1
|
Rajneesh, Tiwari R, Singh VK, Kumar A, Gupta RP, Singh AK, Gautam V, Kumar R. Advancements and Challenges in Developing Malaria Vaccines: Targeting Multiple Stages of the Parasite Life Cycle. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1795-1814. [PMID: 37708228 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, remains a major global health concern, causing millions of deaths annually. While the introduction of the RTS,S vaccine has shown promise, there is a pressing need for more effective vaccines due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant vectors. However, the complex life cycle and genetic diversity of the parasite, technical obstacles, limited funding, and the impact of the 2019 pandemic have hindered progress in malaria vaccine development. This review focuses on advancements in malaria vaccine development, particularly the ongoing clinical trials targeting antigens from different stages of the Plasmodium life cycle. Additionally, we discuss the rationale, strategies, and challenges associated with vaccine design, aiming to enhance the immune response and protective efficacy of vaccine candidates. A cost-effective and multistage vaccine could hold the key to controlling and eradicating malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajneesh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rahul Tiwari
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vishal K Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Awnish Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rohit P Gupta
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Akhilesh K Singh
- Faculty of Dental Science, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vibhav Gautam
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
El-Moamly AA, El-Sweify MA. Malaria vaccines: the 60-year journey of hope and final success-lessons learned and future prospects. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:29. [PMID: 37198702 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00516-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world has made great strides towards beating malaria, although about half of the world population is still exposed to the risk of contracting malaria. Developing an effective malaria vaccine was a huge challenge for medical science. In 2021 the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 vaccine (Mosquirix™), for widespread use. This review highlights the history of development, and the different approaches and types of malaria vaccines, and the literature to date. It covers the developmental stages of RTS,S/AS01 and recommends steps for its deployment. The review explores other potential vaccine candidates and their status, and suggests options for their further development. It also recommends future roles for vaccines in eradicating malaria. Questions remain on how RTS,S vaccine will work in widespread use and how it can best be utilized to benefit vulnerable communities. CONCLUSION Malaria vaccines have been in development for almost 60 years. The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has now been approved, but cannot be a stand-alone solution. Development should continue on promising candidates such as R21, PfSPZ and P. vivax vaccines. Multi-component vaccines may be a useful addition to other malaria control techniques in achieving eradication of malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amal A El-Moamly
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A El-Sweify
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Naturally Acquired Antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum: Friend or Foe? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070832. [PMID: 34357982 PMCID: PMC8308493 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are central to acquired immunity against malaria. Plasmodium falciparum elicits antibody responses against many of its protein components, but there is also formation of antibodies against different parts of the red blood cells, in which the parasites spend most of their time. In the absence of a decisive intervention such as a vaccine, people living in malaria endemic regions largely depend on naturally acquired antibodies for protection. However, these antibodies do not confer sterile immunity and the mechanisms of action are still unclear. Most studies have focused on the inhibitory effect of antibodies, but here, we review both the beneficial as well as the potentially harmful roles of naturally acquired antibodies, as well as autoantibodies formed in malaria. We discuss different studies that have sought to understand acquired antibody responses against P. falciparum antigens, and potential problems when different antibodies are combined, such as in naturally acquired immunity.
Collapse
|
4
|
Minassian AM, Silk SE, Barrett JR, Nielsen CM, Miura K, Diouf A, Loos C, Fallon JK, Michell AR, White MT, Edwards NJ, Poulton ID, Mitton CH, Payne RO, Marks M, Maxwell-Scott H, Querol-Rubiera A, Bisnauthsing K, Batra R, Ogrina T, Brendish NJ, Themistocleous Y, Rawlinson TA, Ellis KJ, Quinkert D, Baker M, Lopez Ramon R, Ramos Lopez F, Barfod L, Folegatti PM, Silman D, Datoo M, Taylor IJ, Jin J, Pulido D, Douglas AD, de Jongh WA, Smith R, Berrie E, Noe AR, Diggs CL, Soisson LA, Ashfield R, Faust SN, Goodman AL, Lawrie AM, Nugent FL, Alter G, Long CA, Draper SJ. Reduced blood-stage malaria growth and immune correlates in humans following RH5 vaccination. MED 2021; 2:701-719.e19. [PMID: 34223402 PMCID: PMC8240500 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of an effective vaccine against the pathogenic blood-stage infection of human malaria has proved challenging, and no candidate vaccine has affected blood-stage parasitemia following controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) with blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum. METHODS We undertook a phase I/IIa clinical trial in healthy adults in the United Kingdom of the RH5.1 recombinant protein vaccine, targeting the P. falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (RH5), formulated in AS01B adjuvant. We assessed safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy against blood-stage CHMI. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02927145. FINDINGS The RH5.1/AS01B formulation was administered using a range of RH5.1 protein vaccine doses (2, 10, and 50 μg) and was found to be safe and well tolerated. A regimen using a delayed and fractional third dose, in contrast to three doses given at monthly intervals, led to significantly improved antibody response longevity over ∼2 years of follow-up. Following primary and secondary CHMI of vaccinees with blood-stage P. falciparum, a significant reduction in parasite growth rate was observed, defining a milestone for the blood-stage malaria vaccine field. We show that growth inhibition activity measured in vitro using purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody strongly correlates with in vivo reduction of the parasite growth rate and also identify other antibody feature sets by systems serology, including the plasma anti-RH5 IgA1 response, that are associated with challenge outcome. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a new framework to guide rational design and delivery of next-generation vaccines to protect against malaria disease. FUNDING This study was supported by USAID, UK MRC, Wellcome Trust, NIAID, and the NIHR Oxford-BRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E. Silk
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | | | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Carolin Loos
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Ashlin R. Michell
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michael T. White
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Nick J. Edwards
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ian D. Poulton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Celia H. Mitton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ruth O. Payne
