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Marzano-Miranda A, Pereira Cardoso-Oliveira G, Carla de Oliveira I, Carvalho Mourão L, Reis Cussat L, Gomes Fraga V, Delfin Chávez Olórtegui C, Jesus Fernandes Fontes C, Castanheira Bartholomeu D, Braga EM. Identification and serological responses to a novel Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 ( PvMSP-1) derived synthetic peptide: a putative biomarker for malaria exposure. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17632. [PMID: 38948214 PMCID: PMC11212635 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17632] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays emerge as valuable tools to identify and delimit malaria transmission, serving as a complementary method to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick smear microscopy. Here, we evaluate the potential of antibodies directed against peptides encompassing the entire amino acid sequence of the PvMSP-1 Sal-I strain as viable serological biomarkers for P. vivax exposure. Methods We screened peptides encompassing the complete amino acid sequence of the Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (PvMSP-1) Sal-I strain as potential biomarkers for P. vivax exposure. Here, immunodominant peptides specifically recognized by antibodies from individuals infected with P. vivax were identified using the SPOT-synthesis technique followed by immunoblotting. Two 15-mer peptides were selected based on their higher and specific reactivity in immunoblotting assays. Subsequently, peptides p70 and p314 were synthesized in soluble form using SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) and tested by ELISA (IgG, and subclasses). Results This study unveils the presence of IgG antibodies against the peptide p314 in most P. vivax-infected individuals from the Brazilian Amazon region. In silico B-cell epitope prediction further supports the utilization of p314 as a potential biomarker for evaluating malaria transmission, strengthened by its amino acid sequence being part of a conserved block of PvMSP-1. Indeed, compared to patients infected with P. falciparum and uninfected individuals never exposed to malaria, P. vivax-infected patients have a notably higher recognition of p314 by IgG1 and IgG3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Marzano-Miranda
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiza Carvalho Mourão
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Letícia Reis Cussat
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Gomes Fraga
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Erika M. Braga
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Temporal Changes in the Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 in Myanmar. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080916. [PMID: 34451379 PMCID: PMC8398579 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a significant decline in the incidence of malaria in Myanmar recently, malaria is still an important public health concern in the country. Although Plasmodium falciparum is associated with the highest incidence of malaria in Myanmar, the proportion of P. vivax cases has shown a gradual increase in recent years. The genetic diversity of P. vivax merozoite surface protein-1 block 5-6 (pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6) in the P. vivax population of Myanmar was analyzed to obtain a comprehensive insight into its genetic heterogeneity and evolutionary history. High levels of genetic diversity of pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 were identified in the P. vivax isolates collected from Myanmar between 2013 and 2015. Thirty-nine distinct haplotypes of pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 (13 for Sal I type, 20 for recombinant type, and 6 for Belem type) were found at the amino acid level. Comparative analyses of the genetic diversity of pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 sequences in the recent (2013–2015) and the past (2004) P. vivax populations in Myanmar revealed genetic expansion of the pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 in recent years, albeit with a declined incidence. The recent increase in the genetic heterogeneity of Myanmar pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 is attributed to a combination of factors, including accumulated mutations and recombination. These results suggest that the size of the P. vivax population in Myanmar is sufficient to enable the generation and maintenance of genetic diversity, warranting continuous molecular surveillance of genetic variation in Myanmar P. vivax.
