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Bouazzaoui A, Abdellatif AA. Vaccine delivery systems and administration routes: Advanced biotechnological techniques to improve the immunization efficacy. Vaccine X 2024; 19:100500. [PMID: 38873639 PMCID: PMC11170481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2024.100500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the first use of vaccine tell the last COVID-19 pandemic caused by spread of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, the use of advanced biotechnological techniques has accelerated the development of different types and methods for immunization. The last pandemic showed that the nucleic acid-based vaccine, especially mRNA, has an advantage in terms of development time; however, it showed a very critical drawback namely, the higher costs when compared to other strategies, and its inability to protect against new variants. This showed the need of more improvement to reach a better delivery and efficacy. In this review we will describe different vaccine delivery systems including, the most used viral vector, and also variable strategies for delivering of nucleic acid-based vaccines especially lipid-based nanoparticles formulation, polymersomes, electroporation and also the new powerful tools for the delivery of mRNA, which is based on the use of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). Additionally, we will also discuss the main challenges associated with each system. Finlay, the efficacy and safety of the vaccines depends not only on the formulations and delivery systems, but also the dosage and route of administration are also important players, therefore we will see the different routes for the vaccine administration including traditionally routes (intramuscular, Transdermal, subcutaneous), oral inhalation or via nasal mucosa, and will describe the advantages and disadvantage of each administration route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellatif Bouazzaoui
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A.H. Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, 51452 Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, 71524 Assiut, Egypt
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Zhang HS, Cao H, Li CX, Zhang ZW, Wang M, Zhu XQ, Zheng XN. Immunization with Live-Attenuated RHΔ had2a Strain Confers Partial Protective Immunity against Acute and Chronic Infection of Toxoplasma gondii in Mice. Pathogens 2024; 13:121. [PMID: 38392859 PMCID: PMC10892008 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis of human and animal health significance. Current chemical therapeutics have side effects, and no commercially available vaccine is licensed for the prevention of toxoplasmosis in humans and most animals. Developing a safe and effective vaccine with long-term protection against T. gondii infection is necessary to control toxoplasmosis. HAD2a is a key member of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) phosphatase family, which is essential for T. gondii daughter budding. However, the role of HAD2a in T. gondii virulence remains unknown. In this study, we successfully constructed the had2a gene knockout strain in the T. gondii-type I RH strain (RHΔhad2a) and determined its role in virulence and vaccination. These results demonstrate that HAD2a played an important role in parasite daughter budding and in vitro replication. Knockout of the had2a gene attenuated the virulence of the T. gondii-type I RH strain. Vaccination with RHΔhad2a tachyzoites induced a Th1-biased immune response, provided partial protection against acute T. gondii infection in mice by highly virulent tachyzoites of RH and PYS (ToxoDB#9, Chinese I) strains, and conferred strong protection against challenge infection by cysts and oocysts of the less virulent type II Pru strain. These results demonstrate that T. gondii had2a is important for its in vitro proliferation and virulence in mice and that RHΔhad2a may be used as a candidate strain to generate a multiple gene knockout live-attenuated strain or be collaboratively applied with other live-attenuated strains to confer more effective protection against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Sheng Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Hui Cao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Chen-Xu Li
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Xiao-Nan Zheng
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
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Pan TX, Huang HB, Zhang JL, Li JY, Li MH, Zhao DY, Li YN, Zheng W, Ma RG, Wang N, Shi CW, Wang CF, Yang GL. Lactobacillus plantarum surface-displayed Eimeria tenella profilin antigens with FliC flagellin elicit protection against coccidiosis in chickens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102945. [PMID: 37516003 PMCID: PMC10405095 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease in the intestine caused by the genus Eimeria that poses a substantial economic threat to the broiler breeding industry. The misuse of chemoprophylaxis and live oocyst vaccines has a negative impact on chicken reproductivity. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop safe, convenient, and effective vaccines. Lactic acid bacteria can be used as a means to deliver mucosal vaccines against intestinal pathogens, which is a promising strategy. In this study, a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) with surface-expressed antigens constructed from the fusion of Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) antigen profilin and the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium flagellin protein FliC was created. After oral immunization with the recombinant L. plantarum, T-cell differentiation was analyzed by flow cytometry, and specific antibody levels were determined via indirect ELISA. Oocyst shedding, body weight, and cecum lesions were assessed as measures of protective immunity after challenge with E. tenella. The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of recombinant L. plantarum as an immunization agent for chickens. Specific IgA titers in the intestine and specific IgG antibody titers in the serum were significantly higher in chickens immunized with recombinant L. plantarum (P < 0.001). Additionally, the levels of IL-2 (P < 0.05) and IFN-γ (P < 0.01) in the serum were markedly increased. Recombinant L. plantarum induced T-cell differentiation, resulting in a higher proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in splenocytes (P < 0.001). Fecal oocyst shedding in the immunized group was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). Additionally, recombinant L. plantarum significantly relieved pathological damage in the cecum, as evidenced by lesion scores (P < 0.01) and histopathological cecum sections. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence to support the possibility of using L. plantarum as a promising carrier for the delivery of protective antigens to effectively protect chickens against coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Xu Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Hai-Bin Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jia-Lin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun-Yi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming-Han Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Dong-Yu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan-Ning Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Rui-Geng Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Nan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chun-Wei Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chun-Feng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Gui-Lian Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Jilin Provincial Engineering Research Center of Animal Probiotics, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Microecology and Healthy Breeding, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China; Engineering Research Center of Microecological Vaccines (Drugs) for Major Animal Diseases, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.
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Madlala T, Adeleke VT, Okpeku M, Tshilwane SI, Adeniyi AA, Adeleke MA. Screening of apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA1), dense granule protein-7 (GRA7) and rhoptry protein-16 (ROP16) antigens for a potential vaccine candidate against Toxoplasma gondii for chickens. Vaccine X 2023; 14:100347. [PMID: 37519774 PMCID: PMC10384181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii known to infect almost all animals, including birds and humans globally. This disease has impacted the livestock industry and public health, where infection of domestic animals increases the zoonotic risk of transmission of infection to humans, threatening public health. Hence the need to discover novel and safe vaccines to fight against toxoplasmosis. In the current study, a novel multiepitope vaccine was designed using immunoinformatics techniques targeting T. gondii AMA1, GRA7 and ROP16 antigens, consisting of antigenic, immunogenic, non-allergenic and cytokine inducing T-cell (9 CD8+ and 15 CD4+) epitopes and four (4) B-cell epitopes fused together using AAY, KK and GPGPG linkers. The tertiary model of the proposed vaccine was predicted and validated to confirm the structural quality of the vaccine. The designed vaccine was highly antigenic (antigenicity = 0.6645), immunogenic (score = 2.89998), with molecular weight of 73.35 kDa, instability and aliphatic index of 28.70 and 64.10, respectively; and GRAVY of -0.363. The binding interaction, stability and flexibility were assessed with molecular docking and dynamics simulation, which revealed the proposed vaccine to have good structural interaction (binding affinity = -106.882 kcal/mol) and stability when docked with Toll like receptor-4 (TLR4). The results revealed that the Profilin-adjuvanted vaccine is promising, as it predicted induction of enhanced immune responses through the production of cytokines and antibodies critical in blocking host invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabile Madlala
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Victoria T. Adeleke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Selaelo I. Tshilwane
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Adebayo A. Adeniyi
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, P.O Box 370111, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Matthew A. Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
