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Singh SK, Naghizadeh M, Plieskatt J, Singh S, Theisen M. Cloning and Recombinant Protein Expression in Lactococcus lactis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2652:3-20. [PMID: 37093467 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3147-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
The Lactococcus lactis, a Gram-positive bacteria, is an ideal expression host for the overproduction of heterologous proteins in a properly folded and functional form. L. lactis has been identified as an efficient cell factory, generally recognized as safe (GRAS), has a long history of safe use in food production, and is known to have probiotic properties. Key desirable features of L. lactis include the following: (1) rapid growth to high cell densities, not requiring aeration which facilitates large-scale fermentation; (2) its Gram-positive nature precludes the presence of contaminating endotoxins; (3) the capacity to secrete stable recombinant protein into the growth medium with few proteases resulting in a properly folded, full-length protein; and (4) the availability of diverse expression vectors facilitating various cloning options. We have previously described production of several recombinant proteins with varying degrees of predicted structural complexities using the L. lactis pH-dependent P170 promoter. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a detailed protocol for facilitating wider application of L. lactis as a reliable platform for expression of heterologous recombinant proteins in soluble form. Here, we present details of the various steps involved such as cloning of the target gene in appropriate expression plasmid vector, determination of the expression levels of the heterologous protein, and initial purification of the expressed soluble recombinant protein of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susheel K Singh
- Biotherapeutic and Vaccine Research Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Mohammad Naghizadeh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Subhash Singh
- Biotherapeutic and Vaccine Research Division, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lyons FMT, Gabriela M, Tham WH, Dietrich MH. Plasmodium 6-Cysteine Proteins: Functional Diversity, Transmission-Blocking Antibodies and Structural Scaffolds. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:945924. [PMID: 35899047 PMCID: PMC9309271 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.945924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The 6-cysteine protein family is one of the most abundant surface antigens that are expressed throughout the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. Many members of the 6-cysteine family have critical roles in parasite development across the life cycle in parasite transmission, evasion of the host immune response and host cell invasion. The common feature of the family is the 6-cysteine domain, also referred to as s48/45 domain, which is conserved across Aconoidasida. This review summarizes the current approaches for recombinant expression for 6-cysteine proteins, monoclonal antibodies against 6-cysteine proteins that block transmission and the growing collection of crystal structures that provide insights into the functional domains of this protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankie M. T. Lyons
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wai-Hong Tham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie H. Dietrich
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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3
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Preclinical development of a Pfs230-Pfs48/45 chimeric malaria transmission-blocking vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:120. [PMID: 34642303 PMCID: PMC8511065 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 proteins are leading candidates for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV). Previously, we showed that a Pfs230–Pfs48/45 fusion protein elicits higher levels of functional antibodies than the individual antigens, but low yields hampered progression to clinical evaluation. Here we identified a modified construct (ProC6C) with a circumsporozoite protein (CSP) repeat-linker sequence that enhances expression. A scalable and reproducible process in the Lactococcus lactis expression system was developed and ProC6C was successfully transferred for manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). In addition, a panel of analytical assays for release and stability were developed. Intact mass spectrometry analysis and multiangle light scattering showed that the protein contained correct disulfide bonds and was monomeric. Immunogenicity studies in mice showed that the ProC6C adsorbed to Alhydrogel®, with or without Matrix-MTM, elicited functional antibodies that reduced transmission to mosquitoes and sporozoite invasion of human hepatocytes. Altogether, our data support manufacture and clinical evaluation of ProC6C as a multistage malaria-vaccine candidate.
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Bonam SR, Rénia L, Tadepalli G, Bayry J, Kumar HMS. Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Vaccines and Vaccine Adjuvants. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1072. [PMID: 34696180 PMCID: PMC8541031 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria-a parasite vector-borne disease-is a global health problem, and Plasmodium falciparum has proven to be the deadliest among Plasmodium spp., which causes malaria in humans. Symptoms of the disease range from mild fever and shivering to hemolytic anemia and neurological dysfunctions. The spread of drug resistance and the absence of effective vaccines has made malaria disease an ever-emerging problem. Although progress has been made in understanding the host response to the parasite, various aspects of its biology in its mammalian host are still unclear. In this context, there is a pressing demand for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies, including new drugs and novel adjuvanted vaccines that elicit protective immunity. The present article provides an overview of the current knowledge of anti-malarial immunity against P. falciparum and different options of vaccine candidates in development. A special emphasis has been made on the mechanism of action of clinically used vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France;
