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Tambe S, Nag S, Pandya SR, Kumar R, Balakrishnan K, Kumar R, Kumar S, Amin P, Gupta PK. Revolutionizing Leishmaniasis Treatment with Cutting Edge Drug Delivery Systems and Nanovaccines: An Updated Review. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1871-1889. [PMID: 38829047 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00010] [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: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, one of the most overlooked tropical diseases, is a life-threatening illness caused by the parasite Leishmania donovani that is prevalent in underdeveloped nations. Over 350 million individuals in more than 90 different nations worldwide are at risk of contracting the disease, which has a current fatality rate of 50 000 mortalities each year. The administration of liposomal Amp B, pentavalent antimonials, and miltefosine are still considered integral components of the chemotherapy regimen. Antileishmanial medications fail to treat leishmaniasis because of their numerous drawbacks. These include inadequate effectiveness, toxicity, undesired side effects, drug resistance, treatment duration, and cost. Consequently, there is a need to overcome the limitations of conventional therapeutics. Nanotechnology has demonstrated promising outcomes in addressing these issues because of its small size and distinctive characteristics, such as enhanced bioavailability, lower toxicity, biodegradability, and targeted drug delivery. This review is an effort to highlight the recent progress in various nanodrug delivery systems (nDDSs) over the past five years for treating leishmaniasis. Although the preclinical outcomes of nDDSs have shown promising treatment for leishmaniasis, further research is needed for their clinical translation. Advancement in three primary priority domains─molecular diagnostics, clinical investigation, and knowledge dissemination and standardization─is imperative to propel the leishmaniasis field toward translational outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srushti Tambe
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India
| | - Sagnik Nag
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Shivani R Pandya
- Research and Development Cell & Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Rohit Kumar
- Centre for Development of Biomaterials and Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
| | - Kalpana Balakrishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Tiruchengode, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu 637215, India
| | - Ranvijay Kumar
- University Centre for Research and Development and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab 140413, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Purnima Amin
- Institute of Chemical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019, India
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Centre for Development of Biomaterials and Department of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to Be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248002, India
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Berhe H, Kumar Cinthakunta Sridhar M, Zerihun M, Qvit N. The Potential Use of Peptides in the Fight against Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:227. [PMID: 38399281 PMCID: PMC10892537 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease and leishmaniasis are both neglected tropical diseases that affect millions of people around the world. Leishmaniasis is currently the second most widespread vector-borne parasitic disease after malaria. The World Health Organization records approximately 0.7-1 million newly diagnosed leishmaniasis cases each year, resulting in approximately 20,000-30,000 deaths. Also, 25 million people worldwide are at risk of Chagas disease and an estimated 6 million people are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. Pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, miltefosine, paromomycin, and pentamidine are currently used to treat leishmaniasis. Also, nifurtimox and benznidazole are two drugs currently used to treat Chagas disease. These drugs are associated with toxicity problems such as nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity, in addition to resistance problems. As a result, the discovery of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a top priority and a promising alternative. Overall, there is a need for new and effective treatments for Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, as the current drugs have significant limitations. Peptide-based drugs are attractive due to their high selectiveness, effectiveness, low toxicity, and ease of production. This paper reviews the potential use of peptides in the treatment of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Several studies have demonstrated that peptides are effective against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, suggesting their use in drug therapy for these diseases. Overall, peptides have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents against Chagas disease and leishmaniasis, but more research is needed to fully investigate their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nir Qvit
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (H.B.); (M.K.C.S.); (M.Z.)
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Tiwari R, Gupta RP, Singh VK, Kumar A, Rajneesh, Madhukar P, Sundar S, Gautam V, Kumar R. Nanotechnology-Based Strategies in Parasitic Disease Management: From Prevention to Diagnosis and Treatment. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:42014-42027. [PMID: 38024747 PMCID: PMC10655914 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic infections are a major global health issue causing significant mortality and morbidity. Despite substantial advances in the diagnostics and treatment of these diseases, the currently available options fall far short of expectations. From diagnosis and treatment to prevention and control, nanotechnology-based techniques show promise as an alternative approach. Nanoparticles can be designed with specific properties to target parasites and deliver antiparasitic medications and vaccines. Nanoparticles such as liposomes, nanosuspensions, polymer-based nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles have been shown to overcome limitations such as limited bioavailability, poor cellular permeability, nonspecific distribution, and rapid drug elimination from the body. These nanoparticles also serve as nanobiosensors for the early detection and treatment of these diseases. This review aims to summarize the potential applications of nanoparticles in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis, malaria, and trypanosomiasis. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these applications and their market values and highlights the need for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Tiwari
- Centre
of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Rohit P. Gupta
- Centre
of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
- Applied
Microbiology, Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Vishal K. Singh
- Centre
of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Awnish Kumar
- Centre
of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Rajneesh
- Centre
of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Prasoon Madhukar
- Department
of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Shyam Sundar
- Department
of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Vibhav Gautam
- Centre
of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre
of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
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4
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Clímaco MDC, de Figueiredo LA, Lucas RC, Pinheiro GRG, Dias Magalhães LM, Oliveira ALGD, Almeida RM, Barbosa FS, Castanheira Bartholomeu D, Bueno LL, Mendes TA, Zhan B, Jones KM, Hotez P, Bottazzi ME, Oliveira FMS, Fujiwara RT. Development of chimeric protein as a multivalent vaccine for human Kinetoplastid infections: Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. Vaccine 2023; 41:5400-5411. [PMID: 37479612 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma cruzi are parasitic kinetoplastids of great medical and epidemiological importance since they are responsible for thousands of deaths and disability-adjusted life-years annually, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Despite efforts to minimize their impact, current prevention measures have failed to fully control their spread. There are still no vaccines available. Taking into account the genetic similarity within the Class Kinetoplastida, we selected CD8+ T cell epitopes preserved among Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi to construct a multivalent and broad-spectrum chimeric polyprotein vaccine. In addition to inducing specific IgG production, immunization with the vaccine was able to significantly reduce parasite burden in the colon, liver and skin lesions from T. cruzi, L. infantum and L. mexicana challenged mice, respectively. These findings were supported by histopathological analysis, which revealed decreased inflammation in the colon, a reduced number of degenerated hepatocytes and an increased proliferation of connective tissue in the skin lesions of the corresponding T. cruzi, L. infantum and L. mexicana vaccinated and challenged mice. Collectively, our results support the protective effect of a polyprotein vaccine approach and further studies will elucidate the immune profile associated with this protection. Noteworthy, our results act as conceptual proof that a single multi-kinetoplastida vaccine can be used effectively to control different infectious etiologies, which in turn can have a profound impact on the development of a new generation of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna de Carvalho Clímaco
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luiza Almeida de Figueiredo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rayane Cristina Lucas
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Luísa Mourão Dias Magalhães
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Laura Grossi de Oliveira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Raquel Martins Almeida
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Tiago Antonio Mendes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biotechnology Applied to Agropecuaria, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bin Zhan
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kathryn Marie Jones
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter Hotez
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fabrício Marcus Silva Oliveira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Agallou M, Margaroni M, Karagouni E. Intramuscular Immunization with a Liposomal Multi-Epitope Chimeric Protein Induces Strong Cellular Immune Responses against Visceral Leishmaniasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1384. [PMID: 37631952 PMCID: PMC10459177 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Control of the intracellular parasite Leishmania (L.) requires the activation of strong type 1 cellular immune responses. Towards this goal, in the present study, a multiepitope chimeric protein named LiChimera was encapsulated into cationic liposomes and its protective efficacy against experimental visceral leishmaniasis was investigated. Liposomal LiChimera conferred significant protection against L. infantum as evidenced by the significantly reduced parasite loads in the spleen and liver. Protection detected in Lipo:LiChimera-immunized mice was dependent on the differentiation of long-lasting cellular immune responses and particularly the induction of antigen-specific multifunctional memory CD4+ TH1 and CD8+ T cells that persisted during infection, as evidenced by the persistent high production of IFN-γ and IL-2 and proliferation activity. Notably, protected mice were also characterized by significantly low numbers of non-regulatory CD4+ T cells able to co-produce IFN-γ and IL-10, an important population for disease establishment, as compared to non-immunized control group. Collectively, these results demonstrate that cationic liposomes containing LiChimera can be considered an effective candidate vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Evdokia Karagouni
- Immunology of Infection Group, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 115 21 Athens, Greece; (M.A.); (M.M.)