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Kepple D, Pestana K, Tomida J, Abebe A, Golassa L, Lo E. Alternative Invasion Mechanisms and Host Immune Response to Plasmodium vivax Malaria: Trends and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2020; 9:E15. [PMID: 33374596 PMCID: PMC7822457 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax malaria is a neglected tropical disease, despite being more geographically widespread than any other form of malaria. The documentation of P. vivax infections in different parts of Africa where Duffy-negative individuals are predominant suggested that there are alternative pathways for P. vivax to invade human erythrocytes. Duffy-negative individuals may be just as fit as Duffy-positive individuals and are no longer resistant to P.vivax malaria. In this review, we describe the complexity of P. vivax malaria, characterize pathogenesis and candidate invasion genes of P. vivax, and host immune responses to P. vivax infections. We provide a comprehensive review on parasite ligands in several Plasmodium species that further justify candidate genes in P. vivax. We also summarize previous genomic and transcriptomic studies related to the identification of ligand and receptor proteins in P. vivax erythrocyte invasion. Finally, we identify topics that remain unclear and propose future studies that will greatly contribute to our knowledge of P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kepple
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Kareen Pestana
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Junya Tomida
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Abnet Abebe
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia;
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia;
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
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Heterogeneous Network Model to Identify Potential Associations Between Plasmodium vivax and Human Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041310. [PMID: 32075230 PMCID: PMC7072978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of multiple sources and data levels provides a great insight into the complex associations between human and malaria systems. In this study, a meta-analysis framework was developed based on a heterogeneous network model for integrating human-malaria protein similarities, a human protein interaction network, and a Plasmodium vivax protein interaction network. An iterative network propagation was performed on the heterogeneous network until we obtained stabilized weights. The association scores were calculated for qualifying a novel potential human-malaria protein association. This method provided a better performance compared to random experiments. After that, the stabilized network was clustered into association modules. The potential association candidates were then thoroughly analyzed by statistical enrichment analysis with protein complexes and known drug targets. The most promising target proteins were the succinate dehydrogenase protein complex in the human citrate (TCA) cycle pathway and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the human central nervous system. Promising associations and potential drug targets were also provided for further studies and designs in therapeutic approaches for malaria at a systematic level. In conclusion, this method is efficient to identify new human-malaria protein associations and can be generalized to infer other types of association studies to further advance biomedical science.
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Elizardez YB, Fotoran WL, Junior AJG, Curado I, Junior NK, Monteiro EF, Romero Neto I, Wunderlich G, Kirchgatter K. Recombinant proteins of Plasmodium malariae merozoite surface protein 1 (PmMSP1): Testing immunogenicity in the BALB/c model and potential use as diagnostic tool. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219629. [PMID: 31344067 PMCID: PMC6657842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium malariae is the third most prevalent human malaria-causing species and has a patchy, but ample distribution in the world. Humans can host the parasite for years without presenting significant symptoms, turning its diagnosis and control into a difficult task. Here, we investigated the immunogenicity of recombinant proteins of P. malariae MSP1. Methods Five regions of PmMSP1 were expressed in Escherichia coli as GST-fusion proteins and immunized in BALB/c mice. The specificity, subtyping, and affinity of raised antibodies were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Cellular immune responses were analyzed by lymphoproliferation assays and cytokine levels produced by splenocytes were detected by cytometry. Results We found that N-terminal, central regions, and PmMSP119 are strongly immunogenic in mice. After three doses, the induced immune responses remained high for 70 days. While antibodies induced after immunization with N-terminal and central regions showed similar affinities to the target antigens, affinities of IgG against PmMSP119 were higher. All proteins induced similar antibody subclass patterns (predominantly IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b), characterizing a mixed Th1/Th2 response. Further, autologous stimulation of splenocytes from immunized mice led to the secretion of IL2 and IL4, independently of the antigen used. Importantly, IgG from P. malariae-exposed individuals reacted against PmMSP1 recombinant proteins with a high specificity. On the other hand, sera from P. vivax or P. falciparum-infected individuals did not react at all against recombinant PmMSP1 proteins. Conclusion Recombinant PmMSP1 proteins are very useful diagnostic markers of P. malariae in epidemiological studies or in the differential diagnosis of malaria caused by this species. Immunization with recombinant PmMSP1 proteins resulted in a significant humoral immune response, which may turn them potential component candidates for a vaccine against P. malariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelina B. Elizardez
- Núcleo de Estudos em Malária, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wesley L. Fotoran
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrés J. Galisteo Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Izilda Curado
- Laboratório de Imunoepidemiologia, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norival Kesper Junior
