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Ghaffari AD, Rahimi F. Immunoinformatics studies and design of a novel multi-epitope peptide vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii based on calcium-dependent protein kinases antigens through an in-silico analysis. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2024; 13:146-154. [PMID: 38752002 PMCID: PMC11091428 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2024.13.2.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Infection by the intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has serious clinical consequences in humans and veterinarians around the world. Although about a third of the world's population is infected with T. gondii, there is still no effective vaccine against this disease. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a multimeric vaccine against T. gondii using the proteins calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK)1, CDPK2, CDPK3, and CDPK5. Materials and Methods Top-ranked major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and MHC-II binding as well as shared, immunodominant linear B-cell epitopes were predicted and linked using appropriate linkers. Moreover, the 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 (adjuvant) was mixed with the construct's N-terminal to increase the immunogenicity. Then, the vaccine's physicochemical characteristics, antigenicity, allergenicity, secondary and tertiary structure were predicted. Results The finally-engineered chimeric vaccine had a length of 680 amino acids with a molecular weight of 74.66 kDa. Analyses of immunogenicity, allergenicity, and multiple physiochemical parameters indicated that the constructed vaccine candidate was soluble, non-allergenic, and immunogenic, making it compatible with humans and hence, a potentially viable and safe vaccine candidate against T. gondii parasite. Conclusion In silico, the vaccine construct was able to trigger primary immune responses. However, further laboratory studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dalir Ghaffari
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Rahimi
- Department of Medical biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Muslimov A, Tereshchenko V, Shevyrev D, Rogova A, Lepik K, Reshetnikov V, Ivanov R. The Dual Role of the Innate Immune System in the Effectiveness of mRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14820. [PMID: 37834268 PMCID: PMC10573212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914820] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized the use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic. The concept of nucleic acid therapy with mRNA originated in 1990 when Wolff et al. reported successful expression of proteins in target organs by direct injection of either plasmid DNA or mRNA. It took decades to bring the transfection efficiency of mRNA closer to that of DNA. The next few decades were dedicated to turning in vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA from a promising delivery tool for gene therapy into a full-blown therapeutic modality, which changed the biotech market rapidly. Hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway using mRNA for prophylaxis and therapy of infectious diseases and cancers, in regenerative medicine, and genome editing. The potential of IVT mRNA to induce an innate immune response favors its use for vaccination and immunotherapy. Nonetheless, in non-immunotherapy applications, the intrinsic immunostimulatory activity of mRNA directly hinders the desired therapeutic effect since it can seriously impair the target protein expression. Targeting the same innate immune factors can increase the effectiveness of mRNA therapeutics for some indications and decrease it for others, and vice versa. The review aims to present the innate immunity-related 'barriers' or 'springboards' that may affect the development of immunotherapies and non-immunotherapy applications of mRNA medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Muslimov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Valeriy Tereshchenko
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Daniil Shevyrev
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
| | - Anna Rogova
- Laboratory of Nano- and Microencapsulation of Biologically Active Substances, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia;
- Saint-Petersburg Chemical-Pharmaceutical University, Professora Popova 14, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
- School of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, Lomonosova 9, 191002 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute, Pavlov University, L’va Tolstogo 6-8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Roman Ivanov
- Scientific Center for Translational Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Olympic Ave 1, 354340 Sirius, Russia; (V.T.); (D.S.); (V.R.); (R.I.)
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3
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Maryam S, Krukiewicz K, Haq IU, Khan AA, Yahya G, Cavalu S. Interleukins (Cytokines) as Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: Progression, Detection, and Monitoring. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093127. [PMID: 37176567 PMCID: PMC10179696 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093127] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the primary cause of death in economically developed countries and the second leading cause in developing countries. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Risk factors for CRC include obesity, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, and smoking. CRC has a poor prognosis, and there is a critical need for new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers to reduce related deaths. Recently, studies have focused more on molecular testing to guide targeted treatments for CRC patients. The most crucial feature of activated immune cells is the production and release of growth factors and cytokines that modulate the inflammatory conditions in tumor tissues. The cytokine network is valuable for the prognosis and pathogenesis of colorectal cancer as they can aid in the cost-effective and non-invasive detection of cancer. A large number of interleukins (IL) released by the immune system at various stages of CRC can act as "biomarkers". They play diverse functions in colorectal cancer, and include IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-33, TNF, TGF-β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are pro-tumorigenic genes. However, there are an inadequate number of studies in this area considering its correlation with cytokine profiles that are clinically useful in diagnosing cancer. A better understanding of cytokine levels to establish diagnostic pathways entails an understanding of cytokine interactions and the regulation of their various biochemical signaling pathways in healthy individuals. This review provides a comprehensive summary of some interleukins as immunological biomarkers of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajida Maryam
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Katarzyna Krukiewicz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Centre for Organic and Nanohybrid Electronics, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 22B, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Ihtisham Ul Haq
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, M. Strzody 9, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
- Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Awal Ayaz Khan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Galal Yahya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Al Sharqia, Egypt
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Paul-Ehrlich Str. 24, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania
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4
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Zhang X, Yuan H, Mahmmod YS, Yang Z, Zhao M, Song Y, Luo S, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. Insight into the current Toxoplasma gondii DNA vaccine: a review article. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:66-89. [PMID: 36508550 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2157818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is a widespread protozoan with significant economic losses and public health importance. But so far, the protective effect of reported DNA-based vaccines fluctuates widely, and no study has demonstrated complete protection. AREAS COVERED This review provides an inclusive summary of T. gondii DNA vaccine antigens, adjuvants, and some other parameters. A total of 140 articles from 2000 to 2021 were collected from five databases. By contrasting the outcomes of acute and chronic challenges, we aimed to investigate and identify viable immunological strategies for optimum protection. Furthermore, we evaluated and discussed the impact of several parameters on challenge outcomes in the hopes of developing some recommendations to assist better future horizontal comparisons among research. EXPERT OPINION In the coming five years of research, the exploration of vaccine cocktails combining invasion antigens and metabolic antigens with genetic adjuvants or novel DNA delivery methods may offer us desirable protection against this multiple stage of life parasite. In addition to finding a better immune strategy, developing better in silico prediction methods, solving problems posed by variables in practical applications, and gaining a more profound knowledge of T.gondii-host molecular interaction is also crucial towards a successful vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, 17155, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zipeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mengpo Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yining Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
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5
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Warner RC, Chapman RC, Davis BN, Davis PH. REVIEW OF DNA VACCINE APPROACHES AGAINST THE PARASITE TOXOPLASMA GONDII. J Parasitol 2021; 107:882-903. [PMID: 34852176 DOI: 10.1645/20-157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that affects both humans and livestock. Transmitted to humans through ingestion, it is the second-leading cause of foodborne illness-related death. Currently, there exists no approved vaccine for humans or most livestock against the parasite. DNA vaccines, a type of subunit vaccine which uses segments of the pathogen's DNA to generate immunity, have shown varying degrees of experimental efficacy against infection caused by the parasite. This review compiles DNA vaccine efforts against Toxoplasma gondii, segmenting the analysis by parasite antigen, as well as a review of concomitant adjuvant usage. No single antigenic group was consistently more effective within in vivo trials relative to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie C Warner
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Ryan C Chapman
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Brianna N Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Paul H Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
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6
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Foroutan M, Ghaffari AD, Soltani S, Majidiani H, Taghipour A, Sabaghan M. Bioinformatics analysis of calcium-dependent protein kinase 4 (CDPK4) as Toxoplasma gondii vaccine target. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:50. [PMID: 33549149 PMCID: PMC7865105 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05467-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, could affect numerous warm-blooded animals, such as humans. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are essential Ca2+ signaling mediators and participate in parasite host cell egress, outer membrane motility, invasion, and cell division. RESULTS Several bioinformatics online servers were employed to analyze and predict the important properties of CDPK4 protein. The findings revealed that CDPK4 peptide has 1158 amino acid residues with average molecular weight (MW) of 126.331 KDa. The aliphatic index and GRAVY for this protein were estimated at 66.82 and - 0.650, respectively. The findings revealed that the CDPK4 protein comprised 30.14% and 34.97% alpha-helix, 59.84% and 53.54% random coils, and 10.02% and 11.49% extended strand with SOPMA and GOR4 tools, respectively. Ramachandran plot output showed 87.87%, 8.40%, and 3.73% of amino acid residues in the favored, allowed, and outlier regions, respectively. Also, several potential B and T-cell epitopes were predicted for CDPK4 protein through different bioinformatics tools. Also, antigenicity and allergenicity evaluation demonstrated that this protein has immunogenic and non-allergenic nature. This paper presents a basis for further studies, thereby provides a fundamental basis for the development of an effective vaccine against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- USERN Office, Abadan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Ali Dalir Ghaffari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P. O. Box 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
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7
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RNA Sensing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Its Impact on TB Vaccination Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010067. [PMID: 32033104 PMCID: PMC7158685 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is still an important global threat and although the causing organism has been discovered long ago, effective prevention strategies are lacking. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is a unique pathogen with a complex host interaction. Understanding the immune responses upon infection with MTB is crucial for the development of new vaccination strategies and therapeutic targets for TB. Recently, it has been proposed that sensing bacterial nucleic acid in antigen-presenting cells via intracellular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) is a central mechanism for initiating an effective host immune response. Here, we summarize key findings of the impact of mycobacterial RNA sensing for innate and adaptive host immunity after MTB infection, with emphasis on endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs) and cytosolic sensors such as NLRP3 and RLRs, modulating T-cell differentiation through IL-12, IL-21, and type I interferons. Ultimately, these immunological pathways may impact immune memory and TB vaccine efficacy. The novel findings described here may change our current understanding of the host response to MTB and potentially impact clinical research, as well as future vaccination design. In this review, the current state of the art is summarized, and an outlook is given on how progress can be made.
