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Dong H, Zhang J, Wang Q, Shen Y, Zhou B, Dai L, Zhu W, Sun H, Xie X, Xie H, Xu C, Zhao G, Yin K. Development of an indirect ELISA for detecting Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies based on a recombinant TgIMP1 protein. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012421. [PMID: 39141677 PMCID: PMC11346964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is widely spread around the world, which can cause serious harm to immunosuppressed patients. Currently, the commercial test kits are poor at assessing T. gondii infection and vaccine effectiveness, making an urgent need to exploit effective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with great performance to compensate for this deficiency. Here, the TgIMP1 recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL(21) cells. The TgIMP1 was purified with affinity chromatography and the reactivity was retained with anti-TgIMP1 antibodies. The TgIMP1 was then used to develop an indirect ELISA (IMP1-iELISA) and the reaction conditions of IMP1-iELISA were optimized. As a result, the cut-off value was determined to be 0.2833 by analyzing the OD450nm values of forty T. gondii-negative sera. The coefficient of variation of 6 T. gondii-positive sera within and between runs were both less than 10%. The IMP1-iELISA was non-cross-reactive with the sera of cytomegalovirus, herpes virus, rubella virus, Cryptosporidium spp., Theileria spp., Neospora spp. and Plasmodium spp.. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of IMP1-iELISA were 98.9% and 96.7%, respectively, based on testing 150 serum samples. The results suggest that this IMP1-iELISA is specific, sensitive, repeatable and can be applied to the detection of T. gondii infections in the medical and health industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Dong
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Wang
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Shen
- Digestive Disease Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beibei Zhou
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lisha Dai
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenju Zhu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Sun
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoman Xie
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanhuan Xie
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Xu
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guihua Zhao
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Yin
- Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jining, People’s Republic of China
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Chen X, Qiu X, Ni J, Liao S, Qi N, Li J, Lv M, Lin X, Cai H, Hu J, Song Y, Yin L, Zhu Y, Zhang J, Zhang H, Sun M. Immunoprotective effects of DNA vaccine against Eimeria tenella based on EtAMA3 and EtRON2 L2. Vet Parasitol 2024; 327:110141. [PMID: 38367528 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella is the most pathogenic and harmful intestinal parasitic protozoan. Recombinant DNA vaccines open options for promising strategies for preventing avian coccidiosis, replacing chemical drugs and live oocyst vaccines. Two important antigenic proteins, EtAMA3 (also known as SporoAMA1) and EtRON2L2, act together to promote the invasion of E. tenella sporozoites. In this study, a recombinant DNA vaccine, designated pcDNA3.1(+)-AR, was constructed based on EtAMA3DII, EtRON2L2D3, and EtRON2L2D4. Chickens were intramuscularly immunized with different doses (25, 50, or 100 μg) of pcDNA3.1(+)-AR to evaluate its immunoprotective effects in vivo. The chickens in the 50 μg and 100 μg groups had higher cytokine concentrations (interleukin 2, interferon-gamma, and interleukin 10), and lesion scores (81.9% and 67.57%, respectively) and relative oocyst production (47% and 19%, respectively) reduced compared with the unchallenged group, indicating partial protection against E. tenella. These results suggest that pcDNA3.1(+)-AR is a promising vaccine candidate against avian coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xixi Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Junli Ni
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Shenquan Liao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Nanshan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Minna Lv
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xuhui Lin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Haiming Cai
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Junjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yongle Song
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Lijun Yin
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yibin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jianfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Haoji Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Mingfei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Avian Influenza and Other Major Poultry Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
