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Rosenkranz M, Nkumama IN, Ogwang R, Kraker S, Blickling M, Mwai K, Odera D, Tuju J, Fürle K, Frank R, Chepsat E, Kapulu MC, Study Team CS, Osier FH. Full-length MSP1 is a major target of protective immunity after controlled human malaria infection. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202301910. [PMID: 38803222 PMCID: PMC11106525 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) is the most abundant protein on the surface of the invasive merozoite stages of Plasmodium falciparum and has long been considered a key target of protective immunity. We used samples from a single controlled human malaria challenge study to test whether the full-length version of MSP1 (MSP1FL) induced antibodies that mediated Fc-IgG functional activity in five independent assays. We found that anti-MSP1FL antibodies induced complement fixation via C1q, monocyte-mediated phagocytosis, neutrophil respiratory burst, and natural killer cell degranulation as well as IFNγ production. Activity in each of these assays was strongly associated with protection. The breadth of MSP1-specific Fc-mediated effector functions was more strongly associated with protection than the individual measures and closely mirrored what we have previously reported using the same assays against merozoites. Our findings suggest that MSP1FL is an important target of functional antibodies that contribute to a protective immune response against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micha Rosenkranz
- https://ror.org/013czdx64 Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irene N Nkumama
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Rodney Ogwang
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Sara Kraker
- https://ror.org/013czdx64 Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marie Blickling
- https://ror.org/013czdx64 Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dennis Odera
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biotechnology and Biochemistry, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kristin Fürle
- https://ror.org/013czdx64 Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Frank
- https://ror.org/013czdx64 Centre of Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emily Chepsat
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Melissa C Kapulu
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Chmi-Sika Study Team
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Faith Ha Osier
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- https://ror.org/041kmwe10 Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Sifuna PM, Mbinji M, Lucas TO, Onyango I, Akala HM, Waitumbi JN, Ogutu BR, Hutter JN, Otieno W. The Walter Reed Project, Kisumu Field Station: Impact of Research on Malaria Policy, Management, and Prevention. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:1069-1079. [PMID: 38653233 PMCID: PMC11154051 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0115] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Walter Reed Project is a collaboration between the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research of the United States Department of Defense and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. The Kisumu field station, comprising four campuses, has until recently been devoted primarily to research on malaria countermeasures. The Kombewa Clinical Research Center is dedicated to conducting regulated clinical trials of therapeutic and vaccine candidates in development. The center's robust population-based surveillance platform, along with an active community engagement strategy, guarantees consistent recruitment and retention of participants in clinical trials. The Malaria Diagnostic Center, backed by WHO-certified microscopists and a large malaria blood film collection, champions high-quality malaria diagnosis and strict quality assurance through standardized microscopy trainings. The Malaria Drug Resistance Laboratory leverages cutting-edge technology such as real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to conduct comprehensive research on resistance markers and obtain information on drug efficacy. The laboratory has been working on validating artemisinin resistance markers and improving tracking methods for current and future antimalarial compounds. Finally, the Basic Science Laboratory employs advanced genomic technology to examine endpoints such as immunogenicity and genomic fingerprinting for candidate drugs and vaccine efficacy. Herein, we examine the site's significant contributions to malaria policy, management, and prevention practices in Kenya and around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Sifuna
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Michal Mbinji
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Tina O Lucas
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Irene Onyango
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hoseah M Akala
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John N Waitumbi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bernhards R Ogutu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jack N Hutter
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Walter Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
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Johnson Y, Shakri AR, Pond-Tor S, Jnawali A, Najrana T, Wu H, Badhai J, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Kabyemela E, Duffy P, Fried M, Kurtis J, Raj DK. Immunization with PfGBP130 generates antibodies that inhibit RBC invasion by P. falciparum parasites. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1350560. [PMID: 38863702 PMCID: PMC11165087 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1350560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite decades of effort, Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a leading killer of children. The absence of a highly effective vaccine and the emergence of parasites resistant to both diagnosis as well as treatment hamper effective public health interventions. Methods and results To discover new vaccine candidates, we used our whole proteome differential screening method and identified PfGBP130 as a parasite protein uniquely recognized by antibodies from children who had developed resistance to P. falciparum infection but not from those who remained susceptible. We formulated PfGBP130 as lipid encapsulated mRNA, DNA plasmid, and recombinant protein-based immunogens and evaluated the efficacy of murine polyclonal anti-PfGBP130 antisera to inhibit parasite growth in vitro. Immunization of mice with PfGBP130-A (aa 111-374), the region identified in our differential screen, formulated as a DNA plasmid or lipid encapsulated mRNA, but not as a recombinant protein, induced antibodies that inhibited RBC invasion in vitro. mRNA encoding the full ectodomain of PfGBP130 (aa 89-824) also generated parasite growth-inhibitory antibodies. Conclusion We are currently advancing PfGBP130-A formulated as a lipid-encapsulated mRNA for efficacy evaluation in non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Johnson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ahmad Rushdi Shakri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Sunthorn Pond-Tor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Anup Jnawali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Tanbir Najrana
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Haiwei Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jhasketan Badhai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | | | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edward Kabyemela
- Department of Pathology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Patrick Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Michal Fried
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Jonathan Kurtis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dipak Kumar Raj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- Center for International Health Research, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Cummings JF, Polhemus ME, Kester KE, Ockenhouse CF, Gasser RA, Coyne P, Wortmann G, Nielsen RK, Schaecher K, Holland CA, Krzych U, Tornieporth N, Soisson LA, Angov E, Heppner DG. A phase IIa, randomized, double-blind, safety, immunogenicity and efficacy trial of Plasmodium falciparum vaccine antigens merozoite surface protein 1 and RTS,S formulated with AS02 adjuvant in healthy, malaria-naïve adults. Vaccine 2024; 42:3066-3074. [PMID: 38584058 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To improve the efficacy of Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine RTS,S/AS02, we conducted a study in 2001 in healthy, malaria-naïve adults administered RTS,S/AS02 in combination with FMP1, a recombinant merozoite surface-protein-1, C-terminal 42kD fragment. METHODS A double-blind Phase I/IIa study randomized N = 60 subjects 1:1:1:1 to one of four groups, N = 15/group, to evaluate safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of intra-deltoid half-doses of RTS,S/AS02 and FMP1/AS02 administered in the contralateral (RTS,S + FMP1-separate) or same (RTS,S + FMP1-same) sites, or FMP1/AS02 alone (FMP1-alone), or RTS,S/AS02 alone (RTS,S-alone) on a 0-, 1-, 3-month schedule. Subjects receiving three doses of vaccine and non-immunized controls (N = 11) were infected with homologous P. falciparum 3D7 sporozoites by Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI). RESULTS Subjects in all vaccination groups experienced mostly mild or moderate local and general adverse events that resolved within eight days. Anti-circumsporozoite antibody levels were lower when FMP1 and RTS,S were co-administered at the same site (35.0 µg/mL: 95 % CI 20.3-63), versus separate arms (57.4 µg/mL: 95 % CI 32.3-102) or RTS,S alone (62.0 µg/mL: 95 % CI: 37.8-101.8). RTS,S-specific lymphoproliferative responses and ex vivo ELISpot CSP-specific interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses were indistinguishable among groups receiving RTS,S/AS02. There was no difference in antibody to FMP1 among groups receiving FMP1/AS02. After CHMI, groups immunized with a RTS,S-containing regimen had ∼ 30 % sterile protection against parasitemia, and equivalent delays in time-to-parasitemia. The FMP1/AS02 alone group showed no sterile immunity or delay in parasitemia. CONCLUSION Co-administration of RTS,S and FMP1/AS02 reduced anti-RTS,S antibody, but did not affect tolerability, cellular immunity, or efficacy in a stringent CHMI model. Absence of efficacy or delay of patency in the sporozoite challenge model in the FMP1/AS02 group did not rule out efficacy of FMP1/AS02 in an endemic population. However, a Phase IIb trial of FMP1/AS02 in children in malaria-endemic Kenya did not demonstrate efficacy against natural infection. CLINICALTRIALS gov identifier: NCT01556945.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Cummings
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - M E Polhemus
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - K E Kester
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - C F Ockenhouse
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - R A Gasser
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - P Coyne
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - G Wortmann
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - R K Nielsen
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - K Schaecher
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - C A Holland
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - U Krzych
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - L A Soisson
- Malaria Vaccine Development Program, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - E Angov
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
| | - D G Heppner
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Nebie I, Palacpac NMQ, Bougouma EC, Diarra A, Ouédraogo A, D’Alessio F, Houard S, Tiono AB, Cousens S, Horii T, Sirima SB. Persistence of Anti-SE36 Antibodies Induced by the Malaria Vaccine Candidate BK-SE36/CpG in 5-10-Year-Old Burkinabe Children Naturally Exposed to Malaria. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:166. [PMID: 38400149 PMCID: PMC10892924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Information on the dynamics and decline/persistence of antibody titres is important in vaccine development. A recent vaccine trial in malaria-exposed, healthy African adults and children living in a malaria hyperendemic and seasonal area (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso) was the first study in which BK-SE36/CpG was administered to different age groups. In 5- to 10-year-old children, the risk of malaria infection was markedly lower in the BK-SE36/CpG arm compared to the control arm. We report here data on antibody titres measured in this age-group after the high malaria transmission season of 2021 (three years after the first vaccine dose was administered). At Year 3, 83% of children had detectable anti-SE36 total IgG antibodies. Geometric mean antibody titres and the proportion of children with detectable anti-SE36 antibodies were markedly higher in the BK-SE36/CpG arm than the control (rabies) arm. The information obtained in this study will guide investigators on future vaccine/booster schedules for this promising blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa Nebie
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou 10248, Burkina Faso; (I.N.); (E.C.B.); (A.D.); (A.O.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Edith Christiane Bougouma
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou 10248, Burkina Faso; (I.N.); (E.C.B.); (A.D.); (A.O.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Amidou Diarra
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou 10248, Burkina Faso; (I.N.); (E.C.B.); (A.D.); (A.O.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Alphonse Ouédraogo
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou 10248, Burkina Faso; (I.N.); (E.C.B.); (A.D.); (A.O.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Flavia D’Alessio
- European Vaccine Initiative, UniversitätsKlinikum Heidelberg, Voßstraße 2, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.D.); (S.H.)
| | - Sophie Houard
- European Vaccine Initiative, UniversitätsKlinikum Heidelberg, Voßstraße 2, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (F.D.); (S.H.)
| | - Alfred B. Tiono
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou 10248, Burkina Faso; (I.N.); (E.C.B.); (A.D.); (A.O.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Simon Cousens
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan;
| | - Sodiomon B. Sirima
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou 10248, Burkina Faso; (I.N.); (E.C.B.); (A.D.); (A.O.); (A.B.T.)