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8
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Solaymani-Mohammadi S, Eckmann L, Singer SM. Interleukin (IL)-21 in Inflammation and Immunity During Parasitic Diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:401. [PMID: 31867283 PMCID: PMC6904299 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality in the developing and underdeveloped countries. No efficacious vaccines are available against most parasitic diseases and there is a critical need for developing novel vaccine strategies for care. IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine whose functions in protection and immunopathology during parasitic diseases have been explored in limited ways. IL-21 and its cognate receptor, IL-21R, are highly expressed in parasitized organs of infected humans as well in murine models of the human parasitic diseases. Prior studies have indicated the ability of the IL-21/IL-21R signaling axis to regulate the effector functions (e.g., cytokine production) of T cell subsets by enhancing the expression of T-bet and STAT4 in human T cells, resulting in an augmented production of IFN-γ. Mice deficient for either IL-21 (Il21−/−) or IL-21R (Il21r−/−) showed significantly reduced inflammatory responses following parasitic infections as compared with their WT counterparts. Targeting the IL-21/IL-21R signaling axis may provide a novel approach for the development of new therapeutic agents for the prevention of parasite-induced immunopathology and tissue destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Solaymani-Mohammadi
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lars Eckmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Steven M Singer
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
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Xue J, Jiang W, Li J, Xiong W, Tian Z, Zhang Q, Li S, Liu C, Huang K, Wang Q. Toxoplasma gondii RPL40 is a circulating antigen with immune protection effect. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2019; 66. [PMID: 31592775 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2019.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Screening and identification of protective antigens are essential for the prevention of infections with Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908). In our previous study, T. gondii ribosomal-ubiquitin protein L40 (TgRPL40) was identified as a circulating antigen. However, the function and protective value of TgRPL40 was unknown. In the current study, recombinant TgRPL40 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and antibody was prepared. Western blotting analysis indicated that TgRPL40 was present in circulating antigens and excretory/secretary antigens (ESA). Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy analysis revealed that TgRPL40 protein is widely distributed in the tachyzoites. Immunisation with recombinant TgRPL40 prolonged the survival of mice infected with tachyzoites. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that immunisation with recombinant TgRPL40 reduced the parasite burden in blood, liver, spleen and brain of mice infected with tachyzoites. These observations indicate that TgRPL40 is a circulating antigen and is an effector of immune protection against acute T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxin Xue
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China.,Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Shanghai Customs, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | | | | | | | | | - Kehe Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, P. R. China
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10
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Price DRG, Küster T, Øines Ø, Oliver EM, Bartley K, Nunn F, Lima Barbero JF, Pritchard J, Karp-Tatham E, Hauge H, Blake DP, Tomley FM, Nisbet AJ. Evaluation of vaccine delivery systems for inducing long-lived antibody responses to Dermanyssus gallinae antigen in laying hens. Avian Pathol 2019; 48:S60-S74. [PMID: 31032631 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2019.1612514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, is a global threat to the commercial egg-laying industry. Control of D. gallinae is difficult, with only a limited number of effective pesticides and non-chemical treatments available. Here, we characterize the candidate vaccine antigen D. gallinae cathepsin D-1 (Dg-CatD-1) and demonstrate that purified refolded recombinant Dg-Cat-D1 (rDg-CatD-1) is an active aspartyl proteinase which digests haemoglobin with a pH optimum of pH 4. Soluble protein extracts from D. gallinae also have haemoglobinase activity, with a pH optimum comparable to the recombinant protein, and both proteinase activities were inhibited by the aspartyl proteinase inhibitor Pepstatin A. Enzyme activity and the ubiquitous localization of Dg-CatD-1 protein in sections of adult female mites is consistent with Dg-CatD-1 being a lysosomal proteinase. Using Dg-CatD-1 as a model vaccine antigen, we compared vaccine delivery methods in laying hens via vaccination with: (i) purified rDg-CatD-1 with Montanide™ ISA 71 VG adjuvant; (ii) recombinant DNA vaccines for expression of rDg-CatD-1 and (iii) transgenic coccidial parasite Eimeria tenella expressing rDg-CatD-1. In two independent trials, only birds vaccinated with rDg-CatD-1 with Montanide™ ISA 71 VG produced a strong and long-lasting serum anti-rDg-Cat-D1 IgY response, which was significantly higher than that in control birds vaccinated with adjuvant only. Furthermore, we showed that egg-laying rates of D. gallinae mites fed on birds vaccinated with rDg-CatD-1 in Montanide™ ISA 71 VG was reduced significantly compared with mites fed on unvaccinated birds. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Dermanyssus gallinae cathepsin D-1 (Dg-CatD-1) digests haemoglobin Vaccination of hens with rDg-CatD-1 in Montanide™ ISA 71 VG results in long-lasting IgY levels Serum anti-rDg-CatD-1 antibodies reduce egg laying in D. gallinae after a single blood meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R G Price
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park , Edinburgh , UK
| | - Tatiana Küster
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College , North Mymms , UK
| | | | | | - Kathryn Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park , Edinburgh , UK
| | - Francesca Nunn
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park , Edinburgh , UK
| | | | - James Pritchard
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College , North Mymms , UK
| | - Eleanor Karp-Tatham
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College , North Mymms , UK
| | | | - Damer P Blake
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College , North Mymms , UK
| | - Fiona M Tomley
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College , North Mymms , UK
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11
