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Ali L, Rauf S, Khan A, Rasool S, Raza RZ, Alshabrmi FM, Khan T, Suleman M, Waheed Y, Mohammad A, Agouni A. In silico design of multi-epitope vaccines against the hantaviruses by integrated structural vaccinology and molecular modeling approaches. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305417. [PMID: 39042625 PMCID: PMC11265663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hantaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the family Bunyaviridae that causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) worldwide. Currently, there is no effective vaccination or therapy available for the treatment of hantavirus, hence there is a dire need for research to formulate therapeutics for the disease. Computational vaccine designing is currently a highly accurate, time and cost-effective approach for designing effective vaccines against different diseases. In the current study, we shortlisted highly antigenic proteins i.e., envelope, and nucleoprotein from the proteome of hantavirus and subjected to the selection of highly antigenic epitopes to design of next-generation multi-epitope vaccine constructs. A highly antigenic and stable adjuvant was attached to the immune epitopes (T-cell, B-cell, and HTL) to design Env-Vac, NP-Vac, and Com-Vac constructs, which exhibit stronger antigenic, non-allergenic, and favorable physiochemical properties. Moreover, the 3D structures were predicted and docking analysis revealed robust interactions with the human Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) to initiate the immune cascade. The total free energy calculated for Env-Vac, NP-Vac, and Com-Vac was -50.02 kcal/mol, -24.13 kcal/mol, and -62.30 kcal/mol, respectively. In silico cloning, results demonstrated a CAI value for the Env-Vac, NP-Vac, and Com-Vac of 0.957, 0.954, and 0.956, respectively, while their corresponding GC contents were 65.1%, 64.0%, and 63.6%. In addition, the immune simulation results from three doses of shots released significant levels of IgG, IgM, interleukins, and cytokines, as well as antigen clearance over time, after receiving the vaccine and two booster doses. Our vaccines against Hantavirus were found to be highly immunogenic, inducing a robust immune response that demands experimental validation for clinical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liaqat Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Sobiah Rauf
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Samreen Rasool
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rabail Zehra Raza
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Fahad M. Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taimoor Khan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Charbagh, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Marzano-Miranda A, Pereira Cardoso-Oliveira G, Carla de Oliveira I, Carvalho Mourão L, Reis Cussat L, Gomes Fraga V, Delfin Chávez Olórtegui C, Jesus Fernandes Fontes C, Castanheira Bartholomeu D, Braga EM. Identification and serological responses to a novel Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 ( PvMSP-1) derived synthetic peptide: a putative biomarker for malaria exposure. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17632. [PMID: 38948214 PMCID: PMC11212635 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17632] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays emerge as valuable tools to identify and delimit malaria transmission, serving as a complementary method to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick smear microscopy. Here, we evaluate the potential of antibodies directed against peptides encompassing the entire amino acid sequence of the PvMSP-1 Sal-I strain as viable serological biomarkers for P. vivax exposure. Methods We screened peptides encompassing the complete amino acid sequence of the Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (PvMSP-1) Sal-I strain as potential biomarkers for P. vivax exposure. Here, immunodominant peptides specifically recognized by antibodies from individuals infected with P. vivax were identified using the SPOT-synthesis technique followed by immunoblotting. Two 15-mer peptides were selected based on their higher and specific reactivity in immunoblotting assays. Subsequently, peptides p70 and p314 were synthesized in soluble form using SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) and tested by ELISA (IgG, and subclasses). Results This study unveils the presence of IgG antibodies against the peptide p314 in most P. vivax-infected individuals from the Brazilian Amazon region. In silico B-cell epitope prediction further supports the utilization of p314 as a potential biomarker for evaluating malaria transmission, strengthened by its amino acid sequence being part of a conserved block of PvMSP-1. Indeed, compared to patients infected with P. falciparum and uninfected individuals never exposed to malaria, P. vivax-infected patients have a notably higher recognition of p314 by IgG1 and IgG3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Marzano-Miranda
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiza Carvalho Mourão
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Letícia Reis Cussat
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Gomes Fraga
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Erika M. Braga
- Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Suleman M, Khan TA, Ejaz H, Maroof S, Alshammari A, Albekairi NA, Khan H, Waheed Y, Khan A, Wei DQ, Crovella S. Structural vaccinology, molecular simulation and immune simulation approaches to design multi-epitopes vaccine against John Cunningham virus. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106572. [PMID: 38354987 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The JCV (John Cunningham Virus) is known to cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a condition that results in the formation of tumors. Symptoms of this condition such as sensory defects, cognitive dysfunction, muscle weakness, homonosapobia, difficulties with coordination, and aphasia. To date, there is no specific and effective treatment to completely cure or prevent John Cunningham polyomavirus infections. Since the best way to control the disease is vaccination. In this study, the immunoinformatic tools were used to predict the high immunogenic and non-allergenic B cells, helper T cells (HTL), and cytotoxic T cells (CTL) epitopes from capsid, major capsid, and T antigen proteins of JC virus to design the highly efficient subunit vaccines. The specific immunogenic linkers were used to link together the predicted epitopes and subjected to 3D modeling by using the Robetta server. MD simulation was used to confirm that the newly constructed vaccines are stable and properly fold. Additionally, the molecular docking approach revealed that the vaccines have a strong binding affinity with human TLR-7. The codon adaptation index (CAI) and GC content values verified that the constructed vaccines would be highly expressed in E. coli pET28a (+) plasmid. The immune simulation analysis indicated that the human immune system would have a strong response to the vaccines, with a high titer of IgM and IgG antibodies being produced. In conclusion, this study will provide a pre-clinical concept to construct an effective, highly antigenic, non-allergenic, and thermostable vaccine to combat the infection of the John Cunningham virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Suleman
- Laboratory of Animal Research Center (LARC), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan.
| | - Tariq Aziz Khan
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan.
| | - Hadiqa Ejaz
- King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Sabahat Maroof
- Sharif Medical and Dental Colllege, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Abdulrahman Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Norah A Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Post Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Haji Khan
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan.
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, 1401, Lebanon
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Sunway Microbiome Centre, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500, Sunway City, Malaysia.