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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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Goodswen SJ, Kennedy PJ, Ellis JT. Compilation of parasitic immunogenic proteins from 30 years of published research using machine learning and natural language processing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10349. [PMID: 35725870 PMCID: PMC9208253 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation reported in 2020 that six of the top 10 sources of death in low-income countries are parasites. Parasites are microorganisms in a relationship with a larger organism, the host. They acquire all benefits at the host’s expense. A disease develops if the parasitic infection disrupts normal functioning of the host. This disruption can range from mild to severe, including death. Humans and livestock continue to be challenged by established and emerging infectious disease threats. Vaccination is the most efficient tool for preventing current and future threats. Immunogenic proteins sourced from the disease-causing parasite are worthwhile vaccine components (subunits) due to reliable safety and manufacturing capacity. Publications with ‘subunit vaccine’ in their title have accumulated to thousands over the last three decades. However, there are possibly thousands more reporting immunogenicity results without mentioning ‘subunit’ and/or ‘vaccine’. The exact number is unclear given the non-standardised keywords in publications. The study aim is to identify parasite proteins that induce a protective response in an animal model as reported in the scientific literature within the last 30 years using machine learning and natural language processing. Source code to fulfil this aim and the vaccine candidate list obtained is made available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Goodswen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Paul J Kennedy
- School of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - John T Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, 15 Broadway, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
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Ye Z, Ni W, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yu L, Huang X. Molecular characterization of a profilin gene from a parasitic ciliate Cryptocaryon irritans. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Liu Q, Zhang MY, Zhao B, Chen Y, Jiang W, Geng XL, Wang Q. Diagnostic Value of Circulating Antigens in the Serum of Piglets with Experimental Acute Toxoplasmosis. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:697-706. [PMID: 35022274 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite, infects all warm-blooded animals, including a third of the human population. Laboratory diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis is based on the detection of anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG and T. gondii nucleic acid; however, these assays have certain limitations. Circulating Ags (CAgs) are reliable diagnostic indicators of acute infection. In this study, we established a model of acute T. gondii infection in Large White pigs. CAg levels peaked between 3 and 5 d after inoculation, and 28 CAgs were identified using an immunoprecipitation-shotgun approach, among which dolichol-phosphate-mannose synthase family protein (TgDPM), C3HC zinc finger-like protein (TgZFLP3), and ribosomal protein RPL7 (TgRPL7) were selected to further investigate their value in the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that TgDPM and TgRPL7 were localized in the membrane surface, while TgZFLP3 was localized in the apical end. Western blotting revealed the presence of the three proteins in the serum during acute infection. Indirect ELISA results indicate that TgZFLP3 is likely to be a novel candidate for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis. However, these three proteins may not be useful as candidate vaccines against toxoplasmosis owing to their low protective ability. In addition, deletion of the zflp3 gene partially attenuated virulence in Kunming mice. Collectively, we identified 28 CAgs in the serum of piglets with experimental acute toxoplasmosis and confirmed that TgZFLP3 is a potential biomarker for acute T. gondii infection. The results of this study provide data to improve the detection efficiency of acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Man-Yu Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Geng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Shanghai, China
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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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Zhu Y, Xu Y, Hong L, Zhou C, Chen J. Immunization With a DNA Vaccine Encoding the Toxoplasma gondii' s GRA39 Prolongs Survival and Reduce Brain Cyst Formation in a Murine Model. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:630682. [PMID: 33995293 PMCID: PMC8113873 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.630682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, can cause infect almost all warm-blooded animals and humans. To evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of T. gondii GRA39 (TgGRA39) in mice by using DNA immunization, we constructed a recombinant eukaryotic plasmid pVAX-TgGRA39. The specific immune responses in immunized mice were analyzed by serum antibody and cytokine measurements, lymphocyte proliferation assays and flow cytometry of T lymphocyte subclasses. Also, protective efficacy against acute and chronic T. gondii infection was assessed by observing the survival time after challenge with the highly virulent T. gondii RH strain (Genotype I) and counting the number of cyst-forming in brain at 4 weeks post-infection with the cyst-forming PRU strain of T. gondii (Genotype II), respectively. Our results showed that DNA immunization with pVAX-GRA39 via intramuscular injection three times, at 2-week intervals could elicit humoral and cellular immune response, indicated by enhanced levels of IgG and IgG2a antibodies (a slightly elevated IgG2a to IgG1 ratio), and increased levels of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22 and IL-23 and percentages of CD3+ CD4+ CD8- and CD3+ CD8+ CD4– T cells, in contrast to non-immunized mice. The significant increase in the expression levels of IL-6, TGF-β1, IL-1β, and the transcription factor factors RORγt, RORα, and STAT3 involved in the activation and pathway of Th17 and Tc17 cells, were also observed. However, no significant difference was detected in level of IL-4 and IL-10 (p > 0.05). These effective immune responses had mounted protective immunity against T. gondii infection, with a prolonged survival time (16.80 ± 3.50 days) and reduced cyst numbers (44.5%) in comparison to the control mice. Our data indicated that pVAX-TgGRA39 could induce effective humoral, and Th1-type, Th17, and Tc17 cellular immune responses, and may represent a promising vaccine candidate against both acute and chronic T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- The Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Lu Hong