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Takashima E, Otsuki H, Morita M, Ito D, Nagaoka H, Yuguchi T, Hassan I, Tsuboi T. The Need for Novel Asexual Blood-Stage Malaria Vaccine Candidates for Plasmodium falciparum. Biomolecules 2024; 14:100. [PMID: 38254700 PMCID: PMC10813614 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Extensive control efforts have significantly reduced malaria cases and deaths over the past two decades, but in recent years, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, success has stalled. The WHO has urged the implementation of a number of interventions, including vaccines. The modestly effective RTS,S/AS01 pre-erythrocytic vaccine has been recommended by the WHO for use in sub-Saharan Africa against Plasmodium falciparum in children residing in moderate to high malaria transmission regions. A second pre-erythrocytic vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, was also recommended by the WHO on 3 October 2023. However, the paucity and limitations of pre-erythrocytic vaccines highlight the need for asexual blood-stage malaria vaccines that prevent disease caused by blood-stage parasites. Few asexual blood-stage vaccine candidates have reached phase 2 clinical development, and the challenges in terms of their efficacy include antigen polymorphisms and low immunogenicity in humans. This review summarizes the history and progress of asexual blood-stage malaria vaccine development, highlighting the need for novel candidate vaccine antigens/molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Hitoshi Otsuki
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (H.O.); (D.I.)
| | - Masayuki Morita
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Division of Medical Zoology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan; (H.O.); (D.I.)
| | - Hikaru Nagaoka
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Takaaki Yuguchi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Ifra Hassan
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan; (M.M.); (H.N.); (T.Y.); (I.H.)
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Cell-Free Sciences, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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Thomson-Luque R, Stabler TC, Fürle K, Silva JC, Daubenberger C. Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 as asexual blood stage malaria vaccine candidate. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:160-173. [PMID: 38100310 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2295430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria represents a public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions, and currently deployed control strategies are likely insufficient to drive elimination of malaria. Development and improvement of malaria vaccines might be key to reduce disease burden. Vaccines targeting asexual blood stages of the parasite have shown limited efficacy when studied in human trials conducted over the past decades. AREAS COVERED Vaccine candidates based on the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) were initially envisioned as one of the most promising approaches to provide immune protection against asexual blood-stage malaria. Successful immunization studies in monkey involved the use of the full-length MSP1 (MSP1FL) as vaccine construct. Vaccines using MSP1FL for immunization have the potential benefit of including numerous conserved B-cell and T-cell epitopes. This could result in improved parasite strain-transcending, protective immunity in the field. We review outcomes of clinical trials that utilized a variety of MSP1 constructs and formulations, including MSP1FL, either alone or in combination with other antigens, in both animal models and humans. EXPERT OPINION Novel approaches to analyze breadth and magnitude of effector functions of MSP1-targeting antibodies in volunteers undergoing experimental vaccination and controlled human malaria infection will help to define correlates of protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Thomson-Luque
- Centre for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Sumaya-Biotech GmbH & Co. KG Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas C Stabler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- University of Basel Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Centre for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joana C Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (GHTM IHMT, UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- University of Basel Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Allschwil, Switzerland
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8
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Okoth WA, Ho MF, Zaman M, Cooper E, Som P, Burgess M, Walton M, Nevagi RJ, Beattie L, Murphy D, Stanisic DI, Good MF. A CAF01-adjuvanted whole asexual blood-stage liposomal malaria vaccine induces a CD4 + T-cell-dependent strain-transcending protective immunity in rodent models. mBio 2023; 14:e0254723. [PMID: 37962347 PMCID: PMC10746282 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02547-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Malaria is a devastating disease that has claimed many lives, especially children <5 years of age in Sub-Saharan Africa, as documented in World Malaria Reports by WHO. Even though vector control and chemoprevention tools have helped with elimination efforts in some, if not all, endemic areas, these efforts have been hampered by serious issues (including drug and insecticide resistance and disruption to social cohesion caused by the COVID-19 pandemic). Development of an effective malaria vaccine is the alternative preventative tool in the fight against malaria. Vaccines save millions of lives each year and have helped in elimination and/or eradication of global diseases. Development of a highly efficacious malaria vaccine that will ensure long-lasting protective immunity will be a "game-changing" prevention strategy to finally eradicate the disease. Such a vaccine will need to counteract the significant obstacles that have been hampering subunit vaccine development to date, including antigenic polymorphism, sub-optimal immunogenicity, and waning vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winter A. Okoth
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mei-Fong Ho
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mehfuz Zaman
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily Cooper
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Priyanka Som
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Burgess
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maddison Walton
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Reshma J. Nevagi
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lynette Beattie
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Declan Murphy
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Abstract
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Despite significant declines in malaria-attributable morbidity and mortality over the last two decades, it remains a major public health burden in many countries. This underscores the critical need for improved strategies to prevent, treat and control malaria if we are to ultimately progress towards the eradication of this disease. Ideally, this will include the development and deployment of a highly effective malaria vaccine that is able to induce long-lasting protective immunity. There are many malaria vaccine candidates in development, with more than a dozen of these in clinical development. RTS,S/AS01 (also known as Mosquirix) is the most advanced malaria vaccine and was shown to have modest efficacy against clinical malaria in phase III trials in 5- to 17-month-old infants. Following pilot implementation trials, the World Health Organisation has recommended it for use in Africa in young children who are most at risk of infection with P. falciparum, the deadliest of the human malaria parasites. It is well recognised that more effective malaria vaccines are needed. In this review, we discuss malaria vaccine candidates that have progressed into clinical evaluation and highlight the most advanced candidates: Sanaria's irradiated sporozoite vaccine (PfSPZ Vaccine), the chemoattenuated sporozoite vaccine (PfSPZ-CVac), RTS,S/AS01 and the novel malaria vaccine candidate, R21, which displayed promising, high-level efficacy in a recent small phase IIb trial in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle I Stanisic
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia.
| | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia.
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Rajneesh, Tiwari R, Singh VK, Kumar A, Gupta RP, Singh AK, Gautam V, Kumar R. Advancements and Challenges in Developing Malaria Vaccines: Targeting Multiple Stages of the Parasite Life Cycle. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1795-1814. [PMID: 37708228 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, remains a major global health concern, causing millions of deaths annually. While the introduction of the RTS,S vaccine has shown promise, there is a pressing need for more effective vaccines due to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites and insecticide-resistant vectors. However, the complex life cycle and genetic diversity of the parasite, technical obstacles, limited funding, and the impact of the 2019 pandemic have hindered progress in malaria vaccine development. This review focuses on advancements in malaria vaccine development, particularly the ongoing clinical trials targeting antigens from different stages of the Plasmodium life cycle. Additionally, we discuss the rationale, strategies, and challenges associated with vaccine design, aiming to enhance the immune response and protective efficacy of vaccine candidates. A cost-effective and multistage vaccine could hold the key to controlling and eradicating malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajneesh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rahul Tiwari
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vishal K Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Awnish Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rohit P Gupta
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Department of Applied Microbiology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Akhilesh K Singh
- Faculty of Dental Science, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vibhav Gautam
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
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11
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Rosenkranz M, Fürle K, Hibbert J, Ulmer A, Ali A, Giese T, Blank A, Haefeli WE, Böhnlein E, Lanzer M, Thomson-Luque R. Multifunctional IgG/IgM antibodies and cellular cytotoxicity are elicited by the full-length MSP1 SumayaVac-1 malaria vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:112. [PMID: 37558673 PMCID: PMC10412566 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00701-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical control of malaria likely requires a vaccine that targets both the asymptomatic liver stages and the disease-causing blood stages of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. While substantial progress has been made towards liver stage vaccines, the development of a blood stage vaccine is lagging behind. We have recently conducted a first-in-human clinical trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the recombinant, full-length merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1FL) formulated with GLA-SE as adjuvant. Here, we show that the vaccine, termed SumayaVac-1, elicited both a humoral and cellular immune response as well as a recall T cell memory. The induced IgG and IgM antibodies were able to stimulate various Fc-mediated effector mechanisms associated with protection against malaria, including phagocytosis, release of reactive oxygen species, production of IFN-γ as well as complement activation and fixation. The multifunctional activity of the humoral immune response remained for at least 6 months after vaccination and was comparable to that of naturally acquired anti-MSP1 antibodies from semi-immune adults from Kenya. We further present evidence of SumayaVac-1 eliciting a recallable cellular cytotoxicity by IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells. Our study revitalizes MSP1FL as a relevant blood stage vaccine candidate and warrants further evaluation of SumayaVac-1 in a phase II efficacy trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micha Rosenkranz
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Hibbert
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Ulmer
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arin Ali
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Giese
- Institute for Immunology, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antje Blank
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter E Haefeli
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Lanzer
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Thomson-Luque
- Center for Infectious Diseases-Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Sumaya-Biotech GmbH & Co. KG, Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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El-Moamly AA, El-Sweify MA. Malaria vaccines: the 60-year journey of hope and final success-lessons learned and future prospects. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:29. [PMID: 37198702 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00516-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The world has made great strides towards beating malaria, although about half of the world population is still exposed to the risk of contracting malaria. Developing an effective malaria vaccine was a huge challenge for medical science. In 2021 the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 vaccine (Mosquirix™), for widespread use. This review highlights the history of development, and the different approaches and types of malaria vaccines, and the literature to date. It covers the developmental stages of RTS,S/AS01 and recommends steps for its deployment. The review explores other potential vaccine candidates and their status, and suggests options for their further development. It also recommends future roles for vaccines in eradicating malaria. Questions remain on how RTS,S vaccine will work in widespread use and how it can best be utilized to benefit vulnerable communities. CONCLUSION Malaria vaccines have been in development for almost 60 years. The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has now been approved, but cannot be a stand-alone solution. Development should continue on promising candidates such as R21, PfSPZ and P. vivax vaccines. Multi-component vaccines may be a useful addition to other malaria control techniques in achieving eradication of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal A El-Moamly
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A El-Sweify
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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13
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Niaré K, Chege T, Rosenkranz M, Mwai K, Saßmannshausen Z, Odera D, Nyamako L, Tuju J, Alfred T, Waitumbi JN, Ogutu B, Sirima SB, Awandare G, Kouriba B, Rayner JC, Osier FHA. Characterization of a novel Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface antigen and potential vaccine target. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156806. [PMID: 37122725 PMCID: PMC10140549 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Detailed analyses of genetic diversity, antigenic variability, protein localization and immunological responses are vital for the prioritization of novel malaria vaccine candidates. Comprehensive approaches to determine the most appropriate antigen variants needed to provide broad protection are challenging and consequently rarely undertaken. Methods Here, we characterized PF3D7_1136200, which we named Asparagine-Rich Merozoite Antigen (ARMA) based on the analysis of its sequence, localization and immunogenicity. We analyzed IgG and IgM responses against the common variants of ARMA in independent prospective cohort studies in Burkina Faso (N = 228), Kenya (N = 252) and Mali (N = 195) using a custom microarray, Div-KILCHIP. Results We found a marked population structure between parasites from Africa and Asia. African isolates shared 34 common haplotypes, including a dominant pair although the overall selection pressure was directional (Tajima's D = -2.57; Fu and Li's F = -9.69; P < 0.02). ARMA was localized to the merozoite surface, IgG antibodies induced Fc-mediated degranulation of natural killer cells and strongly inhibited parasite growth in vitro. We found profound serological diversity, but IgG and IgM responses were highly correlated and a hierarchical clustering analysis identified only three major serogroups. Protective IgG and IgM antibodies appeared to target both cross-reactive and distinct epitopes across variants. However, combinations of IgG and IgM antibodies against selected variants were associated with complete protection against clinical episodes of malaria. Discussion Our systematic strategy exploits genomic data to deduce the handful of antigen variants with the strongest potential to induce broad protection and may be broadly applicable to other complex pathogens for which effective vaccines remain elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karamoko Niaré