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sergio Crovella
- Laboratory of Animal Research Center (LARC), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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da Veiga GTS, Moriggi MR, Vettorazzi JF, Müller-Santos M, Albrecht L. Plasmodium vivax vaccine: What is the best way to go? Front Immunol 2023; 13:910236. [PMID: 36726991 PMCID: PMC9885200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most devastating human infectious diseases caused by Plasmodium spp. parasites. A search for an effective and safe vaccine is the main challenge for its eradication. Plasmodium vivax is the second most prevalent Plasmodium species and the most geographically distributed parasite and has been neglected for decades. This has a massive gap in knowledge and consequently in the development of vaccines. The most significant difficulties in obtaining a vaccine against P. vivax are the high genetic diversity and the extremely complex life cycle. Due to its complexity, studies have evaluated P. vivax antigens from different stages as potential targets for an effective vaccine. Therefore, the main vaccine candidates are grouped into preerythrocytic stage vaccines, blood-stage vaccines, and transmission-blocking vaccines. This review aims to support future investigations by presenting the main findings of vivax malaria vaccines to date. There are only a few P. vivax vaccines in clinical trials, and thus far, the best protective efficacy was a vaccine formulated with synthetic peptide from a circumsporozoite protein and Montanide ISA-51 as an adjuvant with 54.5% efficacy in a phase IIa study. In addition, the majority of P. vivax antigen candidates are polymorphic, induce strain-specific and heterogeneous immunity and provide only partial protection. Nevertheless, immunization with recombinant proteins and multiantigen vaccines have shown promising results and have emerged as excellent strategies. However, more studies are necessary to assess the ideal vaccine combination and test it in clinical trials. Developing a safe and effective vaccine against vivax malaria is essential for controlling and eliminating the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to determine what is already known to propose and identify new candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Tatiane Soares da Veiga
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcelo Müller-Santos
- Nitrogen Fixation Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Letusa Albrecht
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba, Brazil,*Correspondence: Letusa Albrecht,
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Khan A, Wei DQ, Suleman M. Computational Vaccine Design for Poxviridae Family Viruses. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2673:475-485. [PMID: 37258933 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3239-0_31] [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: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The computational approach to designing vaccines has several useful characteristics over traditional vaccine development, such as being highly specific, less time-consuming and less expensive. Thus, this chapter describes an immunoinformatics workflow to design a vaccine against a member of the Poxviridae family known as Monkeypox virus. The immunoinformatics approach uses several online servers to select highly antigenic and non-allergenic CTL, HTL, and B cell epitopes. Then, it links the predicted epitopes through linkers and submit them for 3D structure modeling. Afterward, the modeled vaccine is docked with TLRs to check the induction of the immune system. Finally, immune simulations are performed to check the level of several immune factors like IgG, IgM, cytokines and interleukins, among others, upon the injection of the constructed vaccine. This approach can be used to successfully design novel and effective vaccine candidates against emerging species from the Poxviridae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Zhongjing Research and Industrialization Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Nanyang, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Zhongjing Research and Industrialization Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Nanyang, Henan, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint Laboratory of International Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Suleman
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Althurwi HN, Alharthy KM, Albaqami FF, Altharawi A, Javed MR, Muhseen ZT, Tahir ul Qamar M. mRNA-Based Vaccine Designing against Epstein-Barr Virus to Induce an Immune Response Using Immunoinformatic and Molecular Modelling Approaches. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13054. [PMID: 36293632 PMCID: PMC9602923 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a human pathogen that has a morbidity rate of 90% in adults worldwide. Infectious mononucleosis is caused by EBV replication in B cells and epithelial cells of the host. EBV has also been related to autoimmune illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinomas and Burkitt's lymphoma. Currently, no effective medications or vaccinations are available to treat or prevent EBV infection. Thus, the current study focuses on a bioinformatics approach to design an mRNA-based multi-epitope (MEV) vaccine to prevent EBV infections. For this purpose, we selected six antigenic proteins from the EBV proteome based on their role in pathogenicity to predict, extract, and analyze T and B cell epitopes using immunoinformatics tools. The epitopes were directed through filtering parameters including allergenicity, toxicity, antigenicity, solubility, and immunogenicity assessment, and finally, the most potent epitopes able to induce T and B cell immune response were selected. In silico molecular docking of prioritized T cell peptides with respective Human Leukocytes Antigens molecules, were carried out to evaluate the individual peptide's binding affinity. Six CTL, four HTL, and ten linear B cell epitopes fulfilled the set parameters and were selected for MEV-based mRNA vaccine. The prioritized epitopes were joined using suitable linkers to improve epitope presentation. The immune simulation results affirmed the designed vaccine's capacity to elicit a proper immune response. The MEV-based mRNA vaccine constructed in this study offers a promising choice for a potent vaccine against EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan N. Althurwi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M. Alharthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal F. Albaqami
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Altharawi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Rizwan Javed
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ziyad Tariq Muhseen
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Hillah 51001, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Muhammad Tahir ul Qamar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
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Shahab M, Hayat C, Sikandar R, Zheng G, Akter S. In silico designing of a multi-epitope vaccine against Burkholderia pseudomallei: reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2022; 20:100. [PMID: 35821357 PMCID: PMC9275536 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-022-00379-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burkholderia pseudomallei is an infectious agent causing severe disease melioidosis resulting in pneumonia, fever, and acute septicemia in humans. B. pseudomallei show resistance to drugs. No such FDA-approved vaccine is available against B. pseudomallei, and treatment is limited to therapy. Therefore, the scientific study was designed to develop a vaccine for B. pseudomallei. The protein sequence of B. pseudomallei was retrieved from NCBI. B-cell and T-cell epitopes were identified and further screened for allergenicity, antigenicity docking, and simulation. RESULTS Here, in this study, in silico approach was applied to design a multi-epitope subunit vaccine peptide consisting of linear B-cell and T-cell epitopes of proteins considered to be potential novel vaccine candidates. Peptide epitopes were joined by adjuvant and EAAAK, CPGPG, and AAY linkers. This constructed vaccine was subjected to in silico immune simulations by C-ImmSim. The protein construct was cloned into PET28a (+) vector for expression study in Escherichia coli using SnapGene. CONCLUSION The designed multi-epitope vaccine was analyzed for its physicochemical, structural, and immunological characteristics, and it was found to be antigenic, soluble, stable, nonallergenic, and have a high affinity to its target receptor. The immune simulation studies were carried out on the C-ImmSim showing increased production of cellular and humoral responses indicating that the constructed vaccine proved effective and able to provoke humoral and cell-mediated response immune responses. In silico study could be a breakthrough in designing effective vaccines to eradicate B. pseudomallei globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahab
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resources Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chandni Hayat
- Department of Biochemistry, Computational Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, UCSS, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ramin Sikandar
- Department of Biochemistry, Computational Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, UCSS, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Guojun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resources Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Shahina Akter
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh.
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Polyiam K, Ruengjitchatchawalya M, Mekvichitsaeng P, Kaeoket K, Hoonsuwan T, Joiphaeng P, Roshorm YM. Immunodominant and Neutralizing Linear B-Cell Epitopes Spanning the Spike and Membrane Proteins of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. Front Immunol 2022; 12:785293. [PMID: 35126354 PMCID: PMC8807655 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.785293] [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: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is the causative agent of PED, an enteric disease that causes high mortality rates in piglets. PEDV is an alphacoronavirus that has high genetic diversity. Insights into neutralizing B-cell epitopes of all genetically diverse PEDV strains are of importance, particularly for designing a vaccine that can provide broad protection against PEDV. In this work, we aimed to explore the landscape of linear B-cell epitopes on the spike (S) and membrane (M) proteins of global PEDV strains. All amino acid sequences of the PEDV S and M proteins were retrieved from the NCBI database and grouped. Immunoinformatics-based methods were next developed and used to identify putative linear B-cell epitopes from 14 and 5 consensus sequences generated from distinct groups of the S and M proteins, respectively. ELISA testing predicted peptides with PEDV-positive sera revealed nine novel immunodominant epitopes on the S protein. Importantly, seven of these novel immunodominant epitopes and other subdominant epitopes were demonstrated to be neutralizing epitopes by neutralization–inhibition assay. Our findings unveil important roles of the PEDV S2 subunit in both immune stimulation and virus neutralization. Additionally, our study shows the first time that the M protein is also the target of PEDV neutralization with seven neutralizing epitopes identified. Conservancy profiles of the epitopes are also provided. In this study, we offer immunoinformatics-based methods for linear B-cell epitope identification and a more complete profile of linear B-cell epitopes across the PEDV S and M proteins, which may contribute to the development of a greater next-generation PEDV vaccine as well as peptide-based immunoassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokporn Polyiam
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Marasri Ruengjitchatchawalya
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phenjun Mekvichitsaeng
- Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kampon Kaeoket
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | | | | | - Yaowaluck Maprang Roshorm
- Division of Biotechnology, School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Yaowaluck Maprang Roshorm,
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Haq AU, Khan A, Khan J, Irum S, Waheed Y, Ahmad S, Nizam-Uddin N, Albutti A, Zaman N, Hussain Z, Ali SS, Waseem M, Kanwal F, Wei DQ, Wang Q. Annotation of Potential Vaccine Targets and Design of a Multi-Epitope Subunit Vaccine against Yersinia pestis through Reverse Vaccinology and Validation through an Agent-Based Modeling Approach. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111327. [PMID: 34835260 PMCID: PMC8625334 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis is responsible for plague and major pandemics in Asia and Europe. This bacterium has shown resistance to an array of drugs commonly used for the treatment of plague. Therefore, effective therapeutics measurements, such as designing a vaccine that can effectively and safely prevent Y. pestis infection, are of high interest. To fast-track vaccine development against Yersinia pestis, herein, proteome-wide vaccine target annotation was performed, and structural vaccinology-assisted epitopes were predicted. Among the total 3909 proteins, only 5 (rstB, YPO2385, hmuR, flaA1a, and psaB) were shortlisted as essential vaccine targets. These targets were then subjected to multi-epitope vaccine design using different linkers. EAAK, AAY, and GPGPG as linkers were used to link CTL, HTL, and B-cell epitopes, and an adjuvant (beta defensin) was also added at the N-terminal of the MEVC. Physiochemical characterization, such as determination of the instability index, theoretical pI, half-life, aliphatic index, stability profiling, antigenicity, allergenicity, and hydropathy of the ensemble, showed that the vaccine is highly stable, antigenic, and non-allergenic and produces multiple interactions with immune receptors upon docking. In addition, molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stable binding and good dynamic properties of the vaccine-TLR complex. Furthermore, in silico and immune simulation of the developed MEVC for Y. pestis showed that the vaccine triggered strong immune response after several doses at different intervals. Neutralization of the antigen was observed at the third day of injection. Conclusively, the vaccine designed here for Y. pestis produces an immune response; however, further immunological testing is needed to unveil its real efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azaz Ul Haq
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kanju Campus, University of Swat, Swat 19200, Pakistan; (A.U.H.); (J.K.); (N.Z.); (Z.H.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Abbas Khan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Jafar Khan
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kanju Campus, University of Swat, Swat 19200, Pakistan; (A.U.H.); (J.K.); (N.Z.); (Z.H.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Shamaila Irum
- Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Punjab 50700, Pakistan;
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Multidisciplinary Department, Foundation University Medical College, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Sajjad Ahmad
- Department of Health and Biological Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - N. Nizam-Uddin
- Biomedical Engineering Department, HITEC University, Taxila 47080, Pakistan;
| | - Aqel Albutti
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Nasib Zaman
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kanju Campus, University of Swat, Swat 19200, Pakistan; (A.U.H.); (J.K.); (N.Z.); (Z.H.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Zahid Hussain
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kanju Campus, University of Swat, Swat 19200, Pakistan; (A.U.H.); (J.K.); (N.Z.); (Z.H.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, Kanju Campus, University of Swat, Swat 19200, Pakistan; (A.U.H.); (J.K.); (N.Z.); (Z.H.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Muhammad Waseem
- Faculty of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Science, Riphah International University, Islamabad 46000, Pakistan;
| | - Fariha Kanwal
- Med-X Research Institute, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Dong-Qing Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China;
- Peng Cheng Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen 518055, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, Ministry of Education and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Correspondence: (D.-Q.W.); (Q.W.)