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Wang S, Wang D, Bai Y, Zheng G, Han Y, Wang L, Hu J, Zhu H, Bai Y. Expression of Toll-like receptors and host defence peptides in the cecum of chicken challenged with Eimeria tenella. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13022. [PMID: 38384176 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Chicken coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria protozoa, affects poultry farming. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and host defence peptides (HDPs) help host innate immune responses to eliminate invading pathogens, but their roles in Eimeria tenella infection remain poorly understood. Herein, 14-day-old chickens were treated orally with 50,000 E. tenella oocysts and the cecum was dissected at different timepoints. mRNA expression of 10 chicken TLRs (chTLRs) and five HDPs was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. chTLR7 and chTLR15 were upregulated significantly at 3 h post-infection while other chTLRs were downregulated (p < .05). chTLR1a, chTLR1b, chTLR2b and chTLR4 peaked at 36 h post-infection, chTLR3, chTLR5 and chTLR15 peaked at 72 h post-infection and chTLR21 expression was highest among chTLRs, peaking at 48 h post-infection (p < 0.05). For HDPs, cathelicidin (CATH) 1 to 3 and B1 peaked at 48 h post-infection, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 peaked at 96 h post-infection, and CATH 2 expression was highest among HDPs. CATH2 and CATH3 were markedly upregulated at 3 h post-infection (p < .05). The results provide insight into innate immune molecules during E. tenella infection in chicken, and indicate that innate immune responses may mediate resistance to chicken coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Wang
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Danni Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Animal Pathogens and Biosafety, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yilin Bai
- School of Agricultural Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guijie Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Animal Pathogens and Biosafety, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanhui Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Animal Pathogens and Biosafety, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Animal Pathogens and Biosafety, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhe Hu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Animal Pathogens and Biosafety, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huili Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Animal Pathogens and Biosafety, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yueyu Bai
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Animal Pathogens and Biosafety, Zhengzhou, China
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Abstract
The complexity of parasites and their life cycles makes vaccination against parasitic diseases challenging. This review highlights this by discussing vaccination against four relevant parasites of poultry. Coccidia, i.e., Eimeria spp., are the most important parasites in poultry production, causing multiple billions of dollars of damage worldwide. Due to the trend of antibiotic-free broiler production, use of anticoccidia vaccines in broilers is becoming much more important. As of now, only live vaccines are on the market, almost all of which must be produced in birds. In addition, these live vaccines require extra care in the management of flocks to provide adequate protection and prevent the vaccines from causing damage. Considerable efforts to develop recombinant vaccines and related work to understand the immune response against coccidia have not yet resulted in an alternative. Leucozytozoon caulleryi is a blood parasite that is prevalent in East and South Asia. It is the only poultry parasite for which a recombinant vaccine has been developed and brought to market. Histomonas meleagridis causes typhlohepatitis in chickens and turkeys. The systemic immune response after intramuscular vaccination with inactivated parasites is not protective. The parasite can be grown and attenuated in vitro, but only together with bacteria. This and the necessary intracloacal application make the use of live vaccines difficult. So far, there have been no attempts to develop a recombinant vaccine against H. meleagridis. Inactivated vaccines inducing antibodies against the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae have the potential to control infestations with this parasite. Potential antigens for recombinant vaccines have been identified, but the use of whole-mite extracts yields superior results. In conclusion, while every parasite is unique, development of vaccines against them shares common problems, namely the difficulties of propagating them in vitro and the identification of protective antigens that might be used in recombinant vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruediger Hauck
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849,
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849
| | - Kenneth S Macklin
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762