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Loh FK, Nathan S, Chow SC, Fang CM. Vaccination challenges and strategies against long-lived Toxoplasma gondii. Vaccine 2019; 37:3989-4000. [PMID: 31186188 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of Toxoplasma gondii in 1908, it is estimated that one-third of the global population has been exposed to this ubiquitous intracellular protozoan. The complex life cycle of T. gondii has enabled itself to overcome stress and transmit easily within a broad host range thus achieving a high seroprevalence worldwide. To date, toxoplasmosis remains one of the most prevalent HIV-associated opportunistic central nervous system infections. This review presents a comprehensive overview of different vaccination approaches ranging from traditional inactivated whole-T. gondii vaccines to the popular DNA vaccines. Extensive discussions are made to highlight the challenges in constructing these vaccines, selecting adjuvants as well as delivery methods, immunisation approaches and developing study models. Herein we also deliberate over the latest and promising enhancement strategies that can address the limitations in developing an effective T. gondii prophylactic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Kean Loh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheila Nathan
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sek-Chuen Chow
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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12
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Huang SY, Chen K, Wang JL, Yang B, Zhu XQ. Evaluation of protective immunity induced by recombinant calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (TgCDPK1) protein against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Microb Pathog 2019; 133:103560. [PMID: 31145981 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular zoonotic parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which can cause economic losses and serious public health problems worldwide. A member of the T. gondii calcium-dependent protein kinases family, TgCDPK1 was recently identified as an essential regulator of exocytosis in T. gondii, and participated in direct parasite motility, host-cell invasion and egress. In the present study, the protective immunity of recombinant TgCDPK1 protein (rTgCDPK1) was evaluated against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. rTgCDPK1 were expressed and purified, BABL/c mice were intraperitoneally immunized with rTgCDPK1 and challenged with the highly virulent RH strain of T. gondii. The specific immune responses were analyzed by measuring the cytokine and serum antibody, and lymphocyte proliferation assays, flow cytometry of lymphocytes and the survival curve were employed to evaluate the protective efficacy. From the results we found that special humoral and cellular responses could be elicited in vaccine mice, and higher level of IgG antibody, and the significant increased levels of Th1-type cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12 (p70), IL10 and CD3+CD4+CD8- and CD3+CD8+CD4- T cells could also be detected comparing to control mice (P < 0.05). All vaccinated mice prolonged survival time (14.90 ± 2.89 days) challenge with 1000 tachyzoites of RH, while the control mice died within 8 days. These results indicated that TgCDPK1 protein was a potential vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Cloning, Molecular
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Female
- Genes, Protozoan/genetics
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunity, Humoral
- Immunization
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Lymphocytes/immunology
- Mice
- Protein Kinases/genetics
- Protein Kinases/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Spleen/immunology
- Survival Analysis
- Toxoplasma/genetics
- Toxoplasma/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/prevention & control
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yang Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China.
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China
| | - Bin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China
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13
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Guo J, Zhou A, Sun X, Sha W, Ai K, Pan G, Zhou C, Zhou H, Cong H, He S. Immunogenicity of a Virus-Like-Particle Vaccine Containing Multiple Antigenic Epitopes of Toxoplasma gondii Against Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:592. [PMID: 30984177 PMCID: PMC6449433 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no effective protective vaccine against human toxoplasmosis, which is a potential threat to nearly a third of the world population. Vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) have been highly successful in humans for many years, but have rarely been applied against Toxoplasma gondii infection. In this study, we inserted a B cell epitope (SAG182−102 or SAG1301−320), a CD8+ cell epitope (HF10 or ROP7), and a CD4+ cell epitope (AS15) of T. gondii into a truncated HBcΔ(amino acids1–149) particle to construct four chimeric VLP vaccine formulations, i.e., HBcΔH82, HBcΔH301, HBcΔ R82, and HBcΔ R301. When these chimeric HBc particles were expressed in Escherichia coli, they showed icosahedral morphology similar to that of the original VLPs and were evaluated as vaccine formulations against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in a mouse model (BALB/c mice (H-2d). All these chimeric HBc VLPs induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses with high IgG antibody titers and interferon(IFN)-γ production. Only the mice immunized with HBcΔH82 showed prolonged survival time (15.6 ± 3.8 vs. 5.6 ± 0.8 days) against acute infection with RH tachyzoites and decrease in brain parasite load (1,454 ± 239 vs. 2,091 ± 263) against chronic infection with Prugniuad cysts, as compared to the findings for the control group. These findings suggest that HBc VLPs would act as an effective carrier for delivering effective multiple antigenic epitopes and would be beneficial for developing a safe and long-acting vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiahui Sun
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenchao Sha
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Ai
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ge Pan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxue Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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14
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Gao Q, Zhang NZ, Zhang FK, Wang M, Hu LY, Zhu XQ. Immune response and protective effect against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection induced by vaccination with a DNA vaccine encoding profilin. BMC Infect Dis 2018. [PMID: 29514647 PMCID: PMC5842554 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect almost all warm-blooded animals. T. gondii profilin (TgPF) plays a crucial role in parasite motility and host cell invasion, and has shown promise against toxoplasmosis. DNA vaccine was considered to elicit effective humoral and cell-mediated immunity against T. gondii infection. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of TgPF in mice using a DNA vaccination strategy. Methods A DNA vaccine (pVAX-PF) encoding TgPF gene was constructed and then was intramuscularly injected into mice with and without a plasmid encoding IL-15 (pVAX-IL-15). The immune responses in immunized Kunming mice including lymphocyte proliferation, levels of cytokines, antibody titers and T lymphocyte subclasses were analyzed. The protective efficacy against chronic T. gondii infection was observed at 4 weeks post-infection with the cyst-forming PRU strain of T. gondii (Genotype II). Results EitherpVAX-PF with or without pVAX-IL-15 could elicit higher level of IgG and IgG2a antibodies and produce strong cellular immune responses in the immunized mice. The brain cyst numbers in mice immunized with pVAX-PF + pVAX-IL-15 (1843 ± 215.7) and pVAX-PF (1897 ± 337.8) were reduced 40.82% and 39.08%, respectively, compared to that in mice received nothing (3114 ± 168.8), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). However, the T. gondii cyst numbers in mice immunized with pVAX-PF + pVAX-IL-15 were not statistically significantly different compared to that in mice immunized with pVAX-PF alone [t(10) = 0.33, P > 0.05]. Conclusions The present study indicated that TgPF could be a promising vaccine candidate against chronic toxoplasmosis, which can be further used to develop multi-epitope vaccine formulations in food-producing animals against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Hunan Entry-exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410004, People's Republic of China
| | - Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fu-Kai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Ying Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, People's Republic of China
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15
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Foroutan M, Ghaffarifar F. Calcium-dependent protein kinases are potential targets for Toxoplasma gondii vaccine. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2018; 7:24-36. [PMID: 29399577 PMCID: PMC5795042 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2018.7.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii belongs to the Apicomplexa phylum that caused a widespread zoonotic infection in wide range of intermediate hosts. Over one-third of the world's population are latently infected with T. gondii and carry it. The complex life cycle of T. gondii indicates the presence of a plurality of antigenic epitopes. During the recent years, continuous efforts of scientists have made precious advances to elucidate the different aspects of the cell and molecular biology of T. gondii. Despite of great progresses, the development of vaccine candidates for preventing of T. gondii infection in men and animals is still remains a challenge. The calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) belongs to the superfamily of kinases, which restricted to the apicomplexans, ciliates, and plants. It has been documented that they contribute several functions in the life cycle of T. gondii such as gliding motility, cell invasion, and egress as well as some other critical developmental processes. In current paper, we reviewed the recent progress concerning the development of CDPK-based vaccines against acute and chronic T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Suschak JJ, Williams JA, Schmaljohn CS. Advancements in DNA vaccine vectors, non-mechanical delivery methods, and molecular adjuvants to increase immunogenicity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017. [PMID: 28604157 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A major advantage of DNA vaccination is the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. DNA vaccines are currently used in veterinary medicine, but have not achieved widespread acceptance for use in humans due to their low immunogenicity in early clinical studies. However, recent clinical data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, particularly in priming high-level antigen-specific antibody responses. Several approaches have been investigated for improving DNA vaccine efficacy, including advancements in DNA vaccine vector design, the inclusion of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants, and novel non-mechanical delivery methods. These strategies have shown promise, resulting in augmented adaptive immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. Here, we review advancements in each of these areas that show promise for increasing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| | | | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
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17
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Chen K, Wang JL, Huang SY, Yang WB, Zhu WN, Zhu XQ. Immune responses and protection after DNA vaccination against Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 2 (TgCDPK2). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 24:41. [PMID: 29119944 PMCID: PMC5678354 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2017045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular zoonotic protozoan parasite, is possibly the most widespread parasite of warm-blooded animals and can cause serious public health problems and economic losses worldwide. TgCDPK2, a member of the T. gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase family, was recently identified as an essential regulator for viable cyst development in T. gondii. In the present study, we evaluated the protective immunity induced by DNA vaccination based on a recombinant eukaryotic plasmid, pVAX-TgCDPK2, against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized with pVAX-TgCDPK2 plasmid and then challenged by infection with the highly virulent RH strain of T. gondii. The specific immune responses and protective efficacy against T. gondii were analyzed by cytokine and serum antibody measurements, lymphocyte proliferation assays, flow cytometric on lymphocytes and the survival time of mice after challenge. Our results showed that mice immunized with pVAX-TgCDPK2 could elicit special humoral and cellular responses, with higher levels of IgG antibody, and increased levels of Th1-type cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12(p70), and CD3 + CD4 + CD8 − and CD3 + CD8 + CD4 − T cells, and had a prolonged survival time (14.0 ± 2.32 days) compared to control mice. These results demonstrate that pVAX-TgCDPK2 is a potential vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China - Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, PR China
| | - Wen-Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China - College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, PR China
| | - Wei-Ning Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China - College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province 150030, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China - Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, PR China
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18