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, No. 140, Hanzhong Road, Nanjing 210029, China
- Correspondence: (D.-Q.W.); (Q.W.)
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10
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New highly antigenic linear B cell epitope peptides from PvAMA-1 as potential vaccine candidates. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258637. [PMID: 34727117 PMCID: PMC8562794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide-based vaccines have demonstrated to be an important way to induce long-lived immune responses and, therefore, a promising strategy in the rational of vaccine development. As to malaria, among the classic vaccine targets, the Apical membrane antigen (AMA-1) was proven to have important B cell epitopes that can induce specific immune response and, hence, became key players for a vaccine approach. The peptides selection was carried out using a bioinformatic approach based on Hidden Markov Models profiles of known antigens and propensity scale methods based on hydrophilicity and secondary structure prediction. The antigenicity of the selected B-cell peptides was assessed by multiple serological assays using sera from acute P.vivax infected subjects. The synthetic peptides were recognized by 45.5%, 48.7% and 32.2% of infected subjects for peptides I, II and III respectively. Moreover, when synthetized together (tripeptide), the reactivity increases up to 62%, which is comparable to the reactivity found against the whole protein PvAMA-1 (57%). Furthermore, IgG reactivity against the tripeptide after depletion was reduced by 42%, indicating that these epitopes may be responsible for a considerable part of the protein immunogenicity. These results represent an excellent perspective regarding future chimeric vaccine constructions that may come to contemplate several targets with the potential to generate the robust and protective immune response that a vivax malaria vaccine needs to succeed.
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11
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Kale S, Pande V, Singh OP, Carlton JM, Mallick PK. Genetic diversity in two leading Plasmodium vivax malaria vaccine candidates AMA1 and MSP119 at three sites in India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009652. [PMID: 34370745 PMCID: PMC8376102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax, a major contributor to the malaria burden in India, has the broadest geographic distribution and shows higher genetic diversity than P. falciparum. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity of two leading P. vivax vaccine candidate antigens, at three geographically diverse malaria-endemic regions in India. Pvama1 and Pvmsp119 partial coding sequences were generated from one hundred P. vivax isolates in India (Chennai n = 28, Nadiad n = 50 and Rourkela n = 22) and ~1100 published sequences from Asia, South America, North America, and Oceania regions included. These data were used to assess the genetic diversity and potential for vaccine candidacy of both antigens on a global scale. A total of 44 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were identified among 100 Indian Pvama1 sequences, including 10 synonymous and 34 nonsynonymous mutations. Nucleotide diversity was higher in Rourkela and Nadiad as compared to Chennai. Nucleotide diversity measures showed a strong balancing selection in Indian and global population for domain I of Pvama1, which suggests that it is a dominant target of the protective immune response. In contrast, the Pvmsp119 region showed highly conserved sequences in India and across the Oceania, South America, North America and Asia, demonstrating low genetic diversity in the global population when compared to Pvama1. Results suggest the possibility of including Pvmsp119 in a multivalent vaccine formulation against P. vivax infections. However, the high genetic diversity seen in Pvama1 would be more challenging for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Kale
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Om P Singh
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Jane M Carlton
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York city, New York, United States of America.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York city, New York, United States of America
| | - Prashant K Mallick
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
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12
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Soares RR, Nakaie CR, Rodrigues-da-Silva RN, da Silva RL, Lima-Junior JDC, Scopel KKG. Main B-cell epitopes of PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-9 are targeted by naturally acquired antibodies and epitope-specific memory cells in acute and convalescent phases of vivax malaria. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12705. [PMID: 32096238 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Although antibodies are considered critical for malaria protection, little is known about the mechanisms/factors that maintain humoral immunity, especially regarding the induction and maintenance of memory B cells over time. In Brazilian endemic areas, this is the first time that the profile of antibody responses and the occurrence of antigen-specific memory B cells (MBC) against P vivax were investigated during acute malaria and up to six months after parasite clearance. For this, we selected two peptides, PvAMA-1(S290-K307) and PvMSP-9(E795-A808) , which represent the apical membrane antigen-1 and merozoite surface protein-9 of P vivax, respectively. Both peptides were previously described as containing linear B-cell epitopes. Our findings were as follows: 1-both peptides were recognized by IgG antibodies at a high frequency (between 24% and 81%) in all study groups; 2-in the absence of infection, the IgG levels remained stable throughout 6 months of follow-up; and 3-PvAMA-1(S290-K307) and PvMSP-9(E795-A808) -specific MBCs were detected in all individual groups in the absence of reinfection throughout the follow-up period, suggesting long-lived MBC. However, no positive association was observed between malaria-specific antibody levels and frequency of MBCs over time. Taken together, these results suggest that peptides can be, in the future, an alternative strategy to polypeptidic vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Reis Soares
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de For a, Juiz de For a, Brazil
| | - Clovis Ryuichi Nakaie
- Departament of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rogério Lauria da Silva
- Departament of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Kézia Katiani Gorza Scopel
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de For a, Juiz de For a, Brazil
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13
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Sunita, Sajid A, Singh Y, Shukla P. Computational tools for modern vaccine development. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:723-735. [PMID: 31545127 PMCID: PMC7227725 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1670035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines play an essential role in controlling the rates of fatality and morbidity. Vaccines not only arrest the beginning of different diseases but also assign a gateway for its elimination and reduce toxicity. This review gives an overview of the possible uses of computational tools for vaccine design. Moreover, we have described the initiatives of utilizing the diverse computational resources by exploring the immunological databases for developing epitope-based vaccines, peptide-based drugs, and other resources of immunotherapeutics. Finally, the applications of multi-graft and multivalent scaffolding, codon optimization and antibodyomics tools in identifying and designing in silico vaccine candidates are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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14
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Matos ADS, Rodrigues-da-Silva RN, Soares IF, Baptista BDO, de Souza RM, Bitencourt-Chaves L, Totino PRR, Sánchez-Arcila JC, Daniel-Ribeiro CT, López-Camacho C, Reyes-Sandoval A, Pratt-Riccio LR, Lima-Junior JDC. Antibody Responses Against Plasmodium vivax TRAP Recombinant and Synthetic Antigens in Naturally Exposed Individuals From the Brazilian Amazon. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2230. [PMID: 31620136 PMCID: PMC6763564 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP) is essential for sporozoite motility and the invasion of mosquitoes' salivary gland and vertebrate's hepatocyte and is, thus, considered a promising pre-erythrocytic vaccine candidate. Despite the existence of a few reports on naturally acquired immune response against Plasmodium vivax TRAP (PvTRAP), it has never been explored so far in the Amazon region, so results are conflicting. Here, we characterized the (IgG and IgG subclass) antibody reactivity against recombinant PvTRAP in a cross-sectional study of 299 individuals exposed to malaria infection in three municipalities (Cruzeiro do Sul, Mâncio Lima and Guajará) from the Acre state of the Brazilian Amazon. In addition, the full PvTRAP sequence was screened for B-cell epitopes using in silico and in vitro approaches. Firstly, we confirmed that PvTRAP is naturally immunogenic in the cohort population since 49% of the individuals were IgG-responders to it. The observed immune responses were mainly driven by cytophilic IgG1 over all other sublcasses and the IgG levels that was corelated with age and time of residence in the studied area (p < 0.05). Interestingly, only the levels of specific anti-TRAP IgG3 seemed to be associated with protection, as IgG3 responders presented a significantly higher time elapse since the last malaria episode than those recorded for IgG3 non-responders. Regarding the B-cell epitope mapping, among the 148 responders to PvTRAP, four predicted epitopes were confirmed by recognition of antibodies (PvTRAPR197-H227; PvTRAPE237-T258; PvTRAPP344-G374; and PvTRAPE439-K454). Nevertheless, the frequency of responders against these peptides were low and did not show a clear correlation with the antibody response against the corresponding antigen. Moreover, none of the linear confirmed epitopes were located in the binding regions of PvTRAP in respect to the host cell ligand. Collectively, our data confirm the PvTRAP immunogenicity among Amazon inhabitants, while suggesting that the main important B-cell epitopes are not linear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada da Silva Matos