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Chunxue Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,The Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China
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11
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Bouazzaoui A, Abdellatif AAH, Al-Allaf FA, Bogari NM, Al-Dehlawi S, Qari SH. Strategies for Vaccination: Conventional Vaccine Approaches Versus New-Generation Strategies in Combination with Adjuvants. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020140. [PMID: 33499096 PMCID: PMC7911318 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has raised significant economic, social, and psychological concerns. The rapid spread of the virus, coupled with the absence of vaccines and antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2, has galvanized a major global endeavor to develop effective vaccines. Within a matter of just a few months of the initial outbreak, research teams worldwide, adopting a range of different strategies, embarked on a quest to develop effective vaccine that could be effectively used to suppress this virulent pathogen. In this review, we describe conventional approaches to vaccine development, including strategies employing proteins, peptides, and attenuated or inactivated pathogens in combination with adjuvants (including genetic adjuvants). We also present details of the novel strategies that were adopted by different research groups to successfully transfer recombinantly expressed antigens while using viral vectors (adenoviral and retroviral) and non-viral delivery systems, and how recently developed methods have been applied in order to produce vaccines that are based on mRNA, self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), and trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA). Moreover, we discuss the methods that are being used to enhance mRNA stability and protein production, the advantages and disadvantages of different methods, and the challenges that are encountered during the development of effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellatif Bouazzaoui
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.-A.); (N.M.B.)
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Faisal A. Al-Allaf
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.-A.); (N.M.B.)
- Science and Technology Unit, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Laboratory and Blood Bank, Molecular Diagnostics Unit, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neda M. Bogari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, P.O. Box 715, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (F.A.A.-A.); (N.M.B.)
| | | | - Sameer H. Qari
- Biology Department, Aljumum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
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12
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Synergistic effect of GRA7 and profilin proteins in vaccination against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection. Vaccine 2021; 39:933-942. [PMID: 33451777 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide prevalence in humans and warm-blooded animal populations. In livestock Toxoplasma gondii is the causal agent of significant economic losses since it can cause abortions in goats and sheep. It is estimated that one third of the world population is infected. Although there are effective therapies for acute infection, these are sometimes poorly tolerated, teratogenic, and have a long administration time. Considering the deficiencies that exist related to the prevention and treatment of toxoplasmosis, the development of a safe and effective vaccine would be extremely valuable in fighting against this infection. In the present work, we characterize for the first time the adjuvant and immunogenic potential of a recombinant profilin protein (rTgPF), in a vaccine formulation alone or in combination with the well-known GRA7 antigen candidate in a murine toxoplasmosis model. Since TgPF acts as a ligand for TLR11 and 12 inducing innate immune responses that promote type 1 adaptive responses, we first study the capacity of the mix rGRA7 + rTgPF to initiate an immune response by evaluating dendritic cell activation. Both rTgPF and rGRA7 induces activation of mouse BMDCs more efficiently than the single proteins, evidenced by increased expression of CD80 and CD86 co-stimulatory proteins and secretion of IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 cytokines after in vitro stimulation. The sum of the effects of rGRA7 and rTgPF on BMDCs maturation led us to assay them in a vaccination protocol. BALB/c mice vaccinated with this mix elicited a Th1-biased immunity via the induction of lymphocyte proliferation, activation of CD4+T cells and increased IFN-γ production that resulted in enhanced protection against chronic Toxoplama gondii infection. Profilin per se induce only cellular immunity but augments the effect of rGRA7 immune responses when used together, thus allowing us to postulate rTgPF as a potential adjuvant in a protein vaccine.