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Hector Maxwell-Scott
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Antonio Querol-Rubiera
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Karen Bisnauthsing
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Rahul Batra
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Tatiana Ogrina
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Nathan J. Brendish
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | | | | | | | - Doris Quinkert
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Megan Baker
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | | | - Lea Barfod
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Daniel Silman
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Mehreen Datoo
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Iona J. Taylor
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Jing Jin
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - David Pulido
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Willem A. de Jongh
- ExpreSion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, Agern Allé 1, Hørsholm 2970, Denmark
| | - Robert Smith
- Clinical BioManufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JT, UK
| | - Eleanor Berrie
- Clinical BioManufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JT, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Saul N. Faust
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anna L. Goodman
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | | | - Fay L. Nugent
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Galit Alter
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Simon J. Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duffy PE, Patrick Gorres J. Malaria vaccines since 2000: progress, priorities, products. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:48. [PMID: 32566259 PMCID: PMC7283239 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-0196-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria vaccine development entered a new era in 2015 when the pre-erythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum candidate RTS,S was favorably reviewed by the European Medicines Agency and subsequently introduced into national pilot implementation programs, marking the first human anti-parasite vaccine to pass regulatory scrutiny. Since the first trials published in 1997, RTS,S has been evaluated in a series of clinical trials culminating in Phase 3 testing, while testing of other pre-erythrocytic candidates (that target sporozoite- or liver-stage parasites), particularly whole sporozoite vaccines, has also increased. Interest in blood-stage candidates (that limit blood-stage parasite growth) subsided after disappointing human efficacy results, although new blood-stage targets and concepts may revive activity in this area. Over the past decade, testing of transmission-blocking vaccines (that kill mosquito/sexual-stage parasites) advanced to field trials and the first generation of placental malaria vaccines (that clear placenta-sequestering parasites) entered the clinic. Novel antigen discovery, human monoclonal antibodies, structural vaccinology, and improved platforms promise to expand on RTS,S and improve existing vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E. Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - J. Patrick Gorres
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chim-Ong A, Surit T, Chainarin S, Roobsoong W, Sattabongkot J, Cui L, Nguitragool W. The Blood Stage Antigen RBP2-P1 of Plasmodium vivax Binds Reticulocytes and Is a Target of Naturally Acquired Immunity. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00616-19. [PMID: 32014895 PMCID: PMC7093139 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00616-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions between Plasmodium parasites and human erythrocytes are prime targets of blood stage malaria vaccine development. The reticulocyte binding protein 2-P1 (RBP2-P1) of Plasmodium vivax, a member of the reticulocyte binding protein family, has recently been shown to be highly antigenic in several settings endemic for malaria. Yet, its functional characteristics and the relevance of its antibody response in human malaria have not been examined. In this study, the potential function of RBP2-P1 as an invasion ligand of P. vivax was evaluated. The protein was found to be expressed in schizonts, be localized at the apical end of the merozoite, and preferentially bind reticulocytes over normocytes. Human antibodies to this protein also exhibit erythrocyte binding inhibition at physiologically relevant concentrations. Furthermore, RBP2-P1 antibodies are associated with lower parasitemia and tend to be higher in asymptomatic carriers than in patients. This study provides evidence supporting a role of RBP2-P1 as an invasion ligand and its consideration as a vaccine target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anongruk Chim-Ong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thitiporn Surit
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sittinont Chainarin
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanlapa Roobsoong
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bendezu J, Villasis E, Morales Ruiz S, Garro K, Infante B, Gutierrez-Loli R, Rodríguez P, Fernández-Díaz M, Gamboa D, Torres K. Evaluation of Plasmodium falciparum MSP10 and its development as a serological tool for the Peruvian Amazon region. Malar J 2019; 18:327. [PMID: 31547821 PMCID: PMC6757379 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2959-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different antigens are needed to characterize Plasmodium falciparum infection in terms of seroreactivity and targets for invasion inhibition, in order to guide and identify the proper use of such proteins as tools for the development of serological markers and/or as vaccine candidates. METHODS IgG responses in 84 serum samples from individuals with P. falciparum infection [classified as symptomatic (Sym) or asymptomatic (Asym)], or acute Plasmodium vivax infection, from the Peruvian Amazon region, were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays specific for a baculovirus-produced recombinant protein P. falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 10 (rMSP10) and for non-EGF region selected peptides of PfMSP10 selected by a bioinformatics tool (PfMSP10-1, PfMSP10-2 and PfMSP10-3). Monoclonal antibodies against the selected peptides were evaluated by western blotting, confocal microscopy and inhibition invasion assays. RESULTS Seroreactivity analysis of the P. falciparum Sym- and Asym-infected individuals against rMSP10 showed a higher response as compared to the individuals with P. vivax acute infection. IgG responses against peptide PfMSP10-1 were weak. Interestingly high IgG response was found against peptide PfMSP10-2 and the combination of peptides PfMSP10-1 + PfMSP10-2. Monoclonal antibodies were capable of detecting native PfMSP10 on purified schizonts by western blot and confocal microscopy. A low percentage of inhibition of merozoite invasion of erythrocytes in vitro was observed when the monoclonal antibodies were compared with the control antibody against AMA-1 antigen. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of PfMSP10 in the merozoite invasion. CONCLUSIONS The rMSP10 and the PfMSP10-2 peptide synthesized for this study may be useful antigens for evaluation of P. falciparum malaria exposure in Sym and Asym individuals from the Peruvian Amazon region. Moreover, these antigens can be used for further investigation of the role of this protein in other malaria-endemic areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Bendezu
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, FARVET, Carretera Panamericana Sur No 766 km 198.5, Chincha Alta, Ica, Peru.