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Mi Y, Ding W, Xu L, Lu M, Yan R, Li X, Song X. Protective Efficacy Induced by the Common Eimeria Antigen Elongation Factor 2 against Challenge with Three Eimeria Species in Chickens. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:18. [PMID: 38250831 PMCID: PMC10819859 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian coccidiosis arises from co-infection involving multiple Eimeria species, which could give rise to substantial economic losses in the global poultry industry. As a result, multivalent anticoccidial vaccines containing common Eimeria antigens offer considerable promise for controlling co-infection in clinical practice. In our previous study, Elongation factor 2 (EF2) was deemed as an immunogenic common antigen across various Eimeria species. This current investigation aimed to further assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of EF2 in recombinant subunit vaccine format against three Eimeria species. The EF2 gene cloned from Eimeria maxima (E. maxima) cDNA was designated as EF2 of E. maxima (EmEF2). The immunogenicity of the recombinant protein EmEF2 (rEmEF2) was assessed through Western blot analysis. The evaluation of the vaccine-induced immune response encompassed the determination of T lymphocyte subset proportions, cytokine mRNA transcription levels, and specific IgY concentrations in rEmEF2-vaccinated chickens using flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subsequently, the protective efficacy of rEmEF2 was evaluated through vaccination and challenge experiments. The findings demonstrated that rEmEF2 was effectively recognized by the His-tag monoclonal antibody and E. maxima chicken antiserum. Vaccination with rEmEF2 increased the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, elevated IL-4 and IFN-γ mRNA transcription levels, and enhanced IgY antibody levels compared to the control groups. Moreover, compared to the control groups, vaccination with rEmEF2 led to decreased weight loss, reduced oocyst outputs, and alleviated enteric lesions. Furthermore, in the rEmEF2-immunized groups, challenges with E. maxima and E. acervulina resulted in anticoccidial index (ACI) scores of 166.35 and 185.08, showing moderate-to-excellent protective efficacy. Nevertheless, challenges with E. tenella and mixed Eimeria resulted in ACI scores of 144.01 and 127.94, showing low protective efficacy. In conclusion, EmEF2, a common antigen across Eimeria species, demonstrated the capacity to induce a significant cellular and humoral immune response, as well as partial protection against E. maxima, E. acervulina, and E. tenella. These results highlight EmEF2 as a promising candidate antigen for the development of multivalent vaccines targeting mixed infections by Eimeria species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; (Y.M.); (W.D.); (L.X.); (M.L.); (R.Y.); (X.L.)
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Liu Q, Liu X, Zhao X, Zhu XQ, Suo X. Live attenuated anticoccidial vaccines for chickens. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:1087-1099. [PMID: 37770352 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Chicken coccidiosis, caused by infection with single or multiple Eimeria species, results in significant economic losses to the global poultry industry. Over the past decades, considerable efforts have been made to generate attenuated Eimeria strains, and the use of live attenuated anticoccidial vaccines for disease prevention has achieved tremendous success. In this review, we evaluate the advantages and limitations of the methods of attenuation as well as attenuated Eimeria strains in a historical perspective. Also, we summarize the recent exciting research advances in transient/stable transfection systems and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing developed for Eimeria parasites, and discuss trends and challenges of developing live attenuated anticoccidial vaccines based on transgenesis and genome editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, PR China
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong Province 271018, PR China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, PR China.
| | - Xun Suo
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory & College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100093, PR China.
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Madlala T, Adeleke VT, Okpeku M, Tshilwane SI, Adeniyi AA, Adeleke MA. Screening of apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA1), dense granule protein-7 (GRA7) and rhoptry protein-16 (ROP16) antigens for a potential vaccine candidate against Toxoplasma gondii for chickens. Vaccine X 2023; 14:100347. [PMID: 37519774 PMCID: PMC10384181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii known to infect almost all animals, including birds and humans globally. This disease has impacted the livestock industry and public health, where infection of domestic animals increases the zoonotic risk of transmission of infection to humans, threatening public health. Hence the need to discover novel and safe vaccines to fight against toxoplasmosis. In the current study, a novel multiepitope vaccine was designed using immunoinformatics techniques targeting T. gondii AMA1, GRA7 and ROP16 antigens, consisting of antigenic, immunogenic, non-allergenic and cytokine inducing T-cell (9 CD8+ and 15 CD4+) epitopes and four (4) B-cell epitopes fused together using AAY, KK and GPGPG linkers. The tertiary model of the proposed vaccine was predicted and validated to confirm the structural quality of the vaccine. The designed vaccine was highly antigenic (antigenicity = 0.6645), immunogenic (score = 2.89998), with molecular weight of 73.35 kDa, instability and aliphatic index of 28.70 and 64.10, respectively; and GRAVY of -0.363. The binding interaction, stability and flexibility were assessed with molecular docking and dynamics simulation, which revealed the proposed vaccine to have good structural interaction (binding affinity = -106.882 kcal/mol) and stability when docked with Toll like receptor-4 (TLR4). The results revealed that the Profilin-adjuvanted vaccine is promising, as it predicted induction of enhanced immune responses through the production of cytokines and antibodies critical in blocking host invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabile Madlala