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Pan M, Lyu C, Zhao J, Shen B. Sixty Years (1957-2017) of Research on Toxoplasmosis in China-An Overview. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1825. [PMID: 28993763 PMCID: PMC5622193 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic pathogen belonging to apicomplexan parasites. Infection in humans and animals may cause abortion and other severe symptoms under certain circumstances, leading to great economical losses and public health problems. T. gondii was first discovered in China in 1955 and the corresponding work was published in 1957. Since then, a lot of work has been done on this parasite and the diseases it causes. This review summarizes the major progress made by Chinese scientists over the last 60 years, and gives our perspectives on what should be done in the near future. A wide variety of diagnostic approaches were designed, including the ones to detect T. gondii specific antibodies in host sera, and T. gondii specific antigens or DNA in tissue and environmental samples. Further work will be needed to translate some of the laboratory assays into reliable products for clinic uses. Epidemiological studies were extensively done in China and the sero-prevalence in humans increased over the years, but is still below the world average, likely due to the unique eating and cooking habits. Infection rates were shown to be fairly high in meat producing animals such as, pigs, sheep, and chickens, as well as in the definitive host cats. Numerous subunit vaccines in the form of recombinant proteins or DNA vaccines were developed, but none of them is satisfactory in the current form. Live attenuated parasites using genetically modified strains may be a better option for vaccine design. The strains isolated from China are dominated by the ToxoDB #9 genotype, but it likely contains multiple subtypes since different ToxoDB #9 strains exhibited phenotypic differences. Further studies are needed to understand the general biology, as well as the unique features of strains prevalent in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Congcong Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei ProvinceWuhan, China
- Hubei Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig ProductionWuhan, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei ProvinceWuhan, China
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19
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Chen T, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Yang J, Li M, Wang K, Cui M, Fu ZF, Zhao L, Zhou M. Recombinant rabies virus expressing IL-15 enhances immunogenicity through promoting the activation of dendritic cells in mice. Virol Sin 2017; 32:317-327. [PMID: 28861771 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-017-4036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies remains a public health threat that kills approximately 59,000 people worldwide each year, most of which are from the developing countries of Africa and Asia where dog rabies are endemic. Therefore, developing an affordable and efficacious vaccine is crucial for rabies control in these countries. Interleukin (IL)-15, an immunoregulatory cytokine, is a pluripotent molecule with therapeutic potential, which targets many cell types and links the innate and adaptive immune system. In this study, IL-15 gene was cloned and inserted into the genome of a recombinant rabies virus (RABV) strain LBNSE (designated as LBNSE-IL15), and the effect of over-expression of IL-15 on the immunogenicity of RABV was investigated. It was found that mice vaccinated with LBNSE-IL15 could induce significantly higher level of virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) than those immunized with LBNSE, resulting in the higher protection after challenge. Further investigation was performed to find out the possible role of IL-15 plays in the process of antibody induction, and it was found that LBNSE-IL15 could enhance the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in immunized mice. Furthermore, the mice immunized with LBNSE-IL15 could promote the TFH cells differentiation and the generation of germinal center B cells and plasma cells. Together, these data indicated that IL-15 could be a potential adjuvant in enhancing the immunogenicity of RABV, contributing to the development of more-efficacious rabies vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiange Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Yajing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mingming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Kunlun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Min Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhen F Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.,Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Ming Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China. .,Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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20
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Suschak JJ, Williams JA, Schmaljohn CS. Advancements in DNA vaccine vectors, non-mechanical delivery methods, and molecular adjuvants to increase immunogenicity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2837-2848. [PMID: 28604157 PMCID: PMC5718814 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1330236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A major advantage of DNA vaccination is the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. DNA vaccines are currently used in veterinary medicine, but have not achieved widespread acceptance for use in humans due to their low immunogenicity in early clinical studies. However, recent clinical data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, particularly in priming high-level antigen-specific antibody responses. Several approaches have been investigated for improving DNA vaccine efficacy, including advancements in DNA vaccine vector design, the inclusion of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants, and novel non-mechanical delivery methods. These strategies have shown promise, resulting in augmented adaptive immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. Here, we review advancements in each of these areas that show promise for increasing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| | | | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
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21
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Ahmadpour E, Sarvi S, Hashemi Soteh MB, Sharif M, Rahimi MT, Valadan R, Tehrani M, Khalilian A, Montazeri M, Daryani A. Evaluation of the immune response in BALB/c mice induced by a novel DNA vaccine expressing GRA14 againstToxoplasma gondii. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Ahmadpour
- Immunology Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - S. Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. B. Hashemi Soteh
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. Sharif
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. T. Rahimi
- School of Medicine; Shahroud University of Medical Sciences; Shahroud Iran
| | - R. Valadan
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. Tehrani
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - A. Khalilian
- Biostatistics Department; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - M. Montazeri
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
| | - A. Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center; Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari Iran
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22