| | - Laurent Rénia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs, 8A Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Ganesh Tadepalli
- Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India;
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe-Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France;
- Biological Sciences & Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, Palakkad 678623, India
| | - Halmuthur Mahabalarao Sampath Kumar
- Vaccine Immunology Laboratory, Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India;
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Zhang Y, Liu F, Zhao Y, Yang F, Bai J, Jia X, Roobsoong W, Sattabongkot J, Cui L, Cao Y, Luo E, Wang M. Evaluation of two Plasmodium vivax sexual stage antigens as transmission-blocking vaccine candidates. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:407. [PMID: 34399829 PMCID: PMC8366161 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04909-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) are receiving increasing attention. Based on excellent transmission-blocking activities of the PbPH (PBANKA_0417200) and PbSOP26 (PBANKA_1457700) antigens in Plasmodium berghei, their orthologs in P. vivax, PVX_098655 (PvPH) and PVX_101120 (PvSOP26), were selected for the evaluation of their potential as TBVs. METHODS Fragments of PvPH (amino acids 22-304) and PvSOP26 (amino acids 30-272) were expressed in the yeast expression system. The recombinant proteins were used to immunize mice to obtain antisera. The transmission-reducing activities of these antisera were evaluated using the direct membrane feeding assay (DMFA) using Anopheles dirus mosquitoes and P. vivax clinical isolates. RESULTS The recombinant proteins PvPH and PvSOP26 induced robust antibody responses in mice. The DMFA showed that the anti-PvSOP26 sera significantly reduced oocyst densities by 92.0 and 84.1% in two parasite isolates, respectively, whereas the anti-PvPH sera did not show evident transmission-reducing activity. The variation in the DMFA results was unlikely due to the genetic polymorphisms of the two genes since their respective sequences were identical in the clinical P. vivax isolates. CONCLUSION PvSOP26 could be a promising TBV candidate for P. vivax, which warrants further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhe Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jie Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xitong Jia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - 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, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Suite 304, Tampa, FL, 33612-9415, USA
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Enjie Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| | - Meilian Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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Pirahmadi S, Zakeri S, Djadid ND, Mehrizi AA. A review of combination adjuvants for malaria vaccines: a promising approach for vaccine development. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:699-717. [PMID: 33798560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.01.006] [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] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
It is obvious that there is a critical need for an efficient malaria vaccine to accelerate malaria eradication. Currently, recombinant subunit vaccination against malaria using proteins and peptides is gaining attention. However, one of the major drawbacks of this approach is the lack of an efficient and durable immune response. Therefore, subunit vaccines require adjuvants to make the vaccine sufficiently immunogenic. Considering the history of the RTS,S vaccine, it seems likely that no single adjuvant is capable of eliciting all the protective immune responses required in many malarial subunit vaccines and the use of combination adjuvants will be increasingly important as the science of malaria vaccines advances. In light of this, it appears that identifying the most effective mixture of adjuvants with minimal adverse effects offers tremendous opportunities in improving the efficacy of vaccines against malaria. Owing to the importance of a multi-adjuvanted approach in subunit malaria vaccine development, this review paper outlines some of the best known combination adjuvants used in malaria subunit vaccines, focusing on their proposed mechanisms of action, their immunological properties, and their notable results. The aim of the present review is to consolidate these findings to aid the application of these combination adjuvants in experimental malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Navid D Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram A Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Duffy PE. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines: Harnessing Herd Immunity for Malaria Elimination. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:185-198. [PMID: 33478283 PMCID: PMC11127254 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1878028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) prevent community spread of malaria by targeting mosquito sexual stage parasites, a life-cycle bottleneck, and will be used in elimination programs. TBV rely on herd immunity to reduce mosquito infections and thereby new infections in both vaccine recipients and non-recipients, but do not provide protection once an individual receives an infectious mosquito bite which complicates clinical development. AREAS COVERED Here, we describe the concept and biology behind TBV, and we provide an update on clinical development of the leading vaccine candidate antigens. Search terms 'malaria vaccine,' 'sexual stages,' 'transmission blocking vaccine,' 'VIMT' and 'SSM-VIMT' were used for PubMed queries to identify relevant literature. EXPERT OPINION Candidates targeting P. falciparum zygote surface antigen Pfs25, and its P. vivax orthologue Pvs25, induced functional activity in humans that reduced mosquito infection in surrogate assays, but require increased durability to be useful in the field. Candidates targeting gamete surface antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, respectively, are in or nearing clinical trials. Nanoparticle platforms and adjuvants are being explored to enhance immunogenicity. Efficacy trials require special considerations, such as cluster-randomized designs to measure herd immunity that reduces human and mosquito infection rates, while addressing human and mosquito movements as confounding factors.