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Karamoko Niaré, ; Faith H. A. Osier,
| | - Timothy Chege
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Micha Rosenkranz
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zoe Saßmannshausen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dennis Odera
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lydia Nyamako
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - James Tuju
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Tiono Alfred
- Public Health Department, Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - John N. Waitumbi
- Basic Science Laboratory, US Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa/Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bernhards Ogutu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Clinical Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Gordon Awandare
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bourema Kouriba
- Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC), Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- Centre d’Infectiologie Charles Mérieux-Mali, Bamako, Mali
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Faith H. A. Osier
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research—Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Karamoko Niaré, ; Faith H. A. Osier,
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14
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Malaria Vaccines. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2463-0_536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
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15
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Arisue N, Palacpac NMQ, Ntege EH, Yeka A, Balikagala B, Kanoi BN, Bougouma EC, Tiono AB, Nebie I, Diarra A, Houard S, D’Alessio F, Leroy O, Sirima SB, Egwang TG, Horii T. African-specific polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum serine repeat antigen 5 in Uganda and Burkina Faso clinical samples do not interfere with antibody response to BK-SE36 vaccination. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1058081. [PMID: 36590593 PMCID: PMC9802637 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1058081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BK-SE36, based on Plasmodium falciparum serine repeat antigen 5 (SERA5), is a blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Phase 1 trials in Uganda and Burkina Faso have demonstrated promising safety and immunogenicity profiles. However, the genetic diversity of sera5 in Africa and the role of allele/variant-specific immunity remain a major concern. Here, sequence analyses were done on 226 strains collected from the two clinical trial/follow-up studies and 88 strains from two cross-sectional studies in Africa. Compared to other highly polymorphic vaccine candidate antigens, polymorphisms in sera5 were largely confined to the repeat regions of the gene. Results also confirmed a SERA5 consensus sequence with African-specific polymorphisms. Mismatches with the vaccine-type SE36 (BK-SE36) in the octamer repeat, serine repeat, and flanking regions, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in non-repeat regions could compromise vaccine response and efficacy. However, the haplotype diversity of SERA5 was similar between vaccinated and control participants. There was no marked bias or difference in the patterns of distribution of the SE36 haplotype and no statistically significant genetic differentiation among parasites infecting BK-SE36 vaccinees and controls. Results indicate that BK-SE36 does not elicit an allele-specific immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuko Arisue
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan,Section of Global Health, Division of Public Health, Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan,*Correspondence: Nobuko Arisue, ; Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac,
| | - Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan,*Correspondence: Nobuko Arisue, ; Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac,
| | - Edward H. Ntege
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of the Ryukyus, Graduate School of Medicine and Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Adoke Yeka
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Betty Balikagala
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bernard N. Kanoi
- Centre for Malaria Elimination (CME) and Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Edith Christiane Bougouma
- Public Health Department, Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (INSP/CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso,Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Alfred B. Tiono
- Public Health Department, Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (INSP/CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso,Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Issa Nebie
- Public Health Department, Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (INSP/CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso,Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Amidou Diarra
- Public Health Department, Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (INSP/CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso,Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Sophie Houard
- European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), Universitäts Klinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Flavia D’Alessio
- European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), Universitäts Klinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Odile Leroy
- European Vaccine Initiative (EVI), Universitäts Klinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany,Sorekara-x consultant, Paris, France
| | - Sodiomon B. Sirima
- Public Health Department, Institut National de Santé Publique/Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme (INSP/CNRFP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso,Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé (GRAS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Malaria Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Neutralizing and interfering human antibodies define the structural and mechanistic basis for antigenic diversion. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5888. [PMID: 36202833 PMCID: PMC9537153 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining mechanisms of pathogen immune evasion and neutralization are critical to develop potent vaccines and therapies. Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP-1) is a malaria vaccine antigen and antibodies to MSP-1 are associated with protection from disease. However, MSP-1-based vaccines performed poorly in clinical trials in part due to a limited understanding of the protective antibody response to MSP-1 and of immune evasion by antigenic diversion. Antigenic diversion was identified as a mechanism wherein parasite neutralization by a MSP-1-specific rodent antibody was disrupted by MSP-1-specific non-inhibitory blocking/interfering antibodies. Here, we investigated a panel of MSP-1-specific naturally acquired human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs). Structures of multiple hmAbs with diverse neutralizing potential in complex with MSP-1 revealed the epitope of a potent strain-transcending hmAb. This neutralizing epitope overlaps with the epitopes of high-affinity non-neutralizing hmAbs. Strikingly, the non-neutralizing hmAbs outcompete the neutralizing hmAb enabling parasite survival. These findings demonstrate the structural and mechanistic basis for a generalizable pathogen immune evasion mechanism through neutralizing and interfering human antibodies elicited by antigenic diversion, and provides insights required to develop potent and durable malaria interventions. The Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP-1) is a prime vaccine candidate for malaria. Here, the authors structurally and functionally characterise a panel of naturally acquired MSP-1 specific antibodies to identify one with potent broadly neutralising activity and better understand immune evasion mechanisms.
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Somanathan A, Mian SY, Chaddha K, Uchoi S, Bharti PK, Tandon R, Gaur D, Chauhan VS. Process development and preclinical evaluation of a major Plasmodium falciparum blood stage vaccine candidate, Cysteine-Rich Protective Antigen (CyRPA). Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005332. [PMID: 36211427 PMCID: PMC9535676 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum Cysteine-Rich Protective Antigen (CyRPA) is an essential, highly conserved merozoite antigen that forms an important multi-protein complex (RH5/Ripr/CyRPA) necessary for erythrocyte invasion. CyRPA is a promising blood-stage vaccine target that has been shown to elicit potent strain-transcending parasite neutralizing antibodies. Recently, we demonstrated that naturally acquired immune anti-CyRPA antibodies are invasion-inhibitory and therefore a correlate of protection against malaria. Here, we describe a process for the large-scale production of tag-free CyRPA vaccine in E. coli and demonstrate its parasite neutralizing efficacy with commonly used adjuvants. CyRPA was purified from inclusion bodies using a one-step purification method with high purity (>90%). Biochemical and biophysical characterization showed that the purified tag-free CyRPA interacted with RH5, readily detected by a conformation-specific CyRPA monoclonal antibody and recognized by sera from malaria infected individuals thus indicating that the recombinant antigen was correctly folded and retained its native conformation. Tag-free CyRPA formulated with Freund’s adjuvant elicited highly potent parasite neutralizing antibodies achieving inhibition of >90% across diverse parasite strains. Importantly, we identified tag-free CyRPA/Alhydrogel formulation as most effective in inducing a highly immunogenic antibody response that exhibited efficacious, cross-strain in vitro parasite neutralization achieving ~80% at 10 mg/ml. Further, CyRPA/Alhydrogel vaccine induced anti-parasite cytokine response in mice. In summary, our study provides a simple, scalable, cost-effective process for the production of tag-free CyRPA that in combination with human-compatible adjuvant induces efficacious humoral and cell-mediated immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Somanathan
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Syed Yusuf Mian
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Kritika Chaddha
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Seemalata Uchoi
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen K. Bharti
- ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, India
| | - Ravi Tandon
- Laboratory of AIDS Research and Immunology, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepak Gaur
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Virander Singh Chauhan
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Virander Singh Chauhan,
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18
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Thiam LG, Mangou K, Ba A, Mbengue A, Bei AK. Leveraging genome editing to functionally evaluate Plasmodium diversity. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:558-571. [PMID: 35469746 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ambitious goal of malaria elimination requires an in-depth understanding of the parasite's biology to counter the growing threat of antimalarial resistance and immune evasion. Timely assessment of the functional impact of antigenic diversity in the early stages of vaccine development will be critical for achieving the goal of malaria control, elimination, and ultimately eradication. Recent advances in targeted genome editing enabled the functional validation of resistance-associated markers in Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria-causing pathogen and strain-specific immune neutralization. This review explores recent advances made in leveraging genome editing to aid the functional evaluation of Plasmodium diversity and highlights how these techniques can assist in prioritizing both therapeutic and vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laty Gaye Thiam
- G4 - Malaria Experimental Genetic Approaches & Vaccines, Pôle Immunophysiopathologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Khadidiatou Mangou
- G4 - Malaria Experimental Genetic Approaches & Vaccines, Pôle Immunophysiopathologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aboubacar Ba
- G4 - Malaria Experimental Genetic Approaches & Vaccines, Pôle Immunophysiopathologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Alassane Mbengue
- G4 - Malaria Experimental Genetic Approaches & Vaccines, Pôle Immunophysiopathologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amy K Bei
- G4 - Malaria Experimental Genetic Approaches & Vaccines, Pôle Immunophysiopathologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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19
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Dassah S, Adu B, Tiendrebeogo RW, Singh SK, Arthur FKN, Sirima SB, Theisen M. GMZ2 Vaccine-Induced Antibody Responses, Naturally Acquired Immunity and the Incidence of Malaria in Burkinabe Children. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899223. [PMID: 35720297 PMCID: PMC9200992 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
GMZ2 is a malaria vaccine candidate evaluated in a phase 2b multi-centre trial. Here we assessed antibody responses and the association of naturally acquired immunity with incidence of malaria in one of the trial sites, Banfora in Burkina Faso. The analysis included 453 (GMZ2 = 230, rabies = 223) children aged 12-60 months old. Children were followed-up for clinical malaria episodes for 12 months after final vaccine administration. Antibody levels against GMZ2 and eleven non-GMZ2 antigens were measured on days 0 and 84 (one month after final vaccine dose). Vaccine efficacy (VE) differed by age group (interaction, (12-35 months compared to 36-60 months), p = 0.0615). During the twelve months of follow-up, VE was 1% (95% confidence interval [CI] -17%, 17%) and 23% ([CI] 3%, 40%) in the 12 - 35 and 36 - 60 months old children, respectively. In the GMZ2 group, day 84 anti-GMZ2 IgG levels were associated with reduced incidence of febrile malaria during the follow up periods of 1-6 months (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.87, 95%CI = (0.77, 0.98)) and 7-12 months (HR = 0.84, 95%CI = (0.71, 0.98)) in the 36-60 months old but not in 12-35 months old children. Multivariate analysis involving day 84 IgG levels to eleven non-vaccine antigens, identified MSP3-K1 and GLURP-R2 to be associated with reduced incidence of malaria during the 12 months of follow up. The inclusion of these antigens might improve GMZ2 vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Dassah
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bright Adu
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Régis W Tiendrebeogo
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology, and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susheel K Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology, and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Fareed K N Arthur