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13
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Smith NC, Goulart C, Hayward JA, Kupz A, Miller CM, van Dooren GG. Control of human toxoplasmosis. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:95-121. [PMID: 33347832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite that is able to infect any nucleated cell in any warm-blooded animal. Toxoplasma gondii infects around 2 billion people and, whilst only a small percentage of infected people will suffer serious disease, the prevalence of the parasite makes it one of the most damaging zoonotic diseases in the world. Toxoplasmosis is a disease with multiple manifestations: it can cause a fatal encephalitis in immunosuppressed people; if first contracted during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or congenital defects in the neonate; and it can cause serious ocular disease, even in immunocompetent people. The disease has a complex epidemiology, being transmitted by ingestion of oocysts that are shed in the faeces of definitive feline hosts and contaminate water, soil and crops, or by consumption of intracellular cysts in undercooked meat from intermediate hosts. In this review we examine current and future approaches to control toxoplasmosis, which encompass a variety of measures that target different components of the life cycle of T. gondii. These include: education programs about the parasite and avoidance of contact with infectious stages; biosecurity and sanitation to ensure food and water safety; chemo- and immunotherapeutics to control active infections and disease; prophylactic options to prevent acquisition of infection by livestock and cyst formation in meat; and vaccines to prevent shedding of oocysts by definitive feline hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
| | - Cibelly Goulart
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Andreas Kupz
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Catherine M Miller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
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14
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Fusion Cytokines IL-7-Linker-IL-15 Promote Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Subunit Vaccine to Induce Central Memory like T Cell-Mediated Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040715. [PMID: 33271822 PMCID: PMC7712479 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), is among the most serious infectious diseases worldwide. Adjuvanted protein subunit vaccines have been demonstrated as a kind of promising novel vaccine. This study proposed to investigate whether cytokines interliukine-7 (IL-7) and interliukine-15 (IL-15) help TB subunit vaccines induce long-term cell-mediated immune responses, which are required for vaccination against TB. In this study, mice were immunized with the M. tuberculosis protein subunit vaccines combined with adnovirus-mediated cytokines IL-7, IL-15, IL-7-IL-15, and IL-7-Linker-IL-15 at 0, 2, and 4 weeks, respectively. Twenty weeks after the last immunization, the long-term immune responses, especially the central memory-like T cells (TCM like cell)-mediated immune responses, were determined with the methods of cultured IFN-γ-ELISPOT, expanded secondary immune responses, cell proliferation, and protective efficacy against Mycobacterium bovis Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) challenge, etc. The results showed that the group of vaccine + rAd-IL-7-Linker-IL-15 induced a stronger long-term antigen-specific TCM like cells-mediated immune responses and had higher protective efficacy against BCG challenge than the vaccine + rAd-vector control group, the vaccine + rAd-IL-7 and the vaccine + rAd-IL-15 groups. This study indicated that rAd-IL-7-Linker-IL-15 improved the TB subunit vaccine’s efficacy by augmenting TCM like cells and provided long-term protective efficacy against Mycobacteria.
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15
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Wu M, An R, Chen Y, Chen T, Wen H, Yan Q, Shen J, Chen L, Du J. Vaccination with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii CDPK3 induces protective immunity against experimental toxoplasmosis. Acta Trop 2019; 199:105148. [PMID: 31425673 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a ubiquitous and obligate intracellular pathogen, belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, is capable of infecting a broad range of warm-blooded hosts including birds and mammals that is nearly worldwide. Preventive measures for toxoplasmosis are currently lacking and as such, development of novel vaccines is of urgent need. The plant-like calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) expressed by T. gondii, play important roles in cell invasion, gliding motility, egress and some other developmental processes, in which T. gondii CDPK3 (TgCDPK3) has been implicated as an important virulence factor. In this study, the immune protective function of recombinant TgCDPK3 (rTgCDPK3) against experimental toxoplasmosis in BALB/c were evaluated. We divided the mice into different dose groups of vaccines and all immunizations with purified rTgCDPK3 protein were injected by intramuscular at weeks 0, 2, and 4 in BALB/c mice. The rTgCDPK3 vaccine provided protection was correlated with the development of humoral and cellular immune responses demonstrated through the antigen-specific spleen cell proliferation, release of Th1 cytokines IFN-γ, and the production of the high titers of IgG antibody with a predominance of IgG2a over IgG1. Vaccination with rTgCDPK3 conferred partial protection against acute toxoplasmosis, as demonstrated by prolonged survival rate after lethal challenge. Additionally, the amount of brain tissues cysts in vaccinated mice led to 46.5% reduction compared with non-vaccinated ones. These data demonstrated that rTgCDPK3 inoculation prevents or attenuates the harmful influence of T. gondii infection, and it is a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.