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Jesus-Oliveira P, Silva-Couto L, Pinho N, Da Silva-Ferreira AT, Saboia-Vahia L, Cuervo P, Da-Cruz AM, Gomes-Silva A, Pinto EF. Identification of Immunodominant Proteins of the Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi SubProteome as Pan-Specific Vaccine Targets against Leishmaniasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1129. [PMID: 37514945 PMCID: PMC10386316 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a wide-spectrum disease caused by parasites from Leishmania genus. A well-modulated immune response that is established after the long-lasting clinical cure of leishmaniasis can represent a standard requirement for a vaccine. Previous studies demonstrated that Leishmania (Viannia) naiffi causes benign disease and its antigens induce well-modulated immune responses in vitro. In this work we aimed to identify the immunodominant proteins present in the soluble extract of L. naiffi (sLnAg) as candidates for composing a pan-specific anti-leishmaniasis vaccine. After immunoblotting using cured patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis sera and proteomics approaches, we identified a group of antigenic proteins from the sLnAg. In silico analyses allowed us to select mildly similar proteins to the host; in addition, we evaluated the binding potential and degree of promiscuity of the protein epitopes to HLA molecules and to B-cell receptors. We selected 24 immunodominant proteins from a sub-proteome with 328 proteins. Homology analysis allowed the identification of 13 proteins with the most orthologues among seven Leishmania species. This work demonstrated the potential of these proteins as promising vaccine targets capable of inducing humoral and cellular pan-specific immune responses in humans, which may in the future contribute to the control of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prisciliana Jesus-Oliveira
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Luzinei Silva-Couto
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Pinho
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Rede de Pesquisas de Neuroinflamação do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Saboia-Vahia
- Laboratório de Vírus Respiratórios e Sarampo, Laboratório de Referência para COVID-19 (World Health Organization), Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Patricia Cuervo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmanioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Rede de Pesquisas de Neuroinflamação do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Alda Maria Da-Cruz
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Rede de Pesquisas em Saúde, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20020-000, Brazil
- Disciplina de Parasitologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20550-170, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Neuroimunomodulação (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Adriano Gomes-Silva
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Laboratório de Pesquisa Clínica em Micobacterioses, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Fonseca Pinto
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Pesquisas Médicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Rede de Pesquisas em Saúde, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 20020-000, Brazil
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Immunoinformatics Approach to Design a Multi-Epitope Nanovaccine against Leishmania Parasite: Elicitation of Cellular Immune Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020304. [PMID: 36851182 PMCID: PMC9960668 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by an intracellular parasite of the genus Leishmania with different clinical manifestations that affect millions of people worldwide, while the visceral form may be fatal if left untreated. Since the available chemotherapeutic agents are not satisfactory, vaccination emerges as the most promising strategy for confronting leishmaniasis. In the present study, a reverse vaccinology approach was adopted to design a pipeline starting from proteome analysis of three different Leishmania species and ending with the selection of a pool of MHCI- and MHCII-binding epitopes. Epitopes from five parasite proteins were retrieved and fused to construct a multi-epitope chimeric protein, named LeishChim. Immunoinformatics analyses indicated that LeishChim was a stable, non-allergenic and immunogenic protein that could bind strongly onto MHCI and MHCII molecules, suggesting it as a potentially safe and effective vaccine candidate. Preclinical evaluation validated the in silico prediction, since the LeishChim protein, encapsulated simultaneously with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) into poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles, elicited specific cellular immune responses when administered to BALB/c mice. These were characterized by the development of memory CD4+ T cells, as well as IFNγ- and TNFα-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, supporting the potential of LeishChim as a vaccine candidate.