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sodiomon B Sirima
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Senté (GRAS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology, and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Gonzales SJ, Clarke KN, Batugedara G, Garza R, Braddom AE, Reyes RA, Ssewanyana I, Garrison KC, Ippolito GC, Greenhouse B, Bol S, Bunnik EM. A Molecular Analysis of Memory B Cell and Antibody Responses Against Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 in Children and Adults From Uganda. Front Immunol 2022; 13:809264. [PMID: 35720313 PMCID: PMC9201334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.809264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory B cells (MBCs) and plasma antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) merozoite antigens are important components of the protective immune response against malaria. To gain understanding of how responses against Pf develop in these two arms of the humoral immune system, we evaluated MBC and antibody responses against the most abundant merozoite antigen, full-length Pf merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1FL), in individuals from a region in Uganda with high Pf transmission. Our results showed that PfMSP1FL-specific B cells in adults with immunological protection against malaria were predominantly IgG+ classical MBCs, while children with incomplete protection mainly harbored IgM+ PfMSP1FL-specific classical MBCs. In contrast, anti-PfMSP1FL plasma IgM reactivity was minimal in both children and adults. Instead, both groups showed high plasma IgG reactivity against PfMSP1FL, with broadening of the response against non-3D7 strains in adults. The B cell receptors encoded by PfMSP1FL-specific IgG+ MBCs carried high levels of amino acid substitutions and recognized relatively conserved epitopes on the highly variable PfMSP1 protein. Proteomics analysis of PfMSP119-specific IgG in plasma of an adult revealed a limited repertoire of anti-MSP1 antibodies, most of which were IgG1 or IgG3. Similar to B cell receptors of PfMSP1FL-specific MBCs, anti-PfMSP119 IgGs had high levels of amino acid substitutions and their sequences were predominantly found in classical MBCs, not atypical MBCs. Collectively, these results showed evolution of the PfMSP1-specific humoral immune response with cumulative Pf exposure, with a shift from IgM+ to IgG+ B cell memory, diversification of B cells from germline, and stronger recognition of PfMSP1 variants by the plasma IgG repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Jake Gonzales
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kathleen N. Clarke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Gayani Batugedara
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Rolando Garza
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Ashley E. Braddom
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Raphael A. Reyes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Isaac Ssewanyana
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kendra C. Garrison
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Gregory C. Ippolito
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Sebastiaan Bol
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Evelien M. Bunnik
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Long School of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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21
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Stochastic expression of invasion genes in Plasmodium falciparum schizonts. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3004. [PMID: 35637187 PMCID: PMC9151791 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30605-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically identical cells are known to exhibit differential phenotypes in the same environmental conditions. These phenotypic variants are linked to transcriptional stochasticity and have been shown to contribute towards adaptive flexibility of a wide range of unicellular organisms. Here, we investigate transcriptional heterogeneity and stochastic gene expression in Plasmodium falciparum by performing the quasilinear multiple annealing and looping based amplification cycles (MALBAC) based amplification and single cell RNA sequencing of blood stage schizonts. Our data reveals significant transcriptional variations in the schizont stage with a distinct group of highly variable invasion gene transcripts being identified. Moreover, the data reflects several diversification processes including putative developmental “checkpoint”; transcriptomically distinct parasite sub-populations and transcriptional switches in variable gene families (var, rifin, phist). Most of these features of transcriptional variability are preserved in isogenic parasite cell populations (albeit with a lesser amplitude) suggesting a role of epigenetic factors in cell-to-cell transcriptional variations in human malaria parasites. Lastly, we apply quantitative RT-PCR and RNA-FISH approach and confirm stochastic expression of key invasion genes, such as, msp1, msp3, msp7, eba181 and ama1 which represent prime candidates for invasion-blocking vaccines. Genetically identical cells can be phenotypically diverse to allow adaptive flexibility in a given environment. This phenotypic diversity is driven by epigenetic and transcriptional variability. Here, Tripathi et al. perform scRNA-seq of isogenic and non-isogenic Plasmodium falciparum schizont populations to explore transcriptional heterogeneity and stochastic gene expression during the course of development.
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22
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Ochwedo KO, Ariri FO, Otambo WO, Magomere EO, Debrah I, Onyango SA, Orondo PW, Atieli HE, Ogolla SO, Otieno ACA, Mukabana WR, Githeko AK, Lee MC, Yan G, Zhong D, Kazura JW. Rare Alleles and Signatures of Selection on the Immunodominant Domains of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 in Malaria Parasites From Western Kenya. Front Genet 2022; 13:867906. [PMID: 35656326 PMCID: PMC9152164 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.867906] [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: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria elimination and eradication efforts can be advanced by including transmission-blocking or reducing vaccines (TBVs) alongside existing interventions. Key transmission-blocking vaccine candidates, such as Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain 3, should be genetically stable to avoid developing ineffective vaccines due to antigenic polymorphisms. We evaluated genetic polymorphism and temporal stability of Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain three in Plasmodium falciparum parasites from western Kenya. Methods: Dry blood spots on filter paper were collected from febrile malaria patients reporting to community health facilities in endemic areas of Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties and an epidemic-prone area of Kisii County in 2018 and 2019. Plasmodium speciation was performed using eluted DNA and real-time PCR. Amplification of the target domains of the two Pfs genes was performed on P. falciparum positive samples. We sequenced Pfs230 domain one on 156 clinical isolates and Pfs48/45 domain three on 118 clinical isolates to infer the levels of genetic variability, signatures of selection, genetic diversity indices and perform other evolutionary analyses. Results: Pfs230 domain one had low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.15 × 10-2) with slight variation per study site. Six polymorphic sites with nonsynonymous mutations and eight haplotypes were discovered. I539T was a novel variant, whereas G605S was nearing fixation. Pfs48/45 domain three had a low π (0.063 × 10-2), high conservation index, and three segregating sites, resulting in nonsynonymous mutation and four haplotypes. Some loci of Pfs230 D1 were in positive or negative linkage disequilibrium, had negative or positive selection signatures, and others (1813, 1955) and (1813, 1983) had a history of recombination. Mutated loci pairs in Pfs48/45 domain three had negative linkage disequilibrium, and some had negative and positive Tajima's D values with no history of recombination events. Conclusion: The two transmission blocking vaccine candidates have low nucleotide diversity, a small number of zone-specific variants, high nucleotide conservation index, and high frequency of rare alleles. With the near fixation a polymorphic site and the proximity of mutated codons to antibody binding epitopes, it will be necessary to continue monitoring sequence modifications of these domains when designing TBVs that include Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O. Ochwedo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Fredrick O. Ariri
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Department of Zoology, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Wilfred O. Otambo
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Department of Zoology, School of Physical and Biological Sciences, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Edwin O. Magomere
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Department of Biochemistry, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Isaiah Debrah
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogen, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shirley A. Onyango
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,School of Zoological Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauline W. Orondo
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Harrysone E. Atieli
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Sidney O. Ogolla
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Antony C. A. Otieno
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wolfgang R. Mukabana
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya,Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Andrew K. Githeko
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya,Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Daibin Zhong,
| | - James W. Kazura
- Centre for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
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23
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Ochwedo KO, Onyango SA, Omondi CJ, Orondo PW, Ondeto BM, Lee MC, Atieli HE, Ogolla SO, Githeko AK, Otieno ACA, Mukabana WR, Yan G, Zhong D, Kazura JW. Signatures of selection and drivers for novel mutation on transmission-blocking vaccine candidate Pfs25 gene in western Kenya. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266394. [PMID: 35390042 PMCID: PMC8989228 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leading transmission-blocking vaccine candidates such as Plasmodium falciparum surface protein 25 (Pfs25 gene) may undergo antigenic alterations which may render them ineffective or allele-specific. This study examines the level of genetic diversity, signature of selection and drivers of Pfs25 polymorphisms of parasites population in regions of western Kenya with varying malaria transmission intensities. METHODS Dry blood spots (DBS) were collected in 2018 and 2019 from febrile outpatients with malaria at health facilities in malaria-endemic areas of Homa Bay, Kisumu (Chulaimbo) and the epidemic-prone highland area of Kisii. Parasites DNA were extracted from DBS using Chelex method. Species identification was performed using real-time PCR. The 460 base pairs (domains 1-4) of the Pfs25 were amplified and sequenced for a total of 180 P. falciparum-infected blood samples. RESULTS Nine of ten polymorphic sites were identified for the first time. Overall, Pfs25 exhibited low nucleotide diversity (0.04×10-2) and low mutation frequencies (1.3% to 7.7%). Chulaimbo had the highest frequency (15.4%) of mutated sites followed by Kisii (6.7%) and Homa Bay (5.1%). Neutrality tests of Pfs25 variations showed significant negative values of Tajima's D (-2.15, p<0.01) and Fu's F (-10.91, p<0.001) statistics tests. Three loci pairs (123, 372), (364, 428) and (390, 394) were detected to be under linkage disequilibrium and none had history of recombination. These results suggested that purifying selection and inbreeding might be the drivers of the observed variation in Pfs25. CONCLUSION Given the low level of nucleotide diversity, it is unlikely that a Pfs25 antigen-based vaccine would be affected by antigenic variations. However, continued monitoring of Pfs25 immunogenic domain 3 for possible variants that might impact vaccine antibody binding is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O. Ochwedo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Shirley A. Onyango
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- School of Zoological Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Collince J. Omondi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Pauline W. Orondo
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benyl M. Ondeto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Harrysone E. Atieli
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Sidney O. Ogolla
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Andrew K. Githeko
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Antony C. A. Otieno
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wolfgang R. Mukabana
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre for Excellence in Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - James W. Kazura
- Centre for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
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24
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Orwa TO, Mbogo RW, Luboobi LS. Optimal control analysis of hepatocytic-erythrocytic dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Infect Dis Model 2022; 7:82-108. [PMID: 34977436 PMCID: PMC8686038 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2021.11.006] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents an in-host malaria model subject to anti-malarial drug treatment and malaria vaccine antigens combinations. Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is applied to establish optimal control strategies against infected erythrocytes, infected hepatocytes and malaria parasites. Results from numerical simulation reveal that a combination of pre-erythrocytic vaccine antigen, blood schizontocide and gametocytocide drugs would offer the best strategy to eradicate clinical P. falciparum malaria. Sensitivity analysis, further reveal that the efficacy of blood schizontocides and blood stage vaccines are crucial in the control of clinical malaria infection. Futhermore, we found that an effective blood schizontocide should be used alongside efficacious blood stage vaccine for rapid eradication of infective malaria parasites. The authors hope that the results of this study will help accelerate malaria elimination efforts by combining malaria vaccines and anti-malarial drugs against the deadly P. falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titus Okello Orwa
- Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Strathmore University, P.O Box 59 857-00 200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rachel Waema Mbogo
- Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Strathmore University, P.O Box 59 857-00 200, Nairobi, Kenya
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25
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Kapulu MC, Kimani D, Njuguna P, Hamaluba M, Otieno E, Kimathi R, Tuju J, Sim BKL, Abdi AI, Abebe Y, Bejon P, Billingsley PF, Bull PC, de Laurent Z, Hoffman SL, James ER, Kariuki S, Kinyanjui S, Kivisi C, Makale J, Marsh K, Mohammed KS, Mosobo M, Musembi J, Musyoki J, Muthui M, Mwacharo J, Mwai K, Ngoi JM, Ngoto O, Nkumama I, Ndungu F, Odera D, Ogutu B, Olewe F, Omuoyo D, Ong’echa J, Osier F, Richie TL, Shangala J, Wambua J, Williams TN. Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) outcomes in Kenyan adults is associated with prior history of malaria exposure and anti-schizont antibody response. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:86. [PMID: 35073864 PMCID: PMC8785382 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Individuals living in endemic areas acquire immunity to malaria following repeated parasite exposure. We sought to assess the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model as a means of studying naturally acquired immunity in Kenyan adults with varying malaria exposure.