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16
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C57BL/6 mice immunized with synthetic peptides from Toxoplasma gondii surface and microneme immunodominant antigens are able to decrease parasite burden in the brain tissues. Acta Trop 2019; 196:1-6. [PMID: 31059707 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan able to infect a wide range of hosts. The infection is particularly severe in immunocompromised patients or during pregnancy, circumstances in which the parasite could find a more favorable microenvironment to replicate and invade host tissues. The current treatment consists in toxic drugs for the patients, being not appropriate for the fetuses and immunodeficient patients. So far, there is a lack of available vaccine to prevent the disease. The present study aimed to evaluate the immune response induced by peptides derived from parasite immunodominant proteins from key components, as surface, rhoptry, microneme and dense granule antigens. A panel of eleven peptides was selected considering the highest scores for B cell epitope prediction by in silico analyses. The peptides were divided in groups, according to the parasite organelle locations, and used to immunize C57BL/6 mice. The animals were submitted to three doses of immunization and infected by 10 cysts of T. gondii ME49 strain. Blood samples were collected and used to measure the production of antibodies and cytokines, while the brains were collected to determine the parasite burden by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). It was found that synthetic peptides from all targets were able to induce IgG synthesis in immunized mice, as well as to modulate the Th1/Th2 cytokine production, particularly the MIC and SRS groups, which presented the IFN-γ/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios 30 and 10 times higher, respectively, when compared with non-immunized group. Interestingly, the animals from MIC and SRS groups had significantly lower levels of T. gondii DNA in their brains. In summary, it can be concluded that peptides mainly from SRS and MIC parasite components constitute relevant targets to design vaccine candidates against parasite burden observed during chronic toxoplasmosis.
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17
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Liu K, Wen H, Cai H, Wu M, An R, Chu D, Yu L, Shen J, Chen L, Du J. Protective Effect Against Toxoplasmosis in BALB/c Mice Vaccinated With Toxoplasma gondii Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:813. [PMID: 31105655 PMCID: PMC6491892 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, which can cause severe disease in the fetus and immunocompromised individuals. Developing an effective vaccine is crucial to control this disease. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has gained substantial attention as a pivotal upstream cytokine to mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. Homologs of MIF have been discovered in many parasitic species, and one homolog of MIF has been isolated from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. In this study, the recombinant Toxoplasma gondii MIF (rTgMIF) as a protein vaccine was expressed and evaluated by intramuscular injection in BALB/c mice. We divided the mice into different dose groups of vaccines, and all immunizations with purified rTgMIF protein were performed at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. The protective efficacy of vaccination was analyzed by antibody assays, cytokine measurements and lymphoproliferative assays, respectively. The results obtained indicated that the rTgMIF vaccine elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses with high levels of IgG antibody and IFN-γ production compared to those of the controls, in addition to slight higher levels of IL-4 production. After vaccination, a stronger lymphoproliferative response was also noted. Additionally, the survival time of mice immunized with rTgMIF was longer than that of the mice in control groups after challenge infection with virulent T. gondii RH tachyzoites. Moreover, the number of brain tissue cysts in vaccinated mice was reduced by 62.26% compared with the control group. These findings demonstrated that recombinant TgMIF protein is a potential candidate for vaccine development against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongyang Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haijian Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Minmin Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ran An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Deyong Chu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijian Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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18
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Hajissa K, Zakaria R, Suppian R, Mohamed Z. Epitope-based vaccine as a universal vaccination strategy against Toxoplasma gondii infection: A mini-review. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 6:174-182. [PMID: 31453188 PMCID: PMC6702889 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2019.f329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant progress in the recent efforts toward developing an effective vaccine against toxoplasmosis, the search for new protective vaccination strategy still remains a challenge and elusive goal because it becomes the appropriate way to prevent the disease. Various experimental approaches in the past few years showed that developing a potential vaccine against the disease can be achievable. The combination of multi-epitopes expressing different stages of the parasite life cycle has become an optimal strategy for acquiring a potent, safe, and effective vaccine. Epitope-based vaccines have gained attention as alternative vaccine candidates due to their ability of inducing protective immune responses. This mini-review highlights the current status and the prospects of Toxoplasma gondii vaccine development along with the application of epitope-based vaccine in the future parasite immunization as a novel under development and evaluation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hajissa