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Lopes Valentim Di Paschoale Ostolin T, Rodrigues Gusmão M, Augusto Siqueira Mathias F, Mirelle de Oliveira Cardoso J, Mendes Roatt B, Dian de Oliveira Aguiar-Soares R, Conceição Ruiz J, de Melo Resende D, Cristiane Fortes de Brito R, Barbosa Reis A. A specific Leishmania infantum polyepitope vaccine triggers Th1-type immune response and protects against experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Cell Immunol 2022; 380:104592. [PMID: 36084402 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104592] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The development of an immunogenic, effective, and safe vaccine is essential as an alternative for disease control. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy potential of a polyepitope T-cell antigen candidate against visceral leishmaniasis in a murine model. BALB/c mice were immunized with three doses subcutaneously with Poly-T Leish alone or adjuvanted with Saponin plus Monophosphoryl lipid A, with 15-day intervals between doses, and challenged with 107 stationary-phase Leishmania infantum promastigotes via tail vein. Immunogenicity and parasitism in spleen and liver of immunized mice were evaluated 45 days post-challenge. Our results revealed that the immunization with Poly-T Leish and Poly-T Leish/SM increases the percentage of specific T (CD4+ and CD8+) lymphocytes proliferation in vitro after antigen-specific stimulation. Also, Poly-T Leish and Poly-T Leish/SM groups showed a high percentage of IFN-γ and TNF-α-producing T cells, meanwhile, the Poly-T Leish/SM group also showed an increased percentage of multifunctional T cells producing double and triple-positive (IFN-γ+TNF-α+IL-2+) cytokines. The immunization with Poly-T Leish or Poly-T Leish/SM stimulated a decreased IL-4 and IL-10 compared to the Saline and adjuvant group. Poly-T Leish/SM immunized mice exhibit a noteworthy reduction in the parasite burden (spleen and liver) through real-time PCR (96%). Moreover, we observed higher nitrite secretion in 120-hour stimulated-culture supernatant using Griess method. We demonstrated that the Poly-T Leish/SM candidate was potentially immunogenic, providing enhancement of protective immune mechanisms, and conferred protection reducing parasitism. Our candidate was considered potential against visceral leishmaniasis, and eventually, could be tested in phase I and II clinical trials in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriã Rodrigues Gusmão
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando Augusto Siqueira Mathias
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jamille Mirelle de Oliveira Cardoso
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Centro Universitário Presidente Tancredo de Almeida Neves (UNIPTAN), São João del Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira Aguiar-Soares
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jeronimo Conceição Ruiz
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rory Cristiane Fortes de Brito
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Barbosa Reis
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Machado AS, Lage DP, Vale DL, Freitas CS, Linhares FP, Cardoso JM, Pereira IA, Ramos FF, Tavares GS, Ludolf F, Oliveira-da-Silva JA, Bandeira RS, Simões AC, Duarte MC, Oliveira JS, Christodoulides M, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Roatt BM, Martins VT, Coelho EA. A recombinant Leishmania amastigote-specific protein, rLiHyG, with adjuvants, protects against infection with Leishmania infantum. Acta Trop 2022; 230:106412. [PMID: 35305943 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) should be considered as a control measure to protect against disease, and amastigote-specific proteins could help to develop such vaccines, since this parasite form is in contact with the host immune system during the active disease. In this study, a Leishmania amastigote-specific protein, LiHyG, was evaluated as recombinant protein (rLiHyG) as vaccine candidate against Leishmania infantum infection in BALB/c mice. The protein was associated with saponin (rLiHyG/Sap) or Poloxamer 407-based polymeric micelles (rLiHyG/Mic) as adjuvants, and animals receiving saline, saponin or micelle as controls. Immunological and parasitological analyses were performed before (n = 8 per group; as primary endpoint) and after (n = 8 per group; as secondary endpoint) infection. Results showed that, in both endpoints, rLiHyG/Sap and rLiHyG/Mic induced higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and GM-CSF in spleen cell cultures from vaccinated animals, besides elevated presence of IgG2a isotype antibodies. Decreased hepatotoxicity and 'positive lymphoproliferative response were also found after challenge. Such findings reflected in significantly lower levels of parasite load found in their spleens, livers, bone marrows and draining lymph nodes. In conclusion, rLiHyG associated with Th1-type adjuvant could be considered for future studies as vaccine candidate to protect against VL.
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10
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Assolini JP, Carloto ACM, Bortoleti BTDS, Gonçalves MD, Tomiotto Pellissier F, Feuser PE, Cordeiro AP, Hermes de Araújo PH, Sayer C, Miranda Sapla MM, Pavanelli WR. Nanomedicine in leishmaniasis: A promising tool for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease - An update overview. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 923:174934. [PMID: 35367420 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from visceral to cutaneous, with millions of new cases and thousands of deaths notified every year. The severity of the disease and its various clinical forms are determined by the species of the causative agent, Leishmania, as well as the host's immune response. Major challenges still exist in the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis, and there is no vaccine available to prevent this disease in humans. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool in a variety of fields. In this review, we highlight the main and most recent advances in nanomedicine to improve the diagnosis and treatment, as well as for the development of vaccines, for leishmaniasis. Nanomaterials are nanometric in size and can be produced by a variety of materials, including lipids, polymers, ceramics, and metals, with varying structures and morphologies. Nanotechnology can be used as biosensors to detect antibodies or antigens, thus improving the sensitivity and specificity of such immunological and molecular diagnostic tests. While in treatment, nanomaterials can act as drug carriers or, be used directly, to reduce any toxic effects of drug compounds to the host and to be more selective towards the parasite. Furthermore, preclinical studies show that different nanomaterials can carry different Leishmania antigens, or even act as adjuvants to improve a Th1 immune response in an attempt to produce an effective vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo Assolini
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil; Universidade Alto Vale do Rio Peixe, Caçador, SC, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Paulo Emilio Feuser
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | - Arthur Poester Cordeiro
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Claudia Sayer
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Department of Pathological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, State University of Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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11
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Kammona O, Tsanaktsidou E. Nanotechnology-aided diagnosis, treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis. Int J Pharm 2021; 605:120761. [PMID: 34081999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a prevalent parasitic infection belonging to neglected tropical diseases. It is caused by Leishmania protozoan parasites transmitted by sandflies and it is responsible for increased morbidity/mortality especially in low- and middle-income countries. The lack of cheap, portable, easy to use diagnostic tools exhibiting high efficiency and specificity impede the early diagnosis of the disease. Furthermore, the typical anti-leishmanial agents are cytotoxic, characterized by low patient compliance and require long-term regimen and usually hospitalization. In addition, due to the intracellular nature of the disease, the existing treatments exhibit low bioavailability resulting in low therapeutic efficacy. The above, combined with the common development of resistance against the anti-leishmanial agents, denote the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the lack of effective prophylactic vaccines hinders the control of the disease. The development of nanoparticle-based biosensors and nanocarrier-aided treatment and vaccination strategies could advance the diagnosis, therapy and prevention of leishmaniasis. The present review intends to highlight the various nanotechnology-based approaches pursued until now to improve the detection of Leishmania species in biological samples, decrease the side effects and increase the efficacy of anti-leishmanial drugs, and induce enhanced immune responses, specifically focusing on the outcome of their preclinical and clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kammona
- Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, P.O. Box 60361, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Evgenia Tsanaktsidou
- Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, P.O. Box 60361, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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12
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Chen Y, Wu Y, Qin L, Yu L, Luo H, Li Y, Wang K, Chen L, Zhu C, He J, Zeng Y, Huang L, You X. T-B cell epitope peptides induce protective immunity against Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory tract infection in BALB/c mice. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152077. [PMID: 33831654 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in humans. Due to its high rates of antibiotic resistance, vaccination has become the best method to control the dissemination of M. pneumoniae. The recombinant carboxyl terminus of the P1 (P1C) protein is an immunodominant antigen, but it has negative effects such as poor stability and lower purity. In the current study, T-B epitopes of the P1C protein were predicted according to bioinformatics analysis and assessed for efficacy in peptide vaccination. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously inoculated with the T-B epitope peptides four times and then infected with M. pneumoniae through the respiratory tract. The results showed that the T-B epitope peptides of the P1C protein (P1C103-117, P1C155-169, P1C224-238 and P1C244-258) induced strong antigen-specific serum antibody responses and cellular immune responses with high levels of serum IgG, IgA antibodies and Th1-biased (IFN-γ and IL-2) cytokines. Immunization with T-B epitope peptides significantly reduced the M. pneumoniae burden and the degree of inflammation in the challenged mice. Furthermore, the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in the supernatants of lung homogenates were observably reduced compared to those in the PBS group. Overall, our findings demonstrate that T-B epitopes (P1C103-117, P1C155-169, P1C224-238 and P1C244-258) play significant roles in the P1C protein and can be used to induce powerful humoral and cellular immune responses to provide significant protection against M. pneumoniae pulmonary infection, which provides new insight into the design of potential multiepitope vaccines to prevent host infection by M. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yueyue Wu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lianmei Qin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lan Yu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China; Department of Blood Transfusion, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Haodang Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Kegeng Wang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Liesong Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Cuiming Zhu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiaoxing You
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China.