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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
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8
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Patel PN, Tolia N. Structural vaccinology of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:199-214. [PMID: 33430656 PMCID: PMC11077433 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1873135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The development of effective vaccines remains a major health priority to combat the global burden of malaria, a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) elicit antibodies that neutralize the sexual stages of the parasite in blood meals ingested by the Anopheles mosquito, interrupting parasite development in the vector host and preventing disease spread to other individuals.Areas covered: The P. falciparum gametocyte surface antigens Pfs230, Pfs48/45, and Pfs47, the parasite ookinete surface protein Pfs25, and the male gametocyte specific protein PfHAP2 are leading TBV candidates, some of which are in clinical development. The recent expansion of methodology to study monoclonal antibodies isolated directly from humans and animal models, coupled with effective measures for parasite neutralization, has provided unprecedented insight into TBV efficacy and development.Expert opinion: Available structural and functional data on antigen-monoclonal antibody (Ag-mAb) complexes, as well as epitope classification studies, have identified neutralizing epitopes that may aid vaccine development and improve protection. Here, we review the clinical prospects of TBV candidates, progress in the development of novel vaccine strategies for TBVs, and the impact of structural vaccinology in TBV design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak N Patel
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Niraj Tolia
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Structural Vaccinology Section, Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Scaria PV, Chen BB, Rowe CG, Alani N, Muratova OV, Barnafo EK, Lambert LE, Zaidi IU, Lees A, Rausch KM, Narum DL, Duffy PE. Comparison of carrier proteins to conjugate malaria transmission blocking vaccine antigens, Pfs25 and Pfs230. Vaccine 2020; 38:5480-5489. [PMID: 32600913 PMCID: PMC11127250 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Malaria transmission blocking vaccines (TBV) target the sexual stage of the parasite and have been pursued as a stand-alone vaccine or for combination with pre-erythrocytic or blood stage vaccines. Our efforts to develop TBV focus primarily on two antigens, Pfs25 and Pfs230. Chemical conjugation of these poorly immunogenic antigens to carrier proteins enhances their immunogenicity, and conjugates of these antigens to Exoprotein A (EPA) are currently under evaluation in clinical trials. Nonetheless, more potent carriers may augment the immunogenicity of these antigens for a more efficacious vaccine; here, we evaluate a series of proteins to identify such a carrier. Pfs25 and Pfs230 were chemically conjugated to 4 different carriers [tetanus toxoid (TT), a recombinant fragment of tetanus toxin heavy chain (rTThc), recombinant CRM197 produced in Pseudomonas fluorescens (CRM197) or in E. coli (EcoCRM®)] and compared to EPA conjugates in mouse immunogenicity studies. Conjugates of each antigen formulated in Alhydrogel® elicited similar antibody titers but showed differences in functional activity. At a 0.5 µg dose, Pfs230 conjugated to TT, CRM197 and EcoCRM® showed significantly higher functional activity compared to EPA. When formulated with the more potent adjuvant GLA-LSQ, all 4 alternate conjugates induced higher antibody titers as well as increased functional activity compared to the EPA conjugate. IgG subclass analysis of Pfs230 conjugates showed no carrier-dependent differences in the IgG profile. While Alhydrogel® formulations induced a Th2 dominant immune response, GLA-LSQ formulations induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puthupparampil V Scaria
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Beth B Chen
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher G Rowe
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nada Alani
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Olga V Muratova
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emma K Barnafo
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lynn E Lambert
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Irfan U Zaidi
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Kelly M Rausch
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David L Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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de Jong RM, Tebeje SK, Meerstein‐Kessel L, Tadesse FG, Jore MM, Stone W, Bousema T. Immunity against sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax parasites. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:190-215. [PMID: 31840844 PMCID: PMC6973022 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficient spread of malaria from infected humans to mosquitoes is a major challenge for malaria elimination initiatives. Gametocytes are the only Plasmodium life stage infectious to mosquitoes. Here, we summarize evidence for naturally acquired anti-gametocyte immunity and the current state of transmission blocking vaccines (TBV). Although gametocytes are intra-erythrocytic when present in infected humans, developing Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes may express proteins on the surface of red blood cells that elicit immune responses in naturally exposed individuals. This immune response may reduce the burden of circulating gametocytes. For both P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, there is a solid evidence that antibodies against antigens present on the gametocyte surface, when co-ingested with gametocytes, can influence transmission to mosquitoes. Transmission reducing immunity, reducing the burden of infection in mosquitoes, is a well-acknowledged but poorly quantified phenomenon that forms the basis for the development of TBV. Transmission enhancing immunity, increasing the likelihood or intensity of transmission to mosquitoes, is more speculative in nature but is convincingly demonstrated for P. vivax. With the increased interest in malaria elimination, TBV and monoclonal antibodies have moved to the center stage of malaria vaccine development. Methodologies to prioritize and evaluate products are urgently needed.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Blocking/immunology
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Host-Parasite Interactions/immunology
- Humans
- Immunity
- Immunomodulation
- Life Cycle Stages
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology
- Malaria, Falciparum/prevention & control
- Malaria, Falciparum/transmission
- Malaria, Vivax/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/parasitology
- Malaria, Vivax/prevention & control
- Malaria, Vivax/transmission
- Plasmodium falciparum/growth & development
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium vivax/growth & development
- Plasmodium vivax/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos M. de Jong
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Lisette Meerstein‐Kessel
- Radboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular InformaticsRadboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Fitsum G. Tadesse
- Armauer Hansen Research InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
- Radboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Matthijs M. Jore
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Will Stone
