282 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02547-23] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Malaria is a devastating disease that has claimed many lives, especially children <5 years of age in Sub-Saharan Africa, as documented in World Malaria Reports by WHO. Even though vector control and chemoprevention tools have helped with elimination efforts in some, if not all, endemic areas, these efforts have been hampered by serious issues (including drug and insecticide resistance and disruption to social cohesion caused by the COVID-19 pandemic). Development of an effective malaria vaccine is the alternative preventative tool in the fight against malaria. Vaccines save millions of lives each year and have helped in elimination and/or eradication of global diseases. Development of a highly efficacious malaria vaccine that will ensure long-lasting protective immunity will be a "game-changing" prevention strategy to finally eradicate the disease. Such a vaccine will need to counteract the significant obstacles that have been hampering subunit vaccine development to date, including antigenic polymorphism, sub-optimal immunogenicity, and waning vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winter A. Okoth
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mei-Fong Ho
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mehfuz Zaman
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Cooper
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Priyanka Som
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Burgess
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maddison Walton
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Reshma J. Nevagi
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynette Beattie
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Declan Murphy
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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9
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Liposomal Formulations of a Polyleucine-Antigen Conjugate as Therapeutic Vaccines against Cervical Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020602. [PMID: 36839923 PMCID: PMC9965676 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is responsible for all cases of cervical cancer. While prophylactic vaccines are available, the development of peptide-based vaccines as a therapeutic strategy is still under investigation. In comparison with the traditional and currently used treatment strategies of chemotherapy and surgery, vaccination against HPV is a promising therapeutic option with fewer side effects. A peptide derived from the HPV-16 E7 protein, called 8Qm, in combination with adjuvants showed promise as a therapeutic vaccine. Here, the ability of polymerized natural amino acids to act as a self-adjuvating delivery system as a therapeutic vaccine was investigated for the first time. Thus, 8Qm was conjugated to polyleucine by standard solid-phase peptide synthesis and self-assembled into nanoparticles or incorporated in liposomes. The liposome bearing the 8Qm conjugate significantly increased mice survival and decreased tumor growth after a single immunization. Further, these liposomes eradicated seven-day-old well-established tumors in mice. Dendritic cell (DC)-targeting moieties were introduced to further enhance vaccine efficacy, and the newly designed liposomal vaccine was tested in mice bearing 11-day-old tumors. Interestingly, these DCs-targeting moieties did not significantly improve vaccine efficacy, whereas the simple liposomal formulation of 8Qm-polyleucine conjugate was still effective in tumor eradication. In summary, a peptide-based anticancer vaccine was developed that stimulated strong cellular immune responses without the help of a classical adjuvant.
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10
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Yang J, Boer JC, Khongkow M, Phunpee S, Khalil ZG, Bashiri S, Deceneux C, Goodchild G, Hussein WM, Capon RJ, Ruktanonchai U, Plebanski M, Toth I, Skwarczynski M. The Development of Surface-Modified Liposomes as an Intranasal Delivery System for Group A Streptococcus Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020305. [PMID: 36851183 PMCID: PMC9961534 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intranasal vaccine administration can overcome the disadvantages of injectable vaccines and present greater efficiency for mass immunization. However, the development of intranasal vaccines is challenged by poor mucosal immunogenicity of antigens and the limited availability of mucosal adjuvants. Here, we examined a number of self-adjuvanting liposomal systems for intranasal delivery of lipopeptide vaccine against group A Streptococcus (GAS). Among them, two liposome formulations bearing lipidated cell-penetrating peptide KALA and a new lipidated chitosan derivative (oleoyl-quaternized chitosan, OTMC) stimulated high systemic antibody titers in outbred mice. The antibodies were fully functional and were able to kill GAS bacteria. Importantly, OTMC was far more effective at stimulating antibody production than the classical immune-stimulating trimethyl chitosan formulation. In a simple physical mixture, OTMC also enhanced the immune responses of the tested vaccine, without the need for a liposome delivery system. The adjuvanting capacity of OTMC was further confirmed by its ability to stimulate cytokine production by dendritic cells. Thus, we discovered a new immune stimulant with promising properties for mucosal vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieru Yang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer C. Boer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Mattaka Khongkow
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Klong 1, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Sarunya Phunpee
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Klong 1, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Zeinab G. Khalil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sahra Bashiri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Cyril Deceneux
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Georgia Goodchild
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Waleed M. Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J. Capon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Uracha Ruktanonchai