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13
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T Cell Peptides Derived from Invasive Stages of Schistosoma mansoni as Potential Schistosomiasis Vaccine. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10030445. [PMID: 33498845 PMCID: PMC7865475 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects 143 million people in endemic countries. This work analyzed overexpressed sequences from the cercaria phase to the early schistosomulum phase using bioinformatics tools to predict host interaction and selected proteins for predicting T cell epitopes. The final peptides were chemically synthesized, and their toxicity was evaluated in vitro. Peptides were formulated in the Adjuvant Adaptation (ADAD) vaccination system and injected into BALB/c mice that were challenged with S. mansoni cercariae to assess protection and immunogenicity. A total of 39 highly expressed S.mansoni proteins were identified as being of potential interest. Three T cell peptides predicted to bind MHC mouse and human class II were synthesized and formulated for vaccination. SmGSP and SmIKE reduced the number of eggs trapped in the liver by more than 50% in challenged BALB/c mice. The liver of mice vaccinated with either SmGSP or SmTNP had a significantly reduced affected liver surface. Transcriptome-based T cell peptides elicit partial protection and could be candidates for a multiantigen vaccine.
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Nafari A, Cheraghipour K, Sepahvand M, Shahrokhi G, Gabal E, Mahmoudvand H. Nanoparticles: New agents toward treatment of leishmaniasis. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2020; 10:e00156. [PMID: 32566773 PMCID: PMC7298521 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2020.e00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a widespread disease that causes 20,000 to 30,000 deaths annually, making it a major health problem in endemic areas. Because of low-performance medications, drug delivery poses a great challenge for better treatment of leishmaniasis. The present study's purpose was to review the application of nanoparticles as a new method in leishmaniasis treatment. To identify all relevant literature, we searched Web of Sciences, Scopus, PubMed, NCBI, Scielo, and Google Scholar, and profiled studies published between 1986 and 2019. In the present study, we tried to identify different research efforts in different conditions that examined the influence of various nanoparticles on different forms of leishmaniasis. In this way, we could compare their results and obtain a reliable conclusion from the most recent studies on this subject. Our review's results indicate that incorporating nanoparticles with chemical drugs improves the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of drugs and reduces their costs. Finally, considering the use of nanoparticles in the destruction of parasites, their inhibitory effect (making drugs more effective and less harmful), and their utility in making effective vaccines to prevent and fight against parasites, further research on this issue is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Nafari
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Koroush Cheraghipour
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Maryam Sepahvand
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ghazal Shahrokhi
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Esraa Gabal
- Agricultural Science and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics, Bonn University, Germany
| | - Hossein Mahmoudvand
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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15
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Martínez-Rodrigo A, Mas A, Álvarez-Campos D, Orden JA, Domínguez-Bernal G, Carrión J. Epitope Selection for Fighting Visceral Leishmaniosis: Not All Peptides Function the Same Way. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E352. [PMID: 32630347 PMCID: PMC7564088 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Treatments are expensive, toxic, and ineffective. Therefore, vaccination seems to be a promising approach to control VL. Peptide-based vaccination is a useful method due to its stability, absence of local side effects, and ease of scaling up. In this context, bioinformatics seems to facilitate the use of peptides, as this analysis can predict high binding affinity epitopes to MHC class I and II molecules of different species. We have recently reported the use of HisAK70 DNA immunization in mice to induce a resistant phenotype against L. major, L. infantum, and L. amazonensis infections. In the present study, we used bioinformatics tools to select promising multiepitope peptides (HisDTC and AK) from the polyprotein encoded in the HisAK70 DNA to evaluate their immunogenicity in the murine model of VL by L. infantum. Our results revealed that both multiepitope peptides were able to induce the control of VL in mice. Furthermore, HisDTC was able to induce a better cell-mediated immune response in terms of reduced parasite burden, protective cytokine profile, leishmanicidal enzyme modulation, and specific IgG2a isotype production in immunized mice, before and after infectious challenge. Overall, this study indicates that the HisDTC chimera may be considered a satisfactory tool to control VL because it is able to activate a potent CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell protective immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gustavo Domínguez-Bernal
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-R.); (A.M.); (D.Á.-C.); (J.A.O.); (J.C.)
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16
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A Canine-Directed Chimeric Multi-Epitope Vaccine Induced Protective Immune Responses in BALB/c Mice Infected with Leishmania infantum. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030350. [PMID: 32629975 PMCID: PMC7563305 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are complex vector-borne diseases caused by intracellular parasites of the genus Leishmania. The visceral form of the disease affects both humans and canids in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean regions. One health approach has suggested that controlling zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) could have an impact on the reduction of the human incidence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Despite the fact that a preventive vaccination could help with leishmaniasis elimination, effective vaccines that are able to elicit protective immune responses are currently lacking. In the present study, we designed a chimeric multi-epitope protein composed of multiple CD8+ and CD4+ T cell epitopes which were obtained from six highly immunogenic proteins previously identified by an immunoproteomics approach, and the N-termini of the heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis served as an adjuvant. A preclinical evaluation of the candidate vaccine in BALB/c mice showed that when it was given along with the adjuvant Addavax it was able to induce strong immune responses. Cellular responses were dominated by the presence of central and effector multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T memory cells. Importantly, the vaccination reduced the parasite burden in both short-term and long-term vaccinated mice challenged with Leishmania infantum. Protection was characterized by the continuing presence of IFN-γ+TNFα+-producing CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and increased NO levels. The depletion of CD8+ T cells in short-term vaccinated mice conferred a significant loss of protection in both target organs of the parasite, indicating a significant involvement of this population in the protection against L. infantum challenge. Thus, the overall data could be considered to be a proof-of-concept that the design of efficacious T cell vaccines with the help of reverse vaccinology approaches is possible.
