1
|
Taylor C, Belin E, Brodbelt D, Klaasen HLBM, Catchpole B. Exploration of the potential utility of the luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay for the detection of anti-leptospira antibodies in dogs. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2023; 264:110661. [PMID: 37827091 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2023.110661] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Canine leptospirosis represents a diagnostic challenge to veterinarians, due to the variability in presenting clinical signs and interpretation of serology test results in dogs that have been vaccinated previously. None of the commercially available serological assays, including the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), have been verified to be capable of differentiating infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Recent work identified that half of primary practice attending dogs were up to date with their leptospirosis vaccination and would be expected to have circulating anti-leptospira antibodies (Taylor et al., 2022), indicating that this is a relevant issue for suspected leptospirosis cases in dogs in the UK. This study aimed to explore the utility of three leptospiral outer membrane proteins (OMPs: LipL32, LipL21 and LipL41) as potential DIVA targets in the luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS) assay. N and C terminal nanoluciferase tagged recombinant proteins were generated for each OMP. Differences in reactivity between serum samples from MAT positive dogs (n = 29) and paired samples (n = 6 dogs) taken pre and 21 days post leptospirosis vaccination were assessed against these six constructs. Reactivity was greater towards the N terminal than the C terminal recombinant proteins for all three OMPs. None of the constructs appeared to demonstrate DIVA capability, although two (pNLF1-N-FLAG/LipL32 and pNLF1-N-FLAG/LipL21) were able to detect vaccine seroconversion. The findings of this work suggest that these particular OMP targets do not offer DIVA ability, however LipL32 and LipL21 may be suitable for use in immunoassays for vaccine trials or for detection of infections in humans, where there is no requirement for DIVA capability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Taylor
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
| | - E Belin
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - D Brodbelt
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - H L B M Klaasen
- Global Companion Animals Research and Development, Merck Sharp and Dohme Animal Health, Boxmeer, the Netherlands
| | - B Catchpole
- Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Di Azevedo MIN, Borges ALDSB, Kremer F, de Melo JDSL, Carvalho-Costa FA, Lilenbaum W. Genetic Analysis of LigA, LipL32, Loa22, and OmpL1 Antigens from Leptospira spp. Sejroe Serogroup: How Close We Are To a Vaccine Against Bovine Leptospirosis? Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:310. [PMID: 37535179 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03414-w] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis has as main causative agents Leptospira spp. from Sejroe serogroup. Vaccination is a crucial step to control this infection. The use of conserved proteins among Leptospira spp. is of great importance for a protective immune response. The aim of the present study is to genetically analyze antigens of Leptospira spp. from Sejroe serogroup strains isolated from cattle for a preliminary evaluation of vaccine candidates. Genes associated with antigenicity-LigA, LipL32, Loa22, and OmpL1-were analyzed through bioinformatic and immunoinformatic tools. Despite high diversity observed in strains, on an amino acid level, highly conserved regions were observed (> 90%), particularly in LipL32 gene. Moreover, highly conserved amino acid regions (> 30 aa) were observed in all genes, regardless of species, geographical origin or biological source of isolation. Superposed structures of protein fragments including all the predicted MHC-II and B-Cell epitopes were demonstrated. Results presented herein are preliminary, but a fundamental step towards the development of an efficient vaccine against bovine leptospirosis, a silent but enormously concerning disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Frederico Kremer
- Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Filipe Anibal Carvalho-Costa
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Fluminense Federal University, Biomedical Institute, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Oliveira NR, Santos FDS, Dos Santos VAC, Maia MAC, Oliveira TL, Dellagostin OA. Challenges and Strategies for Developing Recombinant Vaccines against Leptospirosis: Role of Expression Platforms and Adjuvants in Achieving Protective Efficacy. Pathogens 2023; 12:787. [PMID: 37375478 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first leptospiral recombinant vaccine was developed in the late 1990s. Since then, progress in the fields of reverse vaccinology (RV) and structural vaccinology (SV) has significantly improved the identification of novel surface-exposed and conserved vaccine targets. However, developing recombinant vaccines for leptospirosis faces various challenges, including selecting the ideal expression platform or delivery system, assessing immunogenicity, selecting adjuvants, establishing vaccine formulation, demonstrating protective efficacy against lethal disease in homologous challenge, achieving full renal clearance using experimental models, and reproducibility of protective efficacy against heterologous challenge. In this review, we highlight the role of the expression/delivery system employed in studies based on the well-known LipL32 and leptospiral immunoglobulin-like (Lig) proteins, as well as the choice of adjuvants, as key factors to achieving the best vaccine performance in terms of protective efficacy against lethal infection and induction of sterile immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Francisco Denis Souza Santos
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Mara Andrade Colares Maia
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Krangvichian P, Nakornpakdee Y, Sangjun N, Komanee P, Techawiwattanaboon T, Patarakul K. Sublethal infection of C3H/HeNJ against Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106701. [PMID: 36216095 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. Leptospires can infect a variety of mammalian species. Golden Syrian hamsters are mostly used to study acute leptospirosis. However, the immunopathogenic mechanism is poorly understood because immunological reagents for hamsters are limited. This study aimed to establish C3H/HeNJ mice as an animal model for leptospirosis. Five-week-old C3H/HeNJ mice were infected with either low (103 cells) or high (106 cells) inoculum dose of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. All mice were investigated for survival rate, leptospiral load and histopathology of target organs, antibody levels, and cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-10) at day 28 post-infection. All infected mice survived and did not develop acute lethal infection. However, C3H/HeNJ mice infected with 106 cells of leptospires showed kidney colonization of leptospires and pathological changes in the lung and kidney including renal fibrosis. The glomerular size in PAS-D stained kidney tissues of C3H/HeNJ mice infected with 106 cells of leptospires was significantly reduced compared to that of mice infected with 103 cells of leptospires and non-infected mice. High-dose leptospires induced significantly greater levels of IFN-gamma and IL-6 than low-dose leptospires, but IL-10 level was not significantly different. Moreover, 106 leptospiral cells induced predominant IgG2a isotype suggesting Th1-like response. These results suggest that C3H/HeNJ mice may be used as a sublethal model of leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pratomporn Krangvichian
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand; Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Yaowarin Nakornpakdee
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Noppadon Sangjun
- Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Pat Komanee
- Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Teerasit Techawiwattanaboon
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
| | - Kanitha Patarakul
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prapong S, Tansiri Y, Sritrakul T, Sripattanakul S, Sopitthummakhun A, Katzenmeier G, Hsieh CL, McDonough SP, Prapong T, Chang YF. Leptospira borgpetersenii Leucine-Rich Repeat Proteins Provide Strong Protective Efficacy as Novel Leptospiral Vaccine Candidates. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 8:tropicalmed8010006. [PMID: 36668913 PMCID: PMC9863753 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins are advocated for being assessed in vaccine development. Leptospiral LRR proteins were identified recently in silico from the genome of Leptospira borgpetersenii serogroup Sejroe, the seroprevalence of leptospiral infections of cattle in Thailand. Two LRR recombinant proteins, rKU_Sej_LRR_2012M (2012) and rhKU_Sej_LRR_2271 (2271), containing predicted immunogenic epitopes, were investigated for their cross-protective efficacies in an acute leptospirosis model with heterologous Leptospira serovar Pomona, though, strains from serogroup Sejroe are host-adapted to bovine, leading to chronic disease. Since serovar Pomona is frequently reported as seropositive in cattle, buffaloes, pigs, and dogs in Thailand and causes acute and severe leptospirosis in cattle by incidental infection, the serogroup Sejroe LRR proteins were evaluated for their cross-protective immunity. The protective efficacies were 37.5%, 50.0%, and 75.0% based on the survival rate for the control, 2012, and 2271 groups, respectively. Sera from 2012-immunized hamsters showed weak bactericidal action compared to sera from 2271-immunized hamsters (p < 0.05). Therefore, bacterial tissue clearances, inflammatory responses, and humoral and cell-mediated immune (HMI and CMI) responses were evaluated only in 2271-immunized hamsters challenged with virulent L. interrogans serovar Pomona. The 2271 protein induced prompt humoral immune responses (p < 0.05) and leptospiral tissue clearance, reducing tissue inflammation in immunized hamsters. In addition, protein 2271 and its immunogenic peptides stimulated splenocyte lymphoproliferation and stimulated both HMI and CMI responses by activating Th1 and Th2 cytokine gene expression in vaccinated hamsters. Our data suggest that the immunogenic potential renders rhKU_Sej_LRR_2271 protein a promising candidate for the development of a novel cross-protective vaccine against animal leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siriwan Prapong
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetic Engineering, The Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food (CASAF), Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-871-264-148
| | - Yada Tansiri
- Faculty of Medicine, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Tepyuda Sritrakul
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Sineenat Sripattanakul
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetic Engineering, The Graduate School, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Aukkrimapann Sopitthummakhun
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food (CASAF), Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Gerd Katzenmeier
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Chin-Lin Hsieh
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sean P. McDonough
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Teerasak Prapong
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Varma VP, Kadivella M, Kumar A, Kavela S, Faisal SM. LigA formulated in AS04 or Montanide ISA720VG induced superior immune response compared to alum, which correlated to protective efficacy in a hamster model of leptospirosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:985802. [PMID: 36300125 PMCID: PMC9590693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.985802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. The current vaccine provides serovar-specific and short-term immunity and does not prevent bacterial shedding in infected animals. Subunit vaccines based on surface proteins have shown to induce protection in an animal model. However, these proteins were tested with non-clinical adjuvants and induced low to moderate protective efficacy. We formulated a variable region of Leptospira immunoglobulin-like protein A (LAV) in clinical adjuvants, AS04 and Montanide ISA720VG, and then evaluated the immune response in mice and protective efficacy in a hamster model. Our results show that animals immunized with LAV-AS04 and LAV-Montanide ISA720VG (LAV-M) induced significantly higher levels of LAV-specific antibodies than LAV-Alum. While LAV-Alum induced Th2 response with the induction of IgG1 and IL-4, AS04 and LAV-M induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response with significant levels of both IgG1/IL-4 and IgG2c/IFN-γ. Both LAV-AS04 and LAV-M induced the generation of a significantly higher number of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). The immune response in LAV-AS04- and LAV-M-immunized animals was maintained for a long period (>180 days) with the generation of a significant level of B- and T-cell memory. The strong immune response by both vaccines correlated to enhanced recruitment and activation of innate immune cells particularly DCs at draining lymph nodes and the formation of germinal centers (GCs). Furthermore, the immune response generated in mice correlated to protective efficacy in the hamster model of leptospirosis. These results indicate that LAV-AS04 and LAV-M are promising vaccines and can be further evaluated in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P. Varma