- Department of Immunology and InfectionLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and InfectionLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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Zhao F, Song S, Ma Y, Xu X, Zhou G, Li C. A Short-Term Feeding of Dietary Casein Increases Abundance of Lactococcus lactis and Upregulates Gene Expression Involving Obesity Prevention in Cecum of Young Rats Compared With Dietary Chicken Protein. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2411. [PMID: 31708891 PMCID: PMC6824296 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Casein and chicken are assessed to contain high quality proteins, which are essential for human health. Studies have shown that ingestion of the two dietary proteins resulted in distinct effects on physiology, liver transcriptome and gut microbiota. However, its underlying mechanism is not fully understood, in particular for a crosstalk between gut microbiota and host under a specific diet intervention. We fed young rats with a casein or a chicken protein-based diet (CHPD) for 7 days, and characterized cecal microbiota composition and cecal gene expression. We found that a short-term intervention with a casein-based diet (CAD) induced a higher relative abundance of beneficial bacterium Lactococcus lactis as well as Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, which upregulated galactose metabolism of the microbiome compared with a CHPD. The CAD also upregulated gene expression involved in obesity associated pathways (e.g., Adipoq and Irs1) in cecal tissue of rats. These genes and the bacterial taxon were reported to play an important role in protecting development of obesity. Furthermore, the differentially represented bacterial taxon L. lactis was positively associated with these differentially expressed genes in the gut tissue. Our results provide a new insight into the crosstalk between gut microbiota and host in response to dietary proteins, indicating a potential mechanism of obesity prevention function by casein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Meat Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing, China
| | - Shangxin Song
- School of Food Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yafang Ma
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Meat Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinglian Xu
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Meat Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing, China
| | - Guanghong Zhou
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Meat Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunbao Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Meat Products Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing, China
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Miura K, Tachibana M, Takashima E, Morita M, Kanoi BN, Nagaoka H, Baba M, Torii M, Ishino T, Tsuboi T. Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines: wheat germ cell-free technology can accelerate vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:1017-1027. [PMID: 31566026 PMCID: PMC11000147 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1674145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Highly effective malaria vaccines are essential component toward malaria elimination. Although the leading malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, with modest efficacy is being evaluated in a pilot feasibility trial, development of a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) could make a major contribution toward malaria elimination. Only a few TBV antigens have reached pre-clinical or clinical development but with several challenges including difficulties in the expression of malaria recombinant proteins and low immunogenicity in humans. Therefore, novel approaches to accelerate TBV research to preclinical development are critical to generate an efficacious TBV.Areas covered: PubMed was searched to review the progress and future prospects of malaria TBV research and development. We also reviewed registered trials at ClinicalTrials.gov as well as post-genome TBV candidate discovery research including our efforts.Expert opinion: Wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis technology can accelerate TBV development by overcoming some current challenges of TBV research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mayumi Tachibana
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Bernard N Kanoi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Minami Baba
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Motomi Torii
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ishino
- Division of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
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13
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Mamedov T, Cicek K, Miura K, Gulec B, Akinci E, Mammadova G, Hasanova G. A Plant-Produced in vivo deglycosylated full-length Pfs48/45 as a Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Candidate against malaria. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9868. [PMID: 31285498 PMCID: PMC6614448 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46375-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pfs48/45 is a leading antigen candidate for a transmission blocking (TB) vaccine. However, efforts to produce affordable, safe and correctly folded full-length Pfs48/45 using different protein expression systems have not produced an antigen with satisfactory TB activity. Pfs48/45 has 16 cysteines involved in disulfide bond formation, and the correct formation is critical for proper folding and induction of TB antibodies. Moreover, Pfs48⁄45 is not a glycoprotein in the native hosts, but contains potential glycosylation sites, which are aberrantly glycosylated during expression in eukaryotic systems. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that full length, Endo H in vivo enzymatic deglycosylated Pfs48/45 antigen is produced at a high level in plants and is structurally stable at elevated temperatures. Sera from mice immunized with this antigen showed strong inhibition in SMFA. Thus, Endo H in vivo enzymatic deglycosylated Pfs48/45 is a promising candidate for the development of an affordable TB vaccine, which may have the potential to save millions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarlan Mamedov
- Akdeniz University, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058 Campus, Antalya, Turkey.
- Azerbaijan National Academy of Science, Department of Biology and Medical Science, 24 Istiglaliyyat Street, Baku, Azerbaijan.
| | - Kader Cicek
- Akdeniz University, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Burcu Gulec
- Akdeniz University, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ersin Akinci
- Akdeniz University, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gunay Mammadova
- Akdeniz University, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gulnara Hasanova
- Akdeniz University, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dumlupınar Boulevard 07058 Campus, Antalya, Turkey
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14