Methods
We analysed data from 142 Kenyan adults from three locations representing distinct areas of malaria endemicity (Ahero, Kilifi North and Kilifi South) enrolled in a CHMI study with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites NF54 strain (Sanaria® PfSPZ Challenge). To identify the in vivo outcomes that most closely reflected naturally acquired immunity, parameters based on qPCR measurements were compared with anti-schizont antibody levels and residence as proxy markers of naturally acquired immunity.
Results
Time to endpoint correlated more closely with anti-schizont antibodies and location of residence than other parasite parameters such as growth rate or mean parasite density. Compared to observational field-based studies in children where 0.8% of the variability in malaria outcome was observed to be explained by anti-schizont antibodies, in the CHMI model the dichotomized anti-schizont antibodies explained 17% of the variability.
Conclusions
The CHMI model is highly effective in studying markers of naturally acquired immunity to malaria.
Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT02739763. Registered 15 April 2016
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26
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Kimingi HW, Kinyua AW, Achieng NA, Wambui KM, Mwangi S, Nguti R, Kivisi CA, Jensen ATR, Bejon P, Kapulu MC, Abdi AI, Kinyanjui SM. Breadth of Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Variant Surface Antigens Is Associated With Immunity in a Controlled Human Malaria Infection Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894770. [PMID: 35711446 PMCID: PMC9195513 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum variant surface antigens (VSAs) contribute to malaria pathogenesis by mediating cytoadhesion of infected red blood cells to the microvasculature endothelium. In this study, we investigated the association between anti-VSA antibodies and clinical outcome in a controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) study. Method We used flow cytometry and ELISA to measure levels of IgG antibodies to VSAs of five heterologous and one homologous P. falciparum parasite isolates, and to two PfEMP1 DBLβ domains in blood samples collected a day before the challenge and 14 days after infection. We also measured the ability of an individual's plasma to inhibit the interaction between PfEMP1 and ICAM1 using competition ELISA. We then assessed the association between the antibody levels, function, and CHMI defined clinical outcome during a 21-day follow-up period post infection using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Antibody levels to the individual isolate VSAs, or to two ICAM1-binding DBLβ domains of PfEMP1, were not associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing parasitemia or of meeting treatment criteria after the challenge after adjusting for exposure. However, anti-VSA antibody breadth (i.e., cumulative response to all the isolates) was a significant predictor of reduced risk of requiring treatment [HR 0.23 (0.10-0.50) p= 0.0002]. Conclusion The breadth of IgG antibodies to VSAs, but not to individual isolate VSAs, is associated with protection in CHMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah W. Kimingi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Ann W. Kinyua
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Nicole A. Achieng
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Kennedy M. Wambui
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shaban Mwangi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Roselyne Nguti
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Cheryl A. Kivisi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
- Pwani University Bioscience Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Anja T. R. Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philip Bejon
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melisa C. Kapulu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Abdirahman I. Abdi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Pwani University Bioscience Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Samson M. Kinyanjui
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Pwani University Bioscience Research Centre, Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- School of Business Studies, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya
- *Correspondence: Samson M. Kinyanjui,
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27
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Development and Evaluation of a Cryopreserved Whole-Parasite Vaccine in a Rodent Model of Blood-Stage Malaria. mBio 2021; 12:e0265721. [PMID: 34663097 PMCID: PMC8524336 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02657-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with malaria parasites continues to be a major global public health issue. While current control measures have enabled a significant decrease in morbidity and mortality over the last 20 years, additional tools will be required if we are to progress toward malaria parasite eradication. Malaria vaccine research has focused on the development of subunit vaccines; however, more recently, interest in whole-parasite vaccines has reignited. Whole-parasite vaccines enable the presentation of a broad repertoire of antigens to the immune system, which limits the impact of antigenic polymorphism and genetic restriction of the immune response. We previously reported that whole-parasite vaccines can be prepared using chemically attenuated parasites within intact red blood cells or using killed parasites in liposomes, although liposomes were less immunogenic than attenuated parasites. If they could be frozen or freeze-dried and be made more immunogenic, liposomal vaccines would be ideal for vaccine deployment in areas where malaria is endemic. Here, we develop and evaluate a Plasmodium yoelii liposomal vaccine with enhanced immunogenicity and efficacy due to incorporation of TLR4 agonist, 3D(6-acyl) PHAD, and mannose to target the liposome to antigen-presenting cells. Following vaccination, mice were protected, and strong cellular immune responses were induced, characterized by parasite-specific splenocyte proliferation and a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine response. Parasite-specific antibodies were induced, predominantly of the IgG1 subclass. CD4+ T cells and gamma interferon were critical components of the protective immune response. This study represents an important development toward evaluation of this whole-parasite blood-stage vaccine in a phase I clinical trial. IMPORTANCE Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that is caused by parasites of the genus, Plasmodium. There are seven different Plasmodium spp. that can cause malaria in humans, with P. falciparum causing the majority of the morbidity and mortality. Malaria parasites are endemic in 87 countries and continue to result in >200 million cases of malaria and >400,000 deaths/year, mostly children <5 years of age. Malaria infection initially presents as a flu-like illness but can rapidly progress to severe disease in nonimmune individuals if treatment is not initiated promptly. Existing control strategies for the mosquito vector (insecticides) and parasite (antimalarial drugs) are becoming increasingly less effective due to the development of resistance. While artemisinin combination therapies are frontline treatment for P. falciparum malaria, resistance has been documented in numerous countries. A highly effective malaria vaccine is urgently required to reduce malaria-attributable clinical disease and death and enable progression toward the ultimate goal of eradication.
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Opi DH, Kurtovic L, Chan JA, Horton JL, Feng G, Beeson JG. Multi-functional antibody profiling for malaria vaccine development and evaluation. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1257-1272. [PMID: 34530671 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1981864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A vaccine would greatly accelerate current global efforts toward malaria elimination. While a partially efficacious vaccine has been achieved for Plasmodium falciparum, a major bottleneck in developing highly efficacious vaccines is a lack of reliable correlates of protection, and the limited application of assays that quantify functional immune responses to evaluate and down-select vaccine candidates in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe the important role of antibodies in immunity against malaria and detail the nature and functional activities of antibodies against the malaria-causing parasite. We highlight the growing understanding of antibody effector functions against malaria and in vitro assays to measure these functional antibody responses. We discuss the application of these assays to quantify antibody functions in vaccine development and evaluation. EXPERT OPINION It is becoming increasingly clear that multiple antibody effector functions are involved in immunity to malaria. Therefore, we propose that evaluating vaccine candidates needs to move beyond individual assays or measuring IgG magnitude alone. Instead, vaccine evaluation should incorporate the full breadth of antibody response types and harness a wider range of assays measuring functional antibody responses. We propose a 3-tier approach to implementing assays to inform vaccine evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Herbert Opi
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liriye Kurtovic
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jo-Anne Chan
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica L Horton
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gaoqian Feng
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James G Beeson
- Life Sciences, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Knudsen AS, Björnsson KH, Bassi MR, Walker MR, Kok A, Cristinoi B, Jensen AR, Barfod L. Strain-Dependent Inhibition of Erythrocyte Invasion by Monoclonal Antibodies Against Plasmodium falciparum CyRPA. Front Immunol 2021; 12:716305. [PMID: 34447381 PMCID: PMC8383283 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.716305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly conserved Plasmodium falciparum cysteine-rich protective antigen (PfCyRPA) is a key target for next-generation vaccines against blood-stage malaria. PfCyRPA constitute the core of a ternary complex, including the reticulocyte binding-like homologous protein 5 (PfRh5) and the Rh5-interacting protein (PfRipr), and is fundamental for merozoite invasion of erythrocytes. In this study, we show that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to PfCyRPA neutralize the in vitro growth of Ghanaian field isolates as well as numerous laboratory-adapted parasite lines. We identified subsets of mAbs with neutralizing activity that bind to distinct sites on PfCyRPA and that in combination potentiate the neutralizing effect. As antibody responses against multiple merozoite invasion proteins are thought to improve the efficacy of blood-stage vaccines, we also demonstrated that combinations of PfCyRPA- and PfRh5 specific mAbs act synergistically to neutralize parasite growth. Yet, we identified prominent strain-dependent neutralization potencies, which our results suggest is independent of PfCyRPA expression level and polymorphism, demonstrating the importance of addressing functional converseness when evaluating blood-stage vaccine candidates. Finally, our results suggest that blood-stage vaccine efficacy can be improved by directing the antibody response towards defined protective epitopes on multiple parasite antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S Knudsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper H Björnsson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria R Bassi
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Melanie R Walker
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kok
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bogdan Cristinoi
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja R Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Barfod
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Production and Immunogenicity of a Tag-Free Recombinant Chimera Based on PfMSP-1 and PfMSP-3 Using Alhydrogel and Dipeptide-Based Hydrogels. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070782. [PMID: 34358198 PMCID: PMC8310097 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A fusion chimeric vaccine comprising multiple protective domains of different blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum antigens is perhaps necessary for widening the protective immune responses and reducing the morbidity caused by the disease. Here we continue to build upon the prior work of developing a recombinant fusion chimera protein, His-tagged PfMSP-Fu24, by producing it as a tag-free recombinant protein. In this study, tag-free recombinant PfMSPFu24 (rFu24) was expressed in Escherichia coli, and the soluble protein was purified using a three-step purification involving ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by 2-step ion exchange chromatography procedures and shown that it was highly immunogenic with the human-compatible adjuvant Alhydrogel. We further investigated two dipeptides, phenylalanine-α, β-dehydrophenylalanine (FΔF) and Leucine-α, β-dehydrophenylalanine (LΔF) based hydrogels as effective delivery platforms for rFu24. These dipeptides self-assembled spontaneously to form a highly stable hydrogel under physiological conditions. rFu24 was efficiently entrapped in both the F∆F and L∆F hydrogels, and the three-dimensional (3D) mesh-like structures of the hydrogels remained intact after the entrapment of the antigen. The two hydrogels significantly stimulated rFu24-specific antibody titers, and the sera from the immunized mice showed an invasion inhibitory activity comparable to that of Alhydrogel. Easily synthesized dipeptide hydrogels can be used as an effective antigen delivery platform to induce immune responses.