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Robaiza Zakaria
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rapeah Suppian
- Biomedicine Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zeehaida Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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19
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Li ZY, Lu J, Zhang NZ, Elsheikha HM, Hou JL, Guo HT, Zhu XQ. Immunization with plasmid DNA expressing Heat Shock Protein 40 confers prophylactic protection against chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in Kunming mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 25:37. [PMID: 30040611 PMCID: PMC6057741 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2018040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes one of the most common protozoal diseases of humans and animals worldwide. With the aim of designing an effective vaccine against T. gondii infection, we examined the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine expressing heat shock protein 40 (HSP40) against challenge with T. gondii (type I RH and type II Pru) strains in Kunming mice. The plasmid pVAX1-HSP40 was constructed and used to immunize mice by intramuscular injection for three sequential immunizations with two-week intervals. This immunization regimen significantly reduced parasite cyst burden in pVAX1-HSP40-immunized mice (1871.9 ± 142.3) compared with control mouse groups immunized with pVAX1 (3479.2 ± 204.4), phosphate buffered saline (3024.4 ± 212.8), or left untreated (3275.0 ± 179.8) as healthy controls (p < 0.01). However, immunization failed to protect mice against challenge with the virulent RH strain. There was a significant increase in T lymphocyte subclasses (CD3e+CD4+ T and CD3e+CD8a+ T lymphocytes) in splenic tissues in immunized mice compared with controls (p < 0.05). However, the level of antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation and concentration of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-12p70) were not significantly different between immunized and control mouse groups (p < 0.05). These data indicate that pVAX1-HSP40 induced specific immune responses and achieved a significant reduction in the number of brain cysts in Pru-infected mice, and thus can be tested in future immunization studies along with plasmids containing other immunogenic proteins as a cocktail vaccine to fully abolish chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, 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 730046, PR China
| | - Jing Lu
- 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 730046, PR 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 730046, PR China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jun-Ling Hou
- 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 730046, PR China
| | - Hai-Ting Guo
- 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 730046, PR China - College of Biological Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang 163319, 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 730046, PR China
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20
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Zhang NZ, Gao Q, Wang M, Elsheikha HM, Wang B, Wang JL, Zhang FK, Hu LY, Zhu XQ. Immunization With a DNA Vaccine Cocktail Encoding TgPF, TgROP16, TgROP18, TgMIC6, and TgCDPK3 Genes Protects Mice Against Chronic Toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1505. [PMID: 30008721 PMCID: PMC6033959 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii; and a major source of infection in humans is via ingestion of T. gondii tissue cysts. Ultimately, the goal of anti-toxoplasmosis vaccines is to elicit a sustainable immune response, capable of preventing formation of the parasite tissue cysts-or, at least, to restrain its growth. In this study, we formulated a cocktail DNA vaccine and investigated its immunologic efficacy as a protection against the establishment of T. gondii cysts in the mouse brain. This multicomponent DNA vaccine, encoded the TgPF, TgROP16, TgROP18, TgMIC6, and TgCDPK3 genes, which play key roles in the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection. Results showed that mice immunized via intramuscular injection three times, at 2-week intervals with this multicomponent DNA vaccine, mounted a strong humoral and cellular immune response, indicated by significantly high levels of total IgG, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, and antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation when compared with non-immunized mice. Immunization also induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response, with a slightly elevated IgG2a to IgG1 ratio. The increased production of proinflammatory cytokines gamma-interferon, interleukin-2, and interleukin-12 (p < 0.0001) correlated with increased expression of p65/RelA and T-bet genes of the NF-κB pathway. However, no significant difference was detected in level of interleukin-4 (p > 0.05). The number of brain cysts in immunized mice was significantly less than those in non-immunized mice (643.33 ± 89.63 versus 3,244.33 ± 96.42, p < 0.0001), resulting in an 80.22% reduction in the parasite cyst burden. These findings indicate that a multicomponent DNA vaccine, encoding TgPF, TgROP16, TgROP18, TgMIC6, and TgCDPK3 genes, shows promise as an immunization strategy against chronic toxoplasmosis in mice, and calls for a further evaluation in food-producing animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, China
| | - 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, China.,Hunan Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Changsha, 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, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - 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, 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, 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, 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, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou, China
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