| | - Elizabeth Villasis
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo "Abraham Vaisberg Wolach, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt-Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
| | - Sandra Morales Ruiz
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, FARVET, Carretera Panamericana Sur No 766 km 198.5, Chincha Alta, Ica, Peru
| | - Katherine Garro
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo "Abraham Vaisberg Wolach, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Berónica Infante
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo "Abraham Vaisberg Wolach, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Renzo Gutierrez-Loli
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo "Abraham Vaisberg Wolach, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Pamela Rodríguez
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo "Abraham Vaisberg Wolach, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Manolo Fernández-Díaz
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, FARVET, Carretera Panamericana Sur No 766 km 198.5, Chincha Alta, Ica, Peru
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo "Abraham Vaisberg Wolach, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt-Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru
| | - Katherine Torres
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo "Abraham Vaisberg Wolach, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt-Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Deore S, Kumar A, Kumar S, Mittal E, Lotke A, Musti K. Erythrocyte binding ligand region VI specific IgA confers tissue protection in malaria infection. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:3801-3808. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04822-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
9
|
Production, quality control, stability, and potency of cGMP-produced Plasmodium falciparum RH5.1 protein vaccine expressed in Drosophila S2 cells. NPJ Vaccines 2018; 3:32. [PMID: 30131879 PMCID: PMC6098134 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-018-0071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5) is a leading asexual blood-stage vaccine candidate for malaria. In preparation for clinical trials, a full-length PfRH5 protein vaccine called “RH5.1” was produced as a soluble product under cGMP using the ExpreS2 platform (based on a Drosophila melanogaster S2 stable cell line system). Following development of a high-producing monoclonal S2 cell line, a master cell bank was produced prior to the cGMP campaign. Culture supernatants were processed using C-tag affinity chromatography followed by size exclusion chromatography and virus-reduction filtration. The overall process yielded >400 mg highly pure RH5.1 protein. QC testing showed the MCB and the RH5.1 product met all specified acceptance criteria including those for sterility, purity, and identity. The RH5.1 vaccine product was stored at −80 °C and is stable for over 18 months. Characterization of the protein following formulation in the adjuvant system AS01B showed that RH5.1 is stable in the timeframe needed for clinical vaccine administration, and that there was no discernible impact on the liposomal formulation of AS01B following addition of RH5.1. Subsequent immunization of mice confirmed the RH5.1/AS01B vaccine was immunogenic and could induce functional growth inhibitory antibodies against blood-stage P. falciparum in vitro. The RH5.1/AS01B was judged suitable for use in humans and has since progressed to phase I/IIa clinical trial. Our data support the future use of the Drosophila S2 cell and C-tag platform technologies to enable cGMP-compliant biomanufacture of other novel and “difficult-to-express” recombinant protein-based vaccines. A vaccine candidate for blood-stage malaria has overcome previous hurdles to enter clinical trials. The protein PfRH5 is an essential blood-stage infection facilitator of malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and a promising target for vaccine strategies. Unfortunately, efforts to produce the protein in an immunogenic, clinically-viable way have been met with difficulty. Here, researchers led by Simon Draper, from the UK’s Jenner Institute, used a fruit fly expression system to produce over 400 mg of high-purity protein. Formulated with an immunity-boosting adjuvant, the vaccine elicited antibodies in mice that proved inhibitory to blood-stage P. falciparum during in vitro assays. The PfRH5 vaccine candidate and its adjuvant have been approved for a clinical trial in the UK, and the authors hope that the expression system used may be beneficial in the expression of other ‘difficult’ proteins.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tijani MK, Reddy SB, Langer C, Beeson JG, Wahlgren M, Nwuba RI, Persson KEM. Factors influencing the induction of high affinity antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens and how affinity changes over time. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9026. [PMID: 29899351 PMCID: PMC5998021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27361-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the functional characteristics of naturally acquired antibodies against P. falciparum merozoite antigens is crucial for determining the protective functions of antibodies. Affinity (measured as kd) of naturally acquired antibodies against two key targets of acquired immunity, EBA175 and PfRh2, was determined using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) in a longitudinal survey in Nigeria. A majority of the participants, 79% and 67%, maintained stable antibody affinities to EBA175 and PfRh2, respectively, over time. In about 10% of the individuals, there was a reciprocal interaction with a reduction over time in antibody affinity for PfRh2 and an increase for EBA175. In general, PfRh2 elicited antibodies with higher affinity compared to EBA175. Individuals with higher exposure to malaria produced antibodies with higher affinity to both antigens. Younger individuals (5–15 years) produced comparable or higher affinity antibodies than adults (>15 years) against EBA175, but not for PfRh2. Correlation between total IgG (ELISA) and affinity varied between individuals, but PfRh2 elicited antibodies with a higher correlation in a majority of the participants. There was also a correlation between antibody inhibition of erythrocyte invasion by merozoites and PfRh2 affinity. This work gives new insights into the generation and maintenance of antibody affinity over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muyideen K Tijani
- Cellular Parasitology Programme, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sreenivasulu B Reddy
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christine Langer
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James G Beeson
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mats Wahlgren
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roseangela I Nwuba
- Cellular Parasitology Programme, Cell Biology and Genetics Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Kristina E M Persson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kinetics of antibody responses to PfRH5-complex antigens in Ghanaian children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198371. [PMID: 29883485 PMCID: PMC5993283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum PfRH5 protein binds Ripr, CyRPA and Pf113 to form a complex that is essential for merozoite invasion of erythrocytes. The inter-genomic conservation of the PfRH5 complex proteins makes them attractive blood stage vaccine candidates. However, little is known about how antibodies to PfRH5, CyRPA and Pf113 are acquired and maintained in naturally exposed populations, and the role of PfRH5 complex proteins in naturally acquired immunity. To provide such data, we studied 206 Ghanaian children between the ages of 1–12 years, who were symptomatic, asymptomatic or aparasitemic and healthy. Plasma levels of antigen-specific IgG and IgG subclasses were measured by ELISA at several time points during acute disease and convalescence. On the day of admission with acute P. falciparum malaria, the prevalence of antibodies to PfRH5-complex proteins was low compared to other merozoite antigens (EBA175, GLURP-R0 and GLURP-R2). At convalescence, the levels of RH5-complex-specific IgG were reduced, with the decay of PfRH5-specific IgG being slower than the decay of IgG specific for CyRPA and Pf113. No correlation between IgG levels and protection against P. falciparum malaria was observed for any of the PfRH5 complex proteins. From this we conclude that specific IgG was induced against proteins from the PfRH5-complex during acute P. falciparum malaria, but the prevalence was low and the IgG levels decayed rapidly after treatment. These data indicate that the levels of IgG specific for PfRH5-complex proteins in natural infections in Ghanaian children were markers of recent exposure only.