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana F. Monteiro
- Núcleo de Estudos em Malária, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Irineu Romero Neto
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerhard Wunderlich
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Núcleo de Estudos em Malária, Superintendência de Controle de Endemias/Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Chu R, Zhang X, Xu S, Chen L, Tang J, Li Y, Chen J, Xuan Y, Zhu G, Cao J, Cheng Y. Limited genetic diversity of N-terminal of merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) in Plasmodium ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri imported from Africa to China. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:596. [PMID: 30446012 PMCID: PMC6240192 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3174-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) is released into the bloodstream during merozoite invasion, and thus represents a crucial malarial vaccine target. Although substantial research effort has been devoted to uncovering the genetic diversity of MSP-1 for P. falciparum and P. vivax, there is minimal information available regarding the genetic profiles and structure of P. ovale. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the extent of genetic variation among two subspecies of P. ovale by characterizing the MSP-1 N-terminal sequence at the nucleotide and protein levels. Methods N-terminal of MSP-1 gene were amplified from 126 clinical samples collected from imported cases of malaria in migrant workers returning to Jiangsu Province from Africa using a conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The PCR products were then sequenced and analyzed using the GeneDoc, MegAlign, MEGA7 and DnaSP v.6 programs. Results The average pairwise nucleotide diversities (π) of P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri MSP-1 genes (pomsp1) were 0.01043 and 0.01974, respectively, and the haplotype diversity (Hd) were 0.746 and 0.598, respectively. Most of the nucleotide substitutions detected were non-synonymous, indicating that the genetic variations of pomsp1 were maintained by positive diversifying selection, thereby suggesting their role as a potential target of a protective immune response. Amino acid substitutions of P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri MSP-1 could be categorized into five and three unique amino acid variants, respectively. Conclusions Low mutational diversity was observed in pomsp1 from the Jiangsu Province imported malaria cases; further studies will be developed such as immunogenicity and functional analysis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3174-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Chu
- Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sui Xu
- Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasite Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Limei Chen
- Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxia Tang
- Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasite Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasite Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghua Xuan
- Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoding Zhu
- Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasite Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Cao
- Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasite Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yang Cheng
- Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Changrob S, Han JH, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Chootong P, Han ET. Immunogenicity of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored micronemal antigen in natural Plasmodium vivax exposure. Malar J 2017; 16:348. [PMID: 28830553 PMCID: PMC5568145 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1967-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax is the most geographically widespread malaria species and codominates with Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of the malaria parasite. For the last few years, the number of vivax malaria cases has increased, but vivax malaria is still considered a neglected disease. During the blood stages of their life cycle, P. vivax parasites export several hundred proteins into host red blood cells. Some of these exported proteins have been discovered and studied for use as a blood-stage malaria vaccine. The P. vivax glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored micronemal antigen (PvGAMA) was identified in previous study, which plays an important role in parasite invasion. To support the hypothesis that PvGAMA can induce an immune response in natural exposure, the antibody responses and cellular immunity against this antigen was demonstrated during and post-infection. Methods The recombinant protein PvGAMA was expressed and purified by wheat germ cell-free (WGCF) system. The analysis of humoral and cellular immune responses to the PvGAMA antigen during infection and post-infection with the P. vivax parasite were done by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Results During P. vivax infection, 95% of patients showed significant antibody responses to PvGAMA antigen. The cytophilic IgG1 and IgG3 isotypes were the major isotypes produced in response to PvGAMA. A cross-sectional study of anti-PvGAMA responses during and post-infection with P. vivax found that the majority of individuals, approximately 54% of patients, were shown to maintain a positive anti-PvGAMA titre at 3 months post-infection, and some patients had the ability to maintain an antibody response for up to 12 months post-infection. Moreover, PvGAMA had the ability to stimulate a cellular immune response that was characterized by the production of the cytokines IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-10. The levels of the cytokines IFN-γ and IL-10 were significantly increased in PvGAMA-stimulated lymphocyte cultures. Conclusions Taken together, PvGAMA had potential to induce an immune response both humoral and cellular immunity in naturally acquired P. vivax infection individuals during infection and post-infection. Therefore, PvGAMA could be as a vaccine candidate to stimulate immune response against P. vivax infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriruk Changrob
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Patchanee Chootong
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 200-701, Republic of Korea.