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Lana Bitencourt-Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Juan Camilo Sánchez-Arcila
- Viral Immunology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, IOC, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - César López-Camacho
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arturo Reyes-Sandoval
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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15
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Jahangiri F, Jalallou N, Ebrahimi M. Analysis of Apical Membrane Antigen (AMA)-1 characteristics using bioinformatics tools in order to vaccine design against Plasmodium vivax. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 71:224-231. [PMID: 30953716 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax, an intracellular protozoan, causes malaria which is characterized by fever, anemia, respiratory distress, liver and spleen enlargement. In spite of attempts to design an efficient vaccine, there is not a vaccine against P. vivax. Notable advances have recently achieved in the development of malaria vaccines targeting the surface antigens such as Apical Membrane Antigens (AMA)-1. AMA-1 is a micronemal protein synthesized during the erythrocyte-stage of Plasmodium species and plays a significant role in the invasion process of the parasite into host cells. P. vivax AMA-1 (PvAMA-1) can induce strong cellular and humoral responses, indicating that it can be an ideal candidate of vaccine against malaria. Identification and prediction of proteins characteristics increase our knowledge about them and leads to develop vaccine and diagnostic studies. In the present study several valid bioinformatics tools were applied to analyze the various characteristics of AMA-1 such as physical and chemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures, B- cell and T-cell prediction and other important features in order to introduce potential epitopes for designing a high-efficient vaccine. The results demonstrated that this protein had 57 potential PTM sites and only one transmembrane domain on its sequence. Also, multiple hydrophilic regions and classical high hydrophilic domains were predicted. Secondary structure prediction revealed that the proportions of random coil, alpha-helix and extended strand in the AMA-1 sequence were 53.74%, 27.22%, and 19.4%, respectively. Moreover, 5 disulfide bonds were predicted at positions 14-21aa, 162-192aa, 208-220aa, 247-265aa and 354-363aa. The data obtained from B-cell and T-cell epitopes prediction showed that there were several potential epitopes on AMA-1 that can be proper targets for diagnostic and vaccine studies. The current study presented interesting basic and theoretical information regarding PvAMA-1, being important for further studies in order to design a high-efficiency vaccine against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Jahangiri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Jalallou
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mansour Ebrahimi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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16
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Jaenisch T, Heiss K, Fischer N, Geiger C, Bischoff FR, Moldenhauer G, Rychlewski L, Sié A, Coulibaly B, Seeberger PH, Wyrwicz LS, Breitling F, Loeffler FF. High-density Peptide Arrays Help to Identify Linear Immunogenic B-cell Epitopes in Individuals Naturally Exposed to Malaria Infection. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:642-656. [PMID: 30630936 PMCID: PMC6442360 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
High-density peptide arrays are an excellent means to profile anti-plasmodial antibody responses. Different protein intrinsic epitopes can be distinguished, and additional insights are gained, when compared with assays involving the full-length protein. Distinct reactivities to specific epitopes within one protein may explain differences in published results, regarding immunity or susceptibility to malaria. We pursued three approaches to find specific epitopes within important plasmodial proteins, (1) twelve leading vaccine candidates were mapped as overlapping 15-mer peptides, (2) a bioinformatical approach served to predict immunogenic malaria epitopes which were subsequently validated in the assay, and (3) randomly selected peptides from the malaria proteome were screened as a control. Several peptide array replicas were prepared, employing particle-based laser printing, and were used to screen 27 serum samples from a malaria-endemic area in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The immunological status of the individuals was classified as "protected" or "unprotected" based on clinical symptoms, parasite density, and age. The vaccine candidate screening approach resulted in significant hits in all twelve proteins and allowed us (1) to verify many known immunogenic structures, (2) to map B-cell epitopes across the entire sequence of each antigen and (3) to uncover novel immunogenic epitopes. Predicting immunogenic regions in the proteome of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, via the bioinformatics approach and subsequent array screening, confirmed known immunogenic sequences, such as in the leading malaria vaccine candidate CSP and discovered immunogenic epitopes derived from hypothetical or unknown proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Jaenisch
- From the ‡Center for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Unit, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;; §German Center for Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg (DZIF);; ¶HEiKA - Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership, Heidelberg University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany;.
| | - Kirsten Heiss
- From the ‡Center for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Unit, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;; §German Center for Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg (DZIF)
| | - Nico Fischer
- From the ‡Center for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Unit, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;; §German Center for Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg (DZIF);; ¶HEiKA - Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership, Heidelberg University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany
| | - Carolin Geiger
- From the ‡Center for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology Unit, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;; §German Center for Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg (DZIF)
| | - F Ralf Bischoff
- ‖German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Moldenhauer
- ‖German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leszek Rychlewski
- BioInfoBank Institute, Św. Marcin 80/82 lok. 355, 61-809 Poznań, Poland
| | - Ali Sié
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, BP 02 Nouna, Rue Namory Keita, Burkina Faso
| | - Boubacar Coulibaly
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, BP 02 Nouna, Rue Namory Keita, Burkina Faso
| | - Peter H Seeberger
- §§Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, D 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Lucjan S Wyrwicz
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, M Sklodowska Curie Memorial Cancer Center, Wawelska 15, 02-034 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Frank Breitling
- ‖‖Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, D 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Felix F Loeffler
- ¶HEiKA - Heidelberg Karlsruhe Research Partnership, Heidelberg University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany;; §§Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, D 14476 Potsdam, Germany;.
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17
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Selecting targets for the diagnosis of Schistosoma mansoni infection: An integrative approach using multi-omic and immunoinformatics data. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182299. [PMID: 28817585 PMCID: PMC5560627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to effectively control and monitor schistosomiasis, new diagnostic methods are essential. Taking advantage of computational approaches provided by immunoinformatics and considering the availability of Schistosoma mansoni predicted proteome information, candidate antigens of schistosomiasis were selected and used in immunodiagnosis tests based on Enzime-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The computational selection strategy was based on signal peptide prediction; low similarity to human proteins; B- and T-cell epitope prediction; location and expression in different parasite life stages within definitive host. Results of the above-mentioned analysis were parsed to extract meaningful biological information and loaded into a relational database developed to integrate them. In the end, seven proteins were selected and one B-cell linear epitope from each one of them was selected using B-cell epitope score and the presence of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). These predicted epitopes generated synthetic peptides that were used in ELISA assays to validate the rational strategy of in silico selection. ELISA was performed using sera from residents of areas of low endemicity for S. mansoni infection and also from healthy donors (HD), not living in an endemic area for schistosomiasis. Discrimination of negative (NEG) and positive (INF) individuals from endemic areas was performed using parasitological and molecular methods. All infected individuals were treated with praziquantel, and serum samples were obtained from them 30 and 180 days post-treatment (30DPT and 180DPT). Results revealed higher IgG levels in INF group than in HD and NEG groups when peptides 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 were used. Moreover, using peptide 5, ELISA achieved the best performance, since it could discriminate between individuals living in an endemic area that were actively infected from those that were not (NEG, 30DPT, 180DPT groups). Our experimental results also indicate that the computational prediction approach developed is feasible for identifying promising candidates for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis and other diseases.