Collapse
|
12
|
Payne RO, Silk SE, Elias SC, Miura K, Diouf A, Galaway F, de Graaf H, Brendish NJ, Poulton ID, Griffiths OJ, Edwards NJ, Jin J, Labbé GM, Alanine DG, Siani L, Di Marco S, Roberts R, Green N, Berrie E, Ishizuka AS, Nielsen CM, Bardelli M, Partey FD, Ofori MF, Barfod L, Wambua J, Murungi LM, Osier FH, Biswas S, McCarthy JS, Minassian AM, Ashfield R, Viebig NK, Nugent FL, Douglas AD, Vekemans J, Wright GJ, Faust SN, Hill AV, Long CA, Lawrie AM, Draper SJ. Human vaccination against RH5 induces neutralizing antimalarial antibodies that inhibit RH5 invasion complex interactions. JCI Insight 2017; 2:96381. [PMID: 29093263 PMCID: PMC5752323 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.96381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a highly effective vaccine remains a key strategic goal to aid the control and eventual eradication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In recent years, the reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (RH5) has emerged as the most promising blood-stage P. falciparum candidate antigen to date, capable of conferring protection against stringent challenge in Aotus monkeys. We report on the first clinical trial to our knowledge to assess the RH5 antigen - a dose-escalation phase Ia study in 24 healthy, malaria-naive adult volunteers. We utilized established viral vectors, the replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus serotype 63 (ChAd63), and the attenuated orthopoxvirus modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), encoding RH5 from the 3D7 clone of P. falciparum. Vaccines were administered i.m. in a heterologous prime-boost regimen using an 8-week interval and were well tolerated. Vaccine-induced anti-RH5 serum antibodies exhibited cross-strain functional growth inhibition activity (GIA) in vitro, targeted linear and conformational epitopes within RH5, and inhibited key interactions within the RH5 invasion complex. This is the first time to our knowledge that substantial RH5-specific responses have been induced by immunization in humans, with levels greatly exceeding the serum antibody responses observed in African adults following years of natural malaria exposure. These data support the progression of RH5-based vaccines to human efficacy testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth O. Payne
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E. Silk
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sean C. Elias
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Francis Galaway
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hans de Graaf
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan J. Brendish
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ian D. Poulton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nick J. Edwards
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Jin
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Loredana Siani
- ReiThera SRL (formerly Okairos SRL), Viale Città d’Europa, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Di Marco
- ReiThera SRL (formerly Okairos SRL), Viale Città d’Europa, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachel Roberts
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Green
- Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Berrie
- Clinical Biomanufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Martino Bardelli
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frederica D. Partey
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology (ISIM), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Michael F. Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Lea Barfod
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Juliana Wambua
- KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Linda M. Murungi
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Faith H. Osier
- KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Sumi Biswas
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - James S. McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Ashfield
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola K. Viebig
- European Vaccine Initiative, UniversitätsKlinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fay L. Nugent
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Gavin J. Wright
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Saul N. Faust
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian V.S. Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Alison M. Lawrie
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pratt-Riccio LR, De Souza Perce-Da-Silva D, Da Costa Lima-Junior J, Pratt Riccio EK, Ribeiro-Alves M, Santos F, Arruda M, Camus D, Druilhe P, Oliveira-Ferreira J, Daniel-Ribeiro CT, Banic DM. Synthetic Antigens Derived from Plasmodium falciparum Sporozoite, Liver, and Blood Stages: Naturally Acquired Immune Response and Human Leukocyte Antigen Associations in Individuals Living in a Brazilian Endemic Area. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1581-1592. [PMID: 29016339 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide vaccine strategies using Plasmodium-derived antigens have emerged as an attractive approach against malaria. However, relatively few studies have been conducted with malaria-exposed populations from non-African countries. Herein, the seroepidemiological profile against Plasmodium falciparum of naturally exposed individuals from a Brazilian malaria-endemic area against synthetic peptides derived from vaccine candidates circumsporozoite protein (CSP), liver stage antigen-1 (LSA-1), erythrocyte binding antigen-175 (EBA-175), and merozoite surface protein-3 (MSP-3) was investigated. Moreover, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1* and HLA-DQB1* were evaluated to characterize genetic modulation of humoral responsiveness to these antigens. The study was performed using blood samples from 187 individuals living in rural malaria-endemic villages situated near Porto Velho, Rondônia State. Specific IgG and IgM antibodies and IgG subclasses were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and HLA-DRB1* and HLA-DQB1* low-resolution typing was performed by PCR-SSP. All four synthetic peptides were broadly recognized by naturally acquired antibodies. Regarding the IgG subclass profile, only CSP induced IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies, which is an important fact given that the acquisition of protective immunity appears to be associated with the cytophilicity of IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies. HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DQB1*7 had the lowest odds of responding to EBA-175. Our results showed that CSP, LSA-1, EBA, and MSP-3 are immunogenic in natural conditions of exposure and that anti-EBA antibody responses appear to be modulated by HLA class II antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marcelo Ribeiro-Alves