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31
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Sourabh S, Yasmin R, Tuteja R. Plasmodium falciparum DDX3X is a nucleocytoplasmic protein and requires N-terminal for DNA helicase activity. Parasitol Int 2021; 85:102420. [PMID: 34265466 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a haemato-protozoan disease which causes thousands of deaths every year. Due to the alarming increase of drug resistant strains of P. falciparum, malaria is now becoming more deadly. Helicases are the most important components of the cellular machinery without which cells are unable to survive. The importance of helicases has been proven in variety of organisms. In this study we have reported detailed biochemical characterization of human homologue of DDX3X from Plasmodium falciparum (PfDDX3X). Our study revealed that PfDDX3X is ATP- dependent DNA helicase whereas in human host it is ATP-dependent RNA helicase. We show that N-terminal is essential for its activity and it is present in nucleus and cytoplasm in intraerythrocytic developmental stages of P. falciparum 3D7 strain. Also, it is highly expressed in the schizont stage of P. falciparum 3D7strain. The present study suggests that a protein can perform different functions in different systems. The present study will help to understand the basic biology of malaria parasite P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Sourabh
- Parasite Biology Group, ICGEB, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Rahena Yasmin
- Parasite Biology Group, ICGEB, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Renu Tuteja
- Parasite Biology Group, ICGEB, P.O. Box 10504, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India.
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32
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Minassian AM, Silk SE, Barrett JR, Nielsen CM, Miura K, Diouf A, Loos C, Fallon JK, Michell AR, White MT, Edwards NJ, Poulton ID, Mitton CH, Payne RO, Marks M, Maxwell-Scott H, Querol-Rubiera A, Bisnauthsing K, Batra R, Ogrina T, Brendish NJ, Themistocleous Y, Rawlinson TA, Ellis KJ, Quinkert D, Baker M, Lopez Ramon R, Ramos Lopez F, Barfod L, Folegatti PM, Silman D, Datoo M, Taylor IJ, Jin J, Pulido D, Douglas AD, de Jongh WA, Smith R, Berrie E, Noe AR, Diggs CL, Soisson LA, Ashfield R, Faust SN, Goodman AL, Lawrie AM, Nugent FL, Alter G, Long CA, Draper SJ. Reduced blood-stage malaria growth and immune correlates in humans following RH5 vaccination. MED 2021; 2:701-719.e19. [PMID: 34223402 PMCID: PMC8240500 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of an effective vaccine against the pathogenic blood-stage infection of human malaria has proved challenging, and no candidate vaccine has affected blood-stage parasitemia following controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) with blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum. METHODS We undertook a phase I/IIa clinical trial in healthy adults in the United Kingdom of the RH5.1 recombinant protein vaccine, targeting the P. falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (RH5), formulated in AS01B adjuvant. We assessed safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy against blood-stage CHMI. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02927145. FINDINGS The RH5.1/AS01B formulation was administered using a range of RH5.1 protein vaccine doses (2, 10, and 50 μg) and was found to be safe and well tolerated. A regimen using a delayed and fractional third dose, in contrast to three doses given at monthly intervals, led to significantly improved antibody response longevity over ∼2 years of follow-up. Following primary and secondary CHMI of vaccinees with blood-stage P. falciparum, a significant reduction in parasite growth rate was observed, defining a milestone for the blood-stage malaria vaccine field. We show that growth inhibition activity measured in vitro using purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody strongly correlates with in vivo reduction of the parasite growth rate and also identify other antibody feature sets by systems serology, including the plasma anti-RH5 IgA1 response, that are associated with challenge outcome. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a new framework to guide rational design and delivery of next-generation vaccines to protect against malaria disease. FUNDING This study was supported by USAID, UK MRC, Wellcome Trust, NIAID, and the NIHR Oxford-BRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E. Silk
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | | | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Carolin Loos
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Ashlin R. Michell
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michael T. White
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Nick J. Edwards
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ian D. Poulton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Celia H. Mitton
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Ruth O. Payne
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Hector Maxwell-Scott
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Antonio Querol-Rubiera
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Karen Bisnauthsing
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Rahul Batra
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Tatiana Ogrina
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Nathan J. Brendish
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | | | | | | | - Doris Quinkert
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Megan Baker
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | | | - Lea Barfod
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Daniel Silman
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Mehreen Datoo
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Iona J. Taylor
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Jing Jin
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - David Pulido
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Willem A. de Jongh
- ExpreSion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, Agern Allé 1, Hørsholm 2970, Denmark
| | - Robert Smith
- Clinical BioManufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JT, UK
| | - Eleanor Berrie
- Clinical BioManufacturing Facility, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7JT, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Saul N. Faust
- NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anna L. Goodman
- Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King’s College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK
| | | | - Fay L. Nugent
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Galit Alter
- The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Simon J. Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
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Dijkman PM, Marzluf T, Zhang Y, Chang SYS, Helm D, Lanzer M, Bujard H, Kudryashev M. Structure of the merozoite surface protein 1 from Plasmodium falciparum. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg0465. [PMID: 34078606 PMCID: PMC11210306 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg0465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) is the most abundant protein on the surface of the erythrocyte-invading Plasmodium merozoite, the causative agent of malaria. MSP-1 is essential for merozoite formation, entry into and escape from erythrocytes, and is a promising vaccine candidate. Here, we present monomeric and dimeric structures of full-length MSP-1. MSP-1 adopts an unusual fold with a large central cavity. Its fold includes several coiled-coils and shows structural homology to proteins associated with membrane and cytoskeleton interactions. MSP-1 formed dimers through these domains in a concentration-dependent manner. Dimerization is affected by the presence of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton protein spectrin, which may compete for the dimerization interface. Our work provides structural insights into the possible mode of interaction of MSP-1 with erythrocytes and establishes a framework for future investigations into the role of MSP-1 in Plasmodium infection and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Dijkman
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tanja Marzluf
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Unit, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- MS-based Protein Analysis Unit, Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yingyi Zhang
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shih-Ying Scott Chang
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominic Helm
- MS-based Protein Analysis Unit, Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Lanzer
- Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Unit, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Bujard
- Sumaya Biotech GmbH & Co. KG, Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Molecular Biology Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mikhail Kudryashev
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Goethe University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Cai J, Chen S, Zhu F, Lu X, Liu T, Xu W. Whole-Killed Blood-Stage Vaccine: Is It Worthwhile to Further Develop It to Control Malaria? Front Microbiol 2021; 12:670775. [PMID: 33995336 PMCID: PMC8119638 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.670775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Major challenges have been encountered regarding the development of highly efficient subunit malaria vaccines, and so whole-parasite vaccines have regained attention in recent years. The whole-killed blood-stage vaccine (WKV) is advantageous as it can be easily manufactured and efficiently induced protective immunity against a blood-stage challenge, as well as inducing cross-stage protection against both the liver and sexual-stages. However, it necessitates a high dose of parasitized red blood cell (pRBC) lysate for immunization, and this raises concerns regarding its safety and low immunogenicity. Knowledge of the major components of WKV that can induce or evade the host immune response, and the development of appropriate human-compatible adjuvants will greatly help to optimize the WKV. Therefore, we argue that the further development of the WKV is worthwhile to control and potentially eradicate malaria worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Cai
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Suilin Chen
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Taiping Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyue Xu
- College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Extreme Environmental Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
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35
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Eacret JS, Parzych EM, Gonzales DM, Burns JM. Inclusion of an Optimized Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 2-Based Antigen in a Trivalent, Multistage Malaria Vaccine. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:1817-1831. [PMID: 33789984 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein (PfMSP)2 is a target of parasite-neutralizing Abs. Inclusion of recombinant PfMSP2 (rPfMSP2) as a component of a multivalent malaria vaccine is of interest, but presents challenges. Previously, we used the highly immunogenic PfMSP8 as a carrier to enhance production and/or immunogenicity of malaria vaccine targets. In this study, we exploited the benefits of rPfMSP8 as a carrier to optimize a rPfMSP2-based subunit vaccine. rPfMSP2 and chimeric rPfMSP2/8 vaccines produced in Escherichia coli were evaluated in comparative immunogenicity studies in inbred (CB6F1/J) and outbred (CD1) mice, varying the dose and adjuvant. Immunization of mice with both rPfMSP2-based vaccines elicited high-titer anti-PfMSP2 Abs that recognized the major allelic variants of PfMSP2. Vaccine-induced T cells recognized epitopes present in both PfMSP2 and the PfMSP8 carrier. Competition assays revealed differences in Ab specificities induced by the two rPfMSP2-based vaccines, with evidence of epitope masking by rPfMSP2-associated fibrils. In contrast to aluminum hydroxide (Alum) as adjuvant, formulation of rPfMSP2 vaccines with glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant-stable emulsion, a synthetic TLR4 agonist, elicited Th1-associated cytokines, shifting production of Abs to cytophilic IgG subclasses. The rPfMSP2/8 + glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant-stable emulsion formulation induced significantly higher Ab titers with superior durability and capacity to opsonize P. falciparum merozoites for phagocytosis. Immunization with a trivalent vaccine including PfMSP2/8, PfMSP1/8, and the P. falciparum 25 kDa sexual stage antigen fused to PfMSP8 (Pfs25/8) induced high levels of Abs specific for epitopes in each targeted domain, with no evidence of antigenic competition. These results are highly encouraging for the addition of rPfMSP2/8 as a component of an efficacious, multivalent, multistage malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S Eacret
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Elizabeth M Parzych
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Donna M Gonzales
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - James M Burns
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129
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36
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Nevagi RJ, Good MF, Stanisic DI. Plasmodium infection and drug cure for malaria vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:163-183. [PMID: 33428505 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1874923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite decades of research into the development of a vaccine to combat the malaria parasite, a highly efficacious malaria vaccine is not yet available. Different whole parasite-based vaccine approaches, including deliberate Plasmodium infection and drug cure (IDC), have been evaluated in pre-clinical and early phase clinical trials. The advantage of whole parasite vaccines is that they induce immune responses against multiple parasite antigens, thus lowering the impact of antigenic diversity. Deliberate Plasmodium IDC, as a vaccine approach, involves administering infectious, live parasites in combination with an anti-malarial drug, which controls the infection and enables induction of protective immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshma J Nevagi
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle I Stanisic
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD, Australia
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37
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Good MF, Stanisic DI. Biological strategies and political hurdles in developing malaria vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:93-95. [PMID: 33595407 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1889094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
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38
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Schneider CG, Taylor JA, Sibilo MQ, Miura K, Mallory KL, Mann C, Karch C, Beck Z, Matyas GR, Long CA, Bergmann-Leitner E, Burkhard P, Angov E. Orientation of Antigen Display on Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles Influences Immunogenicity. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020103. [PMID: 33572803 PMCID: PMC7911071 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-assembling protein nanoparticles (SAPN) serve as a repetitive antigen delivery platform with high-density epitope display; however, antigen characteristics such as size and epitope presentation can influence the immunogenicity of the assembled particle and are aspects to consider for a rationally designed effective vaccine. Here, we characterize the folding and immunogenicity of heterogeneous antigen display by integrating (a) dual-stage antigen SAPN presenting the P. falciparum (Pf) merozoite surface protein 1 subunit, PfMSP119, and Pf cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites, PfCelTOS, in addition to (b) a homogenous antigen SAPN displaying two copies of PfCelTOS. Mice and rabbits were utilized to evaluate antigen-specific humoral and cellular induction as well as functional antibodies via growth inhibition of the blood-stage parasite. We demonstrate that antigen orientation and folding influence the elicited immune response, and when appropriately designed, SAPN can serve as an adaptable platform for an effective multi-antigen display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosette G. Schneider
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Justin A. Taylor
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Michael Q. Sibilo
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Parsons Corporation, Centreville, VA 20120, USA
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.); (C.A.L.)
| | - Katherine L. Mallory
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Parsons Corporation, Centreville, VA 20120, USA
| | - Christopher Mann
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Parsons Corporation, Centreville, VA 20120, USA
| | - Christopher Karch
- Laboratory of Antigen and Adjuvants, US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.K.); (Z.B.); (G.R.M.)
- Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Zoltan Beck
- Laboratory of Antigen and Adjuvants, US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.K.); (Z.B.); (G.R.M.)
- Henry Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Gary R. Matyas
- Laboratory of Antigen and Adjuvants, US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.K.); (Z.B.); (G.R.M.)
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD 20892, USA; (K.M.); (C.A.L.)
| | - Elke Bergmann-Leitner
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
| | | | - Evelina Angov
- Malaria Biologics Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (C.G.S.); (J.A.T.); (M.Q.S.); (K.L.M.); (C.M.); (E.B.-L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-319-9614
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Singh SK, Plieskatt J, Chourasia BK, Fabra-García A, Garcia-Senosiain A, Singh V, Bengtsson KL, Reimer JM, Sauerwein R, Jore MM, Theisen M. A Reproducible and Scalable Process for Manufacturing a Pfs48/45 Based Plasmodium falciparum Transmission-Blocking Vaccine. Front Immunol 2021; 11:606266. [PMID: 33505395 PMCID: PMC7832176 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cysteine-rich Pfs48/45 protein, a Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage surface protein, has been advancing as a candidate antigen for a transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) for malaria. However, Pfs48/45 contains multiple disulfide bonds, that are critical for proper folding and induction of transmission-blocking (TB) antibodies. We have previously shown that R0.6C, a fusion of the 6C domain of Pfs48/45 and a fragment of PfGLURP (R0), expressed in Lactococcus lactis, was properly folded and induced transmission-blocking antibodies. Here we describe the process development and technology transfer of a scalable and reproducible process suitable for R0.6C manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). This process resulted in a final purified yield of 25 mg/L, sufficient for clinical evaluation. A panel of analytical assays for release and stability assessment of R0.6C were developed including HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotting with the conformation-dependent TB mAb45.1. Intact mass analysis of R0.6C confirmed the identity of the product including the three disulfide bonds and the absence of post-translational modifications. Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) coupled to size exclusion chromatography (SEC-MALS), further confirmed that R0.6C was monomeric (~70 kDa) in solution. Lastly, preclinical studies demonstrated that the R0.6C Drug Product (adsorbed to Alhydrogel®) elicited functional antibodies in small rodents and that adding Matrix-M™ adjuvant further increased the functional response. Here, building upon our past work, we filled the gap between laboratory and manufacturing to ready R0.6C for production under cGMP and eventual clinical evaluation as a malaria TB vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susheel K Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Bishwanath K Chourasia
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amanda Fabra-García
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Asier Garcia-Senosiain
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vandana Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Robert Sauerwein
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Singh H, Mian SY, Pandey AK, Krishna S, Anand G, Reddy KS, Chaturvedi N, Bahl V, Hans N, Shukla MM, Bassat Q, Mayor A, Miura K, Bharti PK, Long C, Singh N, Chauhan VS, Gaur D. Antibody Combinations Targeting the Essential Antigens CyRPA, RH5, and MSP-119 Potently Neutralize Plasmodium falciparum Clinical Isolates From India and Africa. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:1953-1964. [PMID: 32989463 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa608] [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: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting multiple key antigens that mediate distinct Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte invasion pathways is an attractive approach for the development of blood-stage malaria vaccines. However, the challenge is to identify antigen cocktails that elicit potent strain-transcending parasite-neutralizing antibodies efficacious at low immunoglobulin G concentrations feasible to achieve through vaccination. Previous reports have screened inhibitory antibodies primarily against well adapted laboratory parasite clones. However, validation of the parasite-neutralizing efficacy against clinical isolates with minimal in vitro cultivation is equally significant to better ascertain their prospective in vivo potency. METHODS We evaluated the parasite-neutralizing activity of different antibodies individually and in combinations against laboratory adapted clones and clinical isolates. Clinical isolates were collected from Central India and Mozambique, Africa, and characterized for their invasion properties and genetic diversity of invasion ligands. RESULTS In our portfolio, we evaluated 25 triple antibody combinations and identified the MSP-Fu+CyRPA+RH5 antibody combination to elicit maximal parasite neutralization against P. falciparum clinical isolates with variable properties that underwent minimal in vitro cultivation. CONCLUSIONS The MSP-Fu+CyRPA+RH5 combination exhibited highly robust parasite neutralization against P. falciparum clones and clinical isolates, thus substantiating them as promising candidate antigens and establishing a proof of principle for the development of a combinatorial P. falciparum blood-stage malaria vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Singh
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Syed Yusuf Mian
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Alok K Pandey
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Sri Krishna
- National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Gaurav Anand
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - K Sony Reddy
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India.,School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Neha Chaturvedi
- National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vanndita Bahl
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Nidhi Hans
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Man Mohan Shukla
- National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville Maryland, USA
| | - Praveen K Bharti
- National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Carole Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville Maryland, USA
| | - Neeru Singh
- National Institute for Research in Tribal Health (NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Virander Singh Chauhan
- Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Deepak Gaur
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vaccine Research, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Malaria Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
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Opuni KFM, Koy C, Russ M, Reepmeyer M, Danquah BD, Weresow M, Alef A, Lorenz P, Thiesen HJ, Glocker MO. ITEM-THREE analysis of a monoclonal anti-malaria antibody reveals its assembled epitope on the pfMSP1 19 antigen. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:14987-14997. [PMID: 32848020 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid diagnostic tests are first-line assays for diagnosing infectious diseases, such as malaria. To minimize false positive and false negative test results in population-screening assays, high-quality reagents and well-characterized antigens and antibodies are needed. An important property of antigen-antibody binding is recognition specificity, which best can be estimated by mapping an antibody's epitope on the respective antigen. We have cloned a malarial antigen-containing fusion protein, MBP-pfMSP119, in Escherichia coli, which then was structurally and functionally characterized before and after high pressure-assisted enzymatic digestion. We then used our previously developed method, intact transition epitope mapping-targeted high-energy rupture of extracted epitopes (ITEM-THREE), to map the area on the MBP-pfMSP119 antigen surface that is recognized by the anti-pfMSP119 antibody G17.12. We identified three epitope-carrying peptides, 386GRNISQHQCVKKQCPQNSGCFRHLDE411, 386GRNISQHQCVKKQCPQNSGCFRHLDEREE414, and 415CKCLLNYKQE424, from the GluC-derived peptide mixture. These peptides belong to an assembled (conformational) epitope on the MBP-pfMSP119 antigen whose identification was substantiated by positive and negative control experiments. In conclusion, our data help to establish a workflow to obtain high-quality control data for diagnostic assays, including the use of ITEM-THREE as a powerful analytical tool. Data are available via ProteomeXchange: PXD019717.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwabena F M Opuni
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, College of Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Cornelia Koy
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Manuela Russ
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Maren Reepmeyer
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Bright D Danquah
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter Lorenz
- Institute for Immunology, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Michael O Glocker
- Proteome Center Rostock, University Medicine Rostock and University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
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42
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Parzych EM, Miura K, Long CA, Burns JM. Maintaining immunogenicity of blood stage and sexual stage subunit malaria vaccines when formulated in combination. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232355. [PMID: 32348377 PMCID: PMC7190115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eradication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria will likely require a multivalent vaccine, but the development of a highly efficacious subunit-based formulation has been challenging. We previously showed that production and immunogenicity of two leading vaccine targets, PfMSP119 (blood-stage) and Pfs25 (sexual stage), could be enhanced upon genetic fusion to merozoite surface protein 8 (PfMSP8). Here, we sought to optimize a Pfs25-based formulation for use in combination with rPfMSP1/8 with the goal of maintaining the immunogenicity of each subunit. Methods Comparative mouse studies were conducted to assess the effects of adjuvant selection (Alhydrogel vs. glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant-stable emulsion (GLA-SE)) and antigen dose (2.5 vs. 0.5 μg) on the induction of anti-Pfs25 immune responses. The antibody response (magnitude, IgG subclass profile, and transmission-reducing activity (TRA)) and cellular responses (proliferation, cytokine production) generated in response to each formulation were assessed. Similarly, immunogenicity of a bivalent vaccine containing rPfMSP1/8 and rPfs25/8 was evaluated. Results Alum-based formulations elicited strong and comparable humoral and cellular responses regardless of antigen form (unfused rPfs25 or chimeric rPfs25/8) or dose. In contrast, GLA-SE based formulations elicited differential responses as a function of both parameters, with 2.5 μg of rPfs25/8 inducing the highest titers of functional anti-Pfs25 antibodies. Based on these data, chimeric rPfs25/8 was selected and tested in a bivalent formulation with rPfMSP1/8. Strong antibody titers against Pfs25 and PfMSP119 domains were induced with GLA-SE based formulations, with no indication of antigenic competition. Conclusions We were able to generate an immunogenic bivalent vaccine designed to target multiple parasite stages that could reduce both clinical disease and parasite transmission. The use of the same PfMSP8 carrier for two different vaccine components was effective in this bivalent formulation. As such, the incorporation of additional protective targets fused to the PfMSP8 carrier into the formulation should be feasible, further broadening the protective response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Parzych
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Parasitology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Malaria Immunology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Carole A. Long
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Parasitology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Malaria Immunology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James M. Burns
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Molecular Parasitology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Dinga JN, Perimbie SN, Gamua SD, Chuma FNG, Njimoh DL, Djikeng A, Pelle R, Titanji VPK. Analysis of the Role of TpUB05 Antigen from Theileria parva in Immune Responses to Malaria in Humans Compared to Its Homologue in Plasmodium falciparum the UB05 Antigen. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9040271. [PMID: 32276308 PMCID: PMC7238281 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040271] [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: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the amount of resources deployed and the technological advancements in molecular biology, vaccinology, immunology, genetics, and biotechnology, there are still no effective vaccines against malaria. Immunity to malaria is usually seen to be species- and/or strain-specific. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting the possibility of the existence of cross-strain, cross-species, and cross-genus immune responses in apicomplexans. The principle of gene conservation indicates that homologues play a similar role in closely related organisms. The homologue of UB05 in Theileria parva is TpUB05 (XP_763711.1), which has been tested and shown to be associated with protective immunity in East Coast fever. In a bid to identify potent markers of protective immunity to aid malaria vaccine development, TpUB05 was tested in malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It was observed that TpUB05 was better at detecting antigen-specific antibodies in plasma compared to UB05 when tested by ELISA. The total IgG raised against TpUB05 was able to block parasitic growth in vitro more effectively than that raised against UB05. However, there was no significant difference between the two study antigens in recalling peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) memory through IFN-γ production. This study suggests, for the first time, that TpUB05 from T. parva cross-reacts with UB05 from P. falciparum and is a marker of protective immunity in malaria. Hence, TpUB05 should be considered for possible development as a potential subunit vaccine candidate against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Nyhalah Dinga