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18
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Flores-Alanis A, González-Cerón L, Santillán F, Ximenez C, Sandoval MA, Cerritos R. Temporal genetic changes in Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 over 19 years of transmission in southern Mexico. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:217. [PMID: 28464959 PMCID: PMC5414334 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mexico advanced to the pre-elimination phase in 2009 due to a significant reduction in malaria cases, and since 2000, Plasmodium vivax is the only species transmitted. During the last two decades, malaria transmission has been mostly local and isolated to a few regions. It is important to gain further insights into the impact of control measures on the parasite population structure. Hence, the aim of the current study was to determine detailed changes in P. vivax genetic diversity and population structure based on analysing the gene that encodes the apical membrane antigen 1 (pvama1). This analysis covered from control to pre-elimination (1993–2011) in a hypo-endemic region in southern Mexico. Results The 213 pvama1I-II sequences presently analysed were grouped into six periods of three years each. They showed low genetic diversity, with 15 haplotypes resolved. Among the DNA sequences, there was a gradual decrease in genetic diversity, the number of mixed genotype infections and the intensity of positive selection, in agreement with the parallel decline in malaria cases. At the same time, linkage disequilibrium (R2) increased. The three-dimensional haplotype network revealed that pvama1I-II haplotypes were separated by 1–11 mutational steps, and between one another by 0–3 unsampled haplotypes. In the temporal network, seven haplotypes were detected in at least two of the six-time layers, and only four distinct haplotypes were evidenced in the pre-elimination phase. Structure analysis indicated that three subpopulations fluctuated over time. Only 8.5% of the samples had mixed ancestry. In the pre-elimination phase, subpopulation P1 was drastically reduced, and the admixture was absent. Conclusions The results suggest that P. vivax in southern Mexico evolved based on local adaptation into three “pseudoclonal” subpopulations that diversified at the regional level and persisted over time, although with varying frequency. Control measures and climate events influenced the number of malaria cases and the genetic structure. The sharp decrease in parasite diversity and other related genetic parameters during the pre-elimination phase suggests that malaria elimination is possible in the near future. These results are useful for epidemiological surveillance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2156-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Flores-Alanis
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico
| | - Lilia González-Cerón
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700, Mexico.
| | - Frida Santillán
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700, Mexico
| | - Cecilia Ximenez
- Departamento de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 06729, Mexico
| | - Marco A Sandoval
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700, Mexico
| | - René Cerritos
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, 04510, Mexico.
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19
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López C, Yepes-Pérez Y, Hincapié-Escobar N, Díaz-Arévalo D, Patarroyo MA. What Is Known about the Immune Response Induced by Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Candidates? Front Immunol 2017; 8:126. [PMID: 28243235 PMCID: PMC5304258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax continues being one of the most important infectious diseases around the world; P. vivax is the second most prevalent species and has the greatest geographic distribution. Developing an effective antimalarial vaccine is considered a relevant control strategy in the search for means of preventing the disease. Studying parasite-expressed proteins, which are essential in host cell invasion, has led to identifying the regions recognized by individuals who are naturally exposed to infection. Furthermore, immunogenicity studies have revealed that such regions can trigger a robust immune response that can inhibit sporozoite (hepatic stage) or merozoite (erythrocyte stage) invasion of a host cell and induce protection. This review provides a synthesis of the most important studies to date concerning the antigenicity and immunogenicity of both synthetic peptide and recombinant protein candidates for a vaccine against malaria produced by P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina López
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Yoelis Yepes-Pérez
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; MSc Programme in Microbiology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Hincapié-Escobar
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC) , Bogotá , Colombia
| | - Diana Díaz-Arévalo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (UDCA), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Immunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia; Basic Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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20
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Rodrigues-da-Silva RN, Soares IF, Lopez-Camacho C, Martins da Silva JH, Perce-da-Silva DDS, Têva A, Ramos Franco AM, Pinheiro FG, Chaves LB, Pratt-Riccio LR, Reyes-Sandoval A, Banic DM, Lima-Junior JDC. Plasmodium vivax Cell-Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites: Naturally Acquired Humoral Immune Response and B-Cell Epitope Mapping in Brazilian Amazon Inhabitants. Front Immunol 2017; 8:77. [PMID: 28223984 PMCID: PMC5293784 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS), a highly conserved antigen involved in sporozoite motility, plays an important role in the traversal of host cells during the preerythrocytic stage of Plasmodium species. Recently, it has been considered an alternative target when designing novel antimalarial vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum. However, the potential of Plasmodium vivax CelTOS as a vaccine target is yet to be explored. This study evaluated the naturally acquired immune response against a recombinant P. vivax CelTOS (PvCelTOS) (IgG and IgG subclass) in 528 individuals from Brazilian Amazon, as well as the screening of B-cell epitopes in silico and peptide assays to associate the breadth of antibody responses of those individuals with exposition and/or protection correlates. We show that PvCelTOS is naturally immunogenic in Amazon inhabitants with 94 individuals (17.8%) showing specific IgG antibodies against the recombinant protein. Among responders, the IgG reactivity indexes (RIs) presented a direct correlation with the number of previous malaria episodes (p = 0.003; r = 0.315) and inverse correlation with the time elapsed from the last malaria episode (p = 0.031; r = −0.258). Interestingly, high responders to PvCelTOS (RI > 2) presented higher number of previous malaria episodes, frequency of recent malaria episodes, and ratio of cytophilic/non-cytophilic antibodies than low responders (RI < 2) and non-responders (RI < 1). Moreover, a high prevalence of the cytophilic antibody IgG1 over all other IgG subclasses (p < 0.0001) was observed. B-cell epitope mapping revealed five immunogenic regions in PvCelTOS, but no associations between the specific IgG response to peptides and exposure/protection parameters were found. However, the epitope (PvCelTOSI136-E143) was validated as a main linear B-cell epitope, as 92% of IgG responders to PvCelTOS were also responders to this peptide sequence. This study describes for the first time the natural immunogenicity of PvCelTOS in Amazon individuals and identifies immunogenic regions in a full-length protein. The IgG magnitude was mainly composed of cytophilic antibodies (IgG1) and associated with recent malaria episodes. The data presented in this paper add further evidence to consider PvCelTOS as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cesar Lopez-Camacho
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | | | | | - Antônio Têva
- Laboratory of Immunodiagnostics, Department of Biological Sciences, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Antônia Maria Ramos Franco
- Laboratory of Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease, National Institute of Amazonian Research , Manaus , Brazil
| | - Francimeire Gomes Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease, National Institute of Amazonian Research , Manaus , Brazil
| | - Lana Bitencourt Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | | | - Arturo Reyes-Sandoval
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Dalma Maria Banic
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
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Kalra A, Mukherjee P, Chauhan VS. Characterization of fine specificity of the immune response to a Plasmodium falciparum rhoptry neck protein, PfAARP. Malar J 2016; 15:457. [PMID: 27604988 PMCID: PMC5015194 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunological characterization of potential blood-stage malaria antigens would be a valuable strategy in the development of an effective vaccine. Identifying B and CD4(+) T cell epitopes will be important in understanding the nature of immune response. A previous study has shown that Plasmodium falciparum apical asparagine-rich protein (PfAARP) stimulates immune response and induces potent invasion-inhibitory antibodies. Antibodies to PfAARP provide synergistic effects in inhibition of parasite invasion when used in combination with antibodies to other antigens. In the present study, an attempt was made to identify B cell and CD4(+) T cell epitopes of PfAARP. METHODS Balb/c mice were immunized with recombinant PfAARP and both cellular and humoral responses were analysed at various time points. Computerized databases [immune epitope database (IEDB) and B cell epitope prediction (BCEPred)] were used to predict epitope sequences within PfAARP and predicted peptides were synthesized. In addition, nine 18 amino acid, long-overlapping peptides spanning the entire length of PfAARP were synthesized. Using these peptides, B cell and CD4(+) T cell responses in PfAARP immunized mice were measured by ELISA and ELISPOT assays. RESULTS Here, it is demonstrated that immunization of mice with PfAARP induced long-lasting, high-titre antibodies (4 months post immunization). Also, the recombinant protein was effective in inducing a pronounced Th1 type of immune response quantified by IFN-γ ELISA and ELISPOT. It was found that the predicted peptides did not represent the immunogenic regions of PfAARP. However, of the nine overlapping peptides, three peptides (peptides 3, 5 and 7) were strongly recognized by PfAARP-immunized sera and represented B cell epitopes. Also, peptide 3 elicited IFN- γ response, suggesting it to be a T-cell epitope. CONCLUSIONS Induction of long-lasting humoral and cellular response on PfAARP immunization in mice underscores its possible use as a blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate. Mapping of immunogenic regions may help in designing fusion chimera containing immunologically relevant regions of other vaccine target antigens and/or for multi-component vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakanksha Kalra
- Malaria Research Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Paushali Mukherjee
- Malaria Research Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | - Virander S Chauhan
- Malaria Research Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.