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em DST/AIDS, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fátima Santos
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública (LACEN), Rondônia, Brazil
| | - Mercia Arruda
- Departamento de Imunologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Recife, Brazil
| | - Daniel Camus
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Faculte de Médecine, Lille, France
| | | | | | | | - Dalma Maria Banic
- Laboratório de Imunologia Clínica, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Karch CP, Doll TAPF, Paulillo SM, Nebie I, Lanar DE, Corradin G, Burkhard P. The use of a P. falciparum specific coiled-coil domain to construct a self-assembling protein nanoparticle vaccine to prevent malaria. J Nanobiotechnology 2017; 15:62. [PMID: 28877692 PMCID: PMC5588597 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-017-0295-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The parasitic disease malaria remains a major global public health concern and no truly effective vaccine exists. One approach to the development of a malaria vaccine is to target the asexual blood stage that results in clinical symptoms. Most attempts have failed. New antigens such as P27A and P27 have emerged as potential new vaccine candidates. Multiple studies have demonstrated that antigens are more immunogenic and are better correlated with protection when presented on particulate delivery systems. One such particulate delivery system is the self-assembling protein nanoparticle (SAPN) that relies on coiled-coil domains of proteins to form stable nanoparticles. In the past we have used de novo designed amino acid domains to drive the formation of the coiled-coil scaffolds which present the antigenic epitopes on the particle surface. Results Here we use naturally occurring domains found in the tex1 protein to form the coiled-coil scaffolding of the nanoparticle. Thus, by engineering P27A and a new extended form of the coiled-coil domain P27 onto the N and C terminus of the SAPN protein monomer we have developed a particulate delivery system that effectively displays both antigens on a single particle that uses malaria tex1 sequences to form the nanoparticle scaffold. These particles are immunogenic in a murine model and induce immune responses similar to the ones observed in seropositive individuals in malaria endemic regions. Conclusions We demonstrate that our P27/P27A-SAPNs induce an immune response akin to the one in seropositive individuals in Burkina Faso. Since P27 is highly conserved among different Plasmodium species, these novel SAPNs may even provide cross-protection between Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax the two major human malaria pathogens. As the SAPNs are also easy to manufacture and store they can be delivered to the population in need without complication thus providing a low cost malaria vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Karch
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269-3136, USA
| | - Tais A P F Doll
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269-3136, USA
| | | | - Issa Nebie
- Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, 01 BP 2208, Ouagadougou, West Africa, Burkina Faso
| | - David E Lanar
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, USMMRP-WRAIR, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Giampietro Corradin
- Biochemistry Department, University of Lausanne, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Peter Burkhard
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269-3136, USA. .,Alpha-O Peptides AG, 4125, Riehen, Switzerland. .,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269-3125, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Aniweh Y, Gao X, Hao P, Meng W, Lai SK, Gunalan K, Chu TT, Sinha A, Lescar J, Chandramohanadas R, Li HY, Sze SK, Preiser PR. P. falciparum RH5-Basigin interaction induces changes in the cytoskeleton of the host RBC. Cell Microbiol 2017; 19. [PMID: 28409866 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The successful invasion of Plasmodium is an essential step in their life cycle. The parasite reticulocyte-binding protein homologues (RHs) and erythrocyte-binding like proteins are two families involved in the invasion leading to merozoite-red blood cell (RBC) junction formation. Ca2+ signaling has been shown to play a critical role in the invasion. RHs have been linked to Ca2+ signaling, which triggers the erythrocyte-binding like proteins release ahead of junction formation, consistent with RHs performing an initial sensing function in identifying suitable RBCs. RH5, the only essential RHs, is a highly promising vaccine candidate. RH5-basigin interaction is essential for merozoite invasion and also important in determining host tropism. Here, we show that RH5 has a distinct function from the other RHs. We show that RH5-Basigin interaction on its own triggers a Ca2+ signal in the RBC resulting in changes in RBC cytoskeletal proteins phosphorylation and overall alterations in RBC cytoskeleton architecture. Antibodies targeting RH5 that block the signal prevent invasion before junction formation consistent with the Ca2+ signal in the RBC leading to rearrangement of the cytoskeleton required for invasion. This work provides the first time a functional context for the essential role of RH5 and will now open up new avenues to target merozoite invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Aniweh
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Xiaohong Gao
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Piliang Hao
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Wei Meng
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Soak Kuan Lai
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Karthigayan Gunalan
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Trang T Chu
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Ameya Sinha
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Julien Lescar
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Rajesh Chandramohanadas
- Pillar of Engineering Product Development, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore
| | - Hoi Yeung Li
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- Division of Structural Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Peter R Preiser
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Accelerating the clinical development of protein-based vaccines for malaria by efficient purification using a four amino acid C-terminal 'C-tag'. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:435-446. [PMID: 28153778 PMCID: PMC5482323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fusion of a four amino acid ‘C-tag’ allows purification of a PfRH5 malaria vaccine. Overall process yield of 40–45% and very high product purity (>99%) was achieved. His6-tagged and C-tagged PfRH5 are conformational and bind to basigin. C-tag will facilitate the clinical translation of difficult-to-produce antigens.