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohammad Kadivella
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Sridhar Kavela
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Syed M. Faisal
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
- *Correspondence: Syed M. Faisal,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maia MAC, Bettin EB, Barbosa LN, de Oliveira NR, Bunde TT, Pedra ACK, Rosa GA, da Rosa EEB, Seixas Neto ACP, Grassmann AA, McFadden J, Dellagostin OA, McBride AJA. Challenges for the development of a universal vaccine against leptospirosis revealed by the evaluation of 22 vaccine candidates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:940966. [PMID: 36275031 PMCID: PMC9586249 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.940966] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected disease of man and animals that affects nearly half a million people annually and causes considerable economic losses. Current human vaccines are inactivated whole-cell preparations (bacterins) of Leptospira spp. that provide strong homologous protection yet fail to induce a cross-protective immune response. Yearly boosters are required, and serious side-effects are frequently reported so the vaccine is licensed for use in humans in only a handful of countries. Novel universal vaccines require identification of conserved surface-exposed epitopes of leptospiral antigens. Outer membrane β-barrel proteins (βb-OMPs) meet these requirements and have been successfully used as vaccines for other diseases. We report the evaluation of 22 constructs containing protein fragments from 33 leptospiral βb-OMPs, previously identified by reverse and structural vaccinology and cell-surface immunoprecipitation. Three-dimensional structures for each leptospiral βb-OMP were predicted by I-TASSER. The surface-exposed epitopes were predicted using NetMHCII 2.2 and BepiPred 2.0. Recombinant constructs containing regions from one or more βb-OMPs were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. IMAC-purified recombinant proteins were adsorbed to an aluminium hydroxide adjuvant to produce the vaccine formulations. Hamsters (4-6 weeks old) were vaccinated with 2 doses containing 50 – 125 μg of recombinant protein, with a 14-day interval between doses. Immunoprotection was evaluated in the hamster model of leptospirosis against a homologous challenge (10 – 20× ED50) with L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. Of the vaccine formulations, 20/22 were immunogenic and induced significant humoral immune responses (IgG) prior to challenge. Four constructs induced significant protection (100%, P < 0.001) and sterilizing immunity in two independent experiments, however, this was not reproducible in subsequent evaluations (0 – 33.3% protection, P > 0.05). The lack of reproducibility seen in these challenge experiments and in other reports in the literature, together with the lack of immune correlates and commercially available reagents to characterize the immune response, suggest that the hamster may not be the ideal model for evaluation of leptospirosis vaccines and highlight the need for evaluation of alternative models, such as the mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara A. C. Maia
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Everton B. Bettin
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Liana N. Barbosa
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Natasha R. de Oliveira
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tiffany T. Bunde
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina K. Pedra
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Guilherme A. Rosa
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Elias E. B. da Rosa
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Amilton C. P. Seixas Neto
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - André A. Grassmann
- Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Johnjoe McFadden
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Odir A. Dellagostin
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alan J. A. McBride
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Alan J. A. McBride,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chaurasia R, Salovey A, Guo X, Desir G, Vinetz JM. Vaccination With Leptospira interrogans PF07598 Gene Family-Encoded Virulence Modifying Proteins Protects Mice From Severe Leptospirosis and Reduces Bacterial Load in the Liver and Kidney. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:926994. [PMID: 35837473 PMCID: PMC9274288 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.926994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular and cellular pathogenesis of leptospirosis remains poorly understood. Based on comparative bacterial genomics data, we recently identified the hypothetical PF07598 gene family as encoding secreted exotoxins (VM proteins) that mediate cytotoxicity in vitro. To address whether VM proteins mediate in vivo leptospirosis pathogenesis, we tested the hypothesis that VM protein immunization of mice would protect against lethal challenge infection and reduce bacterial load in key target organs. C3H/HeJ mice were immunized with recombinant E. coli-produced, endotoxin-free, leptospiral VM proteins (derived from L. interrogans serovar Lai) in combination with the human-compatible adjuvant, glucopyranoside lipid A/squalene oil-in-water. Mice receiving full length recombinant VM proteins were protected from lethal challenge infection by L. interrogans serovar Canicola and had a 3-4 log10 reduction in bacterial load in the liver and kidney. These experiments show that immunization with recombinant VM proteins prevents leptospirosis clinical pathogenesis and leads to markedly reduced key target organ infection in this animal model. These data support the role of leptospiral VM proteins as virulence factors and suggest the possibility that a VM protein-based, serovar-independent, pan-leptospirosis vaccine may be feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reetika Chaurasia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Aryeh Salovey
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xiaojia Guo
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gary Desir
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Joseph M. Vinetz
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph M. Vinetz,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Techawiwattanaboon T, Courant T, Brunner L, Sathean-anan-kun S, Krangvichian P, Iadsee N, Nakornpakdee Y, Sangjun N, Komanee P, Collin N, Ruxrungtham K, Patarakul K. Designing Adjuvant Formulations to Promote Immunogenicity and Protective Efficacy of Leptospira Immunoglobulin-Like Protein A Subunit Vaccine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:918629. [PMID: 35782116 PMCID: PMC9243587 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.918629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The leptospirosis burden on humans, especially in high-risk occupational groups and livestock, leads to public health and economic problems. Leptospirosis subunit vaccines have been under development and require further improvement to provide complete protection. Adjuvants can be used to enhance the amplitude, quality, and durability of immune responses. Previously, we demonstrated that LMQ adjuvant (neutral liposomes containing monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and Quillaja saponaria derived QS21 saponin) promoted protective efficacy of LigAc vaccine against Leptospira challenge. To promote immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the subunit vaccines, three alternative adjuvants based on neutral liposomes or squalene-in-water emulsion were evaluated in this study. LQ and LQuil adjuvants combined the neutral liposomes with the QS21 saponin or Quillaja saponaria derived QuilA® saponin, respectively. SQuil adjuvant combined a squalene-in-water emulsion with the QuilA® saponin. The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of LigAc (20 µg) formulated with the candidate adjuvants were conducted in golden Syrian hamsters. Hamsters were vaccinated three times at a 2-week interval, followed by a homologous challenge of L. interrogans serovar Pomona. The results showed that LigAc combined with LQ, LQuil, or SQuil adjuvants conferred substantial antibody responses and protective efficacy (survival rate, pathological change, and Leptospira renal colonization) comparable to LMQ adjuvant. The LigAc+LQ formulation conferred 62.5% survival but was not significantly different from LigAc+LMQ, LigAc+LQuil, and LigAc+SQuil formulations (50% survival). This study highlights the potential of saponin-containing adjuvants LMQ, LQ, LQuil, and SQuil for both human and animal leptospirosis vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teerasit Techawiwattanaboon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thomas Courant
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Plan-Les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Livia Brunner
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Plan-Les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Suwitra Sathean-anan-kun
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pratomporn Krangvichian
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nutta Iadsee
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Microbiology, Interdisciplinary Program, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yaowarin Nakornpakdee
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Noppadon Sangjun
- Laboratory Animal Section, Analysis Division, Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pat Komanee
- Laboratory Animal Section, Analysis Division, Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicolas Collin
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Plan-Les-Ouates, Switzerland
| | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanitha Patarakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Kanitha Patarakul, ;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kumar A, Varma VP, Sridhar K, Abdullah M, Vyas P, Ashiq Thalappil M, Chang YF, Faisal SM. Deciphering the Role of Leptospira Surface Protein LigA in Modulating the Host Innate Immune Response. Front Immunol 2022; 12:807775. [PMID: 34975922 PMCID: PMC8716722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.807775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospira, a zoonotic pathogen, is known to infect various hosts and can establish persistent infection. This remarkable ability of bacteria is attributed to its potential to modulate (activate or evade) the host immune response by exploiting its surface proteins. We have identified and characterized the domain of the variable region of Leptospira immunoglobulin-like protein A (LAV) involved in immune modulation. The 11th domain (A11) of the variable region of LigA (LAV) induces a strong TLR4 dependent innate response leading to subsequent induction of humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. A11 is also involved in acquiring complement regulator FH and binds to host protease Plasminogen (PLG), there by mediating functional activity to escape from complement-mediated killing. The deletion of A11 domain significantly impaired TLR4 signaling and subsequent reduction in the innate and adaptive immune response. It also inhibited the binding of FH and PLG thereby mediating killing of bacteria. Our study discovered an unprecedented role of LAV as a nuclease capable of degrading Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs). This nuclease activity was primarily mediated by A11. These results highlighted the moonlighting function of LigA and demonstrated that a single domain of a surface protein is involved in modulating the host innate immune defenses, which might allow the persistence of Leptospira in different hosts for a long term without clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vivek P Varma
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Kavela Sridhar
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mohd Abdullah
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India.,Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Pallavi Vyas
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Yung-Fu Chang
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Syed M Faisal
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Barazzone GC, Teixeira AF, Azevedo BOP, Damiano DK, Oliveira MP, Nascimento ALTO, Lopes APY. Revisiting the Development of Vaccines Against Pathogenic Leptospira: Innovative Approaches, Present Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 12:760291. [PMID: 35046936 PMCID: PMC8761801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human vaccination against leptospirosis has been relatively unsuccessful in clinical applications despite an expressive amount of vaccine candidates has been tested over years of research. Pathogenic Leptospira encompass a great number of serovars, most of which do not cross-react, and there has been a lack of genetic tools for many years. These obstacles have hampered the understanding of the bacteria's biology and, consequently, the identification of an effective antigen. Thus far, many approaches have been used in an attempt to find a cost-effective and broad-spectrum protective antigen(s) against the disease. In this extensive review, we discuss several strategies that have been used to develop an effective vaccine against leptospirosis, starting with Leptospira-inactivated bacterin, proteins identified in the genome sequences of pathogenic Leptospira, including reverse vaccinology, plasmid DNA, live vaccines, chimeric multi-epitope, and toll- and nod-like receptors agonists. This overview should be able to guide scientists working in the field to select potential antigens and to choose the appropriate formulation to administer the candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovana C. Barazzone