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 111 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Klong 1, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
| | - Magdalena Plebanski
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-73-346-9894
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11
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Sherman ME, Smith RD, Gardner FM, Goodlett DR, Ernst RK. A Sensitive GC-MS Method for Quantitation of Lipid A Backbone Components and Terminal Phosphate Modifications. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2022; 33:2301-2309. [PMID: 36326685 PMCID: PMC9933694 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.2c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lipid A, the hydrophobic anchor of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) present in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, serves as a target for cationic antimicrobial peptides, such as polymyxins. Membrane stress from polymyxins results in activation of two-component regulatory systems that produce lipid A modifying enzymes. These enzymes add neutral moieties, such as aminoarabinose (AraN) and ethanolamine (EtN) to lipid A terminal phosphates that mask the phosphate's negative charge and inhibit electrostatic interaction with the cationic polymyxins. Currently, these modifications may be detected by MALDI-TOF MS; however, this analysis is only semiquantitative. Herein we describe a GC-MS method to quantitate lipid A backbone components, glucosamine (GlcN) and inorganic phosphate (Pi), along with terminal phosphate modifications AraN and EtN. In this assay, lipid A is isolated from Gram-negative bacterial samples, hydrolyzed into its individual moieties, and derivatized via methoximation followed by silylation prior to analysis via GC-MS. Changes in AraN and EtN quantity were characterized using a variety of regulatory mutants of Salmonella, revealing differences that were not detected using MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Additionally, an increase in the abundance of AraN and EtN modifications were observed when resistant Enterobacter and Escherichia coli strains were grown in the presence of colistin (polymyxin E). Lastly, increased levels of Pi were found in bisphosphorylated lipid A compared to monophosphorylated lipid A samples. Because lipid A modifications serve as indicators of polymyxin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, this method provides the capacity to monitor polymyxin resistance by quantification of lipid A modification using GC-MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Sherman
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland─Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Richard D Smith
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland─Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Francesca M Gardner
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland─Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - David R Goodlett
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
- University of Gdansk, International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, Gdansk, 80-210, Poland
| | - Robert K Ernst
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland─Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
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12
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Al-Nazal H, Low L, Kumar S, Good MF, Stanisic DI. A vaccine for human babesiosis: prospects and feasibility. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:904-918. [PMID: 35933301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.07.005] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites. It is a well-known illness in companion animals and livestock, resulting in substantial economic losses in the cattle industry. Babesiosis is also recognized as an emerging zoonosis of humans in many countries worldwide. There is no vaccine against human babesiosis. Currently, preventive measures are focused on vector avoidance. Although not always effective, treatment includes antimicrobial therapy and exchange transfusion. In this review, we discuss the host's immune response to the parasite, vaccines being used to prevent babesiosis in animals, and lessons from malaria vaccine development efforts to inform the development of a human babesiosis vaccine. An effective human vaccine would be a significant advance towards curtailing this rapidly emerging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Al-Nazal
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia
| | - Leanne Low
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Sanjai Kumar
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Office of Blood Research and Review, Centre for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia
| | - Danielle I Stanisic
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, Australia.
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13
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Doolan DL. Malaria research in Australia: looking through the lens of the past towards the future. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1255-1263. [PMID: 34780720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.005] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health priority, with substantial resources devoted to control and intervention since the causative parasite was first identified in 1880. Major advances have been made in discovery and translational research activities aimed at prevention, treatment and control. Laboratory-based, clinical, and field-based studies have complemented public health approaches. Australian scientists have played important roles, developing and applying innovative approaches, novel research tools and cutting-edge technologies in animal and human models of disease, as well as in disease-endemic settings. This article will provide an insight into 50 years of Australian efforts to discover mechanisms and targets of immunity and pathogenesis; develop new diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and therapeutics; and assess new public health interventions and control measures in malaria-endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise L Doolan
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns QLD 4878, Australia.
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