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Rodrigues-da-Silva RN, Martins da Silva JH, Singh B, Jiang J, Meyer EVS, Santos F, Banic DM, Moreno A, Galinski MR, Oliveira-Ferreira J, Lima-Junior JDC. In silico Identification and Validation of a Linear and Naturally Immunogenic B-Cell Epitope of the Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Candidate Merozoite Surface Protein-9. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146951. [PMID: 26788998 PMCID: PMC4720479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic peptide vaccines provide the advantages of safety, stability and low cost. The success of this approach is highly dependent on efficient epitope identification and synthetic strategies for efficacious delivery. In malaria, the Merozoite Surface Protein-9 of Plasmodium vivax (PvMSP9) has been considered a vaccine candidate based on the evidence that specific antibodies were able to inhibit merozoite invasion and recombinant proteins were highly immunogenic in mice and humans. However the identities of linear B-cell epitopes within PvMSP9 as targets of functional antibodies remain undefined. We used several publicly-available algorithms for in silico analyses and prediction of relevant B cell epitopes within PMSP9. We show that the tandem repeat sequence EAAPENAEPVHENA (PvMSP9E795-A808) present at the C-terminal region is a promising target for antibodies, given its high combined score to be a linear epitope and located in a putative intrinsically unstructured region of the native protein. To confirm the predictive value of the computational approach, plasma samples from 545 naturally exposed individuals were screened for IgG reactivity against the recombinant PvMSP9-RIRII729-972 and a synthetic peptide representing the predicted B cell epitope PvMSP9E795-A808. 316 individuals (58%) were responders to the full repetitive region PvMSP9-RIRII, of which 177 (56%) also presented total IgG reactivity against the synthetic peptide, confirming it validity as a B cell epitope. The reactivity indexes of anti-PvMSP9-RIRII and anti-PvMSP9E795-A808 antibodies were correlated. Interestingly, a potential role in the acquisition of protective immunity was associated with the linear epitope, since the IgG1 subclass against PvMSP9E795-A808 was the prevalent subclass and this directly correlated with time elapsed since the last malaria episode; however this was not observed in the antibody responses against the full PvMSP9-RIRII. In conclusion, our findings identified and experimentally confirmed the potential of PvMSP9E795-A808 as an immunogenic linear B cell epitope within the P. vivax malaria vaccine candidate PvMSP9 and support its inclusion in future subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Balwan Singh
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Jianlin Jiang
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Esmeralda V. S. Meyer
- Environmental Health and Safety Office, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Fátima Santos
- National Health Foundation, Department of Entomology, Central Laboratory, Porto Velho, RO, Brazil
| | - Dalma Maria Banic
- Laboratory of Simulids and Onchocerciasis "Malaria and Onchocerciasis Research", Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alberto Moreno
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Mary R. Galinski
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Joseli Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JCLJ); (JO-F)
| | - Josué da Costa Lima-Junior
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JCLJ); (JO-F)
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Abstract
SUMMARYPlasmodium vivaxis the most geographically widespread of the malaria parasites causing human disease, yet it is comparatively understudied compared withPlasmodium falciparum.In this article we review what is known about naturally acquired immunity toP. vivax, and importantly, how this differs to that acquired againstP. falciparum.Immunity to clinicalP. vivaxinfection is acquired more quickly than toP. falciparum, and evidence suggests humans in endemic areas also have a greater capacity to mount a successful immunological memory response to this pathogen. Both of these factors give promise to the idea of a successfulP. vivaxvaccine. We review what is known about both the cellular and humoral immune response, including the role of cytokines, antibodies, immunoregulation, immune memory and immune dysfunction. Furthermore, we discuss where the future lies in terms of advancing our understanding of naturally acquired immunity toP. vivax, through the use of well-designed longitudinal epidemiological studies and modern tools available to immunologists.
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González-Cerón L, Cerritos R, Corzo-Mancilla J, Santillán F. Diversity and evolutionary genetics of the three major Plasmodium vivax merozoite genes participating in reticulocyte invasion in southern Mexico. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:651. [PMID: 26691669 PMCID: PMC4687067 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1266-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reported malaria cases in the Americas had been reduced to about one-half million by 2012. To advance towards elimination of this disease, it is necessary to gain insights into how the malaria parasite is evolving, including the emergence, spread and persistence of new haplotypes in affected regions. In here, the genetic diversity of the three major P. vivax merozoite genes was analyzed. Methods From P. vivax-infected blood samples obtained in southern Mexico (SMX) during 2006–2007, nucleotide sequences were achieved for: the 42 kDa carboxyl fragment of the merozoite surface protein-1 (msp142), domains I-II of the apical membrane antigen-1 (ama1I-II), and domain II of the Duffy binding protein (dbpII). Gene polymorphism was examined and haplotype networks were developed to depict parasite relationships in SMX. Then genetic diversity, recombination and natural selection were analyzed and the degree of differentiation was determined as FST values. Results The diversity of P. vivax merozoite genes in SMX was less than that of parasites from other geographic origins, with dbpII < ama1I-II < msp142. Ama1I-II and msp142 exposed the more numerous haplotypes exclusive to SMX. While, all dbpII haplotypes from SMX were separated from one to three mutational steps, the networks of ama1I-II and msp142 were more complex; loops and numerous mutational steps were evidenced, likely due to recombination. Sings of local diversification were more evident for msp142. Sixteen combined haplotypes were determined; one of these haplotypes not detected in 2006 was highly frequent in 2007. The Rm value was higher for msp142than for ama1I-II, being insignificant for dbpII. The dN-dS value was highly significant for ama1I-II and lesser so for dbpII. The FST values were higher for dbpII than msp142, and very low for ama1I-II. Conclusions In SMX, P. vivax ama1I-II, dbpII and msp142 demonstrated limited diversity, and exhibited a differentiated parasite population. The results suggest that differential intensities of selective forces are operating on these gene fragments, and probably related to their timing, length of exposure and function during reticulocyte adhesion and invasion. Therefore, these finding are essential for mono and multivalent vaccine development and for epidemiological surveillance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-1266-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia González-Cerón
- Regional Centre for Research in Public Health, National Institute for Public Health, Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700, Mexico.
| | - Rene Cerritos
- Departamento de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, 04510, México.
| | - Jordán Corzo-Mancilla
- Regional Centre for Research in Public Health, National Institute for Public Health, Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700, Mexico.
| | - Frida Santillán
- Regional Centre for Research in Public Health, National Institute for Public Health, Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700, Mexico.