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline F. Teixeira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna O. P. Azevedo
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deborah K. Damiano
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos P. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L. T. O. Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre P. Y. Lopes
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
de Oliveira NR, Oliveira TL, Jorge S, Dellagostin OA. Development of Human Recombinant Leptospirosis Vaccines. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2410:325-344. [PMID: 34914055 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1884-4_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease with significant impact on health all over the world. Currently, bacterins are the only vaccines available for prevention of this disease, despite several drawbacks. In an effort to develop a more effective vaccine against leptospirosis, reverse and structural vaccinology have been applied to design recombinant constructions composed of leptospiral surface-exposed antigens. Herein, we describe a protocol for design and development of Leptospirosis recombinant vaccines using immunoinformatic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Jorge
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kumar P, Lata S, Shankar UN, Akif M. Immunoinformatics-Based Designing of a Multi-Epitope Chimeric Vaccine From Multi-Domain Outer Surface Antigens of Leptospira. Front Immunol 2021; 12:735373. [PMID: 34917072 PMCID: PMC8670241 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.735373] [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: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate information on antigenic epitopes within a multi-domain antigen would provide insights into vaccine design and immunotherapy. The multi-domain outer surface Leptospira immunoglobulin-like (Lig) proteins LigA and LigB, consisting of 12–13 homologous bacterial Ig (Big)-like domains, are potential antigens of Leptospira interrogans. Currently, no effective vaccine is available against pathogenic Leptospira. Both the humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity of the host play critical roles in defending against Leptospira infection. Here, we used immunoinformatics approaches to evaluate antigenic B-cell lymphocyte (BCL) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes from Lig proteins. Based on certain crucial parameters, potential epitopes that can stimulate both types of adaptive immune responses were selected to design a chimeric vaccine construct. Additionally, an adjuvant, the mycobacterial heparin-binding hemagglutinin adhesin (HBHA), was incorporated into the final multi-epitope vaccine construct with a suitable linker. The final construct was further scored for its antigenicity, allergenicity, and physicochemical parameters. A three-dimensional (3D) modeled construct of the vaccine was implied to interact with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) using molecular docking. The stability of the vaccine construct with TLR4 was predicted with molecular dynamics simulation. Our results demonstrate the application of immunoinformatics and structure biology strategies to develop an epitope-specific chimeric vaccine from multi-domain proteins. The current findings will be useful for future experimental validation to ratify the immunogenicity of the chimera.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Surabhi Lata
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Umate Nachiket Shankar
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mohd Akif
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
TonB-dependent receptor epitopes expressed in M. bovis BCG induced significant protection in the hamster model of leptospirosis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 106:173-184. [PMID: 34893930 PMCID: PMC8664668 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. A universal vaccine against leptospirosis is likely to require highly conserved epitopes from pathogenic leptospires that are exposed on the bacterial surface and that generate a protective and sterilizing immune response. Our group recently identified several genes predicted to encode TonB-dependent receptors (TBDR) in Leptospira interrogans using a reverse vaccinology approach. Three leptospiral TBDRs were previously described and partially characterized as ferric-citrate, hemin, and cobalamin transporters. In the current study, we designed a fusion protein composed of predicted surface-exposed epitopes from three conserved leptospiral TBDRs. Based on their three-dimensional structural models and the prediction of immunogenic regions, nine putative surface-exposed fragments were selected to compose a recombinant chimeric protein. A Mycobacterium bovis BCG strain expressing this chimeric antigen encoded in the pUP500/PpAN mycobacterial expression vector was used to immunize Syrian hamsters. All animals (20/20) vaccinated with recombinant BCG survived infection with an endpoint dose of L. interrogans (p < 0.001). No animal survived in the negative control group. Immunization with our recombinant BCG elicited a humoral immune response against leptospiral TBDRs, as demonstrated by ELISA and immunoblot. No leptospiral DNA was detected by lipL32 qPCR in the kidneys of vaccinated hamsters. Similarly, no growth was observed in macerated kidney cultures from the same animals, suggesting the induction of a sterilizing immune response. Design of new vaccine antigens based on the structure of outer membrane proteins is a promising approach to overcome the impact of leptospirosis by vaccination. Key points • Predicted surface-exposed epitopes were identified in three leptospiral TBDRs. • An M. bovis BCG strain expressing a chimeric protein (rTBDRchi) was constructed. • Hamsters vaccinated with rBCG:TBDRchi were protected from lethal leptospirosis. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-021-11726-9.
Collapse
|
15
|
Rodrigues de Oliveira N, Jorge S, Andrade Colares Maia M, Thurow Bunde T, Kurz Pedra AC, Pinto Seixas Neto AC, Larré Oliveira T, Dellagostin OA. Protective efficacy of whole-cell inactivated Leptospira vaccines made using virulent or avirulent strains in a hamster model. Vaccine 2021; 39:5626-5634. [PMID: 34400016 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Whole-cell inactivated vaccines remain the only licensed vaccines used to control human and animal leptospirosis worldwide. Although they are protective against lethal infections, the efficacy of these vaccines has been divergent. The manufacturing process often involves the use of standard bacterial strains subjected to serial in vitro passages, with a risk of loss of virulence, and may affect the immunogenicity and consequently decrease protection. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the efficacy of in-house bacterins produced with standard (avirulent) and virulent strains. Hamsters were immunized with killed bacteria produced using avirulent and virulent strains of L. interrogans serovars Copenhageni and Canicola. Vaccine efficacy was determined in terms of protection against lethal homologous or heterologous challenges. The results showed that immunization with both avirulent and virulent Canicola strains resulted in 100% protection against homologous challenge. Conversely, Copenhageni bacterins produced using an avirulent strain conferred only 25-37.5% protection against homologous challenge (P > 0.05), while virulent Copenhageni bacterin conferred 100% protection (P < 0.001). A single vaccine dose was sufficient to induce protection, and administration of a prime boost significantly reduced the bacterial load in the kidneys and improved the humoral immune response to the virulent Copenhageni strain. These findings suggest that the maintenance of virulent strains in bacterin formulations is essential for improving the immunogenicity and efficacy of leptospirosis vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio Jorge
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Mara Andrade Colares Maia
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Tiffany Thurow Bunde
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Kurz Pedra
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Haake DA, Matsunaga J. Leptospiral Immunoglobulin-Like Domain Proteins: Roles in Virulence and Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 11:579907. [PMID: 33488581 PMCID: PMC7821625 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.579907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The virulence mechanisms required for infection and evasion of immunity by pathogenic Leptospira species remain poorly understood. A number of L. interrogans surface proteins have been discovered, lying at the interface between the pathogen and host. Among these proteins, the functional properties of the Lig (leptospiral immunoglobulin-like domain) proteins have been examined most thoroughly. LigA, LigB, and LigC contain a series of, 13, 12, and 12 closely related domains, respectively, each containing a bacterial immunoglobulin (Big) -like fold. The multidomain region forms a mostly elongated structure that exposes a large surface area. Leptospires wield the Lig proteins to promote interactions with a range of specific host proteins, including those that aid evasion of innate immune mechanisms. These diverse binding events mediate adhesion of L. interrogans to the extracellular matrix, inhibit hemostasis, and inactivate key complement proteins. These interactions may help L. interrogans overcome the physical, hematological, and immunological barriers that would otherwise prevent the spirochete from establishing a systemic infection. Despite significant differences in the affinities of the LigA and LigB proteins for host targets, their functions overlap during lethal infection of hamsters; virulence is lost only when both ligA and ligB transcription is knocked down simultaneously. Lig proteins have been shown to be promising vaccine antigens through evaluation of a variety of different adjuvant strategies. This review serves to summarize current knowledge of Lig protein roles in virulence and immunity and to identify directions needed to better understand the precise functions of the Lig proteins during infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Haake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Departments of Medicine, and Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - James Matsunaga
- Research Service, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Llanos Salinas SP, Castillo Sánchez LO, Castañeda Miranda G, Rodríguez Reyes EA, Ordoñez López L, Mena Bañuelos R, Alcaraz Sosa LE, Núñez Carrera MG, José Manuel RO, Carmona Gasca CA, Matsunaga J, Haake DA, Candanosa Aranda IE, de la Peña-Moctezuma A. GspD, The Type II Secretion System Secretin of Leptospira, Protects Hamsters against Lethal Infection with a Virulent L. interrogans Isolate. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040759. [PMID: 33327369 PMCID: PMC7768463 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The wide variety of pathogenic Leptospira serovars and the weak protection offered by the available vaccines encourage the search for protective immunogens against leptospirosis. We found that the secretin GspD of the type II secretion system (T2S) of Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola was highly conserved amongst pathogenic serovars and was expressed in vivo during infection, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Convalescent sera of hamsters, dogs, and cows showed the presence of IgG antibodies, recognizing a recombinant version of this protein expressed in Escherichia coli (rGspDLC) in Western blot assays. In a pilot vaccination study, a group of eight hamsters was immunized on days zero and 14 with 50 µg of rGspDLC mixed with Freund’s incomplete adjuvant (FIA). On day 28 of the study, 1,000 LD50 (Lethal Dose 50%) of a virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola (LOCaS46) were inoculated by an intraoral submucosal route (IOSM). Seventy-five percent protection against disease (p = 0.017573, Fisher’s exact test) and 50% protection against infection were observed in this group of vaccinated hamsters. In contrast, 85% of non-vaccinated hamsters died six to nine days after the challenge. These results suggest the potential usefulness of the T2S secretin GspD of Leptospira as a protective recombinant vaccine against leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Paulina Llanos Salinas
- Teaching, Research and Extension Center for Animal Production in High Plateau, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Queretaro 76795, Mexico; (S.P.L.S.); (G.C.M.); (I.E.C.A.)