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Wilson KL, Flanagan KL, Prakash MD, Plebanski M. Malaria vaccines in the eradication era: current status and future perspectives. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:133-151. [PMID: 30601095 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1561289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The challenge to eradicate malaria is an enormous task that will not be achieved by current control measures, thus an efficacious and long-lasting malaria vaccine is required. The licensing of RTS, S/AS01 is a step forward in providing some protection, but a malaria vaccine that protects across multiple transmission seasons is still needed. To achieve this, inducing beneficial immune responses while minimising deleterious non-targeted effects will be essential. AREAS COVERED This article discusses the current challenges and advances in malaria vaccine development and reviews recent human clinical trials for each stage of infection. Pubmed and ScienceDirect were searched, focusing on cell mediated immunity and how T cell subsets might be targeted in future vaccines using novel adjuvants and emerging vaccine technologies. EXPERT COMMENTARY Despite decades of research there is no highly effective licensed malaria vaccine. However, there is cause for optimism as new adjuvants and vaccine systems emerge, and our understanding of correlates of protection increases, especially regarding cellular immunity. The new field of heterologous (non-specific) effects of vaccines also highlights the broader consequences of immunization. Importantly, the WHO led Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap illustrates that there is a political will among the global health community to make it happen.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Wilson
- a Department of Immunology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.,b School of Health and Biomedical Sciences , RMIT University , Bundoora , Australia
| | - K L Flanagan
- a Department of Immunology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences , Monash University , Melbourne , Australia.,b School of Health and Biomedical Sciences , RMIT University , Bundoora , Australia.,c School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Tasmania , Launceston , Australia
| | - M D Prakash
- b School of Health and Biomedical Sciences , RMIT University , Bundoora , Australia
| | - M Plebanski
- b School of Health and Biomedical Sciences , RMIT University , Bundoora , Australia
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15
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Swihart BJ, Fay MP, Miura K. Statistical Methods for Standard Membrane-Feeding Assays to Measure Transmission Blocking or Reducing Activity in Malaria. J Am Stat Assoc 2018; 113:534-545. [PMID: 31007315 DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2017.1356313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Transmission blocking vaccines for malaria are not designed to directly protect vaccinated people from malaria disease, but to reduce the probability of infecting other people by interfering with the growth of the malaria parasite in mosquitoes. Standard membrane-feeding assays compare the growth of parasites in mosquitoes from a test sample (using antibodies from a vaccinated person) compared to a control sample. There is debate about whether to estimate the transmission reducing activity (TRA) which compares the mean number of parasites between test and control samples, or transmission blocking activity (TBA) which compares the proportion of infected mosquitoes. TBA appears biologically more important since each mosquito with any parasites is potentially infective; however, TBA is less reproducible and may be an overly strict criterion for screening vaccine candidates. Through a statistical model, we show that the TBA estimand depends on μ c , the mean number of parasites in the control mosquitoes, a parameter not easily experimentally controlled. We develop a standardized TBA estimator based on the model and a given target value for μ c which has better mean squared error than alternative methods. We discuss types of statistical inference needed for using these assays for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael P Fay
- Biostatistics Research Branch, NIAID, NIH, Rockville, MD
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD
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16
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Protein-protein conjugate nanoparticles for malaria antigen delivery and enhanced immunogenicity. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0190312. [PMID: 29281708 PMCID: PMC5744994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical conjugation of polysaccharide to carrier proteins has been a successful strategy to generate potent vaccines against bacterial pathogens. We developed a similar approach for poorly immunogenic malaria protein antigens. Our lead candidates in clinical trials are the malaria transmission blocking vaccine antigens, Pfs25 and Pfs230D1, individually conjugated to the carrier protein Exoprotein A (EPA) through thioether chemistry. These conjugates form nanoparticles that show enhanced immunogenicity compared to unconjugated antigens. In this study, we examined the broad applicability of this technology as a vaccine development platform, by comparing the immunogenicity of conjugates prepared by four different chemistries using different malaria antigens (PfCSP, Pfs25 and Pfs230D1), and carriers such as EPA, TT and CRM197. Several conjugates were synthesized using thioether, amide, ADH and glutaraldehyde chemistries, characterized for average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, and evaluated in mice for humoral immunogenicity. Conjugates made with the different chemistries, or with different carriers, showed no significant difference in immunogenicity towards the conjugated antigens. Since particle size can influence immunogenicity, we tested conjugates with different average size in the range of 16–73 nm diameter, and observed greater immunogenicity of smaller particles, with significant differences between 16 and 73 nm particles. These results demonstrate the multiple options with respect to carriers and chemistries that are available for protein-protein conjugate vaccine development.
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17
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Sankar S, Ramamurthy M, Nandagopal B, Sridharan G. In Silico Validation of D7 Salivary Protein-derived B- and T-cell Epitopes of Aedes aegypti as Potential Vaccine to Prevent Transmission of Flaviviruses and Togaviruses to Humans. Bioinformation 2017; 13:366-375. [PMID: 29225429 PMCID: PMC5712781 DOI: 10.6026/97320630013366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito (Aedes aegyptii) salivary proteins play a crucial role in facilitating viral transmission from vector-to-host due to their role in facilitating the "blood meal" of the vector. Three main proteins, D7, aegyptin and Sialokinin play a role in this process. Using in-silico programs, we identified B- and T-cell epitopes in the mosquito salivary proteins D7 long and short form. T-cell epitopes with high affinity to the most prevalent HLA MHC class-I supertypes among different population groups was chosen. It is our postulate that these epitopes could be successful in eliciting B and T cell responses, which would decrease the vector blood meal efficiency and hence protect against host infection by certain viruses. These include causative agents like Dengue viruses, Chikungunya virus, Zika and Yellow fever viruses. These viruses are of major public health importance in several countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa. Experimental evidence exists in previously published literature showing the protective effect of antibodies to certain salivary proteins in susceptible hosts. A novel approach of immunizing humans against the vector proteins to reduce transmission of viruses is now under investigation in several laboratories. We have identified the following two B cell epitopes LAALHVTAAPLWDAKDPEQF one from D7L and the other TSEYPDRQNQIEELNKLCKN from D7S. Likewise, two T cell epitopes MTSKNELDV one from D7L and the other YILCKASAF from D7S with affinity to the predominant MHC class-I supertypes were identified towards evaluation as potential vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathish Sankar
