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Zhang T, Zhang M, Xu Z, He Y, Zhao X, Cheng H, Chen X, Xu J, Ding Z. The Screening of the Protective Antigens of Aeromonas hydrophila Using the Reverse Vaccinology Approach: Potential Candidates for Subunit Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1266. [PMID: 37515081 PMCID: PMC10383140 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The threat of bacterial septicemia caused by Aeromonas hydrophila infection to aquaculture growth can be prevented through vaccination, but differences among A. hydrophila strains may affect the effectiveness of non-conserved subunit vaccines or non-inactivated A. hydrophila vaccines, making the identification and development of conserved antigens crucial. In this study, a bioinformatics analysis of 4268 protein sequences encoded by the A. hydrophila J-1 strain whole genome was performed based on reverse vaccinology. The specific analysis included signal peptide prediction, transmembrane helical structure prediction, subcellular localization prediction, and antigenicity and adhesion evaluation, as well as interspecific and intraspecific homology comparison, thereby screening the 39 conserved proteins as candidate antigens for A. hydrophila vaccine. The 9 isolated A. hydrophila strains from diseased fish were categorized into 6 different molecular subtypes via enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR technology, and the coding regions of 39 identified candidate proteins were amplified via PCR and sequenced to verify their conservation in different subtypes of A. hydrophila and other Aeromonas species. In this way, conserved proteins were screened out according to the comparison results. Briefly, 16 proteins were highly conserved in different A. hydrophila subtypes, of which 2 proteins were highly conserved in Aeromonas species, which could be selected as candidate antigens for vaccines development, including type IV pilus secretin PilQ (AJE35401.1) and TolC family outer membrane protein (AJE35877.1). The present study screened the conserved antigens of A. hydrophila by using reverse vaccinology, which provided basic foundations for developing broad-spectrum protective vaccines of A. hydrophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Minying Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Zehua Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Yang He
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang 641000, China
| | - Xiaoheng Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Hanliang Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Xiangning Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Jianhe Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Zhujin Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, School of Marine Science and Fisheries, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Institute of Marine Resources Development, Lianyungang 222005, China
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Wang H, Yuan L, Wang T, Cao L, Liu F, Song J, Zhang Y. Construction of the waaF Subunit and DNA Vaccine Against Escherichia coli in Cow Mastitis and Preliminary Study on Their Immunogenicity. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:877685. [PMID: 35647105 PMCID: PMC9134013 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.877685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the major pathogenic bacteria in bovine mastitis, which usually triggers systemic symptoms by releasing lipopolysaccharide (LPS). waaF is the core in LPS pathogenicity. In this study, a new waaF vaccine candidate was identified, constructed with the pcDNA3.1 (+)HisB-waaF plasmid to create to a DNA vaccine (pcwaaF), and transfected into MCF-7 cells to produce recombinant waaF subunit vaccine (rwaaF). After that, the safety of the two vaccine candidates was evaluated in mouse model. Immunogenicity and mortality of challenged mice were compared in 20 and 40 μg per dose, respectively. The results showed that rwaaF and pcwaaF were successfully constructed and the complete blood count and serum biochemical indicated that both of the vaccine candidates were safe (p > 0.05). In addition, histopathological staining showed no obvious pathological changes. The immune response induced by rwaaF was significantly higher than that of pcwaaF (p < 0.01), indicated by levels of serum concentration of IgG IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ, and feces concentration of sIgA. Survival rates of mice in rwaaF groups (both 80%) were also higher than in the pcwaaF groups (40 and 50%, respectively). Comparing the safety, immunogenicity, and E. coli challenge of two vaccine candidates, rwaaF had the better effect and 20 μg rwaaF was more economical. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the utility of a new E. coli vaccine and provides a rationale for further investigation of bovine mastitis therapy and management.
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Roles of the Tol/Pal System in Bacterial Pathogenesis and Its Application to Antibacterial Therapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030422. [PMID: 35335056 PMCID: PMC8953051 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Tol/Pal system (also written as “The Tol-Pal system”) is a set of protein complexes produced by most Gram-negative bacteria. It comprises the inner membrane-associated and the outer membrane-anchored subunits composed of the TolA, TolQ, and TolR proteins and the TolB and Pal proteins, respectively. Although the Tol/Pal system was first defined as bacterial proteins involved in colicin uptake of Escherichia coli, its global roles have been characterized in several studies as mentioned in this article. Pathogenesis of many Gram-negative pathogens is sustained by the Tol/Pal system. It is also essential for cell growth and fitness in some pathogens. Therefore, the Tol/Pal system is proposed as a potential target for antimicrobial chemotherapy. Although the tol/pal mutants are low in virulence, they still have the ability to stimulate the immune system. The Pal protein is highly immunogenic and induces both adaptive and innate immune responses. Therefore, the tol/pal mutant strains and Pal proteins also have potential vaccine properties. For these reasons, the Tol/Pal system represents a promising research target in the development of antibacterial therapeutic strategies for refractory infections caused by multi-drug-resistant (MDR), Gram-negative pathogens. In this paper, we summarize studies on the Tol/Pal system associated with bacterial pathogenesis and vaccine development.