| | - Luz Olivia Castillo Sánchez
- Unidad Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Tepic 63155, Mexico; (L.O.C.S.); (C.A.C.G.)
| | - Giselle Castañeda Miranda
- Teaching, Research and Extension Center for Animal Production in High Plateau, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Queretaro 76795, Mexico; (S.P.L.S.); (G.C.M.); (I.E.C.A.)
| | | | - Liliana Ordoñez López
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico; (L.O.L.); (R.M.B.); (R.O.J.M.)
| | - Rodrigo Mena Bañuelos
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico; (L.O.L.); (R.M.B.); (R.O.J.M.)
| | - Luz Elena Alcaraz Sosa
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Tlalpan 14387, Mexico;
| | - María Guadalupe Núñez Carrera
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Centro Histórico 72000, Mexico;
| | - Ramírez Ortega José Manuel
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico; (L.O.L.); (R.M.B.); (R.O.J.M.)
| | - Carlos Alfredo Carmona Gasca
- Unidad Académica de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Tepic 63155, Mexico; (L.O.C.S.); (C.A.C.G.)
| | - James Matsunaga
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA; (J.M.); (D.A.H.)
| | - David A. Haake
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA; (J.M.); (D.A.H.)
| | - Irma Eugenia Candanosa Aranda
- Teaching, Research and Extension Center for Animal Production in High Plateau, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Queretaro 76795, Mexico; (S.P.L.S.); (G.C.M.); (I.E.C.A.)
| | - Alejandro de la Peña-Moctezuma
- Teaching, Research and Extension Center for Animal Production in High Plateau, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Queretaro 76795, Mexico; (S.P.L.S.); (G.C.M.); (I.E.C.A.)
- Departamento de Microbiología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán 04510, Mexico; (L.O.L.); (R.M.B.); (R.O.J.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.:+52-414-291-8100
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Teixeira AF, Cavenague MF, Kochi LT, Fernandes LG, Souza GO, de Souza Filho AF, Vasconcellos SA, Heinemann MB, Nascimento ALTO. Immunoprotective Activity Induced by Leptospiral Outer Membrane Proteins in Hamster Model of Acute Leptospirosis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:568694. [PMID: 33193344 PMCID: PMC7662565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.568694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, affecting both humans and animals. The development of an effective vaccine against leptospirosis has long been pursued but without success. Humans are contaminated after direct contact with the urine of infected animals or indirectly by contaminated water or soil. The vaccines available consist of inactivated whole-bacterial cells, and the active immunoprotective antigen is the lipopolysaccharide moiety, which is also the basis for serovar classification. However, these vaccines are short-lasting, and protection is only against serovars contained in the preparation. The search for prevalent antigens, present in pathogenic species of Leptospira, represents the most cost-effective strategy for prevention of leptospirosis. Thus, the identification of these antigens is a priority. In this study, we examined the immunoprotective effect of eight leptospiral recombinant proteins using hamster as the challenge model. Animals received subcutaneously two doses of vaccine containing 50 μg of each recombinant protein adsorbed on alum adjuvant. Two weeks after the booster, animals were challenged with virulent leptospires and monitored for 21 days. All proteins were able to induce a specific immune response, although significant protective effects on survival rate were observed only for the proteins Lsa14, rLIC13259, and rLIC11711. Of these, only rLIC13259 and rLIC11711 were found to be highly prospective in promoting renal clearance. The sterilizing potential of both proteins will be further investigated to elucidate the immunoprotective mechanisms involved in leptospirosis control. These are the first proteins involved with human complement components with the capacity to protect against virulent challenge and to eliminate the bacteria from the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline F Teixeira
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria F Cavenague
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro T Kochi
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Programa de Pos-Graduacao Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis G Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele O Souza
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio Francisco de Souza Filho
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvio A Vasconcellos
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Bryan Heinemann
- Laboratorio de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal (VPS), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L T O Nascimento
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A Comparison of Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Administration of LigA Subunit Vaccine Adjuvanted with Neutral Liposomal Formulation Containing Monophosphoryl Lipid A and QS21. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030494. [PMID: 32882903 PMCID: PMC7565420 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis vaccines with higher potency and reduced adverse effects are needed for human use. The carboxyl terminal domain of leptospiral immunoglobulin like protein A (LigAc) is currently the most promising candidate antigen for leptospirosis subunit vaccine. However, LigAc-based vaccines were unable to confer sterilizing immunity against Leptospira infection in animal models. Several factors including antigen properties, adjuvant, delivery system, and administration route need optimization to maximize vaccine efficacy. Our previous report demonstrated protective effects of the recombinant LigAc (rLigAc) formulated with liposome-based adjuvant, called LMQ (neutral liposome combined with monophosphoryl lipid A and Quillaja saponaria fraction 21) in hamsters. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two commonly used administration routes, intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC), on immunogenicity and protective efficacy of rLigAc-LMQ administrated three times at 2-week interval. Two IM vaccinations triggered significantly higher levels of total anti-rLigAc IgG than two SC injections. However, comparable IgG titers and IgG2/IgG1 ratio was observed for both routes after the third immunization. The route of vaccine administration did not influence the survival rate (60%) and renal colonization against lethal Leptospira challenge. Importantly, the kidneys of IM group showed no pathological lesions while the SC group showed mild damage. In conclusion, IM vaccination with rLigAc-LMQ not only elicited faster antibody production but also protected from kidney damage following leptospiral infection better than SC immunization. However, both tested routes did not influence protective efficacy in terms of survival rate and the level of renal colonization.
Collapse
|
20
|
Duan J, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Jiang H, Xie B, Zhao T, Zhao F. Research status and perspectives for pathogenic spirochete vaccines. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 507:117-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
21
|
Barbosa AS, Isaac L. Strategies used by Leptospira spirochetes to evade the host complement system. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2633-2644. [PMID: 32153015 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Leptospires are highly invasive spirochetes equipped with efficient strategies for dissemination in the host. The Leptospira genus currently comprises 64 species divided into two major clades: the saprophytes composed of nonpathogenic, free-living organisms, and the pathogens encompassing all the species that cause mild or severe infections in humans and animals. While saprophytes are highly susceptible to the lytic action of the complement system, pathogenic (virulent) strains have evolved virulence strategies that allow efficient colonization of a variety of hosts and target organs, including mechanisms to circumvent hosts' innate and acquired immune responses. Pathogenic Leptospira avoid complement-mediated killing by recruiting host complement regulatory proteins and by targeting complement proteins using own and host-expressed proteases. This review outlines the role of complement in eradicating saprophytic Leptospira and the stratagems adopted by pathogenic Leptospira to maneuver the host complement system for their benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lourdes Isaac
- Laboratory of Complement, Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Evangelista KV, Lourdault K. Evaluation of Vaccine Candidates against Leptospirosis using Golden Syrian Hamsters. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2134:257-270. [PMID: 32632876 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0459-5_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. Current vaccine studies focus on identifying Leptospira proteins that elicit protective immunity. Here, we describe a method to assess recombinant proteins for their ability to protect hamsters from fatal infection against Leptospira and to provide sterilizing immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen V Evangelista
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Kristel Lourdault
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Felix CR, Siedler BS, Barbosa LN, Timm GR, McFadden J, McBride AJA. An overview of human leptospirosis vaccine design and future perspectives. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:179-188. [PMID: 31777290 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1694508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: It's been 20 years since the first report of a recombinant vaccine that protected against leptospirosis. Since then, numerous recombinant vaccines have been evaluated; however, no recombinant vaccine candidate has advanced to clinical trials. With the ever-increasing burden of leptospirosis, there is an urgent need for a universal vaccine against leptospirosis.Areas covered: This review covers the most promising vaccine candidates that induced significant, reproducible, protection and how advances in the field of bioinformatics has led to the discovery of hundreds of novel protein targets. The authors also discuss the most recent findings regarding the innate immune response and host-pathogen interactions and their impact on the discovery of novel vaccine candidates. In addition, the authors have identified what they believe are the most challenging problems for the discovery and development of a universal vaccine and their potential solutions.Expert opinion: A universal vaccine for leptospirosis will likely only be achieved using a recombinant vaccine as the bacterins are of limited use due to the lack of a cross-protective immune response. Although there are hundreds of novel targets, due to the lack of immune correlates and the need for more research into the basic microbiology of Leptospira spp., a universal vaccine is 10-15 years away.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina R Felix
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Bianca S Siedler
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.,School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Liana N Barbosa