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Victoria T. Adeleke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4031, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Selaelo I. Tshilwane
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Adebayo A. Adeniyi
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, P.O Box 370111, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Matthew A. Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, P/Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Yang X, Song X, Liu J, Chen Q, An T, Liu Q. Protection of hatchlings against coccidiosis by maternal antibodies to four recombinant proteins of Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria maxima. Vet Parasitol 2022; 312:109813. [PMID: 36343529 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Maternally derived IgG antibodies to protective Eimeria antigens have great potential to control chicken coccidiosis and multivalent vaccines are more practical to resist against co-infection with several species of Eimeria under natural conditions. In this study, five good protective antigens of Eimeria species were combined into two combinations based on previous studies, namely C1(EtROPK-Eten5-A, EtGAM22, Ea3-1E and EmGAM56) and C2(EtM2AP and EtGAM22, Ea3-1E and EmGAM56). Then, five antigens were expressed in the Escherichia coli system and purified to inoculate breeding hens. After three times immunization, the specific antibodies could sustain for 11 and 10 weeks in hens' plasma and egg yolk, respectively. Moreover, maternally derived antibodies against recombinant proteins could retain for 14 days in hatchlings' serum. Then, protective efficacies of specific antibodies on hatchlings against mixed infection of E. tenella, E. acervulina and E. maxima were evaluated. The results showed that the hatchlings of the immunized hens had a higher survival rate on day 7 of hatching. Moreover, body weight gains within the hatchlings of immunized hens were higher than those of unvaccinated hens on 7 days (C1: p = 0.0744; C2: p = 0.4020) and 14 days (p < 0.0001). Moreover, hatchlings from vaccinated hens showed significantly alleviated lesion scores in the small intestine and duodenum at day 7 (p < 0.01) and day 14 (C1: p < 0.05). Particularly, the number of oocyst excretion from hatchlings of immunized hens was significantly reduced at day 7 (p < 0.0001) and day 14 (p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that the maternal immunization with multivalent recombinant vaccines has the potential to be transmission blocking vaccines against mixed infection of Eimeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Yang
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Xingju Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, PR China.
| | - Jing Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
| | - Qingzhong Chen
- HLINTE Biological Technology Company, Tianjin 301702, PR China.
| | - Tongwei An
- HLINTE Biological Technology Company, Tianjin 301702, PR China.
| | - Qun Liu
- National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Zhi W, Chen H, Bai B, Jia Z, Pan X, Wang B, Kong R, Liu Q, Ma C, Ma D. Combined oral immunization with probiotics Entercoccus faecalis delivering surface-anchored Eimeria tenella proteins provide protective efficacies against homologous infection in chickens. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1042143. [PMID: 36311704 PMCID: PMC9606674 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1042143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Avian coccidiosis is an intestinal parasitic disease exerting a highly negative impact on the global poultry industry. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the immune protective efficacies against Eimeria tenella infection in chickens orally immunized with combined recombinant probiotics Entercoccus faecalis (E. faecalis) delivering surface-anchored E. tenella proteins. Methods Four kinds of novel probiotics vaccines that surface-expressing four Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) proteins EtAMA1, EtIMP1, EtMIC2 and Et3-1E were produced, respectively. The expression of four target proteins on the surface of recombinant bacteria was detected by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Then the four kinds of recombinant E. faecalis were combined to immunize chickens via oral route in different combinations. The immunizations were performed three times at two-week intervals, and each for three consecutive days. After immunizations, chickens in each immunized group were orally challenged with E. tenella sporulated oocysts. The immune responses and protective efficacies against homologous infection were evaluated. Results The results showed that three or four live recombinant E. faecalis induced effective antigen-specific humoral, intestinal mucosal immune responses, stimulated peripheral T lymphocytes proliferation, and displayed partial protections against