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Kim SH, Bae YA, Seoh JY, Yang HJ. Isolation and Characterization of Vaccine Candidate Genes Including CSP and MSP1 in Plasmodium yoelii. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:255-265. [PMID: 28719950 PMCID: PMC5546161 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.3.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is an infectious disease affecting humans, which is transmitted by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes harboring sporozoites of parasitic protozoans belonging to the genus Plasmodium. Despite past achievements to control the protozoan disease, malaria still remains a significant health threat up to now. In this study, we cloned and characterized the full-unit Plasmodium yoelii genes encoding merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), circumsporozoite protein (CSP), and Duffy-binding protein (DBP), each of which can be applied for investigations to obtain potent protective vaccines in the rodent malaria model, due to their specific expression patterns during the parasite life cycle. Recombinant fragments corresponding to the middle and C-terminal regions of PyMSP1 and PyCSP, respectively, displayed strong reactivity against P. yoelii-infected mice sera. Specific native antigens invoking strong humoral immune response during the primary and secondary infections of P. yoelii were also abundantly detected in experimental ICR mice. The low or negligible parasitemia observed in the secondary infected mice was likely to result from the neutralizing action of the protective antibodies. Identification of these antigenic proteins might provide the necessary information and means to characterize additional vaccine candidate antigens, selected solely on their ability to produce the protective antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Hee Kim
- Department of Parasitology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea
| | - Young-An Bae
- Department of Microbiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21936, Korea
| | - Ju-Young Seoh
- Department of Microbiology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jong Yang
- Department of Parasitology, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul 07985, Korea
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Acharya P, Garg M, Kumar P, Munjal A, Raja KD. Host-Parasite Interactions in Human Malaria: Clinical Implications of Basic Research. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:889. [PMID: 28572796 PMCID: PMC5435807 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria parasite, Plasmodium, is one of the oldest parasites documented to infect humans and has proven particularly hard to eradicate. One of the major hurdles in designing an effective subunit vaccine against the malaria parasite is the insufficient understanding of host–parasite interactions within the human host during infections. The success of the parasite lies in its ability to evade the human immune system and recruit host responses as physiological cues to regulate its life cycle, leading to rapid acclimatization of the parasite to its immediate host environment. Hence understanding the environmental niche of the parasite is crucial in developing strategies to combat this deadly infectious disease. It has been increasingly recognized that interactions between parasite proteins and host factors are essential to establishing infection and virulence at every stage of the parasite life cycle. This review reassesses all of these interactions and discusses their clinical importance in designing therapeutic approaches such as design of novel vaccines. The interactions have been followed from the initial stages of introduction of the parasite under the human dermis until asexual and sexual blood stages which are essential for transmission of malaria. We further classify the interactions as “direct” or “indirect” depending upon their demonstrated ability to mediate direct physical interactions of the parasite with host factors or their indirect manipulation of the host immune system since both forms of interactions are known to have a crucial role during infections. We also discuss the many ways in which this understanding has been taken to the field and the success of these strategies in controlling human malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Manika Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, Jamia Hamdard UniversityNew Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Akshay Munjal
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - K D Raja
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