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Gabriana R Timm
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Johnjoe McFadden
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Alan J A McBride
- Biotechnology Department, Centre for Technological Development, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Techawiwattanaboon T, Barnier-Quer C, Palaga T, Jacquet A, Collin N, Sangjun N, Komanee P, Piboonpocanun S, Patarakul K. Reduced Renal Colonization and Enhanced Protection by Leptospiral Factor H Binding Proteins as a Multisubunit Vaccine Against Leptospirosis in Hamsters. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7030095. [PMID: 31443566 PMCID: PMC6789851 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Subunit vaccines conferring complete protection against leptospirosis are not currently available. The interactions of factor H binding proteins (FHBPs) on pathogenic leptospires and host factor H are crucial for immune evasion by inhibition of complement-mediated killing. The inhibition of these interactions may be a potential strategy to clear leptospires in the host. This study aimed to evaluate a multisubunit vaccine composed of four known leptospiral FHBPs: LigA domain 7–13 (LigAc), LenA, LcpA, and Lsa23, for its protective efficacy in hamsters. The mono and multisubunit vaccines formulated with LMQ adjuvant, a combination of neutral liposome, monophosphoryl lipid A, and Quillaja saponaria fraction 21, induced high and comparable specific antibody (IgG) production against individual antigens. Hamsters immunized with the multisubunit vaccine showed 60% survival following the challenge by 20× LD50 of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. No significant difference in survival rate and pathological findings of target organs was observed after vaccinations with multisubunit or mono-LigAc vaccines. However, the multisubunit vaccine significantly reduced leptospiral burden in surviving hamsters in comparison with the monosubunit vaccines. Therefore, the multisubunit vaccine conferred partial protection and reduced renal colonization against virulence Leptospira infection in hamsters. Our multisubunit formulation could represent a promising vaccine against leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teerasit Techawiwattanaboon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Tanapat Palaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Alain Jacquet
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nicolas Collin
- Vaccine Formulation Laboratory (VFL), University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Noppadon Sangjun
- Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Pat Komanee
- Armed Force Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Surapon Piboonpocanun
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Kanitha Patarakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (Chula VRC), Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Teixeira AF, Fernandes LG, Cavenague MF, Takahashi MB, Santos JC, Passalia FJ, Daroz BB, Kochi LT, Vieira ML, Nascimento AL. Adjuvanted leptospiral vaccines: Challenges and future development of new leptospirosis vaccines. Vaccine 2019; 37:3961-3973. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.05.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
26
|
da Rosa MC, Martins G, Rocha BR, Correia L, Ferronato G, Lilenbaum W, Dellagostin OA. Assessment of the immunogenicity of the leptospiral LipL32, LigAni, and LigBrep recombinant proteins in the sheep model. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 65:176-180. [PMID: 31300110 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Veterinary leptospirosis vaccines are composed of bacterins and present limitations, for example, the need for bacteriological culture and serovar-dependent immunity. Recombinant antigens represent a promising alternative. LigAni, LigBrep, and LipL32 proteins have been shown to promote a protective immune response against the homologous challenge in hamsters. Therefore, the next step is to evaluate the immunological properties of these immunogens in the actual hosts, as ruminants, which has never been performed before. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and potential adverse effects of the recombinant proteins LigAni, LigBrep, and LipL32 in the ovine model. For this, 16 Santa Inês sheep were allocated into three groups: two experimental (Groups A and B) and one control group (Group C). Group A was inoculated with a formulation containing the recombinant proteins in combination with the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant; Group B was inoculated with a formulation containing the recombinant proteins in combination with the Montanide adjuvant; and Group C was inoculated with adjuvants only. The results revealed that formulations containing the recombinant proteins induced total IgG seroconversion and led to a significant increase in antibody titers in the sheep model. Besides, there were no clinical changes or adverse effects. Thus, LigAni, LigBrep, and LipL32 proteins elicited a significant humoral immune response with elevated serum IgG levels, demonstrating that they possess the immunogenic and safety characteristics necessary to sustain their potential use as leptospirosis vaccines in the ruminant model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Costa da Rosa
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Martins
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno Ribeiro Rocha
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucas Correia
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giuliana Ferronato
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
de Oliveira Silva MT, de Pinho RB, Bezerra FSB, Campos VF, Azevedo V, Borsuk S. Establishment of an objective endpoint in mice model for caseous lymphadenitis vaccine trials. Vet Microbiol 2019; 230:86-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
28
|
da Cunha CEP, Bettin EB, Bakry AFAAY, Seixas Neto ACP, Amaral MG, Dellagostin OA. Evaluation of different strategies to promote a protective immune response against leptospirosis using a recombinant LigA and LigB chimera. Vaccine 2019; 37:1844-1852. [PMID: 30826147 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide distribution, caused by infection with pathogenic Leptospira species. The vaccines that are currently available are bacterins, with limited human use, that confer short-term, serovar-specific immunity. Lig proteins are considered to be the best vaccine candidates to date. Here, we aimed to construct a recombinant Lig chimera (LC) comprised of LigAni and LigBrep fragments, and to evaluate it as subunit or DNA vaccine using different administration strategies. Vaccines were formulated with 50 µg of recombinant LC associated with different adjuvants or with 100 µg of pTARGET/LC. Four-week-old hamsters received two doses of vaccine with different strategies and were challenged with 5 × DL50Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. The immune response generated by Lig chimera conferred 100% protection to hamsters treated with at least one dose of recombinant LC. Despite the high levels of antibodies that vaccinated animals produced, a sterilizing immunity was not achieved. The lack of a sterilizing immunity could indicate the importance of a mixed humoral and cellular immune response. The present study generated insights that will be useful in the future development of improved subunit vaccines against leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marta Gonçalves Amaral
- Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Odir Antonio Dellagostin
- Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Oliveira TL, Rizzi C, da Cunha CEP, Dorneles J, Seixas Neto ACP, Amaral MG, Hartwig DD, Dellagostin OA. Recombinant BCG strains expressing chimeric proteins derived from Leptospira protect hamsters against leptospirosis. Vaccine 2019; 37:776-782. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
30
|
Evaluation of Lsa46 and Lsa77 Leptospiral Proteins for Their Immunoprotective Activities in Hamster Model of Leptospirosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:1813745. [PMID: 29984227 PMCID: PMC6015724 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1813745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected tropical disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. The lack of an effective vaccine favors the increase of the disease. Currently, surface-exposed proteins are the main targets for the search of vaccine candidates. In this study, we examined whether the surface Lsa46 and Lsa77 proteins, previously identified as laminin and plasminogen binding proteins, have the capacity of inducing protection and sterilizing immunity against challenge with virulent Leptospira in hamster model. Animals were subcutaneously immunized with Lsa46, Lsa77, or a combination of both in Alum adjuvant and challenged intraperitoneally with L. interrogans serovar Kennewicki strain Pomona Fromm. Hamster immunization with Lsa46 or Lsa77 or both promoted a strong IgG response. Th2- and Th1-biased immune responses were observed when Lsa46 and Lsa77 were individually administered, respectively, as detected by the IgG1/IgG2/3 ratio. Immunized hamsters with the combined proteins induced a Th1-biased immune response. Although the immunization with Lsa46 and Lsa77 stimulated protective immunity with reduction of bacterial burden, when compared to animals individually immunized with the proteins, the data was not statistically significant. Thus, although promising, more studies are needed before the role of these proteins in stimulating sterilizing immunity in mammals is conclusively determined.
Collapse
|
31
|
Heterologous DNA prime-protein boost immunization with RecA and FliD offers cross-clade protection against leptospiral infection. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6447. [PMID: 29691454 PMCID: PMC5915591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of >300 serovars of Leptospira confounded the use of generalized bacterin, the whole cell lysate, as vaccines to control leptospirosis. Because of substantial genetic and geographic heterogeneity among circulating serovars, one vaccine strain per serovar cannot be efficacious against all the serovars. We have performed heterologous DNA prime-protein boost vaccination challenge studies in hamsters using in vivo expressed, leptospiral recombinase A (RecA) and flagellar hook associated protein (FliD). We prepared the monovalent recombinant protein, plasmid DNA, and DNA prime protein boost adjuvant vaccines. The whole cell bacterin served as a control. Our data show that (i) RecA and FliD have multiple immunogenic B and T-cell epitopes with highly conserved domains among most prevalent pathogenic Leptospira spp., (ii) humoral and cell mediated immune responses were induced remarkably, (iii) provides significant protection against homologous (Autumnalis strain N2) and cross-clade heterologous (Canicola strain PAI-1) challenge infection for the heterologous prime-protein boost (∼91–100%) and, the DNA vaccine (∼75–83%). Recombinant protein vaccine shows only partial protection (∼58–66%), (iv) RecA prime-protein boost vaccine shows sterilizing immunity, with heterologous protection. This RecA/FliD prime-protein boost strategy holds potential for vaccination against animal leptospirosis and for a better control of zoonotic transmission.