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Kang JM, Lee J, Cho PY, Moon SU, Ju HL, Ahn SK, Sohn WM, Lee HW, Kim TS, Na BK. Population genetic structure and natural selection of apical membrane antigen-1 in Plasmodium vivax Korean isolates. Malar J 2015; 14:455. [PMID: 26572984 PMCID: PMC4647566 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0942-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (PvAMA-1) is a leading candidate antigen for blood stage malaria vaccine. However, antigenic variation is a major obstacle in the development of an effective vaccine based on this antigen. In this study, the genetic structure and the effect of natural selection of PvAMA-1 among Korean P. vivax isolates were analysed. Methods Blood samples were collected from 66 Korean patients with vivax malaria. The entire PvAMA-1 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and cloned into a TA cloning vector. The PvAMA-1 sequence of each isolate was sequenced and the polymorphic characteristics and effect of natural selection were analysed using the DNASTAR, MEGA4, and DnaSP programs. Results Thirty haplotypes of PvAMA-1, which were further classified into seven different clusters, were identified in the 66 Korean P. vivax isolates. Domain II was highly conserved among the sequences, but substantial nucleotide diversity was observed in domains I and III. The difference between the rates of non-synonymous and synonymous mutations suggested that the gene has evolved under natural selection. No strong evidence indicating balancing or positive selection on PvAMA-1 was identified. Recombination may also play a role in the resulting genetic diversity of PvAMA-1. Conclusions This study is the first comprehensive analysis of nucleotide diversity across the entire PvAMA-1 gene using a single population sample from Korea. Korean PvAMA-1 had limited genetic diversity compared to PvAMA-1 in global isolates. The overall pattern of genetic polymorphism of Korean PvAMA-1 differed from other global isolates and novel amino acid changes were also identified in Korean PvAMA-1. Evidences for natural selection and recombination event were observed, which is likely to play an important role in generating genetic diversity across the PvAMA-1. These results provide useful information for the understanding the population structure of P. vivax circulating in Korea and have important implications for the design of a vaccine incorporating PvAMA-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Pyo-Yun Cho
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, 400-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Ung Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, 463-707, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hye-Lim Ju
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seong Kyu Ahn
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, 400-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Woon-Mok Sohn
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyeong-Woo Lee
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, J-566, 1275 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, 400-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, 660-751, Republic of Korea.
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Lee HW, Kim TS, Kang YJ, Kim JY, Lee S, Lee WJ, Sohn Y, Lee HW. Up-regulated S100 calcium binding protein A8 in Plasmodium-infected patients correlates with CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3 regulatory T cell generation. Malar J 2015; 14:385. [PMID: 26438270 PMCID: PMC4594961 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0855-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pro-inflammatory S100 calcium binding protein A8 (S100A8) is elevated in the serum of patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but its function in Plasmodium vivax malaria is not yet clear. This function was investigated in P. vivax-infected patients in this study. METHODS The level of S100A8 in the serum was measured with ELISA. Full amino acids of S100A8 were synthesized to verify the functions for maturation of immature dendritic cell (iDC) and evaluation of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) generation by mature DC (mDC). RESULTS A higher amount of S100A8 was detected in vivax-infected patients (141.2 ± 61.849 ng/ml, n = 40) compared with normal control group (48.1 ± 27.384 ng/ml, n = 40). The level of S100A8 did not coincide with that of anti-malarial antibody measured by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) using parasite-infected red blood cells as antigen. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) was up-regulated on the surface of iDCs following treatment with synthetic S100A8, not with synthetic MSP-1, AMA-1 and CSP, as compared to the expression seen for non-treated iDCs. The addition of red blood cells of infected patients to iDCs also elevated their surface expression of CD86. However, the serum levels of S100A8 decreased with increase in parasitaemia. DCs matured by sera containing S100A8 generated Treg cells from naïve T cells. The ratio of Treg cells generated was inversely proportional to the concentration of S100A8 in sera. CONCLUSIONS Treg cells suppress the activity of cytotoxic T cells, which kill malaria parasites; therefore, the up-regulation of S100A8 in malaria patients may contribute to pathogen immune escape or tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Woo Lee
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, 400-712, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoon-Joong Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, Goesan, Chungbuk, 367-805, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Yeon Kim
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Disease, Korea National Institute of Health, Osong, 363-951, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sangeun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Won-Ja Lee
- Division of Arbovirus, Korea National Institute of Health, Osong, 363-951, Republic of Korea.
| | - Youngjoo Sohn
- Department of Anatomy, College of Korean Medicine, Institute of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyeong-Woo Lee
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Tomaz FMMB, da Cruz Furini AA, Capobianco MP, Póvoa MM, Trindade PCA, Fraga VD, Conceição LM, de Azevedo LR, Oliani SM, Cassiano GC, Cavasini CE, Dos Santos SEB, Machado RLD. Humoral immune responses against the malaria vaccine candidate antigen Plasmodium vivax AMA-1 and IL-4 gene polymorphisms in individuals living in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon. Cytokine 2015; 74:273-8. [PMID: 25922277 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have recently demonstrated that the immune responses against malaria is governed by different factors, including the genetic components of the host. The IL-4 gene appears to be a strong candidate factor because of its role in the regulation of the Th2 response. The present study investigated the role of IL-4 polymorphisms in the development of IgG antibodies against PvAMA-1 and the IL-4 levels in individuals infected with Plasmodium vivax in a malaria endemic area in the Brazilian Amazon. METHODS The study sample included 83 patients who were diagnosed with P. vivax infection using thick smear and confirmed by nested-PCR. The IL-4 -590C>T and IL-4 -33C>T polymorphisms were genotyped by PCR-RFLP, and the intron 3 VNTR was genotyped by PCR. A standardised ELISA protocol was used to measure the total IgG against PvAMA-1. The cytokine/chemokine levels were measured using a Milliplex multiplex assay (Millipore). All of the subjects were genotyped with 48 ancestry informative markers to determine the proportions of African, European and Amerindian ancestry using STRUCTURE software. RESULTS Of the 83 patients, 60 (73%) produced IgG antibodies against PvAMA-1. A significant decrease in the percentage of respondents was observed among the primo-infected individuals. No significant differences were observed in the frequencies of genotypes and haplotypes among individuals who were positive or negative for IgG antibodies against PvAMA-1. Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed between the IL-4 polymorphisms, antibody levels, IL-4 levels, and parasitemia. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that the polymorphisms identified in the IL-4 gene are not likely to play a role in the regulation of the antibody response against PvAMA-1 and IL-4 production in vivax malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franciele Maira Moreira Batista Tomaz
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Antônia da Cruz Furini
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Marcela Petrolini Capobianco
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | | | - Pamella Cristina Alves Trindade
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Valéria Daltibari Fraga
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Moran Conceição
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Ribeiro de Azevedo
- Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Sônia Maria Oliani
- Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Capatti Cassiano
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Eugênio Cavasini
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado
- Microorganism Research Center, Department of Dermatological, Infectious, and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil; Evandro Chagas Institute, MS/SVS, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil.
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Linear B-cell epitope mapping of MAPK3 and MAPK4 from Leishmania braziliensis: implications for the serodiagnosis of human and canine leishmaniasis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 99:1323-36. [PMID: 25359475 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The correct and early identification of humans and dogs infected with Leishmania are key steps in the control of leishmaniasis. Additionally, a method with high sensitivity and specificity at low cost that allows the screening of a large number of samples would be extremely valuable. In this study, we analyzed the potential of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (MAPK4) proteins from Leishmania braziliensis to serve as antigen candidates for the serodiagnosis of human visceral and tegumentary leishmaniasis, as well as canine visceral disease. Moreover, we mapped linear B-cell epitopes in these proteins and selected those epitopes with sequences that were divergent in the corresponding orthologs in Homo sapiens, in Canis familiaris, and in Trypanosoma cruzi. We compared the performance of these peptides with the recombinant protein using ELISA. Both MAPK3 and MAPK4 recombinant proteins showed better specificity in the immunodiagnosis of human and canine leishmaniasis than soluble parasite antigens and the EIE-leishmaniose-visceral-canina-bio-manguinhos (EIE-LVC) kit. Furthermore, the performance of this serodiagnosis assay was improved using synthetic peptides corresponding to B-cell epitopes derived from both proteins.