homologous challenge as measured by cecal lesions, oocyst shedding, and body weight gain (BWG). Notably, higher levels of protective efficacies were observed when the four recombinant E. faecalis delivering target proteins were combined. Conclusion Chickens orally administrated with three or four, especially the four combined recombinant E. faecalis stimulated specific immune responses, which provided anti-coccidial effects. This study offers an idea for future development of novel vaccines based on multi-antigens delivered by probiotic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Hang Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Bingrong Bai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhipeng Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinghui Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Biao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Rui Kong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qiuju Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunli Ma
- College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Dexing Ma, ; Chunli Ma,
| | - Dexing Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Dexing Ma, ; Chunli Ma,
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10
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Chapman HD, Blake DP. Genetic selection of Eimeria parasites in the chicken for improvement of poultry health: implications for drug resistance and live vaccine development. Avian Pathol 2022; 51:521-534. [PMID: 36102051 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2022.2117018] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractApicomplexan parasites of the genus Eimeria are widespread in poultry flocks and can cause the intestinal disease coccidiosis. Early studies, concerned with intraspecific variation in oocyst morphology, indicated that phenotypic changes may be induced by selection experiments conducted in vivo. Genetic selection driven by targeted selection for specific phenotypes has contributed to our understanding of the phenomenon of drug resistance and the development of live attenuated vaccines. Our present knowledge regarding genetics of Eimeria is largely based upon the utilization of such selected strains as genetic markers. Practical advantages of working with Eimeria spp. in the chicken are discussed. The selection of drug resistant strains by serial propagation has provided useful information regarding the mechanisms of drug resistance and likely longevity of anticoccidial drugs when introduced in the field. Selection experiments to develop precocious strains of Eimeria and growth in chicken embryos have contributed to the development of safe and effective live attenuated vaccines for control of coccidiosis. Establishment of protocols for genetic complementation by transient or stable transfection of Eimeria is now supporting direct manipulation of parasite genotypes, creating opportunities to expand the range and value of live parasite vaccines. Procedures for developing drug resistant and precocious lines of Eimeria and/or genetic markers described here are likely to prove useful for researchers investigating the propensity for resistance development to novel compounds and the development of new attenuated vaccines. Such investigations can be helpful in providing a better understanding of biochemical and molecular aspects of the biology of these parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D Chapman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701 USA
| | - D P Blake
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, AL9 7TA, UK
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11
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Coccidiosis: Recent Progress in Host Immunity and Alternatives to Antibiotic Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020215. [PMID: 35214673 PMCID: PMC8879868 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coccidiosis is an avian intestinal disease caused by several distinct species of Eimeria parasites that damage the host’s intestinal system, resulting in poor nutrition absorption, reduced growth, and often death. Increasing evidence from recent studies indicates that immune-based strategies such as the use of recombinant vaccines and various dietary immunomodulating feed additives can improve host defense against intracellular parasitism and reduce intestinal damage due to inflammatory responses induced by parasites. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between the host immune system, gut microbiota, enteroendocrine system, and parasites that contribute to the outcome of coccidiosis is necessary to develop logical strategies to control coccidiosis in the post-antibiotic era. Most important for vaccine development is the need to understand the protective role of the local intestinal immune response and the identification of various effector molecules which mediate anti-coccidial activity against intracellular parasites. This review summarizes the current understanding of the host immune response to coccidiosis in poultry and discusses various non-antibiotic strategies which are being developed for coccidiosis control. A better understanding of the basic immunobiology of pertinent host–parasite interactions in avian coccidiosis will facilitate the development of effective anti-Eimeria strategies to mitigate the negative effects of coccidiosis.