Collapse
|
32
|
Nally JE, Wilson-Welder JH, Hornsby RL, Palmer MV, Alt DP. Inbred Rats as a Model to Study Persistent Renal Leptospirosis and Associated Cellular Immune Responsiveness. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:66. [PMID: 29594063 PMCID: PMC5861151 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic species of Leptospira cause leptospirosis, a bacterial zoonotic disease with a global distribution affecting over one million people annually. Rats are regarded as one of the most significant reservoir hosts of infection for human disease, and in the absence of clinical signs of infection, excrete large numbers of organisms in their urine. A unique biological equilibrium exists between pathogenic leptospires and reservoir hosts of infection, but surprisingly, little is known concerning the host's cellular immune response that facilitates persistent renal colonization. To address this deficiency, we established and applied an immunocompetent inbred rat model of persistent renal colonization; leptospires were detected in urine of experimentally infected rats by 3 weeks post-infection and remained positive until 8 weeks post-infection. However, there was little, if any, evidence of inflammation in colonized renal tubules. At 8 weeks post-infection, a robust antibody response was detected against lipopolysaccharide and protein outer membrane (OM) components. Purified B and T cells derived from the spleen of infected and non-infected rats proliferated in response to stimulation with 0.5 μg of OM fractions of Leptospira, including CD4+ T cells, which comprised 40% of proliferating cells, compared to 25% in non-infected controls. However, analysis of gene expression did not determine which immunoregulatory pathways were activated. Lymphocytes purified from the lymph node draining the site of colonization, the renal lymph node, also showed an increase in percentage of proliferating B and T cells. However, in contrast to a phenotype of 40% CD4+ T cells in the spleen, the phenotype of proliferating T cells in the renal lymph node comprised 65% CD4+ T cells. These results confirm that the renal lymph node, the local lymphoid organ, is a dominant site containing Leptospira reactive CD4+ T cells and highlight the need to consider the local, vs. systemic, immune responses during renal colonization infection. The use of inbred immunocompetent rats provides a novel tool to further elucidate those pathophysiological pathways that facilitate the unique biological equilibrium observed in reservoir hosts of leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarlath E Nally
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jennifer H Wilson-Welder
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Richard L Hornsby
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Mitchell V Palmer
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| | - David P Alt
- Infectious Bacterial Diseases Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Ames, IA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pawar AD, Verma D, Sankeshi V, Raman R, Sharma Y. Strategizing for the purification of a multiple Big domain-containing protein in native conformation is worth it! Protein Expr Purif 2017; 145:25-31. [PMID: 29287899 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The reliability and accuracy of conformational or functional studies of any novel multidomain protein rely on the quality of protein. The bottleneck in structural studies with the complete Big_2 domain containing proteins like LigA, LigB or MpIBP is usually their large molecular size owing to their multidomain (>10-12 domains) architectures. Interestingly, a soil bacterium Paenarthrobacter aurescens TC1, harbours a gene that encodes a protein comprising of four predicted Big_2 domains. We report here the expression and purification of this novel, multiple Big_2 domains containing protein, Arig of P. aurescens TC1. During overexpression, recombinant Arig formed inclusion bodies and hence was purified by on-column refolding. The refolded Arig revealed a β-sheet conformation and a well-resolved near-UV CD spectra but did not exhibit a well-dispersed 2D [1H-15N]-HSQC NMR spectrum, as expected for a well-folded β-sheet native conformation. We, therefore, further optimized Arig overexpression in the soluble fraction by including osmolytes. CD spectroscopic and 2D [1H-15N]-HSQC analyses consolidate that Arig purified alternatively has a well-folded native conformation. While we describe different strategies for purification of Arig, we also present the spectral properties of this novel all-β-sheet protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asmita D Pawar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India.
| | - Deepshikha Verma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, 1, Homi Bhabha Road, Colaba, Mumbai, 400005, India
| | - Venu Sankeshi
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Rajeev Raman
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India
| | - Yogendra Sharma
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Efficacy of a New Recrystallized Enrofloxacin Hydrochloride-Dihydrate against Leptospirosis in a Hamster Model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01285-17. [PMID: 28874381 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01285-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A trial on Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola was established to compare treatment efficacies of daily intramuscular (i.m.) injections of either 10 mg/kg of 5% enrofloxacin (Baytril [BE]; Bayer Animal Health, Mexico) or the same dose of enrofloxacin hydrochloride-dihydrate (enro-C). Hamsters were experimentally infected via the oral submucosa with 400 microorganisms/animal, in a sequential time schedule aligned to the initial treatment day, and were treated in groups as follows: a group treated with 5% enrofloxacin daily for 7 days after 24 h of infection (group BE24); a group treated as described for group BE24 but with enro-C (enro-C24); a group also treated with 5% enrofloxacin but starting at 72 h after infection (BE74); a group treated as described for group BE74 but with injection of enro-C (enro-C74). An untreated-uninfected control group (group CG-) and an infected-untreated control group (group CG+) were assembled (n = 18 in all groups). Weights and temperatures of the hamsters were monitored daily for 28 days. After hamsters were euthanatized or following death, necropsy, histopathology, macroscopic agglutination tests (MAT), bacterial culture, and PCR were performed. The mortality rates were 38.8% in group BE24 and 100% in group BE74 No mortality was observed in group enro-C24, and 11.1% mortality was recorded in group enro-C74 The mortality rates in groups CG+ and CG- were 100% and zero, respectively. Combined necropsy and histopathologic findings revealed signs of septicemia and organ damage in groups BE24, BE72, and CG+ Groups enro-C24 and CG- showed no lesions. Moderated lesions were registered in 3 hamsters in group enro-C72 MAT results were positive in 83.3% of BE24 hamsters (83.3%) and 100% of BE72 and CG+ hamsters; MAT results were positive in 16.7% in group Enro-C24 and 38.9% in group enro-C72 Only 4/18 were PCR positive in group enro-C72 and only 1 in group enro-C24 (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that enro-C may be a viable option to treat leptospirosis in hamsters and that this may be the case in other species.
Collapse
|
35
|
Evangelista KV, Lourdault K, Matsunaga J, Haake DA. Immunoprotective properties of recombinant LigA and LigB in a hamster model of acute leptospirosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180004. [PMID: 28704385 PMCID: PMC5509140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis and is considered a major public health problem worldwide. Currently, there is no widely available vaccine against leptospirosis for use in humans. A purified, recombinant subunit vaccine that includes the last six immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains of the leptospiral protein LigA (LigA7'-13) protects against lethal infection but not renal colonization after challenge by Leptospira interrogans. In this study, we examined whether the addition of the first seven Ig-like domains of LigB (LigB0-7) to LigA7'-13, can enhance immune protection and confer sterilizing immunity in the Golden Syrian hamster model of acute leptospirosis. Hamsters were subcutaneously immunized with soluble, recombinant LigA7'-13, LigB0-7, or a combination of LigA7'-13 and LigB0-7 in Freund's adjuvant. Immunization with Lig proteins generated a strong humoral immune response with high titers of IgG that recognized homologous protein, and cross-reacted with the heterologous protein as assessed by ELISA. LigA7'-13 alone, or in combination with LigB0-7, protected all hamsters from intraperitoneal challenge with a lethal dose of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. However, bacteria were recovered from the kidneys of all animals. Of eight animals immunized with LigB0-7, only three survived Leptospira challenge, one of which lacked renal colonization and had antibodies to native LigB by immunoblot. In addition, sera from two of the three LigB0-7 immunized survivors cross-reacted with LigA11-13, a region of LigA that is sufficient for protection. In summary, we confirmed that LigA7'-13 protects hamsters from death but not infection, and immunization with LigB0-7, either alone or in combination with LigA7'-13, did not confer sterilizing immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen V. Evangelista
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kristel Lourdault
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - James Matsunaga
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David A. Haake
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Grassmann AA, Kremer FS, Dos Santos JC, Souza JD, Pinto LDS, McBride AJA. Discovery of Novel Leptospirosis Vaccine Candidates Using Reverse and Structural Vaccinology. Front Immunol 2017; 8:463. [PMID: 28496441 PMCID: PMC5406399 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospira spp. are diderm (two membranes) bacteria that infect mammals causing leptospirosis, a public health problem with global implications. Thousands of people die every year due to leptospirosis, especially in developing countries with tropical climates. Prophylaxis is difficult due to multiple factors, including the large number of asymptomatic hosts that transmit the bacteria, poor sanitation, increasing numbers of slum dwellers, and the lack of an effective vaccine. Several leptospiral recombinant antigens were evaluated as a replacement for the inactivated (bacterin) vaccine; however, success has been limited. A prospective vaccine candidate is likely to be a surface-related protein that can stimulate the host immune response to clear leptospires from blood and organs. In this study, a comprehensive bioinformatics approach based on reverse and structural vaccinology was applied toward the discovery of novel leptospiral vaccine candidates. The Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain L1-130 genome was mined in silico for the enhanced identification of conserved β-barrel (βb) transmembrane proteins and outer membrane (OM) lipoproteins. Orthologs of the prospective vaccine candidates were screened in the genomes of 20 additional Leptospira spp. Three-dimensional structural models, with a high degree of confidence, were created for each of the surface-exposed proteins. Major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) epitopes were identified, and their locations were mapped on the structural models. A total of 18 βb transmembrane proteins and 8 OM lipoproteins were identified. These proteins were conserved among the pathogenic Leptospira spp. and were predicted to have epitopes for several variants of MHC-II receptors. A structural and functional analysis of the sequence of these surface proteins demonstrated that most βb transmembrane proteins seem to be TonB-dependent receptors associated with transportation. Other proteins identified included, e.g., TolC efflux pump proteins, a BamA-like OM component of the βb transmembrane protein assembly machinery, and the LptD-like LPS assembly protein. The structural mapping of the immunodominant epitopes identified the location of conserved, surface-exposed, immunogenic regions for each vaccine candidate. The proteins identified in this study are currently being evaluated for experimental evidence for their involvement in virulence, disease pathogenesis, and physiology, in addition to vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Alex Grassmann
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Frederico Schmitt Kremer
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Júlia Cougo Dos Santos
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Dias Souza
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luciano da Silva Pinto
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Alan John Alexander McBride
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fernandes LG, Teixeira AF, Filho AF, Souza GO, Vasconcellos SA, Heinemann MB, Romero EC, Nascimento AL. Immune response and protective profile elicited by a multi-epitope chimeric protein derived from Leptospira interrogans. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 57:61-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
|
38
|
Control of bovine leptospirosis: Aspects for consideration in a tropical environment. Res Vet Sci 2017; 112:156-160. [PMID: 28391058 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Due to the complex and dynamic epidemiology of leptospirosis on livestock, control is still controversial and frustrating. In this context, this paper discusses the main challenges and perspectives for the control of bovine leptospirosis, particularly under tropical conditions. In order to reduce the effects of the disease in cattle, it has been proposed that the control should integrate the trinomial antibiotic therapy (mainly streptomycin); vaccination (whole-cell bacterins); and environmental management. This last element should be carefully considered in tropics. Despite the enormous economic impact of the disease, mainly on its chronic and silent reproductive presentation, research on control programs is not proportional. Conversely, the number of studies regarding the new vaccine strategies, such as recombinant antigens has been increasing and should be encouraged.