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Liposomal Formulation of ChimeraT, a Multiple T-Cell Epitope-Containing Recombinant Protein, Is a Candidate Vaccine for Human Visceral Leishmaniasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020289. [PMID: 32526867 PMCID: PMC7349940 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniases are neglected diseases caused by infection with Leishmania parasites and there are no human vaccines in use routinely. The purpose of this study was to examine the immunogenicity of ChimeraT, a novel synthetic recombinant vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis (VL), incorporated into a human-compatible liposome formulation. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with ChimeraT/liposome vaccine, ChimeraT/saponin adjuvant, or ChimeraT/saline and immune responses examined in vitro and in vivo. Results: Immunization with the ChimeraT/liposome formulation induced a polarized Th1-type response and significant protection against L. infantum infection. ChimeraT/liposome vaccine stimulated significantly high levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokines by both CD4 and CD8 T-cells, with correspondingly lower levels of IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines. Induced antibodies were predominantly IgG2a isotype, and homologous antigen-stimulated spleen cells produced significant nitrite as a proxy for nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, we examined a small number of treated VL patients and found higher levels of circulating anti-ChimeraT protein IgG2 antibodies, compared to IgG1 levels. Conclusions: Overall, the liposomal formulation of ChimeraT induced a protective Th1-type immune response and thus could be considered in future studies as a vaccine candidate against human VL.
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Wang C, Li Y, Wang S, Yan X, Xiao J, Chen Y, Zheng K, Tan Y, Yu J, Lu C, Wu Y. Evaluation of a tandem Chlamydia psittaci Pgp3 multiepitope peptide vaccine against a pulmonary chlamydial challenge in mice. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104256. [PMID: 32416138 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia psittaci is the pathogen of psittacosis, and it has emerged as a significant public health threat. Because most infections are easily overlooked, a vaccine is recognized as the best solution to control the spread of C. psittaci. Our previous study showed that Pgp3 protein is efficacious as a subunit vaccine while not the best candidate due to the negative effects. Thus, in this study, we tested the ability of a tandem epitope vaccine candidate designated SP based on Pgp3-dominant epitopes to induce protective immunity against pulmonary chlamydial infection. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with multiepitope peptide antigens followed by intranasal infection with C. psittaci. We found that the multiepitope peptide antigens induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses with high Th1-related (IFN-γ and IL-2) and proinflammatory (IL-6) cytokine levels. Meanwhile, the pathogen burden and inflammatory infiltration were significantly reduced in lungs of SP-immunized mice after chlamydial challenge. In addition, the IFN-γ and IL-6 secretion levels in the infected lungs were substantially reduced. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the peptide vaccine SP plays a significant role with good immunogenicity and protective efficacy against C. psittaci lung infection in BALB/c mice, providing important insights towards understanding the potential of peptide vaccines as new vaccine antigens for inducing protective immunity against chlamydial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Shuzhi Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xiaoliang Yan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Kang Zheng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yuan Tan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Experimental Zoology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Chunxue Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Yimou Wu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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19
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E Silva RDF, de Oliveira BC, da Silva AA, Brelaz de Castro MCA, Ferreira LFGR, Hernandes MZ, de Brito MEF, de-Melo-Neto OP, Rezende AM, Pereira VRA. Immunogenicity of Potential CD4 + and CD8 + T Cell Epitopes Derived From the Proteome of Leishmania braziliensis. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3145. [PMID: 32117204 PMCID: PMC7033680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A safe and effective vaccine against human leishmaniasis still requires the identification of better antigens for immunization and adequate models to evaluate the immune response. To support vaccine development, this work tested the immunogenicity of 10 different peptides derived from the proteome of Leishmania braziliensis, which were selected by their in silico affinity to MHC complexes. Research design and Methods: Comparative cell proliferation assays were performed by culturing, in the presence of each peptide, PBMC cells from subclinical subjects (SC), cutaneous leishmaniasis patients with active disease (AD), post-treatment (PT) individuals, and healthy controls. Culture supernatants were then used for Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine measurements. Cells from selected PT samples were also used to assess the expression, by T cells, of the T-bet Th1 transcription factor. Results: A robust cell proliferation was observed for the SC group, for all the tested peptides. The levels of Th1 cytokines were peptide-dependent and had substantial variations between groups, where, for instance, IFN-γ and TNF levels were some of the highest, particularly on PT cultures, when compared to IL-2. On the other hand, Th2 cytokines displayed much less variation. IL-6 was the most abundant among all the evaluated cytokines while IL-4 and IL-10 could be found at much lower concentrations. IL-17 was also detected with variations in SC and AD groups. T-bet was up-regulated in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the PT group after stimulation with all peptides. Conclusions: The peptide epitopes can differentially stimulate cells from SC, AD, and PT individuals, leading to distinct immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael de Freitas E Silva
- Department of Natural Sciences, Universidade de Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Carolina Accioly Brelaz de Castro
- Department of Immunology, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil.,Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil
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20
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Agallou M, Athanasiou E, Kammona O, Tastsoglou S, Hatzigeorgiou AG, Kiparissides C, Karagouni E. Transcriptome Analysis Identifies Immune Markers Related to Visceral Leishmaniasis Establishment in the Experimental Model of BALB/c Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2749. [PMID: 31849951 PMCID: PMC6902045 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani and L. infantum is a potentially fatal disease. To date there are no registered vaccines for disease prevention despite the fact that several vaccines are in preclinical development. Thus, new strategies are needed to improve vaccine efficacy based on a better understanding of the mechanisms mediating protective immunity and mechanisms of host immune responses subversion by immunopathogenic components of Leishmania. We found that mice vaccinated with CPA162−189-loaded p8-PLGA nanoparticles, an experimental nanovaccine, induced the differentiation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in spleen compared to control mice, characterized by increased dynamics of proliferation and high amounts of IFN-γ production after ex vivo re-stimulation with CPA162−189 antigen. Vaccination with CPA162−189-loaded p8-PLGA nanoparticles resulted in about 80% lower parasite load in spleen and liver at 4 weeks after challenge with L. infantum promastigotes as compared to control mice. However, 16 weeks after infection the parasite load in spleen was comparable in both mouse groups. Decreased protection levels in vaccinated mice were followed by up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 production although at lower levels in comparison to control mice. Microarray analysis in spleen tissue at 4 weeks post challenge revealed different immune-related profiles among the two groups. Specifically, vaccinated mice were characterized by similar profile to naïve mice. On the other hand, the transcriptome of the non-vaccinated mice was dominated by increased expression of genes related to interferon type I, granulocyte chemotaxis, and immune cells suppression. This profile was significantly enriched at 16 weeks post challenge, a time-point which is relative to disease establishment, and was common for both groups, further suggesting that type I signaling and granulocyte influx has a significant role in disease establishment, pathogenesis and eventually in decreased vaccine efficacy for stimulating long-term protection. Overall, we put a spotlight on host immune networks during active VL as potential targets to improve and design more effective vaccines against disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Agallou
- Parasite Immunology Group, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Evita Athanasiou
- Parasite Immunology Group, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Kammona
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Artemis G Hatzigeorgiou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece.,DIANA-Lab, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Costas Kiparissides
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Karagouni
- Parasite Immunology Group, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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21