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Muh F, Han JH, Nyunt MH, Lee SK, Jeon HY, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Ahmed MA, Na S, Takashima E, Tsuboi T, Han ET. Identification of a novel merozoite surface antigen of Plasmodium vivax, PvMSA180. Malar J 2017; 16:133. [PMID: 28351409 PMCID: PMC5369000 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1760-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although a number of Plasmodium vivax proteins have been identified, few have been investigated as potential vaccine candidates. This study characterized the Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface antigen 180 (PvMSA180, PVX_094920), a novel P. vivax antigenic protein. Methods The target gene was amplified as four overlapping domains (D1, D2, D3 and D4) to enable expression of the recombinant protein using cell-free and bacterial expression systems. The recombinant PvMSA180 proteins were used in protein microarrays to evaluate the humoral immune response of 72 vivax-infected patients and 24 vivax-naïve individuals. Antibodies produced in mice against the PvMSA180-D1 and -D4 domains were used to assess the subcellular localization of schizont-stage parasites with immunofluorescence assays. A total of 51 pvmsa180 sequences from 12 countries (41 sequences from PlasmoDB and 6 generated in this study) were used to determine the genetic diversity and genealogical relationships with DNAsp and NETWORK software packages, respectively. Results PvMSA180 consists of 1603 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 182 kDa, and has a signal peptide at the amino-terminus. A total of 70.8% of patients (51/72) showed a specific antibody response to at least one of the PvMSA180 domains, and 20.8% (15/72) exhibited a robust antibody response to at least three of the domains. These findings suggest that PvMSA180 is targeted by the humoral immune response during natural infection with P. vivax. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that PvMSA180 is localized on the merozoite surface of schizont-stage parasites, and pvmsa180 sequences originating from various geographic regions worldwide showed low genetic diversity. Twenty-two haplotypes were found, and haplotype 6 (Hap_6, 77%) of pvmsa180 was detected in isolates from six countries. Conclusions A novel P. vivax surface protein, PvMSA180, was characterized in this study. Most of P. vivax-infected patients had specific antibodies against particular antigenic domains, indicating that this protein is immunogenic in naturally exposed populations. Genetic analysis of worldwide isolates showed that pvmsa180 is less polymorphic than other well-known candidates and that some haplotypes are common to several countries. However, additional studies with a larger sample size are necessary to evaluate the antibody responses in geographically separated populations, and to identify the function of PvMSA180 during parasite invasion. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1760-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauzi Muh
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Myat Htut Nyunt
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical Research, Yangon, Republic of the Union of Myanmar
| | - Seong-Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yoon Jeon
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Atique Ahmed
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Zhu X, Zhao P, Wang S, Liu F, Liu J, Wang J, Yang Z, Yan G, Fan Q, Cao Y, Cui L. Analysis of Pvama1 genes from China-Myanmar border reveals little regional genetic differentiation of Plasmodium vivax populations. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:614. [PMID: 27899135 PMCID: PMC5129220 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1899-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With the premise of diminishing parasite genetic diversity following the reduction of malaria incidence, the analysis of polymorphic antigenic markers may provide important information about the impact of malaria control on local parasite populations. Here we evaluated the genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 (Pvama1) gene in a parasite population from the China-Myanmar border and compared it with global P. vivax populations. Methods We performed evolutionary analysis to examine the genetic diversity, natural selection, and population differentiation of 73 Pvama1 sequences acquired from the China-Myanmar border as well as 615 publically available Pvama1 sequences from seven global P. vivax populations. Results A total of 308 Pvama1 haplotypes were identified among the global P. vivax isolates. The overall nucleotide diversity of Pvama1 gene among the 73 China-Myanmar border parasite isolates was 0.008 with 41 haplotypes being identified (Hd = 0.958). Domain I (DI) harbored the majority (26/33) of the polymorphic sites. The McDonald Kreitman test showed a significant positive selection across the ectodomain and the DI of Pvama1. The fixation index (FST) estimation between the China-Myanmar border, Thailand (0.01) and Myanmar (0.10) showed only slight geographical genetic differentiation. Notably, the Sal-I haplotype was not detected in any of the analyzed global isolates, whereas the Belem strain was restricted to the Thai population. The detected mutations are mapped outside the overlapped region of the predicted B-cell epitopes and intrinsically unstructured/disordered regions. Conclusions This study revealed high levels of genetic diversity of Pvama1 in the P. vivax parasite population from the China-Myanmar border with DI displaying stronger diversifying selection than other domains. There were low levels of population subdivision among parasite populations from the Greater Mekong Subregion. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1899-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zhu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Pan Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Si Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China.