Collapse
|
39
|
LigB subunit vaccine confers sterile immunity against challenge in the hamster model of leptospirosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005441. [PMID: 28301479 PMCID: PMC5370146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases, including zoonoses such as leptospirosis, have a major impact on rural and poor urban communities, particularly in developing countries. This has led to major investment in antipoverty vaccines that focus on diseases that influence public health and thereby productivity. While the true, global, impact of leptospirosis is unknown due to the lack of adequate laboratory diagnosis, the WHO estimates that incidence has doubled over the last 15 years to over 1 million cases that require hospitalization every year. Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. and is spread through direct contact with infected animals, their urine or contaminated water and soil. Inactivated leptospirosis vaccines, or bacterins, are approved in only a handful of countries due to the lack of heterologous protection (there are > 250 pathogenic Leptospira serovars) and the serious side-effects associated with vaccination. Currently, research has focused on recombinant vaccines, a possible solution to these problems. However, due to a lack of standardised animal models, rigorous statistical analysis and poor reproducibility, this approach has met with limited success. We evaluated a subunit vaccine preparation, based on a conserved region of the leptospiral immunoglobulin-like B protein (LigB(131–645)) and aluminium hydroxide (AH), in the hamster model of leptospirosis. The vaccine conferred significant protection (80.0–100%, P < 0.05) against mortality in vaccinated animals in seven independent experiments. The efficacy of the LigB(131–645)/AH vaccine ranged from 87.5–100% and we observed sterile immunity (87.5–100%) among the vaccinated survivors. Significant levels of IgM and IgG were induced among vaccinated animals, although they did not correlate with immunity. A mixed IgG1/IgG2 subclass profile was associated with the subunit vaccine, compared to the predominant IgG2 profile seen in bacterin vaccinated hamsters. These findings suggest that LigB(131–645) is a vaccine candidate against leptospirosis with potential ramifications to public and veterinary health. Leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease, is spread by contact with infected animals or with water and soil containing pathogenic spirochaetes belonging to the Leptospira genus. Leptospirosis is a serious public health problem that can cause kidney failure, pulmonary complications and can be fatal. Due to its similarity to other tropical fevers, leptospirosis is difficult to diagnose. It occurs mainly in developing countries with tropical climates and the WHO considers it one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world. Existing vaccines, known as bacterins, are not recommended for general use and cause serious side-effects. Advances in the field of leptospirosis research have identified leptospiral proteins for use in a recombinant vaccine. However, evaluations using animal models reported mixed success and this has raised doubts as to their usefulness. The current study reports, for the first time, the evaluation of a subunit vaccine that reproducibly protected hamsters against leptospirosis and that induced sterile immunity among survivors. Significant antibody levels were induced in vaccinated animals and the antibody profile was characterised and found to be different to that induced by a bacterin vaccine. These observations suggest that we have identified a potential vaccine candidate for human an animal leptospirosis.
Collapse
|
40
|
Grassmann AA, Souza JD, McBride AJA. A Universal Vaccine against Leptospirosis: Are We Going in the Right Direction? Front Immunol 2017; 8:256. [PMID: 28337203 PMCID: PMC5343615 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in the world and a neglected tropical disease estimated to cause severe infection in more than one million people worldwide every year that can be combated by effective immunization. However, no significant progress has been made on the leptospirosis vaccine since the advent of bacterins over 100 years. Although protective against lethal infection, particularly in animals, bacterin-induced immunity is considered short term, serovar restricted, and the vaccine can cause serious side effects. The urgent need for a new vaccine has motivated several research groups to evaluate the protective immune response induced by recombinant vaccines. Significant protection has been reported with several promising outer membrane proteins, including LipL32 and the leptospiral immunoglobulin-like proteins. However, efficacy was variable and failed to induce a cross-protective response or sterile immunity among vaccinated animals. As hundreds of draft genomes of all known Leptospira species are now available, this should aid novel target discovery through reverse vaccinology (RV) and pangenomic studies. The identification of surface-exposed vaccine candidates that are highly conserved among infectious Leptospira spp. is a requirement for the development of a cross-protective universal vaccine. However, the lack of immune correlates is a major drawback to the application of RV to Leptospira genomes. In addition, as the protective immune response against leptospirosis is not fully understood, the rational use of adjuvants tends to be a process of trial and error. In this perspective, we discuss current advances, the pitfalls, and possible solutions for the development of a universal leptospirosis vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Alex Grassmann
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Jéssica Dias Souza
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Alan John Alexander McBride
- Biotechnology Unit, Technological Development Centre, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Ministry of Health, Salvador, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Silveira MM, Conceição FR, Mendonça M, Moreira GMSG, Da Cunha CEP, Conrad NL, Oliveira PDD, Hartwig DD, De Leon PMM, Moreira ÂN. Saccharomyces boulardii improves humoral immune response to DNA vaccines against leptospirosis. J Med Microbiol 2017; 66:184-190. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelle Moura Silveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Rochedo Conceição
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Mendonça
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Unidade Acadêmica de Garanhuns, Avenida Bom Pastor, S/N, Boa Vista, 55292-270 Garanhuns, PE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Marçal Schmidt Garcia Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Pouey Da Cunha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Neida Lucia Conrad
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Diaz de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Daiane Drawanz Hartwig
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Priscila Marques Moura De Leon
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ângela Nunes Moreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário S/N, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-900 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
- Departamento de Nutrição, Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Porto/Anglo, Rua Gomes Carneiro, 01 – Centro, Caixa Postal 354, 96010-610 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Dellagostin OA, Grassmann AA, Rizzi C, Schuch RA, Jorge S, Oliveira TL, McBride AJA, Hartwig DD. Reverse Vaccinology: An Approach for Identifying Leptospiral Vaccine Candidates. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010158. [PMID: 28098813 PMCID: PMC5297791 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a major public health problem with an incidence of over one million human cases each year. It is a globally distributed, zoonotic disease and is associated with significant economic losses in farm animals. Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. that can infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals. Given the inability to control the cycle of transmission among animals and humans, there is an urgent demand for a new vaccine. Inactivated whole-cell vaccines (bacterins) are routinely used in livestock and domestic animals, however, protection is serovar-restricted and short-term only. To overcome these limitations, efforts have focused on the development of recombinant vaccines, with partial success. Reverse vaccinology (RV) has been successfully applied to many infectious diseases. A growing number of leptospiral genome sequences are now available in public databases, providing an opportunity to search for prospective vaccine antigens using RV. Several promising leptospiral antigens were identified using this approach, although only a few have been characterized and evaluated in animal models. In this review, we summarize the use of RV for leptospirosis and discuss the need for potential improvements for the successful development of a new vaccine towards reducing the burden of human and animal leptospirosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Odir A Dellagostin
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| | - André A Grassmann
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| | - Caroline Rizzi
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo A Schuch
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio Jorge
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| | - Thais L Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| | - Alan J A McBride
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| | - Daiane D Hartwig
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas RS 96100-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Lipoproteins are lipid-modified proteins that dominate the spirochetal proteome. While found in all bacteria, spirochetal lipoproteins have unique features and play critical roles in spirochete biology. For this reason, considerable effort has been devoted to determining how the lipoproteome is generated. Essential features of the structural elements of lipoproteins are now understood with greater clarity, enabling greater confidence in identification of lipoproteins from genomic sequences. The journey from the ribosome to the outer membrane, and in some cases, to the cellular surface has been defined, including secretion, lipidation, sorting, and export across the outer membrane. Given their abundance and importance, it is not surprising that spirochetes have developed a number of strategies for regulating the spatiotemporal expression of lipoproteins. In some cases, lipoprotein expression is tied to various environmental cues, while in other cases, it is linked to growth rate. This regulation enables spirochetes to express certain lipoproteins at high levels in one phase of the spirochete lifecycle, while dramatically downregulating the same lipoproteins in other phases. The mammalian host has developed specialized mechanisms for recognizing lipoproteins and triggering an immune response. Evasion of that immune response is essential for spirochete persistence. For this reason, spirochetes have developed mechanisms for altering lipoproteins. Lipoproteins recognized by antibodies formed during infection are key serodiagnostic antigens. In addition, lipoprotein vaccines have been developed for generating an immune response to control or prevent a spirochete infection. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of lipoproteins in interactions of spirochetes with their hosts.