- Sri Sakthi Amma Institute of Biomedical Research, Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre, Sripuram, Vellore - 632055, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mageshbabu Ramamurthy
- Sri Sakthi Amma Institute of Biomedical Research, Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre, Sripuram, Vellore - 632055, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balaji Nandagopal
- Sri Sakthi Amma Institute of Biomedical Research, Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre, Sripuram, Vellore - 632055, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gopalan Sridharan
- Sri Sakthi Amma Institute of Biomedical Research, Sri Narayani Hospital and Research Centre, Sripuram, Vellore - 632055, Tamil Nadu, India
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18
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Acquah FK, Obboh EK, Asare K, Boampong JN, Nuvor SV, Singh SK, Theisen M, Williamson KC, Amoah LE. Antibody responses to two new Lactococcus lactis-produced recombinant Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 proteins increase with age in malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana. Malar J 2017; 16:306. [PMID: 28764709 PMCID: PMC5540549 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent advances in malaria control efforts have led to an increased number of national malaria control programmes implementing pre-elimination measures and demonstrated the need to develop new tools to track and control malaria transmission. Key to understanding transmission is monitoring the prevalence and immune response against the sexual stages of the parasite, known as gametocytes, which are responsible for transmission. Sexual-stage specific antigens, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, have been identified and shown to be targets for transmission blocking antibodies, but they have been difficult to produce recombinantly in the absence of a fusion partner. Methods Regions of Pfs48/45 and Pfs230 known to contain transmission blocking epitopes, 6C and C0, respectively, were produced in a Lactococcus lactis expression system and used in enzyme linked immunosorbent assays to determine the seroreactivity of 95 malaria patients living in the Central Region of Ghana. Results Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 were successfully produced in L. lactis in the absence of a fusion partner using a simplified purification scheme. Seroprevalence for L. lactis-produced Pfs48/45.6C and Pfs230.C0 in the study population was 74.7 and 72.8%, respectively. Conclusions A significant age-dependent increase in antibody titers was observed, which suggests a vaccine targeting these antigens could be boosted during a natural infection in the field. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-017-1955-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Festus K Acquah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evans K Obboh
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Kwame Asare
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Johnson N Boampong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Victor Nuvor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Susheel K Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim C Williamson
- Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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19
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Mistarz UH, Singh SK, Nguyen TTTN, Roeffen W, Yang F, Lissau C, Madsen SM, Vrang A, Tiendrebeogo RW, Kana IH, Sauerwein RW, Theisen M, Rand KD. Expression, Purification and Characterization of GMZ2'.10C, a Complex Disulphide-Bonded Fusion Protein Vaccine Candidate against the Asexual and Sexual Life-Stages of the Malaria-Causing Plasmodium falciparum Parasite. Pharm Res 2017. [PMID: 28646324 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-017-2208-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Production and characterization of a chimeric fusion protein (GMZ2'.10C) which combines epitopes of key malaria parasite antigens: glutamate-rich protein (GLURP), merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3), and the highly disulphide bonded Pfs48/45 (10C). GMZ2'.10C is a potential candidate for a multi-stage malaria vaccine that targets both transmission and asexual life-cycle stages of the parasite. METHODS GMZ2'.10C was produced in Lactococcus lactis and purified using either an immunoaffinity purification (IP) or a conventional purification (CP) method. Protein purity and stability was analysed by RP-HPLC, SEC-HPLC, 2-site ELISA, gel-electrophoresis and Western blotting. Structural characterization (mass analysis, peptide mapping and cysteine connectivity mapping) was performed by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS CP-GMZ2'.10C resulted in similar purity, yield, structure and stability as compared to IP-GMZ2'.10C. CP-GMZ2'.10C and IP-GMZ2'.10C both elicited a high titer of transmission blocking (TB) antibodies in rodents. The intricate disulphide-bond connectivity of C-terminus Pfs48/45 was analysed by tandem mass spectrometry and was established for GMZ2'.10C and two reference fusion proteins encompassing similar parts of Pfs48/45. CONCLUSION GMZ2'.10C, combining GMZ2' and correctly-folded Pfs48/45 can be produced by the Lactoccus lactis P170 based expression system in purity and quality for pharmaceutical development and elicit high level of TB antibodies. The cysteine connectivity for the 10C region of Pfs48/45 was revealed experimentally, providing an important guideline for employing the Pfs48/45 antigen in vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik H Mistarz
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susheel K Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tam T T N Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Will Roeffen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Fen Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Casper Lissau
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Régis W Tiendrebeogo
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ikhlaq H Kana
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kasper D Rand
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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20
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Singh SK, Roeffen W, Mistarz UH, Chourasia BK, Yang F, Rand KD, Sauerwein RW, Theisen M. Construct design, production, and characterization of Plasmodium falciparum 48/45 R0.6C subunit protein produced in Lactococcus lactis as candidate vaccine. Microb Cell Fact 2017; 16:97. [PMID: 28569168 PMCID: PMC5452637 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The sexual stages of Plasmodium falciparum are responsible for the spread of the parasite in malaria endemic areas. The cysteine-rich Pfs48/45 protein, exposed on the surface of sexual stages, is one of the most advanced antigens for inclusion into a vaccine that will block transmission. However, clinical Pfs48/45 sub-unit vaccine development has been hampered by the inability to produce high yields of recombinant protein as the native structure is required for the induction of functional transmission-blocking (TB) antibodies. We have investigated a downstream purification process of a sub-unit (R0.6C) fragment representing the C-terminal 6-Cys domain of Pfs48/45 (6C) genetically fused to the R0 region (R0) of asexual stage Glutamate Rich Protein expressed in Lactococcus lactis. Results A series of R0.6C fusion proteins containing features, which aim to increase expression levels or to facilitate protein purification, were evaluated at small scale. None of these modifications affected the overall yield of recombinant protein. Consequently, R0.6C with a C-terminal his tag was used for upstream and downstream process development. A simple work-flow was developed consisting of batch fermentation followed by two purification steps. As such, the recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity. The composition of the final product was verified by HPLC, mass spectrometry, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting with conformation dependent antibodies against Pfs48/45. The recombinant protein induced high levels of functional TB antibodies in rats. Conclusions The established production and purification process of the R0.6C fusion protein provide a strong basis for further clinical development of this candidate transmission blocking malaria vaccine. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12934-017-0710-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susheel K Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Will Roeffen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrik H Mistarz