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, China. .,Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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12
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Sepúlveda N, Morais CG, Mourão LC, Freire MF, Fontes CJF, Lacerda MVG, Drakeley CJ, Braga ÉM. Allele-specific antibodies to Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1: prevalence and inverse relationship to haemoglobin levels during infection. Malar J 2016; 15:559. [PMID: 27852258 PMCID: PMC5112628 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1612-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antigenic polymorphisms are considered as one of the main strategies employed by malaria parasites to escape from the host immune responses after infections. Merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) of Plasmodium vivax, a promising vaccine candidate, is a highly polymorphic protein whose immune recognition is not well understood. Methods and results The IgG responses to conserved (MSP-119) and polymorphic (block 2 and block 10) epitopes of PvMSP-1 were evaluated in 141 P. vivax infected patients. Ten recombinant proteins corresponding to block 2 (variants BR07, BP29, BP39, BP30, BEL) and block 10 (BR07, BP29, BP39, BP01, BP13) often observed in Brazilian P. vivax isolates were assessed by ELISA in order to determine levels of specific antibodies and their respective seroprevalence. The magnitude and the frequency of variant-specific responses were very low, except for BR07 variant (>40%), which was the predominant haplotype as revealed by block 10 PvMSP-1 gene sequencing. By contrast, 89% of patients had IgG against the C-terminal conserved domain (PvMSP-119), confirming the high antigenicity of this protein. Using multiple linear and logistic regression models, there was evidence for a negative association between levels of haemoglobin and several IgG antibodies against block 2 variant antigens, with the strongest association being observed for BP39 allelic version. This variant was also found to increase the odds of anaemia in these patients. Conclusions These findings may have implications for vaccine development and represent an important step towards a better understanding of the polymorphic PvMSP-1 domain as potential targets of vaccine development. These data highlight the importance of extending the study of these polymorphic epitopes of PvMSP-1 to different epidemiological settings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1612-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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13
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Wang Q, Zhao Z, Zhang X, Li X, Zhu M, Li P, Yang Z, Wang Y, Yan G, Shang H, Cao Y, Fan Q, Cui L. Naturally Acquired Antibody Responses to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP1) C-Terminal 19 kDa Domains in an Area of Unstable Malaria Transmission in Southeast Asia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151900. [PMID: 26999435 PMCID: PMC4801383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding naturally acquired immunity to infections caused by Plasmodia in different malaria endemicity settings is needed for better vaccine designs and for exploring antibody responses as a proxy marker of malaria transmission intensity. This study investigated the sero-epidemiology of malaria along the international border between China and Myanmar, where malaria elimination action plans are in place. This study recruited 233 P. vivax and 156 P. falciparum infected subjects with acute malaria at the malaria clinics and hospitals. In addition, 93 and 67 healthy individuals from the same endemic region or from non-endemic region, respectively, were used as controls. Acute malaria infections were identified by microscopy. Anti-recombinant PfMSP119 and PvMSP119 antibody levels were measured by ELISA. Antibody responses to respective MSP119 were detected in 50.9% and 78.2% patients with acute P. vivax and P. falciparum infections, respectively. There were cross-reacting antibodies in Plasmodium patients against these two recombinant proteins, though we could not exclude the possibility of submicroscopic mixed-species infections. IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 were the major subclasses. Interestingly, 43.2% of the healthy endemic population also had antibodies against PfMSP119, whereas only 3.9% of this population had antibodies against PvMSP119. Higher antibody levels were correlated with age and parasite density, but not with season, gender or malaria history. Both total IgG and individual IgG subclasses underwent substantial declines during the convalescent period in three months. This study demonstrated that individuals in a hypoendemic area with coexistence of P. vivax and P. falciparum can mount rapid antibody responses against both PfMSP119 and PvMSP119. The significantly higher proportion of responders to PfMSP119 in the healthy endemic population indicates higher prevalence of P. falciparum in the recent past. Specific antibodies against PvMSP119 could serve as a marker of recent exposure to P. vivax in epidemiological studies.