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Coutinho De Oliveira B, Duthie MS, Alves Pereira VR. Vaccines for leishmaniasis and the implications of their development for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:919-930. [PMID: 31634036 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1678998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The leishmaniases are a collection of vector-borne parasitic diseases caused by a number of different Leishmania species that are distributed worldwide. Clinical and laboratory research have together revealed several important immune components that control Leishmania infection and indicate the potential of immunization to prevent leishmaniasis. In this review we introduce previous and ongoing experimental research efforts to develop vaccines against Leishmania species. First, second and third generation vaccine strategies that have been proposed to counter cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (CL and VL, respectively) are summarized. One of the major bottlenecks in development is the transition from results in animal model studies to humans, and we highlight that although American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL; New World CL) can progress to destructive and disfiguring mucosal lesions, most research has been conducted using mouse models and Old World Leishmania species. We conclude that assessment of vaccine candidates in ATL settings therefore appears merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Coutinho De Oliveira
- Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
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22
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A new multi-epitope peptide vaccine induces immune responses and protection against Leishmania infantum in BALB/c mice. Med Microbiol Immunol 2019; 209:69-79. [PMID: 31696313 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-019-00640-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a tropical and subtropical disease which is endemic in more than eighty countries around the world. Leishmania infantum is one of the main causative agents of VL disease. Currently, there is no approved-to-market vaccine for VL therapy. In this study, we evaluated cellular and humoral immune responses induced by our newly designed multi-epitope vaccine in BALB/c mice. Four antigenic proteins, including histone H1, sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT), Leishmania-specific hypothetical protein (LiHy), and Leishmania-specific antigenic protein (LSAP) were chosen for the prediction of potential immunodominant epitopes. Moreover, to enhance vaccine immunogenicity, two toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) agonists, resuscitation-promoting factors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RpfE and RpfB), were employed as the built-in adjuvants. Immunization with the designed multi-epitope vaccine elicited a robust Th1-type immune response, compared to other groups, as shown by increased levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IgG2a. Furthermore, a significant decrease was observed in Th-2-type-related cytokines such as IL-4 in immunized mice. The designed construct also induced a significant reduction in parasite load (p < 0.0001), conferring protection against L. infantum challenge. This study could be promising in gaining insight towards the potential of peptide epitope-based vaccines as effective protective approaches against Leishmania species.
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23
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Synthetic Peptides Elicit Strong Cellular Immunity in Visceral Leishmaniasis Natural Reservoir and Contribute to Long-Lasting Polyfunctional T-Cells in BALB/c Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040162. [PMID: 31661776 PMCID: PMC6963447 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse vaccinology or immunoinformatics is a computational methodology which integrates data from in silico epitope prediction, associated to other important information as, for example, the predicted subcellular location of the proteins used in the design of the context of vaccine development. This approach has the potential to search for new targets for vaccine development in the predicted proteome of pathogenic organisms. To date, there is no effective vaccine employed in vaccination campaigns against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). For the first time, herein, an in silico, in vitro, and in vivo peptide screening was performed, and immunogenic peptides were selected to constitute VL peptide-based vaccines. Firstly, the screening of in silico potential peptides using dogs naturally infected by L. infantum was conducted and the peptides with the best performance were selected. The mentioned peptides were used to compose Cockt-1 (cocktail 1) and Cockt-2 (cocktail 2) in combination with saponin as the adjuvant. Therefore, tests for immunogenicity, polyfunctional T-cells, and the ability to induce central and effector memory in T-lymphocytes capacity in reducing the parasite load on the spleen for Cockt-1 and Cockt-2 were performed. Among the vaccines under study, Cockt-1 showed the best results, eliciting CD4+ and CD8+ polyfunctional T-cells, with a reduction in spleen parasitism that correlates to the generation of T CD4+ central memory and T CD8+ effector memory cells. In this way, our findings corroborate the use of immunoinformatics as a tool for the development of future vaccines against VL.
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24
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da Silva RE, Sampaio BM, Tonhosolo R, da Costa APR, da Silva Costa LE, Nieri-Bastos FA, Sperança MA, Marcili A. Exploring Leishmania infantum cathepsin as a new molecular marker for phylogenetic relationships and visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:895. [PMID: 31660874 PMCID: PMC6819481 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis, is a neglected zoonosis that requires validation and standardization of satisfactory diagnostic methodologies. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cathepsin L-like protease as a target for making molecular diagnoses and as a phylogenetic marker enabling to understand the intraspecies variations and evolutionary history of L. infantum in Brazil. Methods We used 44 isolates of L. infantum. The cathepsin L-like gene fragments were amplified, sequenced, manually aligned and analyzed using inference methods. The sequences generated were used to search and design oligonucleotide primers to be used in reactions specific to the target parasite. Results The cathepsin L-like gene did not show any intraspecies variability among the isolates analyzed. The pair of primers proposed amplified the target deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of L. infantum isolates and were effective for DNA amplification at concentrations of as low as 10− 11 ng/μl. The proposed marker did not present cross-reactions with other hemoparasites. When used for making the diagnosis in a panel of clinical samples from dogs, a positivity rate of 49.03% (102/208) was obtained, versus 14.42% (30/208) for a ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) marker. In samples from sandflies, the rate was 6.25% and from humans, 14.28%. Conclusions The results described in this work allow us to infer that CatLeish-PCR is a sensitive and specific marker for use in diagnostic trials of L. infantum and in clinical and epidemiological surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Emiliano da Silva
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Bruna Matarucco Sampaio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Renata Tonhosolo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Eduardo da Silva Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ap Nieri-Bastos
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Márcia Aparecida Sperança
- Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.,Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Arlei Marcili
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, São Paulo, SP, 05508-270, Brazil. .,Medicina Veterinária e Bem estar animal, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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25
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Singh G, Pritam M, Banerjee M, Singh AK, Singh SP. Genome based screening of epitope ensemble vaccine candidates against dreadful visceral leishmaniasis using immunoinformatics approach. Microb Pathog 2019; 136:103704. [PMID: 31479726 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a dreadful protozoan disease caused by Leishmania donovani that severely affects huge populations in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The present study reports an unbiased genome based screening of 4 potent vaccine antigens against 8023 L. donovani proteins by following the criteria of presence of signal peptides, GPI-anchors and ≤1 transmembrane helix using advanced bioinformatics tools viz. SignalP4.0, PredGPI and TMHMM2.0, respectively. They are designated as genome based predicted signal peptide antigens (GBPSPA). The antigenicity/immunogenicity of chosen vaccine antigens (GBPSPA) with 4 randomly selected known leishmanial antigens (RSKLA) was compared by simulation study employing C-ImmSim software for human immune responses. This revealed better immunological responses. These antigens were further evaluated for the presence of B- and T-cell epitopes using immune epitope database (IEDB) based recommended consensus method of MHC class I and II tools. It was found to forecast CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in genetically diverse human population worldwide as well as different endemic regions through IEDB based predicted population coverage (PPC) analysis tool. The worldwide percent PPC value of combined (HLA class I and II) epitope ensemble forecast was found to be 99.98, 99.96 and 50.04, respectively for GBPSPA, RSKLA and experimentally known epitopes (EKE) of L. donovani. Therefore, these potential antigens/epitope ensembles could favor the design of prospective and novel vaccine constructs like self-assembled epitopes as nano vaccine formulations against VL. Overall, the present study will serve as a model framework that might improve the effectiveness of designed vaccine against L. donovani and other related pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow-226028, India.
| | - Manisha Pritam
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow-226028, India.
| | - Monisha Banerjee
- Molecular and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow, Lucknow- 226007, India.