Development of bespoke biomanufacturing processes remains a critical bottleneck for translational studies, in particular when modest quantities of a novel product are required for proof-of-concept Phase I/II clinical trials. In these instances the ability to develop a biomanufacturing process quickly and relatively cheaply, without risk to product quality or safety, provides a great advantage by allowing new antigens or concepts in immunogen design to more rapidly enter human testing. These challenges with production and purification are particularly apparent when developing recombinant protein-based vaccines for difficult parasitic diseases, with Plasmodium falciparum malaria being a prime example. To that end, we have previously reported the expression of a novel protein vaccine for malaria using the ExpreS2Drosophila melanogaster Schneider 2 stable cell line system, however, a very low overall process yield (typically <5% recovery of hexa-histidine-tagged protein) meant the initial purification strategy was not suitable for scale-up and clinical biomanufacture of such a vaccine. Here we describe a newly available affinity purification method that was ideally suited to purification of the same protein which encodes the P. falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 – currently the leading antigen for assessment in next generation vaccines aiming to prevent red blood cell invasion by the blood-stage parasite. This purification system makes use of a C-terminal tag known as ‘C-tag’, composed of the four amino acids, glutamic acid – proline – glutamic acid – alanine (E-P-E-A), which is selectively purified on a CaptureSelect™ affinity resin coupled to a camelid single chain antibody, called NbSyn2. The C-terminal fusion of this short C-tag to P. falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 achieved >85% recovery and >70% purity in a single step purification directly from clarified, concentrated Schneider 2 cell supernatant under mild conditions. Biochemical and immunological analysis showed that the C-tagged and hexa-histidine-tagged P. falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 proteins are comparable. The C-tag technology has the potential to form the basis of a current good manufacturing practice-compliant platform, which could greatly improve the speed and ease with which novel protein-based products progress to clinical testing.
Collapse
|
17
|
Hodgson SH, Llewellyn D, Silk SE, Milne KH, Elias SC, Miura K, Kamuyu G, Juma EA, Magiri C, Muia A, Jin J, Spencer AJ, Longley RJ, Mercier T, Decosterd L, Long CA, Osier FH, Hoffman SL, Ogutu B, Hill AVS, Marsh K, Draper SJ. Changes in Serological Immunology Measures in UK and Kenyan Adults Post-controlled Human Malaria Infection. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1604. [PMID: 27790201 PMCID: PMC5061779 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The timing of infection is closely determined in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) studies, and as such they provide a unique opportunity to dissect changes in immunological responses before and after a single infection. The first Kenyan Challenge Study (KCS) (Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: PACTR20121100033272) was performed in 2013 with the aim of establishing the CHMI model in Kenya. This study used aseptic, cryopreserved, attenuated Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites administered by needle and syringe (PfSPZ Challenge) and was the first to evaluate parasite dynamics post-CHMI in individuals with varying degrees of prior exposure to malaria. Methods: We describe detailed serological and functional immunological responses pre- and post-CHMI for participants in the KCS and compare these with those from malaria-naïve UK volunteers who also underwent CHMI (VAC049) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01465048) using PfSPZ Challenge. We assessed antibody responses to three key blood-stage merozoite antigens [merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), apical membrane protein 1 (AMA1), and reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (RH5)] and functional activity using two candidate measures of anti-merozoite immunity; the growth inhibition activity (GIA) assay and the antibody-dependent respiratory burst activity (ADRB) assay. Results:Clear serological differences were observed pre- and post-CHMI by ELISA between malaria-naïve UK volunteers in VAC049, and Kenyan volunteers who had prior malaria exposure. Antibodies to AMA1 and schizont extract correlated with parasite multiplication rate (PMR) post-CHMI in KCS. Serum from volunteer 110 in KCS, who demonstrated a dramatically reduced PMR in vivo, had no in vitro GIA prior to CHMI but the highest level of ADRB activity. A significant difference in ADRB activity was seen between KCS volunteers with minimal and definite prior exposure to malaria and significant increases were seen in ADRB activity post-CHMI in Kenyan volunteers. Quinine and atovaquone/proguanil, previously assumed to be removed by IgG purification, were identified as likely giving rise to aberrantly high in vitro GIA results. Conclusions: The ADRB activity assay is a promising functional assay that warrants further investigation as a measure of prior exposure to malaria and predictor of control of parasite growth. The CHMI model can be used to evaluate potential measures of naturally-acquired immunity to malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah E Silk
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | | | - Sean C Elias
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Gathoni Kamuyu
- Centre for Geographical Medical Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A Juma
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobi, Kenya; Centre for Research in Therapeutic Sciences, Strathmore UniversityNairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Magiri
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alfred Muia
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jing Jin
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Thomas Mercier
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Hôpital Beaumont, Université de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Decosterd
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Hôpital Beaumont, Université de Lausanne Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIH-National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Faith H Osier
- Centre for Geographical Medical Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Bernhards Ogutu
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research InstituteNairobi, Kenya; Centre for Research in Therapeutic Sciences, Strathmore UniversityNairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Kevin Marsh
- Centre for Geographical Medical Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome TrustKilifi, Kenya; Department of Tropical Medicine, University of OxfordOxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Weiss GE, Crabb BS, Gilson PR. Overlaying Molecular and Temporal Aspects of Malaria Parasite Invasion. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:284-295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
19
|
Ord RL, Rodriguez M, Lobo CA. Malaria invasion ligand RH5 and its prime candidacy in blood-stage malaria vaccine design. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1465-73. [PMID: 25844685 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1026496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With drug resistance to available therapeutics continuing to develop against Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the development of an effective vaccine candidate remains a major research goal. Successful interruption of invasion of parasites into erythrocytes during the blood stage of infection will prevent the severe clinical symptoms and complications associated with malaria. Previously studied blood stage antigens have highlighted the hurdles that are inherent to this life-cycle stage, namely that highly immunogenic antigens are also globally diverse, resulting in protection only against the vaccine strain, or that naturally acquired immunity to blood stage antigens do not always correlate with actual protection. The blood stage antigen reticulocyte binding homolog RH5 is essential for parasite viability, has globally limited diversity, and is associated with protection from disease. Here we summarize available information on this invasion ligand and recent findings that highlight its candidacy for inclusion in a blood-stage malaria vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalynn L Ord
- a Blood-Borne Parasites; Lindsley Kimball Research Institute; New York Blood Center ; New York , NY , USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Imwong M, Stepniewska K, Tripura R, Peto TJ, Lwin KM, Vihokhern B, Wongsaen K, von Seidlein L, Dhorda M, Snounou G, Keereecharoen L, Singhasivanon P, Sirithiranont P, Chalk J, Nguon C, Day NPJ, Nosten F, Dondorp A, White NJ. Numerical Distributions of Parasite Densities During Asymptomatic Malaria. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:1322-9. [PMID: 26681777 PMCID: PMC4799672 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic parasitemia is common even in areas of low seasonal malaria transmission, but the true proportion of the population infected has not been estimated previously because of the limited sensitivity of available detection methods. METHODS Cross-sectional malaria surveys were conducted in areas of low seasonal transmission along the border between eastern Myanmar and northwestern Thailand and in western Cambodia. DNA was quantitated by an ultrasensitive polymerase chain reaction (uPCR) assay (limit of accurate detection, 22 parasites/mL) to characterize parasite density distributions for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, and the proportions of undetected infections were imputed. RESULTS The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria as determined by uPCR was 27.5% (1303 of 4740 people tested). Both P. vivax and P. falciparum density distributions were unimodal and log normal, with modal values well within the quantifiable range. The estimated proportions of all parasitemic individuals identified by uPCR were >70% among individuals infected with P. falciparum and >85% among those infected with P. vivax. Overall, 83% of infections were predicted to be P. vivax infections, 13% were predicted to be P. falciparum infections, and 4% were predicted to be mixed infections. Geometric mean parasite densities were similar; 5601 P. vivax parasites/mL and 5158 P. falciparum parasites/mL. CONCLUSIONS This uPCR method identified most infected individuals in malaria-endemic areas. Malaria parasitemia persists in humans at levels that optimize the probability of generating transmissible gametocyte densities without causing illness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallika Imwong
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford WWARN, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Khin Maung Lwin
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Tak, Thailand
| | - Benchawan Vihokhern
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Tak, Thailand
| | - Klanarong Wongsaen
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Tak, Thailand
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Mehul Dhorda
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN)
| | - Georges Snounou
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UPMC UMRS CR7 Centre d'Immunologie et de Maladies Infectieuses-Paris, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Medicale U1135-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique ERL 8255, Paris, France
| | - Lilly Keereecharoen
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Tak, Thailand
| | - Pratap Singhasivanon
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok
| | | | | | - Chea Nguon
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Francois Nosten
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Tak, Thailand Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Arjen Dondorp
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| | - Nicholas J White
- Mahidol Oxford Research Unit Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mendonça VRD, Barral-Netto M. Immunoregulation in human malaria: the challenge of understanding asymptomatic infection. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:945-55. [PMID: 26676319 PMCID: PMC4708013 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection carriers represent a major threat
to malaria control worldwide as they are silent natural reservoirs and do not seek
medical care. There are no standard criteria for
asymptomaticPlasmodium infection; therefore, its diagnosis relies
on the presence of the parasite during a specific period of symptomless infection.
The antiparasitic immune response can result in reducedPlasmodium
sp. load with control of disease manifestations, which leads to asymptomatic
infection. Both the innate and adaptive immune responses seem to play major roles in
asymptomatic Plasmodiuminfection; T regulatory cell activity
(through the production of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β) and
B-cells (with a broad antibody response) both play prominent roles. Furthermore,
molecules involved in the haem detoxification pathway (such as haptoglobin and haeme
oxygenase-1) and iron metabolism (ferritin and activated c-Jun N-terminal kinase)
have emerged in recent years as potential biomarkers and thus are helping to unravel
the immune response underlying asymptomatic Plasmodium infection.