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12
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Mesa-Pineda C, Navarro-Ruíz JL, López-Osorio S, Chaparro-Gutiérrez JJ, Gómez-Osorio LM. Chicken Coccidiosis: From the Parasite Lifecycle to Control of the Disease. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:787653. [PMID: 34993246 PMCID: PMC8724208 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.787653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The poultry industry is one of the main providers of protein for the world's population, but it faces great challenges including coccidiosis, one of the diseases with the most impact on productive performance. Coccidiosis is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, which are a group of monoxenous obligate intracellular parasites. Seven species of this genus can affect chickens (Gallus gallus), each with different pathogenic characteristics and targeting a specific intestinal location. Eimeria alters the function of the intestinal tract, generating deficiencies in the absorption of nutrients and lowering productive performance, leading to economic losses. The objective of this manuscript is to review basic concepts of coccidiosis, the different Eimeria species that infect chickens, their life cycle, and the most sustainable and holistic methods available to control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffer L. Navarro-Ruíz
- CIBAV Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sara López-Osorio
- CIBAV Research Group, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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13
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Madlala T, Adeleke VT, Fatoba AJ, Okpeku M, Adeniyi AA, Adeleke MA. Designing multiepitope-based vaccine against Eimeria from immune mapped protein 1 (IMP-1) antigen using immunoinformatic approach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18295. [PMID: 34521964 PMCID: PMC8440781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97880-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance against coccidiosis has posed a significant threat to chicken welfare and productivity worldwide, putting daunting pressure on the poultry industry to reduce the use of chemoprophylactic drugs and live vaccines in poultry to treat intestinal diseases. Chicken coccidiosis, caused by an apicomplexan parasite of Eimeria spp., is a significant challenge worldwide. Due to the experience of economic loss in production and prevention of the disease, development of cost-effective vaccines or drugs that can stimulate defence against multiple Eimeria species is imperative to control coccidiosis. This study explored Eimeria immune mapped protein-1 (IMP-1) to develop a multiepitope-based vaccine against coccidiosis by identifying antigenic T-cell and B-cell epitope candidates through immunoinformatic techniques. This resulted in the design of 7 CD8+, 21 CD4+ T-cell epitopes and 6 B-cell epitopes, connected using AAY, GPGPG and KK linkers to form a vaccine construct. A Cholera Toxin B (CTB) adjuvant was attached to the N-terminal of the multiepitope construct to improve the immunogenicity of the vaccine. The designed vaccine was assessed for immunogenicity (8.59968), allergenicity and physiochemical parameters, which revealed the construct molecular weight of 73.25 kDa, theoretical pI of 8.23 and instability index of 33.40. Molecular docking simulation of vaccine with TLR-5 with binding affinity of - 151.893 kcal/mol revealed good structural interaction and stability of protein structure of vaccine construct. The designed vaccine predicts the induction of immunity and boosted host's immune system through production of antibodies and cytokines, vital in hindering surface entry of parasites into host. This is a very important step in vaccine development though further experimental study is still required to validate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thabile Madlala
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Westville, Durban, 4000 South Africa
| | - Victoria T. Adeleke
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Discipline of Chemical Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard Campus, Durban, 4041 South Africa
| | - Abiodun J. Fatoba
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Westville, Durban, 4000 South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Westville, Durban, 4000 South Africa
| | - Adebayo A. Adeniyi
- grid.412219.d0000 0001 2284 638XDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa ,grid.448729.40000 0004 6023 8256Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Matthew A. Adeleke
- grid.16463.360000 0001 0723 4123Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, P/Bag X54001, Westville, Durban, 4000 South Africa
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14
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Establishment of Recombinant Eimeria acervulina Expressing Multi-Copies M2e Derived from Avian Influenza Virus H9N2. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070791. [PMID: 34358207 PMCID: PMC8310259 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of Eimeria parasites as live vaccine vectors has been reported with successful genetic manipulation on several species like E. tenella, E. mitis and E. necatrix. Among seven Eimeria species infecting chickens, E. acervulina is a highly prevalent, moderately pathogenic species. Thus, it is valuable for the study of transfection and for use as a potential as vaccine vector. In this study, a plasmid containing expression cassette with enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP) and 12 copies of extracellular domain of H9N2 avian influenza virus M2 (M2e) protein was used for the transfection. Nucleofected sporozoites were inoculated into birds through wing vein. Recombinant E. acervulina oocysts with 0.1% EYFP+ and RFP+ populations were collected from the feces of the inoculated birds. The fluorescent rate of transgenic parasites reached over 95% after nine successive propagations with a pyrimethamine selection in vivo and fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) of progeny oocysts. The expression of M2e in the transgenic parasites (EaM2e) was confirmed by Western blot and its cytoplasm localization in sporozoites was displayed by an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Meanwhile, we found that the fecundity of EaM2e was equivalent to that of wild type E. acervulina (EaWT). Taken together, the stable transfection of E. acervulina was successfully established. Future studies will focus on whether transgenic E. acervulina can serve as a live vaccine vector.