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Booty MG, Barreira-Silva P, Carpenter SM, Nunes-Alves C, Jacques MK, Stowell BL, Jayaraman P, Beamer G, Behar SM. IL-21 signaling is essential for optimal host resistance against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36720. [PMID: 27819295 PMCID: PMC5098191 DOI: 10.1038/srep36720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-21 is produced predominantly by activated CD4+ T cells and has pleiotropic effects on immunity via the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R), a member of the common gamma chain (γc) cytokine receptor family. We show that IL-21 signaling plays a crucial role in T cell responses during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by augmenting CD8+ T cell priming, promoting T cell accumulation in the lungs, and enhancing T cell cytokine production. In the absence of IL-21 signaling, more CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in chronically infected mice express the T cell inhibitory molecules PD-1 and TIM-3. We correlate these immune alterations with increased susceptibility of IL-21R−/− mice, which have increased lung bacterial burden and earlier mortality compared to WT mice. Finally, to causally link the immune defects with host susceptibility, we use an adoptive transfer model to show that IL-21R−/− T cells transfer less protection than WT T cells. These results prove that IL-21 signaling has an intrinsic role in promoting the protective capacity of T cells. Thus, the net effect of IL-21 signaling is to enhance host resistance to M. tuberculosis. These data position IL-21 as a candidate biomarker of resistance to tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Booty
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US.,Program in Immunology, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, US
| | - Palmira Barreira-Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's, Portuguese Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Stephen M Carpenter
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
| | - Cláudio Nunes-Alves
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
| | - Miye K Jacques
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
| | - Britni L Stowell
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
| | - Pushpa Jayaraman
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
| | - Gillian Beamer
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, Grafton, MA 01536, US
| | - Samuel M Behar
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
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23
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Zhang NZ, Xu Y, Wang M, Chen J, Huang SY, Gao Q, Zhu XQ. Vaccination with Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 6 and rhoptry protein 18 encapsulated in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres induces long-term protective immunity in mice. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:168. [PMID: 27090890 PMCID: PMC4836102 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. However, no effective vaccine is yet available. Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) polymers can reduce protein degradation and sustain the release of antigens over a long period, which could generate a long-lasting immune response in vivo. Using a mouse model of toxoplasmosis, we evaluated the protective efficacy of vaccination with two recombinant proteins, which are formulated in biodegradable polymers. Methods Two recombinant proteins, rCDPK6 and rROP18, were encapsulated in poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG), and then injected subcutaneously into Kunming mice. The mice immune responses were evaluated in terms of lympho-proliferation, cytokine expression, and antibodies. The survival of infected mice and brain cyst formation were also evaluated at 6 weeks after challenge with T. gondii RH strain (genotype I) or PRU strain (genotype II). Results Both protein vaccines induced Th1-biased immune responses, with increased specific antibodies and T cells, high levels of interferon-γ and interleukin 2, and strong lymphocyte proliferative responses. The mice immunized with the various protein vaccines survived slightly longer time than the control groups (P > 0.05) after injection with T. gondii RH strain. There were fewer brain cysts in the mice in all the immunized groups than that in the control groups, and the brain cysts were significantly reduced in mice immunized with proteins + 206, rCDPK6 + PLG and rCDPK6 + rROP18 + PLG (P < 0.05) compared controls. Further comparison of the immune responses to the proteins adjuvanted with PLG or Montanide™ ISA 206 VG 6 weeks after the last immunization revealed that antigens encapsulated in PLG conferred greater protective immunity against challenge. Conclusions These findings suggest that the two recombinant T. gondii proteins encapsulated in PLG conferred immunity to T. gondii for an extended period, providing the foundation for the further development of a commercial vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China
| | - Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China
| | - Jia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China
| | - Qi Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510642, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, 730046, PR China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, PR China.
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24
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Zorgi NE, Galisteo AJ, Sato MN, do Nascimento N, de Andrade HF. Immunity in the spleen and blood of mice immunized with irradiated Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Med Microbiol Immunol 2016; 205:297-314. [PMID: 26732075 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-015-0447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection induces a strong and long-lasting immune response that is able to prevent most reinfections but allows tissue cysts. Irradiated, sterilized T. gondii tachyzoites are an interesting vaccine, and they induce immunity that is similar to infection, but without cysts. In this study, we evaluated the cellular immune response in the blood and spleen of mice immunized with this preparation by mouth (v.o.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) and analyzed the protection after challenge with viable parasites. BALB/c mice were immunized with three i.p. or v.o. doses of irradiated T. gondii tachyzoites. Oral challenge with ten cysts of the ME-49 or VEG strain at 90 days after the last dose resulted in high levels of protection with low parasite burden in the immunized animals. There were higher levels of specific IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies in the serum, and the i.p. immunized mice had higher levels of the high-affinity IgG and IgM antibodies than the orally immunized mice, which had more high-affinity IgA antibodies. B cells (CD19(+)), plasma cells (CD138(+)) and the CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell populations were increased in both the blood and spleen. Cells from the spleen of the i.p. immunized mice also showed antigen-induced production of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4). The CD4(+) T cells, B cells and likely CD8(+) T cells from the spleens of the i.p. immunized mice proliferated with a specific antigen. The protection was correlated with the spleen and blood CD8(+) T cell, high-affinity IgG and IgM and antigen-induced IL-10 and IL-4 production. Immunization with irradiated T. gondii tachyzoites induces an immune response that is mediated by B cells and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, with increased humoral and cellular immune responses that are necessary for host protection after infection. The vaccine is similar to natural infection, but free of tissue cysts; this immunity restrains infection at challenge and can be an attractive and efficient model for vaccine development in toxoplasmosis.