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Adolescent
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Antibody Formation/immunology
- Asia, Southeastern/epidemiology
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Demography
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Infant
- Logistic Models
- Malaria, Falciparum/blood
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology
- Malaria, Falciparum/transmission
- Malaria, Vivax/blood
- Malaria, Vivax/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/parasitology
- Malaria, Vivax/transmission
- Merozoite Surface Protein 1/chemistry
- Merozoite Surface Protein 1/immunology
- Molecular Weight
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium vivax/immunology
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhenjun Zhao
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuexing Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Humanities and Social Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Peipei Li
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Hong Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- * E-mail: (YC); (QF); (LC)
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- * E-mail: (YC); (QF); (LC)
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, 501 ASI Building, University Park, PA, 16802, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YC); (QF); (LC)
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14
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Goo YK, Moon JH, Ji SY, Chung DI, Hong Y, Cho SH, Lee WJ, Kim JY. The unique distribution of the Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 in parasite isolates with short and long latent periods from the Republic of Korea. Malar J 2015; 14:299. [PMID: 26242878 PMCID: PMC4524012 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0803-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vivax malaria occurring in the Republic of Korea is occasionally characterized by a long latent infection induced by hypnozoites in the liver. So far, the mechanisms responsible for short and long latent infections of vivax malaria are not known. Therefore, the present study classified the parasite isolates according to the long and short latent periods and then analysed the genetic diversity of the Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (PvMSP-1). Methods Blood samples containing P. vivax isolates were collected from 465 patients from 2011 to 2013 at health centers in the Republic of Korea. PvMSP-1 gene sequences were analysed in groups classified by the collection year, and short or long latent periods. The samples in short and long latent periods were selected by the timing of vivax malaria occurrence, July–August and January–May, respectively. Results Three PvMSP-1 types (Sal-1, Belem, and recombinant) were observed in P. vivax isolates collected from 2011 to 2013. Interestingly, the recombinant and Sal-1 types were dominant in vivax malaria of the long and short latent periods, respectively. In addition, the S-b like subtype of the PvMSP-1 Sal-1 type was first identified in 2013. Conclusion This study revealed that the genetic type of PvMSP-1 is likely related to the duration of its latent period. Moreover, trends of the genetic types of PvMSP-1 seem to be stable in recent years compared with those of previous years in which various new types were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn-Kyoung Goo
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea CDC, Osong Saeng-myeong 2 ro, Osong Health Technology Administration, Osong, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, 700-422, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jun-Hye Moon
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea CDC, Osong Saeng-myeong 2 ro, Osong Health Technology Administration, Osong, Republic of Korea.
| | - So-Young Ji
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea CDC, Osong Saeng-myeong 2 ro, Osong Health Technology Administration, Osong, Republic of Korea.
| | - Dong-Il Chung
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, 700-422, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeonchul Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, 700-422, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shin-Hyung Cho
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea CDC, Osong Saeng-myeong 2 ro, Osong Health Technology Administration, Osong, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won-Ja Lee
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea CDC, Osong Saeng-myeong 2 ro, Osong Health Technology Administration, Osong, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Yeon Kim
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea CDC, Osong Saeng-myeong 2 ro, Osong Health Technology Administration, Osong, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Genetic diversity of MSP1 Block 2 of Plasmodium vivax isolates from Manaus (central Brazilian Amazon). J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:671050. [PMID: 24741614 PMCID: PMC3987980 DOI: 10.1155/2014/671050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The diversity of MSP1 in both Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax is presumed be associated to parasite immune evasion. In this study, we assessed genetic diversity of the most variable domain of vaccine candidate N-terminal PvMSP1 (Block 2) in field isolates of Manaus. Forty-seven blood samples the polymorphism of PvMSP1 Block 2 generates four fragment sizes. In twenty-eight of them, sequencing indicated seven haplotypes of PvMSP1 Block 2 circulating among field isolates. Evidence of striking exchanges was observed with two stretches flanking the repeat region and two predicted recombination sites were described. Single nucleotide polymorphisms determined with concurrent infections per patient indicated that nonsynonymous substitutions occurred preferentially in the repeat-rich regions which also were predicted as B-cell epitopes. The comprehensive understanding of the genetic diversity of the promising Block 2 associated with clinical immunity and a reduced risk of infection by Plasmodium vivax would be important for the rationale of malaria vaccine designs.
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