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15
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Juárez-Estrada MA, Gayosso-Vázquez A, Tellez-Isaias G, Alonso-Morales RA. Protective Immunity Induced by an Eimeria tenella Whole Sporozoite Vaccine Elicits Specific B-Cell Antigens. ANIMALS : AN OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL FROM MDPI 2021; 11:ani11051344. [PMID: 34065041 PMCID: PMC8151427 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria tenella is a dreadful disease with a significant economic impact to the poultry industry. The disease has been controlled by routine medication of feed with synthetic chemicals or ionophore drugs. However, the rising appearance of drug resistance and public demands for reduced drug use in poultry production have driven a dramatic change, replacing anticoccidial drugs with alternative methods, such as vaccination with either virulent or attenuated Eimeria oocysts. Based on preliminary studies, the immune protection evaluating whole-sporozoites of E. tenella vaccine was verified. After this vaccine provided successful protection, the humoral response of a heterologous species like the rabbit was compared with the natural host immune response. Several B-cells antigens from the E. tenella sporozoite suitable for a genetically engineered vaccine were identified. Vaccination with newly identified recombinant antigens offers a feasible alternative for the control of avian coccidiosis into the broiler barns favoring the gradual withdrawal of the anticoccidial drugs. Abstract This study investigated protection against Eimeria tenella following the vaccination of chicks with 5.3 × 106E. tenella whole-sporozoites emulsified in the nanoparticle adjuvant IMS 1313 N VG Montanide™ (EtSz-IMS1313). One-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks were subcutaneously injected in the neck with EtSz-IMS1313 on the 1st and 10th days of age. Acquired immunity was assayed through a challenge with 3 × 104 homologous sporulated oocysts at 21 days of age. The anticoccidial index (ACI) calculated for every group showed the effectiveness of EtSz-IMS1313 as a vaccine with an ACI of 186; the mock-injected control showed an ACI of 18 and the unimmunized, challenged control showed an ACI of −28. In a comparison assay, antibodies from rabbits and SPF birds immunized with EtSz-IMS1313 recognized almost the same polypeptides in the blotting of E. tenella sporozoites and merozoites. However, rabbit antisera showed the clearest recognition pattern. Polypeptides of 120, 105, 94, 70, 38, and 19 kDa from both E. tenella life cycle stages were the most strongly recognized by both animal species. The E. tenella zoite-specific IgG antibodies from the rabbits demonstrated the feasibility for successful B cell antigen identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Juárez-Estrada
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Aves, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Cd. De México 04510, Mexico
- Departamento de Genética y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Cd. De México 04510, Mexico; (A.G.-V.); (R.A.A.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Amanda Gayosso-Vázquez
- Departamento de Genética y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Cd. De México 04510, Mexico; (A.G.-V.); (R.A.A.-M.)
| | | | - Rogelio A. Alonso-Morales
- Departamento de Genética y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, Cd. De México 04510, Mexico; (A.G.-V.); (R.A.A.-M.)
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16
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Blake DP, Marugan-Hernandez V, Tomley FM. Spotlight on avian pathology: Eimeria and the disease coccidiosis. Avian Pathol 2021; 50:1-5. [PMID: 33823695 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2021.1912288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species parasites, remains a major threat to poultry production, undermining economic performance and compromising welfare. The recent characterization of three new Eimeria species that infect chickens has highlighted that many gaps remain in our knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of these parasites. Concerns about the use of anticoccidial drugs, widespread parasite drug resistance, the need for vaccines that can be used across broiler as well as layer and breeder sectors, and consumer preferences for "clean" farming, all point to the need for novel control strategies. New research tools including vaccine delivery vectors, high throughput sequencing, parasite transgenesis and sensitive molecular assays that can accurately assess parasite development in vitro and in vivo are all proving helpful in the ongoing quest for improved cost-effective, scalable strategies for future control of coccidiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damer P Blake
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK
| | | | - Fiona M Tomley
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK
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