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MESH Headings
- Administration, Oral
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan/blood
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Blood/immunology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunity, Humoral
- Immunoglobulin A/blood
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Immunoglobulin M/blood
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Protozoan Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Protozoan Vaccines/immunology
- Spleen/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- Toxoplasma/immunology
- Toxoplasmosis, Animal/prevention & control
- Vaccines, Inactivated/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Inactivated/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahiara Esteves Zorgi
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédica, USP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Edifício Biomédicas II Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, FMUSP, USP, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, 1° Andar, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Andrés Jimenez Galisteo
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, FMUSP, USP, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, 1° Andar, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Notomi Sato
- Departamento de Dermatologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, FMUSP, USP, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, 3° Andar, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Nanci do Nascimento
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN, Rua Travessa 400, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Heitor Franco de Andrade
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédica, USP, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Edifício Biomédicas II Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05508-000, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, FMUSP, USP, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, 1° Andar, São Paulo, SP, CEP: 05403-000, Brazil.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Abstract
In the two decades since their initial discovery, DNA vaccines technologies have come a long way. Unfortunately, when applied to human subjects inadequate immunogenicity is still the biggest challenge for practical DNA vaccine use. Many different strategies have been tested in preclinical models to address this problem, including novel plasmid vectors and codon optimization to enhance antigen expression, new gene transfection systems or electroporation to increase delivery efficiency, protein or live virus vector boosting regimens to maximise immune stimulation, and formulation of DNA vaccines with traditional or molecular adjuvants. Better understanding of the mechanisms of action of DNA vaccines has also enabled better use of the intrinsic host response to DNA to improve vaccine immunogenicity. This review summarizes recent advances in DNA vaccine technologies and related intracellular events and how these might impact on future directions of DNA vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
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26
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Chen J, Li ZY, Petersen E, Liu WG, Zhu XQ. Co-administration of interleukins 7 and 15 with DNA vaccine improves protective immunity against Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2015; 162:18-23. [PMID: 26706605 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligatory intracellular parasite, which can infect all warm-blooded animals including humans. Cytokines, including IL-15 and IL-7, play a critical role in the regulation of the homeostasis of naive and memory T cells. Co-administration the DNA vaccine with cytokines may improve its efficacy. IL-7 and IL-15 from splenic tissues of Kunming mice were cloned, and eukaryotic plasmid pVAX-IL-7-IL-15 was constructed. Kunming mice were administrated with DNA vaccine expressing T. gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (TgCDPK1), pVAX-CDPK1, in the presence or absence of IL-7 and IL-15 plasmids (pVAX-IL-7-IL-15), immune responses were analyzed including lymphoproliferative assay, cytokine and serum antibody measurements, flow cytometric surface markers on lymphocytes, and thus protective immunity against acute and chronic T. gondii infection was estimated. Mice injected with pVAX-CDPK1 supplemented with pVAX-IL-7-IL-15 showed higher Toxoplasma-specific IgG2a titers, Th1 responses associated with the production of IFN-γ, IL-2 as well as cell-mediated cytotoxic activity where stronger frequencies of IFN-γ secreting CD8+ and CD4+ T cells (CD8+/CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cells) compared to controls. Co-administration of pVAX-IL-7-IL-15 and pVAX-CDPK1 significantly (P < 0.05) increased survival time (18.07 ± 5.43 days) compared with pVAX-CDPK1 (14.13 ± 3.85 days) or pVAX-IL-7-IL-15 (11.73 ± 1.83 days) alone, and pVAX-IL-7-IL-15 + pVAX-CDPK1 significantly reduced the number of brain cysts (73.5%) in contrast to pVAX-CDPK1 (46.0%) or pVAX-IL-7-IL-15 alone (45.0%). Our results indicate that supplementation of DNA vaccine with IL-7 and IL-15 would facilitate specific humoral and cellular immune responses elicited by DNA vaccine against acute and chronic T. gondii infection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang province 315211, PR China
| | - Zhong-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wen-Ge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province 225009, PR China.
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27
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Protective immunity against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice induced by a DNA vaccine encoding Toxoplasma gondii elongation factor 1-alpha. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:448. [PMID: 26497908 PMCID: PMC4619988 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1220-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all warm-blood animals including human beings. The high incidence and severe damage that can be caused by T. gondii infection clearly indicates the need for the development of a vaccine. T. gondii elongation factor 1-alpha (TgEF-1α) plays an important role in pathogenesis and host cell invasion for this parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding TgEF-1α gene against acute T. gondii infection in mice. METHODS A DNA vaccine (pVAX-EF-1α) encoding T. gondii EF-1a (TgEF-1α) gene was constructed and its immune response and protective efficacy against lethal challenge in BALB/c mice were evaluated. RESULTS Mice inoculated with the pVAX-EF-1α vaccine had a high level of specific anti-T. gondii antibodies and produced high levels of IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-17. The expression levels of MHC-I and MHC-II molecules as well as the percentages of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in mice vaccinated with pVAX-EF-1α were significantly increased (p < 0.05), compared with those in all the mice from control groups (blank control, PBS, and pVAXI). Immunization with pVAX-EF-1α significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged mouse survival time to 14.1 ± 1.7 days after challenge infection with the virulent T. gondii RH strain, compared with mice in the control groups which died within 8 days. CONCLUSIONS DNA vaccination with pVAX-EF-1α triggered strong humoral and cellular responses and induced effective protection in mice against acute T. gondii infection, indicating that TgEF-1α is a promising vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis.
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Zhang NZ, Wang M, Xu Y, Petersen E, Zhu XQ. Recent advances in developing vaccines against Toxoplasma gondii: an update. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1609-21. [PMID: 26467840 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1098539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a significant public health risk, is able to infect almost all warm-blooded animals including humans, and it results in economic losses in production animals. In the last three years, a large number of vaccination experiments have been performed to control T. gondii infection, with the target of limiting the acute infection and reducing or eliminating tissue cysts in the intermediate hosts. In this paper, we summarize the latest results of the veterinary vaccines against T. gondii infection since 2013. Immunization with live-attenuated whole organisms of non-reverting mutants has been shown to induce remarkably potent immune responses associated with control of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. The non-cyst-forming mutants are promising new tools for the development of veterinary vaccines against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Zhang Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
| | - Ying Xu
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China.,b Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , PR China
| | - Eskild Petersen
- c Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
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29
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Immunological changes induced by Toxoplasma gondii Glutathione-S-Transferase (TgGST) delivered as a DNA vaccine. Res Vet Sci 2015; 99:157-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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