The acquisition of large data sets and the use of robust statistical tools, including
network analysis, associated with well-designed malaria studies will likely help
elucidate the immune mechanisms responsible for asymptomatic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitor R de Mendonça
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Manoel Barral-Netto
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rogier E, Wiegand R, Moss D, Priest J, Angov E, Dutta S, Journel I, Jean SE, Mace K, Chang M, Lemoine JF, Udhayakumar V, Barnwell JW. Multiple comparisons analysis of serological data from an area of low Plasmodium falciparum transmission. Malar J 2015; 14:436. [PMID: 26537125 PMCID: PMC4634594 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0955-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a nation reduces the burden of falciparum malaria, identifying areas of transmission becomes increasingly difficult. Over the past decade, the field of utilizing malaria serological assays to measure exposure has grown rapidly, and a variety of serological methods for data acquisition and analysis of human IgG against falciparum antigens are available. Here, different immunoassays and statistical methods are utilized to analyse samples from a low transmission setting and directly compare the estimates generated. METHODS A subset of samples (n = 580) from a 2012 Haitian nationwide malaria survey was employed as sample population of low falciparum endemicity. In addition to the Haitian samples, samples from 247 US residents were used as a reference population of 'true seronegatives'. Data acquisition was performed through standard ELISA and bead-based multiplex assays assaying for IgG antibodies to the Plasmodium falciparum antigens MSP-1p19, MSP-1p42(D), MSP-1p42(F), and AMA-1. Appropriate parametric distributions and seropositivity cutoff values were determined by statistical measures. RESULTS Data from both assays showed a strong positive skew, and the lognormal distribution was found to be an appropriate statistical fit to the Haitian and American populations. The American samples served as a good serological true negative population for the multiplex assay, but not for ELISA-based data. Mixture model approaches to determine seronegative and seropositive populations from the Haitian data showed a high degree of distribution overlap-likely due to the historical low falciparum transmission in this nation. Different fittings to the reversible catalytic model resulted depending upon the immunoassay utilized and seropositivity cutoff method employed. Data were also analysed through fitting to penalized B-splines, presenting another possible analytical tool for the analysis of malaria serological data. CONCLUSIONS Standardization of serological techniques and analyses may prove difficult as some tools can prove to be more useful depending on the area and parasite in question, making clear interpretation a vital pursuit. The presented analysis in the low-endemic nation of Haiti found malaria-naive US residents to be an appropriate seronegative reference population for the multiplex assay, and this assay providing consistent estimates between MSP-1 and AMA-1 antigens of percent seropositives for this low-endemic population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Ryan Wiegand
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Delynn Moss
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Jeff Priest
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Evelina Angov
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Sheetij Dutta
- Malaria Vaccine Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - Ito Journel
- Laboratoire National de Santé Publique (LNSP)/Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP), Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
| | - Samuel E Jean
- Population Services International/Organisation Haïtienne de Marketing Social pour la Santé, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
| | - Kimberly Mace
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Michelle Chang
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | - Venkatachalam Udhayakumar
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - John W Barnwell
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Draper SJ, Angov E, Horii T, Miller LH, Srinivasan P, Theisen M, Biswas S. Recent advances in recombinant protein-based malaria vaccines. Vaccine 2015; 33:7433-43. [PMID: 26458807 PMCID: PMC4687528 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.09.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2015] [Revised: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based vaccines remain the cornerstone approach for B cell and antibody induction against leading target malaria antigens. Advances in antigen selection, immunogen design and epitope-focusing are advancing the field. New heterologous expression platforms are enabling cGMP production of next-generation protein vaccines. Next-generation antigens, protein-based immunogens and virus-like particle (VLP) delivery platforms are in clinical development. Protein-based vaccines will form part of a highly effective multi-component/multi-stage/multi-antigen subunit formulation against malaria.
Plasmodium parasites are the causative agent of human malaria, and the development of a highly effective vaccine against infection, disease and transmission remains a key priority. It is widely established that multiple stages of the parasite's complex lifecycle within the human host and mosquito vector are susceptible to vaccine-induced antibodies. The mainstay approach to antibody induction by subunit vaccination has been the delivery of protein antigen formulated in adjuvant. Extensive efforts have been made in this endeavor with respect to malaria vaccine development, especially with regard to target antigen discovery, protein expression platforms, adjuvant testing, and development of soluble and virus-like particle (VLP) delivery platforms. The breadth of approaches to protein-based vaccines is continuing to expand as innovative new concepts in next-generation subunit design are explored, with the prospects for the development of a highly effective multi-component/multi-stage/multi-antigen formulation seeming ever more likely. This review will focus on recent progress in protein vaccine design, development and/or clinical testing for a number of leading malaria antigens from the sporozoite-, merozoite- and sexual-stages of the parasite's lifecycle–including PfCelTOS, PfMSP1, PfAMA1, PfRH5, PfSERA5, PfGLURP, PfMSP3, Pfs48/45 and Pfs25. Future prospects and challenges for the development, production, human delivery and assessment of protein-based malaria vaccines are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK.
| | - Evelina Angov
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, U. S. Military Malaria Research Program, Malaria Vaccine Branch, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 561-873, Japan
| | - Louis H Miller
- Malaria Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Prakash Srinivasan
- Malaria Cell Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of International Health, Immunology, and Microbiology and Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sumi Biswas
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zerka A, Rydzak J, Lass A, Szostakowska B, Nahorski W, Wroczyńska A, Myjak P, Krotkiewski H, Jaskiewicz E. Studies on Immunogenicity and Antigenicity of Baculovirus-Expressed Binding Region of Plasmodium falciparum EBA-140 Merozoite Ligand. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2015; 64:149-56. [PMID: 26439848 PMCID: PMC4805696 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-015-0367-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The erythrocyte binding ligand 140 (EBA-140) is a member of the Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding antigens (EBA) family, which are considered as prospective candidates for malaria vaccine development. EBA proteins were identified as important targets for naturally acquired inhibitory antibodies. Natural antibody response against EBA-140 ligand was found in individuals living in malaria-endemic areas. The EBA-140 ligand is a paralogue of the well-characterized P. falciparum EBA-175 protein. They both share homology of domain structure, including the binding region (Region II), which consists of two homologous F1 and F2 domains and is responsible for ligand-erythrocyte receptor interaction during merozoite invasion. It was shown that the erythrocyte receptor for EBA-140 ligand is glycophorin C-a minor human erythrocyte sialoglycoprotein. In studies on the immunogenicity of P. falciparum EBA ligands, the recombinant proteins are of great importance. In this report, we have demonstrated that the recombinant baculovirus-obtained EBA-140 Region II is immunogenic and antigenic. It can raise specific antibodies in rabbits, and it is recognized by natural antibodies present in sera of patients with malaria, and thus, it may be considered for inclusion in multicomponent blood-stage vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agata Zerka
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Joanna Rydzak
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anna Lass
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Beata Szostakowska
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Wacław Nahorski
- Department of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wroczyńska
- Department of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Myjak
- Department of Tropical Parasitology, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine in Gdynia, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Hubert Krotkiewski
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Jaskiewicz
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland. .,Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Gora, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Douglas AD, Baldeviano GC, Lucas CM, Lugo-Roman LA, Crosnier C, Bartholdson SJ, Diouf A, Miura K, Lambert LE, Ventocilla JA, Leiva KP, Milne KH, Illingworth JJ, Spencer AJ, Hjerrild KA, Alanine DGW, Turner AV, Moorhead JT, Edgel KA, Wu Y, Long CA, Wright GJ, Lescano AG, Draper SJ. A PfRH5-based vaccine is efficacious against heterologous strain blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum infection in aotus monkeys. Cell Host Microbe 2015; 17:130-9. [PMID: 25590760 PMCID: PMC4297294 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antigenic diversity has posed a critical barrier to vaccine development against the pathogenic blood-stage infection of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To date, only strain-specific protection has been reported by trials of such vaccines in nonhuman primates. We recently showed that P. falciparum reticulocyte binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5), a merozoite adhesin required for erythrocyte invasion, is highly susceptible to vaccine-inducible strain-transcending parasite-neutralizing antibody. In vivo efficacy of PfRH5-based vaccines has not previously been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that PfRH5-based vaccines can protect Aotus monkeys against a virulent vaccine-heterologous P. falciparum challenge and show that such protection can be achieved by a human-compatible vaccine formulation. Protection was associated with anti-PfRH5 antibody concentration and in vitro parasite-neutralizing activity, supporting the use of this in vitro assay to predict the in vivo efficacy of future vaccine candidates. These data suggest that PfRH5-based vaccines have potential to achieve strain-transcending efficacy in humans. Vaccines based on the P. falciparum merozoite antigen PfRH5 were tested in Aotus monkeys PfRH5-based vaccines afforded protection against heterologous strains of P. falciparum Protection correlated with anti-PfRH5 IgG concentration and in vivo neutralization
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carmen M Lucas
- US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Lynn E Lambert
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | | | - Karina P Leiva
- US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yimin Wu
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | | | | | - Simon J Draper
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The development of a highly effective malaria vaccine remains a key goal to aid in the control and eventual eradication of this devastating parasitic disease. The field has made huge strides in recent years, with the first-generation vaccine RTS,S showing modest efficacy in a Phase III clinical trial. The updated 2030 Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap calls for a second generation vaccine to achieve 75% efficacy over two years for both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, and for a vaccine that can prevent malaria transmission. Whole-parasite immunisation approaches and combinations of pre-erythrocytic subunit vaccines are now reporting high-level efficacy, whilst exciting new approaches to the development of blood-stage and transmission-blocking vaccine subunit components are entering clinical development. The development of a highly effective multi-component multi-stage subunit vaccine now appears to be a realistic ambition. This review will cover these recent developments in malaria vaccinology.