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Gattuso G, Rizzo R, Lavoro A, Spoto V, Porciello G, Montagnese C, Cinà D, Cosentino A, Lombardo C, Mezzatesta ML, Salmeri M. Overview of the Clinical and Molecular Features of Legionella Pneumophila: Focus on Novel Surveillance and Diagnostic Strategies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030370. [PMID: 35326833 PMCID: PMC8944609 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is one of the most threatening nosocomial pathogens. The implementation of novel and more effective surveillance and diagnostic strategies is mandatory to prevent the occurrence of legionellosis outbreaks in hospital environments. On these bases, the present review is aimed to describe the main clinical and molecular features of L. pneumophila focusing attention on the latest findings on drug resistance mechanisms. In addition, a detailed description of the current guidelines for the disinfection and surveillance of the water systems is also provided. Finally, the diagnostic strategies available for the detection of Legionella spp. were critically reviewed, paying the attention to the description of the culture, serological and molecular methods as well as on the novel high-sensitive nucleic acid amplification systems, such as droplet digital PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Gattuso
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Alessandro Lavoro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Vincenzoleo Spoto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Porciello
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, National Cancer Institute IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Concetta Montagnese
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, National Cancer Institute IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.P.); (C.M.)
| | - Diana Cinà
- Health Management of the “Cannizzaro” Emergency Hospital of Catania, 95126 Catania, Italy;
- Clinical Pathology and Clinical Molecular Biology Unit, “Garibaldi Centro” Hospital, ARNAS Garibaldi, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessia Cosentino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Cinzia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Maria Lina Mezzatesta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Mario Salmeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.G.); (R.R.); (A.L.); (V.S.); (A.C.); (C.L.); (M.L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-478-1244
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Swietnicki W. Secretory System Components as Potential Prophylactic Targets for Bacterial Pathogens. Biomolecules 2021; 11:892. [PMID: 34203937 PMCID: PMC8232601 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial secretory systems are essential for virulence in human pathogens. The systems have become a target of alternative antibacterial strategies based on small molecules and antibodies. Strategies to use components of the systems to design prophylactics have been less publicized despite vaccines being the preferred solution to dealing with bacterial infections. In the current review, strategies to design vaccines against selected pathogens are presented and connected to the biology of the system. The examples are given for Y. pestis, S. enterica, B. anthracis, S. flexneri, and other human pathogens, and discussed in terms of effectiveness and long-term protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieslaw Swietnicki
- Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. R. Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
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Liu X, Li Y, Xiao H, Bi Y, Gong Y, Hu Z, Zeng Y, Sun M, He Z, Lu S, Li Q, Cun W. Identification of T Cell Epitopes in the Spike Glycoprotein of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Rhesus Macaques. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:2527-2535. [PMID: 33980582 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The T cell response is an important detection index in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine development. The present study was undertaken to determine the T cell epitopes in the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 that dominate the T cell responses in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. PBMCs from rhesus macaques vaccinated with a DNA vaccine encoding the full-length S protein were isolated, and an ELISPOT assay was used to identify the recognized T cell epitopes among a total of 158 18-mer and 10-aa-overlapping peptides spanning the full-length S protein. Six multipeptide-based epitopes located in the S1 region, with four of the six located in the receptor-binding domain, were defined as the most frequently recognized epitopes in macaques. The conservation of the epitopes across species was also verified, and peptide mixtures for T cell response detection were established. Six newly defined T cell epitopes were found in the current study, which may provide a novel potential target for T cell response detection and the diagnosis and vaccine design of SARS-CoV-2 based on multipeptide subunit-based epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Liu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Yuzhong Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Hongjian Xiao
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Yanwei Bi
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Yue Gong
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Zhengrong Hu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Yaxin Zeng
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Ming Sun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Zhanlong He
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Qihan Li
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
| | - Wei Cun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China; .,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research and Development of Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, China; and
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