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bishwanath Kumar Chourasia
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fen Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper D Rand
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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21
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Hilgers LAT, Platenburg PPLI, Bajramovic J, Veth J, Sauerwein R, Roeffen W, Pohl M, van Amerongen G, Stittelaar KJ, van den Bosch JF. Carbohydrate fatty acid monosulphate esters are safe and effective adjuvants for humoral responses. Vaccine 2017; 35:3249-3255. [PMID: 28479181 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Carbohydrate fatty acid sulphate esters (CFASEs) formulated in a squalane-in-water emulsion are effective adjuvants for humoral responses to a wide range of antigens in various animal species but rise in body temperature and local reactions albeit mild or minimal hampers application in humans. In rabbits, body temperature increased 1°C one day after intramuscular (IM) injection, which returned to normal during the next day. The effect increased with increasing dose of CFASE but not with the number of injections (up to 5). Antigen enhanced the rise in body temperature after booster immunization (P<0.01) but not after priming. Synthetic CFASEs are mixtures of derivatives containing no sulphate, one or multiple sulphate groups and the monosulphate derivatives (CMS) were isolated, incorporated in a squalane in-water emulsion and investigated. In contrast to CFASE, CMS adjuvant did not generate rise in body temperature or local reactions in rabbits immunized with a purified, recombinant malaria chimeric antigen R0.10C. In comparison to alum, CMS adjuvant revealed approximately 30-fold higher antibody titres after the first and >100-fold after the second immunization. In ferrets immunized with 7.5μg of inactivated influenza virus A/H7N9, CMS adjuvant gave 100-fold increase in HAI antibody titres after the first and 25-fold after the second immunisation, which were 10-20-fold higher than with the MF59-like AddaVax adjuvant. In both models, a single immunisation with CMS adjuvant revealed similar or higher titres than two immunisations with either benchmark, without detectable systemic and local adverse effects. Despite striking chemical similarities with monophospholipid A (MPL), CMS adjuvant did not activate human TLR4 expressed on HEK cells. We concluded that the synthetic CMS adjuvant is a promising candidate for poor immunogens and single-shot vaccines and that rise in body temperature, local reactions or activation of TLR4 is not a pre-requisite for high adjuvanticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer Veth
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Sauerwein
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Will Roeffen
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Pohl
- Viroclinics Biosciences BV, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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22
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Song AAL, In LLA, Lim SHE, Rahim RA. A review on Lactococcus lactis: from food to factory. Microb Cell Fact 2017; 16:55. [PMID: 28376880 PMCID: PMC5379754 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0669-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactococcus lactis has progressed a long way since its discovery and initial use in dairy product fermentation, to its present biotechnological applications in genetic engineering for the production of various recombinant proteins and metabolites that transcends the heterologous species barrier. Key desirable features of this gram-positive lactic acid non-colonizing gut bacteria include its generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status, probiotic properties, the absence of inclusion bodies and endotoxins, surface display and extracellular secretion technology, and a diverse selection of cloning and inducible expression vectors. This have made L. lactis a desirable and promising host on par with other well established model bacterial or yeast systems such as Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces [corrected] cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis. In this article, we review recent technological advancements, challenges, future prospects and current diversified examples on the use of L. lactis as a microbial cell factory. Additionally, we will also highlight latest medical-based applications involving whole-cell L. lactis as a live delivery vector for the administration of therapeutics against both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelene Ai-Lian Song
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Lionel L A In
- Functional Food Research Group, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Swee Hua Erin Lim
- Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Perdana University, Block B and D, MAEPS Building, MARDI Complex, Jalan MAEPS Perdana, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Raha Abdul Rahim
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, University Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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23
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Theisen M, Jore MM, Sauerwein R. Towards clinical development of a Pfs48/45-based transmission blocking malaria vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:329-336. [PMID: 28043178 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1276833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria is a devastating vector-borne disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, resulting in almost 0.5 million casualties per year. The parasite has a complex life-cycle that includes asexual replication in human red blood cells, causing symptomatic malaria, and sexual stages which are essential for the transmission to the mosquito vector. A vaccine targeting the sexual stages of the parasite and thus blocking transmission will be instrumental for the eradication of malaria. One of the leading transmission blocking vaccine candidates is the sexual stage antigen Pfs48/45. Areas covered: PubMed was searched to review the progress and future prospects for clinical development of a Pfs48/45-based subunit vaccine. We will focus on biological function, naturally acquired immunity, functional activity of specific antibodies, sequence diversity, production of recombinant protein and preclinical studies. Expert commentary: Pfs48/45 is one of the lead-candidates for a transmission blocking vaccine and should be further explored in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Theisen