Collapse
|
27
|
Shen Y, Wang J, Liu X, Liang J, Huang Y, Liu Z, Zhao YA, Li Y. Blockade of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte invasion: New assessment of anti- Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 antibodies. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:1357-1362. [PMID: 25780435 PMCID: PMC4353742 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
There is great interest in any new discoveries in malaria vaccine research. Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5) shows promise in this area and may be used together with other merozoite antigens as a potential vaccine. In the present study, a bioinformatics prediction approach was applied to a PfRH5 B-cell epitope, and two B-cell epitope distributions were selected. Antibodies against the two PfRH5 distributions were obtained and the growth activity inhibition was measured. No inhibition of the P. falciparum CY strain was found, but the growth of the P. falciparum 3D7 strain was inhibited by all of the antibodies, in contrast to the results of other studies. It was additionally found that certain quantities of protein led to the inhibition of the parasitic invasion. Equally noteworthy was that the survival time of the group immunized with a portion of PfRH5 was significantly longer than that of the group immunized with the full-length protein, following infection by P. berghei ANKA. The present study produced conflicting results in in vitro and in vivo experiments, although the accuracy of the evaluation may be lessened due to the use of a murine malaria model. The findings of the present study may indicate that PfRH5 may not be suitable in malaria vaccine research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Xuewu Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Liang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiao Huang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Zhongxiang Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Y A Zhao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| | - Yinghui Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Torres KJ, Castrillon CE, Moss EL, Saito M, Tenorio R, Molina DM, Davies H, Neafsey DE, Felgner P, Vinetz JM, Gamboa D. Genome-level determination of Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage targets of malarial clinical immunity in the Peruvian Amazon. J Infect Dis 2014; 211:1342-51. [PMID: 25381370 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia in the absence of symptoms are considered to be clinically immune. We hypothesized that asymptomatic subjects with P. falciparum parasitemia would differentially recognize a subset of P. falciparum proteins on a genomic scale. METHODS AND FINDINGS Compared with symptomatic subjects, sera from clinically immune, asymptomatically infected individuals differentially recognized 51 P. falciparum proteins, including the established vaccine candidate PfMSP1. Novel, hitherto unstudied hypothetical proteins and other proteins not previously recognized as potential vaccine candidates were also differentially recognized. Genes encoding the proteins differentially recognized by the Peruvian clinically immune individuals exhibited a significant enrichment of nonsynonymous nucleotide variation, an observation consistent with these genes undergoing immune selection. CONCLUSIONS A limited set of P. falciparum protein antigens was associated with the development of naturally acquired clinical immunity in the low-transmission setting of the Peruvian Amazon. These results imply that, even in a low-transmission setting, an asexual blood-stage vaccine designed to reduce clinical malaria symptoms will likely need to contain large numbers of often-polymorphic proteins, a finding at odds with many current efforts in the design of vaccines against asexual blood-stage P. falciparum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Torres
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía
| | - Carlos E Castrillon
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía
| | - Eli L Moss
- Genome Sequencing and Analysis Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mayuko Saito
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Roy Tenorio
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía Laboratorio Satelital, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Iquitos, Perú
| | | | - Huw Davies
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine
| | - Daniel E Neafsey
- Genome Sequencing and Analysis Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Philip Felgner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine
| | - Joseph M Vinetz
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía Institute de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía Institute de Medicina Tropical, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Douglas AD, Williams AR, Knuepfer E, Illingworth JJ, Furze JM, Crosnier C, Choudhary P, Bustamante LY, Zakutansky SE, Awuah DK, Alanine DGW, Theron M, Worth A, Shimkets R, Rayner JC, Holder AA, Wright GJ, Draper SJ. Neutralization of Plasmodium falciparum merozoites by antibodies against PfRH5. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 192:245-58. [PMID: 24293631 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is intense interest in induction and characterization of strain-transcending neutralizing Ab against antigenically variable human pathogens. We have recently identified the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5) as a target of broadly neutralizing Abs, but there is little information regarding the functional mechanism(s) of Ab-mediated neutralization. In this study, we report that vaccine-induced polyclonal anti-PfRH5 Abs inhibit the tight attachment of merozoites to erythrocytes and are capable of blocking the interaction of PfRH5 with its receptor basigin. Furthermore, by developing anti-PfRH5 mAbs, we provide evidence of the following: 1) the ability to block the PfRH5-basigin interaction in vitro is predictive of functional activity, but absence of blockade does not predict absence of functional activity; 2) neutralizing mAbs bind spatially related epitopes on the folded protein, involving at least two defined regions of the PfRH5 primary sequence; 3) a brief exposure window of PfRH5 is likely to necessitate rapid binding of Ab to neutralize parasites; and 4) intact bivalent IgG contributes to but is not necessary for parasite neutralization. These data provide important insight into the mechanisms of broadly neutralizing anti-malaria Abs and further encourage anti-PfRH5-based malaria prevention efforts.
Collapse
|