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow-226028, India.
| | - Satarudra Prakash Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow-226028, India; Department of Biotech and Genome, School of Life Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari-845401, India.
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26
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Tavares J, Santarém N, Cordeiro-da-Silva A. Quantification of Leishmania Parasites in Murine Models of Visceral Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1971:289-301. [PMID: 30980311 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9210-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is mainly caused by Leishmania donovani (India and East Africa), and Leishmania infantum (Mediterranean Basin and South America) infections. Although murine models of visceral infection lack the clinicopathological aspects of VL in humans, they have been proven useful at advancing our knowledge in the Leishmania field. Indeed, these models have been used not only to better understand the pathophysiology of the infection but also in drug and vaccine development. This chapter focuses on the protocols used to experimentally infect mice and to quantify parasite burdens in mice infected with L. infantum using limiting dilution methodology of target organs and whole-mouse in vivo imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Tavares
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Parasite Disease Group, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Santarém
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Parasite Disease Group, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Parasite Disease Group, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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27
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Duthie MS, Lison A, Courtenay O. Advances toward Diagnostic Tools for Managing Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:881-890. [PMID: 30131210 PMCID: PMC6168404 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening outcome of Leishmania infantum or Leishmania donovani infection. Dogs are the primary domestic reservoir of L. infantum parasites, and ownership of infected dogs increases the risk of human VL. Controlling infection within dog populations is regarded as critical to VL management in endemic countries, both preventing progression of canine disease and limiting parasite transmission to humans and dogs. Here we discuss various strategies that are used to diagnose canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and the possibilities of adapting these for use within population screening and control programs. In addition, given the variable transmissibility of L. infantum to the sand fly vector, we outline some possibilities for the preferential identification of 'super-spreader' dogs among the overall infected population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm S Duthie
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
| | - Aurore Lison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Orin Courtenay
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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28
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Jenkins MC, Stevens L, O'Brien C, Parker C, Miska K, Konjufca V. Incorporation of a recombinant Eimeria maxima IMP1 antigen into nanoparticles confers protective immunity against E. Maxima challenge infection. Vaccine 2018; 36:1126-1131. [PMID: 29406243 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if conjugating a recombinant Eimeria maxima protein, namely EmaxIMP1, into 20 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (NP) could improve the level of protective immunity against E. maxima challenge infection. Recombinant EmaxIMP1 was expressed in Escherichia coli as a poly-His fusion protein, purified by NiNTA chromatography, and conjugated to 20 nm polystyrene NP (NP-EmaxIMP1). NP-EMaxIMP1 or control non-recombinant (NP-NR) protein were delivered per os to newly-hatched broiler chicks with subsequent booster immunizations at 3 and 21 days of age. In battery cage studies (n = 4), chickens immunized with NP-EMaxIMP1 displayed complete protection as measured by weight gain (WG) against E. maxima challenge compared to chickens immunized with NP-NR. WG in the NP-EMaxIMP1-immunized groups was identical to WG in chickens that were not infected with E. maxima infected chickens. In floor pen studies (n = 2), chickens immunized with NP-EMaxIMP1 displayed partial protection as measured by WG against E. maxima challenge compared to chickens immunized with NP-NR. In order to understand the basis for immune stimulation, newly-hatched chicks were inoculated per os with NP-EMaxIMP1 or NP-NR protein, and the small intestine, bursa, and spleen, were examined for NP localization at 1 h and 6 h post-inoculation. Within 1 h, both NP-EMaxIMP1 and NP-NR were observed in all 3 tissues. An increase was observed in the level of NP-EmaxIMP1 and NP-NR in all tissues at 6 h post-inoculation. These data indicate that 20 nm NP-EmaxIMP1 or NP-NR reached deeper tissues within hours of oral inoculation and elicited complete to partial immunity against E. maxima challenge infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Jenkins
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1040, NEA, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States.
| | - Laura Stevens
- Department of Microbiology, Southern Illinois University, United States
| | - Celia O'Brien
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1040, NEA, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Carolyn Parker
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Building 1040, NEA, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Katrzyna Miska
- Animal Biosciences & Biotechnology Laboratory, Building 200, NEA, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Vjollca Konjufca
- Department of Microbiology, Southern Illinois University, United States
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29
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Vakili B, Eslami M, Hatam GR, Zare B, Erfani N, Nezafat N, Ghasemi Y. Immunoinformatics-aided design of a potential multi-epitope peptide vaccine against Leishmania infantum. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:1127-1139. [PMID: 30172806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.08.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar, the most severe form of the disease, is endemic in more than eighty countries across the world. To date, there is no approved vaccine against VL in the market. Recent advances in reverse vaccinology could be promising approach in designing the efficient vaccine for VL treatment. In this study, an efficient multi-epitope vaccine against Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of VL, was designed using various computational vaccinology methods. Potential immunodominant epitopes were selected from four antigenic proteins, including histone H1, sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT), Leishmania-specific hypothetical protein (LiHy), and Leishmania-specific antigenic protein (LSAP). To enhance vaccine immunogenicity, two resuscitation-promoting factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, RpfE and RpfB, were employed as adjuvants. All the aforesaid segments were joined using proper linkers. Homology modeling, followed by refinement and validation was performed to obtain a high-quality 3D structure of designed vaccine. Docking analyses and molecular dynamics (MD) studies indicated vaccine/TLR4 complex was in the stable form during simulation time. In sum, we expect our designed vaccine is able to induce humoral and cellular immune responses against L. infantum, and may be promising medication for VL, after in vitro and in vivo immunological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Vakili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Eslami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bijan Zare
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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30
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Vakili B, Nezafat N, Hatam GR, Zare B, Erfani N, Ghasemi Y. Proteome-scale identification of Leishmania infantum for novel vaccine candidates: A hierarchical subtractive approach. Comput Biol Chem 2017; 72:16-25. [PMID: 29291591 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most significant achievements in medical science. However, vaccine design is still challenging at all stages. The selection of antigenic peptides as vaccine candidates is the first and most important step for vaccine design. Experimental selection of antigenic peptides for the design of vaccines is a time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive procedure. More recently, in the light of computer-aided biotechnology and reverse vaccinology, the precise selection of antigenic peptides and rational vaccine design against many pathogens have developed. In this study, the whole proteome of Leishmania infantum was analyzed using a pipeline of algorithms. From the set of 8045 proteins of L. infantum, sixteen novel antigenic proteins were derived using a hierarchical proteome subtractive analysis. These novel vaccine targets can be utilized as top candidates for designing the new prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines against visceral leishmaniasis. Significantly, all the sixteen novel vaccine candidates are non-allergen antigenic proteins that have not been used for the design of vaccines against visceral leishmaniasis until now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Vakili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bijan Zare
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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31
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Antigenicity, immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a conserved Leishmania hypothetical protein against visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitology 2017; 145:740-751. [PMID: 29113597 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017001731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a Leishmania hypothetical protein, LiHyS, was evaluated regarding its antigenicity, immunogenicity and protective efficacy against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Regarding antigenicity, immunoblottings and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using human and canine sera showed high sensitivity and specificity values for the recombinant protein (rLiHyS) in the diagnosis of VL. When evaluating the immunogenicity of LiHyS, which is possibly located in the parasite's flagellar pocket, proliferative assays using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy subjects or VL patients showed a high proliferative index in both individuals, when compared to the results obtained using rA2 or unstimulated cultures. Later, rLiHyS/saponin was inoculated in BALB/c mice, which were then challenged with Leishmania infantum promastigotes. The vaccine induced an interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-12 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor production, which was maintained after infection and which was associated with high nitrite and IgG2a antibody levels, as well as low IL-4 and IL-10 production. Significant reductions in the parasite load in liver, spleen, bone marrow and draining lymph nodes were found in these animals. In this context, the present study shows that the rLiHyS has the capacity to be evaluated as a diagnostic marker or vaccine candidate against VL.