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +237-233322134
| | - Stephanie Numenyi Perimbie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Stanley Dobgima Gamua
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Francis N. G. Chuma
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa—International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P. O. Box 30709 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dieudonné Lemuh Njimoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Appolinaire Djikeng
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa—International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P. O. Box 30709 Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, Easter Bush Campus, EH25 9RG Edinburgh, UK
| | - Roger Pelle
- Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa—International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, P. O. Box 30709 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vincent P. K. Titanji
- Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P. O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Cameroon Christian University Institute, P.O. Box 5 Bali, Cameroon
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Dobrescu I, de Camargo TM, Gimenez AM, Murillo O, Amorim KNDS, Marinho CRF, Soares IS, Boscardin SB, Bargieri DY. Protective Immunity in Mice Immunized With P. vivax MSP1 19-Based Formulations and Challenged With P. berghei Expressing PvMSP1 19. Front Immunol 2020; 11:28. [PMID: 32153555 PMCID: PMC7045055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of continuous in vitro cultures has been an obstacle delaying pre-clinical testing of Plasmodium vivax vaccine formulations based on known antigens. In this study, we generated a model to test available formulations based on the P. vivax MSP119 antigen. The Plasmodium berghei strains ANKA and NK65 were modified to express PvMSP119 instead of the endogenous PbMSP119. The hybrid parasites were used to challenge C57BL/6 or BALB/c mice immunized with PvMSP119-based vaccine formulations. The PvMSP119 was correctly expressed in the P. berghei hybrid mutant lines as confirmed by immunofluorescence using anti-PvMSP119 monoclonal antibodies and by Western blot. Replacement of the PbMSP119 by the PvMSP119 had no impact on asexual growth in vivo. High titers of specific antibodies to PvMSP119 were not sufficient to control initial parasitemia in the immunized mice, but late parasitemia control and a balanced inflammatory process protected these mice from dying, suggesting that an established immune response to PvMSP119 in this model can help immunity mounted later during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Dobrescu
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tarsila Mendes de Camargo
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alba Marina Gimenez
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Oscar Murillo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Irene Silva Soares
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Youssef Bargieri
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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45
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Old and Recent Advances in Life Cycle, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Malaria Including Perspectives in Ethiopia. ScientificWorldJournal 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/1295381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria, caused by apicomplexan parasite, is an old disease and continues to be a major public health threat in many countries. This article aims to present different aspects of malaria including causes, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment in an articulate and comprehensive manner. Six Plasmodium species are recognized as the etiology of human malaria, of which Plasmodium falciparum is popular in East and Southern Africa. Malaria is transmitted mainly through Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus, the two most effective malaria vectors in the world. Half of the world’s population is at risk for malaria infection. Globally, the morbidity and mortality rates of malaria have become decreased even though few reports in Ethiopia showed high prevalence of malaria. The malaria parasite has a complex life cycle that takes place both inside the mosquito and human beings. Generally, diagnosis of malaria is classified into clinical and parasitological diagnoses. Lack of clear understanding on the overall biology of Plasmodium has created a challenge in an effort to develop new drugs, vaccines, and preventive methods against malaria. However, three types of vaccines and a lot of novel compounds are under perclinical and clinical studies that are triggered by the occurrence of resistance among commonly used drugs and insecticides. Antiadhesion adjunctive therapies are also under investigation in the laboratory. In addition to previously known targets for diagnostic tool, vaccine and drug discovery scientists from all corner of the world are in search of new targets and chemical entities.
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Mannosylated liposomes formulated with whole parasite P. falciparum blood-stage antigens are highly immunogenic in mice. Vaccine 2020; 38:1494-1504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Blank A, Fürle K, Jäschke A, Mikus G, Lehmann M, Hüsing J, Heiss K, Giese T, Carter D, Böhnlein E, Lanzer M, Haefeli WE, Bujard H. Immunization with full-length Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 is safe and elicits functional cytophilic antibodies in a randomized first-in-human trial. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:10. [PMID: 32025341 PMCID: PMC6994672 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-0160-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A vaccine remains a priority in the global fight against malaria. Here, we report on a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo and adjuvant-controlled, dose escalation phase 1a safety and immunogenicity clinical trial of full-length Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) in combination with GLA-SE adjuvant. Thirty-two healthy volunteers were vaccinated at least three times with MSP1 plus adjuvant, adjuvant alone, or placebo (24:4:4) to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity. MSP1 was safe, well tolerated and immunogenic, with all vaccinees sero-converting independent of the dose. The MSP1-specific IgG and IgM titers persisted above levels found in malaria semi-immune humans for at least 6 months after the last immunization. The antibodies were variant- and strain-transcending and stimulated respiratory activity in granulocytes. Furthermore, full-length MSP1 induced memory T-cells. Our findings encourage challenge studies as the next step to evaluate the efficacy of full-length MSP1 as a vaccine candidate against falciparum malaria (EudraCT 2016-002463-33).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Blank
- Klinische Pharmakologie und Pharmakoepidemiologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristin Fürle
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Jäschke
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerd Mikus
- Klinische Pharmakologie und Pharmakoepidemiologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monika Lehmann
- Koordinierungszentrum für Klinische Studien (KKS), Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Hüsing
- Koordinierungszentrum für Klinische Studien (KKS), Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Heiss
- PEPperPRINT GmbH, Rischerstrasse 12, 69123 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Giese
- Institut für Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg und Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF) Standort Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darrick Carter
- PAI Life Sciences, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 550, Seattle, WA 98102 USA
| | - Ernst Böhnlein
- Sumaya Biotech GmbH & Co. KG, Im Neuenheimer Feld 582, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Lanzer
- Center of Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter E. Haefeli
- Klinische Pharmakologie und Pharmakoepidemiologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann Bujard
- Sumaya Biotech GmbH & Co. KG, Im Neuenheimer Feld 582, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 282, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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[Development of malaria vaccines-state of the art]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 63:45-55. [PMID: 31828371 PMCID: PMC7223738 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-019-03070-1] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Weltweit leben 3,1 Mrd. Menschen in Gebieten, in denen Malaria endemisch ist (Tropen, Subtropen). Jährlich erkranken etwa 200 Mio. Menschen, ca. 500.000 sterben daran. Betroffen sind vor allem Kinder. Um die Malaria zu kontrollieren und schlussendlich jegliche Neuinfektion zu verhindern, ist die Entwicklung wirksamer Impfstoffe von großer Bedeutung. In diesem Beitrag werden zunächst Hintergrundinformationen zur Geschichte der Impfstoffentwicklung, zur Malariaerkrankung und zu den Möglichkeiten der Therapie und Ausbreitungskontrolle gegeben. Der Hauptteil widmet sich dem aktuellen Forschungsstand zu Impfstoffen gegen den Erreger Plasmodium falciparum, gefolgt von einer ausführlichen Diskussion. Malaria ist eine parasitäre Infektionskrankheit, die von Einzellern, sog. Plasmodien, verursacht wird. Es werden 5 humanpathogene Spezies unterschieden, von denen P. falciparum über 99 % der Erkrankungen in Afrika verursacht. Überträger (Vektor) ist die Anophelesmücke. Plasmodium bietet innerhalb seines Lebenszyklus verschiedene Ansatzpunkte für die Wirkung von Impfstoffen. Von den insgesamt ca. 70 Impfstoffkandidaten sind die präerythrozytären Impfstoffe, die in den Leberzyklus des Parasiten eingreifen, aktuell am weitesten entwickelt. Die von der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) angestrebte Wirksamkeit von mindestens 75 % wurde aber längst nicht erreicht. Mit RTS,S/AS01 wird derzeit erstmals ein mäßig wirksamer Impfstoff großflächig eingesetzt. Schon jetzt ist offensichtlich, dass die Malaria nur im Zusammenspiel mit anderen Maßnahmen eingedämmt werden kann. Expositionsprophylaxe mit imprägnierten Moskitonetzen, der Einsatz von Insektiziden mit Residualeffekt in Innenräumen (Indoor Residual Spraying), die Vernichtung von Moskitobrutplätzen und schnelle Diagnose und Therapie der Erkrankung sind hier wichtige Elemente ebenso wie eine funktionierende Gesundheitsversorgung, die in den von Armut geprägten Gebieten oft nicht gewährleistet ist.
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Kapulu MC, Njuguna P, Hamaluba MM. Controlled Human Malaria Infection in Semi-Immune Kenyan Adults (CHMI-SIKA): a study protocol to investigate in vivo Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite growth in the context of pre-existing immunity. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 3:155. [PMID: 31803847 PMCID: PMC6871356 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14909.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health burden despite approval for implementation of a partially effective pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccine. There is an urgent need to accelerate development of a more effective multi-stage vaccine. Adults in malaria endemic areas may have substantial immunity provided by responses to the blood stages of malaria parasites, but field trials conducted on several blood-stage vaccines have not shown high levels of efficacy. We will use the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) models with malaria-exposed volunteers to identify correlations between immune responses and parasite growth rates in vivo. Immune responses more strongly associated with control of parasite growth should be prioritized to accelerate malaria vaccine development. We aim to recruit up to 200 healthy adult volunteers from areas of differing malaria transmission in Kenya, and after confirming their health status through clinical examination and routine haematology and biochemistry, we will comprehensively characterize immunity to malaria using >100 blood-stage antigens. We will administer 3,200 aseptic, purified, cryopreserved Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (PfSPZ Challenge) by direct venous inoculation. Serial quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure parasite growth rate in vivo will be undertaken. Clinical and laboratory monitoring will be undertaken to ensure volunteer safety. In addition, we will also explore the perceptions and experiences of volunteers and other stakeholders in participating in a malaria volunteer infection study. Serum, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and whole blood will be stored to allow a comprehensive assessment of adaptive and innate host immunity. We will use CHMI in semi-immune adult volunteers to relate parasite growth outcomes with antibody responses and other markers of host immunity. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02739763.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C. Kapulu
- KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - CHMI-SIKA Study Team
- KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Good MF, Stanisic DI. Whole parasite vaccines for the asexual blood stages ofPlasmodium. Immunol Rev 2019; 293:270-282. [DOI: 10.1111/imr.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics Griffith University Gold Coast Qld. Australia
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