- a Department for Congenital disorders , State Serum Institute , Copenhagen , Denmark.,b Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology , University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark.,c Department of Infectious Diseases , Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet , Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- d Department of Medical Microbiology , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - Robert Sauerwein
- d Department of Medical Microbiology , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
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24
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Zheng W, Liu F, He Y, Liu Q, Humphreys GB, Tsuboi T, Fan Q, Luo E, Cao Y, Cui L. Functional characterization of Plasmodium berghei PSOP25 during ookinete development and as a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine candidate. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:8. [PMID: 28057055 PMCID: PMC5217559 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium ookinete surface proteins as post-fertilization target antigens are potential malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) candidates. Putative secreted ookinete protein 25 (PSOP25) is a highly conserved ookinete surface protein, and has been shown to be a promising novel TBV target. Here, we further investigated the TBV activities of the full-length recombinant PSOP25 (rPSOP25) protein in Plasmodium berghei, and characterized the potential functions of PSOP25 during the P. berghei life-cycle. Methods We expressed the full-length P. berghei PSOP25 protein in a prokaryotic expression system, and developed polyclonal mouse antisera and a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the recombinant protein. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and Western blot were used to test the specificity of antibodies. The transmission-blocking (TB) activities of antibodies were evaluated by the in vitro ookinete conversion assay and by direct mosquito feeding assay (DFA). Finally, the function of PSOP25 during Plasmodium development was studied by deleting the psop25 gene. Results Both polyclonal mouse antisera and anti-rPSOP25 mAb recognized the PSOP25 proteins in the parasites, and IFA showed the preferential expression of PSOP25 on the surface of zygotes, retorts and mature ookinetes. In vitro, these antibodies significantly inhibited ookinetes formation in an antibody concentration-dependent manner. In DFA, mice immunized with the rPSOP25 and those receiving passive transfer of the anti-rPSOP25 mAb reduced the prevalence of mosquito infection by 31.2 and 26.1%, and oocyst density by 66.3 and 63.3%, respectively. Genetic knockout of the psop25 gene did not have a detectable impact on the asexual growth of P. berghei, but significantly affected the maturation of ookinetes and the formation of midgut oocysts. Conclusions The full-length rPSOP25 could elicit strong antibody response in mice. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against PSOP25 could effectively block the formation of ookinetes in vitro and transmission of the parasites to mosquitoes. Genetic manipulation study indicated that PSOP25 is required for ookinete maturation in P. berghei. These results support further testing of the PSOP25 orthologs in human malaria parasites as promising TBV candidates. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1932-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Zheng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.,Laboratory of Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010050, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yiwen He
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Qingyang Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Gregory B Humphreys
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Cell-free Science and Technology Research Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Enjie Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China.
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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25
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Boes A, Spiegel H, Kastilan R, Bethke S, Voepel N, Chudobová I, Bolscher JM, Dechering KJ, Fendel R, Buyel JF, Reimann A, Schillberg S, Fischer R. Analysis of the dose-dependent stage-specific in vitro efficacy of a multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate cocktail. Malar J 2016; 15:279. [PMID: 27188716 PMCID: PMC4869186 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1328-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The high incidence and mortality rate of malaria remains a serious burden for many developing countries, and a vaccine that induces durable and highly effective immune responses is, therefore, desirable. An earlier analysis of the stage-specific in vitro efficacy of a malaria vaccine candidate cocktail (VAMAX) considered the general properties of complex multi-component, multi-stage combination vaccines in rabbit immunization experiments using a hyper-immunization protocol featuring six consecutive boosts and a strong, lipopolysaccharide-based adjuvant. This follow-up study investigates the effect of antigen dose on the in vitro efficacy of the malaria vaccine cocktail using a conventional vaccination scheme (one prime and two boosts) and a human-compatible adjuvant (Alhydrogel®). Results IgG purified from rabbits immunized with 0.1, 1, 10 or 50 µg doses of the VAMAX vaccine candidate cocktail was analysed for total IgG and antigen-cocktail-specific titers. An increase in cocktail-specific titers was observed between 0.1 and 1 µg and between 10 and 50 µg, whereas no significant difference in titers was observed between 1 and 10 µg. Antigen component-specific antibody titers and stage-specific in vitro efficacy assays were performed with pooled IgG from animals immunized with 1 and 50 µg of the VAMAX cocktail. Here, the component-specific antibody levels showed clear dose dependency whereas the determined stage-specific in vitro IC50 values (as a correlate of efficacy) were only dependent on the titer amounts of stage-specific antibodies. Conclusions The stage-specific in vitro efficacy of the VAMAX cocktail strongly correlates with the corresponding antigen-specific titers, which for their part depend on the antigen dose, but there is no indication that the dose has an effect on the in vitro efficacy of the induced antibodies. A comparison of these results with those obtained in the previous hyper-immunization study (where higher levels of antigen-specific IgG were observed) suggests that there is a significant need to induce an immune response matching efficacy requirements, especially for a PfAMA1-based blood stage vaccine, by using higher doses, better adjuvants and/or better formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Boes
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Spiegel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Robin Kastilan
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne Bethke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nadja Voepel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ivana Chudobová
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Judith M Bolscher
- TropIQ Health Science, Geert Grooteplein 28, Huispost 268, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Koen J Dechering
- TropIQ Health Science, Geert Grooteplein 28, Huispost 268, 6525, GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf Fendel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johannes F Buyel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Reimann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schillberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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