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32
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Margaroni M, Agallou M, Athanasiou E, Kammona O, Kiparissides C, Gaitanaki C, Karagouni E. Vaccination with poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles loaded with soluble Leishmania antigens and modified with a TNFα-mimicking peptide or monophosphoryl lipid A confers protection against experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:6169-6184. [PMID: 28883727 PMCID: PMC5574665 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s141069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) persists as a major public health problem, and since the existing chemotherapy is far from satisfactory, development of an effective vaccine emerges as the most appropriate strategy for confronting VL. The development of an effective vaccine relies on the selection of the appropriate antigen and also the right adjuvant and/or delivery vehicle. In the present study, the protective efficacy of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs), which were surface-modified with a TNFα-mimicking eight-amino-acid peptide (p8) and further functionalized by encapsulating soluble Leishmania infantum antigens (sLiAg) and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), a TLR4 ligand, was evaluated against challenge with L. infantum parasites in BALB/c mice. Vaccination with these multifunctionalized PLGA nanoformulations conferred significant protection against parasite infection in vaccinated mice. In particular, vaccination with PLGA-sLiAg-MPLA or p8-PLGA-sLiAg NPs resulted in almost complete elimination of the parasite in the spleen for up to 4 months post-challenge. Parasite burden reduction was accompanied by antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Specifically, injection with PLGA-sLiAg-MPLA raised exclusively anti-sLiAg IgG1 antibodies post-vaccination, while in p8-PLGA-sLiAg-vaccinated mice, no antibody production was detected. However, 4 months post-challenge, in mice vaccinated with all the multifunctionalized NPs, antibody class switching towards IgG2a subtype was observed. The study of cellular immune responses revealed the increased proliferation capacity of spleen cells against sLiAg, consisting of IFNγ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Importantly, the activation of CD8+ T cells was exclusively attributed to vaccination with PLGA NPs surface-modified with the p8 peptide. Moreover, characterization of cytokine production in vaccinated-infected mice revealed that protection was accompanied by significant increase of IFNγ and lower levels of IL-4 and IL-10 in protected mice when compared to control infected group. Conclusively, the above nanoformulations hold promise for future vaccination strategies against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritsa Margaroni
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute.,Department of Animal and Human Physiology, School of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Maria Agallou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute
| | - Evita Athanasiou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute
| | - Olga Kammona
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas
| | - Costas Kiparissides
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Catherine Gaitanaki
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, School of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Evdokia Karagouni
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute
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Athanasiou E, Agallou M, Tastsoglou S, Kammona O, Hatzigeorgiou A, Kiparissides C, Karagouni E. A Poly(Lactic- co-Glycolic) Acid Nanovaccine Based on Chimeric Peptides from Different Leishmania infantum Proteins Induces Dendritic Cells Maturation and Promotes Peptide-Specific IFNγ-Producing CD8 + T Cells Essential for the Protection against Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:684. [PMID: 28659922 PMCID: PMC5468442 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania (L.) donovani and L. infantum protozoan parasites, can provoke overwhelming and protracted epidemics, with high case-fatality rates. An effective vaccine against the disease must rely on the generation of a strong and long-lasting T cell immunity, mediated by CD4+ TH1 and CD8+ T cells. Multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine development is manifesting as the new era of vaccination strategies against Leishmania infection. In this study, we designed chimeric peptides containing HLA-restricted epitopes from three immunogenic L. infantum proteins (cysteine peptidase A, histone H1, and kinetoplastid membrane protein 11), in order to be encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles with or without the adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) or surface modification with an octapeptide targeting the tumor necrosis factor receptor II. We aimed to construct differentially functionalized peptide-based nanovaccine candidates and investigate their capacity to stimulate the immunomodulatory properties of dendritic cells (DCs), which are critical regulators of adaptive immunity generated upon vaccination. According to our results, DCs stimulation with the peptide-based nanovaccine candidates with MPLA incorporation or surface modification induced an enhanced maturation profile with prominent IL-12 production, promoting allogeneic T cell proliferation and intracellular production of IFNγ by CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. In addition, DCs stimulated with the peptide-based nanovaccine candidate with MPLA incorporation exhibited a robust transcriptional activation, characterized by upregulated genes indicative of vaccine-driven DCs differentiation toward type 1 phenotype. Immunization of HLA A2.1 transgenic mice with this peptide-based nanovaccine candidate induced peptide-specific IFNγ-producing CD8+ T cells and conferred significant protection against L. infantum infection. Concluding, our findings supported that encapsulation of more than one chimeric multi-epitope peptides from different immunogenic L. infantum proteins in a proper biocompatible delivery system with the right adjuvant is considered as an improved promising approach for the development of a vaccine against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evita Athanasiou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Agallou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Olga Kammona
- Laboratory of Polymer Reaction Engineering, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Costas Kiparissides
- Laboratory of Polymer Reaction Engineering, Chemical Process and Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology-Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Laboratory of Chemical Engineering B, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Karagouni
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
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