Collapse
|
44
|
Oliveira TL, Bacelo KL, Schuch RA, Seixas FK, Collares T, Rodrigues OE, Vargas J, Nascimento ROD, Dellagostin OA, Hartwig DD. Immune response in hamsters immunised with a recombinant fragment of LigA from Leptospira interrogans, associated with carrier molecules. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 111:712-716. [PMID: 27759768 PMCID: PMC5125051 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunisation with the C-terminal region of leptospiral immunoglobulin-like A protein
(LigANI) has shown promising results against leptospirosis. We evaluated the humoral
immune response and protection induced by LigANI associated with carboxyl
multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs), CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs), or
Alhydrogel. Animals immunised with CpG ODNs were unable to develop a humoral immune
response, whereas immunisation with LigANI and COOH-MWCNTs produced a high level of
IgG antibodies, similar to that with LigANI and Alhydrogel, but it was not
protective. The use of carbon nanotubes as an adjuvant in subunit vaccines against
leptospirosis is a novel approach for improving specific IgG production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís L Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Kátia L Bacelo
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo A Schuch
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Fabiana K Seixas
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Tiago Collares
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Oscar Ed Rodrigues
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Departamento de Química, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - Josimar Vargas
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Departamento de Química, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Odir A Dellagostin
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Daiane D Hartwig
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.,Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Castiblanco-Valencia MM, Fraga TR, Pagotto AH, Serrano SMDT, Abreu PAE, Barbosa AS, Isaac L. Plasmin cleaves fibrinogen and the human complement proteins C3b and C5 in the presence of Leptospira interrogans proteins: A new role of LigA and LigB in invasion and complement immune evasion. Immunobiology 2016; 221:679-89. [PMID: 26822552 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Plasminogen is a single-chain glycoprotein found in human plasma as the inactive precursor of plasmin. When converted to proteolytically active plasmin, plasmin(ogen) regulates both complement and coagulation cascades, thus representing an important target for pathogenic microorganisms. Leptospira interrogans binds plasminogen, which is converted to active plasmin. Leptospiral immunoglobulin-like (Lig) proteins are surface exposed molecules that interact with extracellular matrix components and complement regulators, including proteins of the FH family and C4BP. In this work, we demonstrate that these multifunctional molecules also bind plasminogen through both N- and C-terminal domains. These interactions are dependent on lysine residues and are affected by ionic strength. Competition assays suggest that plasminogen does not share binding sites with C4BP or FH on Lig proteins at physiological molar ratios. Plasminogen bound to Lig proteins is converted to proteolytic active plasmin in the presence of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Lig-bound plasmin is able to cleave the physiological substrates fibrinogen and the complement proteins C3b and C5. Taken together, our data point to a new role of LigA and LigB in leptospiral invasion and complement immune evasion. Plasmin(ogen) acquisition by these versatile proteins may contribute to Leptospira infection, favoring bacterial survival and dissemination inside the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatiana Rodrigues Fraga
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Helena Pagotto
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Solange Maria de Toledo Serrano
- Special Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lourdes Isaac
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Haake DA. The Miller Hypothesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 7:167-174. [PMID: 30701122 DOI: 10.1615/forumimmundisther.2017020293] [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: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The immune response is a cornerstone in the body's struggle against microbial pathogens. In ways that we do not yet completely understand, the mammalian immune response has evolved to identify proteins of pathogens that are either important virulence factors or key immunoprotective targets. Professor James N. Miller suggested that one way to discover such proteins is to harness the power of the immune system in the laboratory.This general concept, referred to here as the Miller Hypothesis, took several different manifestations in the discovery of some of the best known and widely studied leptospiral proteins: The porin OmpL1 was identified by surface immunoprecipitation, leptospiral immunoglobulin-like proteins were uncovered by screening a genomic library with sera from leptospirosis patients, and the major outer-membrane lipoprotein LipL32 was recognized through immunoblot studies. Such approaches will continue to bear fruit for both the leptospiral research field and research on other invasive pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Haake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 111F, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073; and Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095; Tel.: 310-268-3814; ,
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Forster KM, Hartwig DD, Oliveira TL, Bacelo KL, Schuch R, Amaral MG, Dellagostin OA. DNA prime-protein boost based vaccination with a conserved region of leptospiral immunoglobulin-like A and B proteins enhances protection against leptospirosis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:989-95. [PMID: 26676320 PMCID: PMC4708018 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of
theLeptospira genus. Vaccination with bacterins has severe
limitations. Here, we evaluated the N-terminal region of the leptospiral
immunoglobulin-like B protein (LigBrep) as a vaccine candidate against leptospirosis
using immunisation strategies based on DNA prime-protein boost, DNA vaccine, and
subunit vaccine. Upon challenge with a virulent strain ofLeptospira
interrogans, the prime-boost and DNA vaccine approaches induced
significant protection in hamsters, as well as a specific IgG antibody response and
sterilising immunity. Although vaccination with recombinant fragment of LigBrep also
produced a strong antibody response, it was not immunoprotective. These results
highlight the potential of LigBrep as a candidate antigen for an effective vaccine
against leptospirosis and emphasise the use of the DNA prime-protein boost as an
important strategy for vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karine M Forster
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Daiane D Hartwig
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Thaís L Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Kátia L Bacelo
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Schuch
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Marta G Amaral
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| | - Odir A Dellagostin
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Protective Immunity and Reduced Renal Colonization Induced by Vaccines Containing Recombinant Leptospira interrogans Outer Membrane Proteins and Flagellin Adjuvant. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2015; 22:965-73. [PMID: 26108285 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00285-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by different Leptospira species, such as Leptospira interrogans, that colonize the renal tubules of wild and domestic animals. Thus far, attempts to develop effective leptospirosis vaccines, both for humans and animals, have failed to induce immune responses capable of conferring protection and simultaneously preventing renal colonization. In this study, we evaluated the protective immunity induced by subunit vaccines containing seven different recombinant Leptospira interrogans outer membrane proteins, including the carboxy-terminal portion of the immunoglobulinlike protein A (LigA(C)) and six novel antigens, combined with aluminum hydroxide (alum) or Salmonella flagellin (FliC) as adjuvants. Hamsters vaccinated with the different formulations elicited high antigen-specific antibody titers. Immunization with LigA(C), either with alum or flagellin, conferred protective immunity but did not prevent renal colonization. Similarly, animals immunized with LigA(C) or LigA(C) coadministered with six leptospiral proteins with alum adjuvant conferred protection but did not reduce renal colonization. In contrast, immunizing animals with the pool of seven antigens in combination with flagellin conferred protection and significantly reduced renal colonization by the pathogen. The present study emphasizes the relevance of antigen composition and added adjuvant in the efficacy of antileptospirosis subunit vaccines and shows the complex relationship between immune responses and renal colonization by the pathogen.
Collapse
|
49
|
Buaklin A, Palaga T, Hannaman D, Kerdkaew R, Patarakul K, Jacquet A. Optimization of the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding a bacterial outer membrane lipoprotein. Mol Biotechnol 2015; 56:903-10. [PMID: 24870617 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-014-9769-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial outer membrane lipoproteins represent potent immunogens for the design of recombinant subunit vaccines. However, recombinant lipoprotein production and purification could be a challenge notably in terms of expression yield, protein solubility, and post-translational acylation. Together with the cost effectiveness, facilitated production, and purification as well as good stability, DNA-based vaccines encoding lipoproteins could become an alternative strategy for antibacterial vaccinations. Although the immunogenicity and the efficacy of DNA-based vaccines can be demonstrated in small rodents, such vaccine candidates could request concrete optimization as they are weak immunogens in primates and humans and particularly when administered by conventional injection. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to optimize the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding an outer membrane lipoprotein. LipL32, the major outer membrane protein from pathogenic Leptospira, was selected as a model antigen. We evaluated the influence of antigen secretion, the in vivo DNA delivery by electroporation, the adjuvant co-administration, as well as the heterologous prime-boost regimen on the induction of anti-LipL32 specific immune responses. Our results clearly showed that, following transfections, a DNA construct based on the authentic full-length LipL32 gene (containing leader sequence and the N-terminus cysteine residue involved in the protein anchoring) drives antigen secretion with the same efficiency as a plasmid-encoding anchor-less LipL32 and for which the bacterial leader sequence was replaced with a viral signal peptide. The in vivo DNA delivery by electroporation drastically enhanced the production of strong Th1 responses characterized by specific IgG2a antibodies and the IFNγ secretion in a restimulation assay, regardless of the DNA constructs used. In comparison with the heterologous prime-boost regimen, the homologous prime-boost vaccinations with DNA co-administrated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) generated the highest specific IgG and IgG2a titers as well as the greatest IFNγ production. Taken together, these data suggest that optimization of outer membrane lipoprotein secretion is not critical for the induction of antigen-specific responses through DNA vaccination. Moreover, the potent antibody response induced by DNA plasmid encoding lipoprotein formulated with poly I:C and delivered through electroporation provides the rationale for the design of new prophylactic vaccines against pathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arun Buaklin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Oor-Por-Ror Building, 15th floor, Room # 1510B2 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Evaluation of cell binding activities of Leptospira ECM adhesins. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003712. [PMID: 25875373 PMCID: PMC4397020 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira are the causative agents of leptospirosis, a zoonotic infection that occurs globally. The bacteria colonize the renal proximal tubules of many animals and are shed in the urine. Contact with the urine, or with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals can cause infection of new host animals, including humans. Mechanisms of colonization of the proximal tubule and other tissues are not known, but specific interactions between bacterial adhesins and host substrates are likely to be critical in this process. Several extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesins have been previously identified, but more recently, it has been shown that Leptospira bind more efficiently to cells than ECM. In this work, recombinant forms of five putative Leptospira ECM adhesins, namely LipL32, Loa22, OmpL1, p31/LipL45, and LenA were evaluated for binding to cells as well as an expanded variety of ECM components. Reproducible and significant adhesin activity was demonstrated only for OmpL1, which bound to both mammalian cell lines tested and to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). While determination of biologically significant bacterial adhesion activity will require generation of site-directed mutant strains, our results suggest that OmpL1 is a strong candidate for future evaluation regarding the roles of the adhesin activity of the protein during L. interrogans infection. Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonotic infection in the world and represents a major public health problem, especially in tropical climates. The processes by which some Leptospira species cause infection, disease, and colonization of carrier animals remains poorly understood. Specific binding of Leptospira molecules and host molecules are likely important for infection and colonization. To identify Leptospira molecules that mediate attachment to host substrates, prior studies have evaluated Leptospira membrane proteins for binding to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. More recent data, however, show that Leptospira bind more efficiently to cells than to ECM. In search of adhesins mediating the latter activity, our study evaluated the direct cell binding activity of recombinant forms of a group of previously reported Leptospira ECM adhesins. Only one of these proteins, OmpL1, demonstrated reproducible direct cell binding activity. Further work will focus on identification of the mammalian receptor for OmpL1 and determining the biological significance of this activity during infection.
Collapse
|