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Esmaeili Rastaghi AR, Nedaei F, Nahrevanian H, Hoseinkhan N. Genetic diversity and effect of natural selection at apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) among Iranian Plasmodium vivax isolates. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2014. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2014.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Ranjbar MM, Gupta SK, Ghorban K, Nabian S, Sazmand A, Taheri M, Esfandyari S, Taheri M. Designing and Modeling of Complex DNA Vaccine Based on Tropomyosin Protein of Boophilus Genus Tick. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2014; 175:323-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-014-1245-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Menezes-Souza D, Mendes TADO, Nagem RAP, Santos TTDO, Silva ALT, Santoro MM, de Carvalho SFG, Coelho EAF, Bartholomeu DC, Fujiwara RT. Mapping B-cell epitopes for the peroxidoxin of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and its potential for the clinical diagnosis of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99216. [PMID: 24921246 PMCID: PMC4055673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The search toward the establishment of novel serological tests for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis and proper differential diagnosis may represent one alternative to the invasive parasitological methods currently used to identify infected individuals. In the present work, we investigated the potential use of recombinant peroxidoxin (rPeroxidoxin) of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis as a potential antigen for the immunodiagnosis of human tegumentary (TL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Linear B-cell epitope mapping was performed to identify polymorphic epitopes when comparing orthologous sequences present in Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent for Chagas disease (CD), and the Homo sapiens and Canis familiaris hosts. The serological assay (ELISA) demonstrated that TL, VL and CVL individuals showed high levels of antibodies against rPeroxidoxin, allowing identification of infected ones with considerable sensitivity and great ability to discriminate (specificity) between non-infected and CD individuals (98.46% and 100%; 98.18% and 95.71%; 95.79% and 100%, respectively). An rPeroxidoxin ELISA also showed a greater ability to discriminate between vaccinated and infected animals, which is an important requirement for the public campaign control of CVL. A depletion ELISA assay using soluble peptides of this B-cell epitope confirmed the recognition of these sites only by Leishmania-infected individuals. Moreover, this work identifies two antigenic polymorphic linear B-cell epitopes of L. braziliensis. Specific recognition of TL and VL patients was confirmed by significantly decreased IgG reactivity against rPeroxidoxin after depletion of peptide-1- and peptide-2-specific antibodies (peptide 1: reduced by 32%, 42% and 5% for CL, ML and VL, respectively; peptide-2: reduced by 24%, 22% and 13% for CL, ML and VL, respectively) and only peptide-2 for CVL (reduced 9%). Overall, rPeroxidoxin may be a potential antigen for the immunodiagnosis of TL, VL or CVL, as it has a higher agreement with parasitological assays and is better than other reference tests that use soluble Leishmania antigens for diagnosing CVL in Brazil (EIE-LVC, Bio-manguinhos, FIOCRUZ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Ronaldo Alves Pinto Nagem
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Luíza Teixeira Silva
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Matos Santoro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Antônio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde. Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina and Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Protective epitopes of the Plasmodium falciparum SERA5 malaria vaccine reside in intrinsically unstructured N-terminal repetitive sequences. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98460. [PMID: 24886718 PMCID: PMC4041889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The malaria vaccine candidate antigen, SE36, is based on the N-terminal 47 kDa domain of Plasmodium falciparum serine repeat antigen 5 (SERA5). In epidemiological studies, we have previously shown the inhibitory effects of SE36 specific antibodies on in vitro parasite growth and the negative correlation between antibody level and malaria symptoms. A phase 1 b trial of the BK-SE36 vaccine in Uganda elicited 72% protective efficacy against symptomatic malaria in children aged 6–20 years during the follow-up period 130–365 days post–second vaccination. Here, we performed epitope mapping with synthetic peptides covering the whole sequence of SE36 to identify and map dominant epitopes in Ugandan adult serum presumed to have clinical immunity to P. falciparum malaria. High titer sera from the Ugandan adults predominantly reacted with peptides corresponding to two successive N-terminal regions of SERA5 containing octamer repeats and serine rich sequences, regions of SERA5 that were previously reported to have limited polymorphism. Affinity purified antibodies specifically recognizing the octamer repeats and serine rich sequences exhibited a high antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) activity that inhibited parasite growth. Furthermore, protein structure predictions and structural analysis of SE36 using spectroscopic methods indicated that N-terminal regions possessing inhibitory epitopes are intrinsically unstructured. Collectively, these results suggest that strict tertiary structure of SE36 epitopes is not required to elicit protective antibodies in naturally immune Ugandan adults.
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Epitope mapping of the HSP83.1 protein of Leishmania braziliensis discloses novel targets for immunodiagnosis of tegumentary and visceral clinical forms of leishmaniasis. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2014; 21:949-59. [PMID: 24807053 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00151-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gold standard serological diagnostic methods focus on antigens that elicit a strong humoral immune response that is specific to a certain pathogen. In this study, we used bioinformatics approaches to identify linear B-cell epitopes that are conserved among Leishmania species but are divergent from the host species Homo sapiens and Canis familiaris and from Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease, to select potential targets for the immunodiagnosis of leishmaniasis. Using these criteria, we selected heat shock protein 83.1 of Leishmania braziliensis for this study. We predicted three linear B-cell epitopes in its sequence. These peptides and the recombinant heat shock protein 83.1 (rHSP83.1) were tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) against serum samples from patients with tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and from dogs infected with Leishmania infantum (canine VL [CVL]). Our data show that rHSP83.1 is a promising target in the diagnosis of TL. We also identified specific epitopes derived from HSP83.1 that can be used in the diagnosis of human TL (peptide 3), both human and canine VL (peptides 1 and 3), and all TL, VL, and CVL clinical manifestations (peptide 3). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves confirmed the superior performance of rHSP83.1 and peptides 1 and 3 compared to that of the soluble L. braziliensis antigen and the reference test kit for the diagnosis of CVL in Brazil (EIE-LVC kit; Bio-Manguinhos, Fiocruz). Our study thus provides proof-of-principle evidence of the feasibility of using bioinformatics to identify novel targets for the immunodiagnosis of parasitic diseases using proteins that are highly conserved throughout evolution.
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Rodrigues-da-Silva RN, Lima-Junior JDC, Fonseca BDPFE, Antas PRZ, Baldez A, Storer FL, Santos F, Banic DM, de Oliveira-Ferreira J. Alterations in cytokines and haematological parameters during the acute and convalescent phases of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 109:154-62. [PMID: 24676654 PMCID: PMC4015248 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276140275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Haematological and cytokine alterations in malaria are a broad and controversial subject in the literature. However, few studies have simultaneously evaluated various cytokines in a single patient group during the acute and convalescent phases of infection. The aim of this study was to sequentially characterise alterations in haematological patters and circulating plasma cytokine and chemokine levels in patients infected with Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum from a Brazilian endemic area during the acute and convalescent phases of infection. During the acute phase, thrombocytopaenia, eosinopaenia, lymphopaenia and an increased number of band cells were observed in the majority of the patients. During the convalescent phase, the haematologic parameters returned to normal. During the acute phase, P. vivax and P. falciparum patients had significantly higher interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17, interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor levels than controls and maintained high levels during the convalescent phase. IL-10 was detected at high concentrations during the acute phase, but returned to normal levels during the convalescent phase. Plasma IL-10 concentration was positively correlated with parasitaemia in P. vivax and P. falciparum-infected patients. The same was true for the TNF-α concentration in P. falciparum-infected patients. Finally, the haematological and cytokine profiles were similar between uncomplicated P. falciparum and P. vivax infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Arlete Baldez
- Agência de Vigilância em Saúde, Secretaria de Estado da Saúde, Porto Velho, RO, Brasil
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Odebrecht Energia/Usina Hidrelétrica Santo Antônio, Porto Velho, RO, Brasil
| | - Dalma Maria Banic
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Simulídeos e Oncocercose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
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Versiani FG, Almeida MEM, Melo GC, Versiani FOL, Orlandi PP, Mariúba LAM, Soares LA, Souza LP, da Silva Balieiro AA, Monteiro WM, Costa FTM, del Portillo HA, Lacerda MVG, Nogueira PA. High levels of IgG3 anti ICB2-5 in Plasmodium vivax-infected individuals who did not develop symptoms. Malar J 2013; 12:294. [PMID: 23977965 PMCID: PMC3844576 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax has the potential to infect 2.85 billion individuals worldwide. Nevertheless, the limited number of studies investigating the immune status of individuals living in malaria-endemic areas, as well as the lack of reports investigating serological markers associated with clinical protection, has hampered development of vaccines for P. vivax. It was previously demonstrated that naturally total IgG against the N-terminus of P. vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (Pv-MSP1) was associated with reduced risk of malarial infection. Methods Immune response against Pv-MSP1 (N-terminus) of 313 residents of the Rio Pardo rural settlement (Amazonas State, Brazil) was evaluated in a cross-sectional and longitudinal follow up over two months (on site) wherein gold standard diagnosis by thick blood smear and rRNA gene-based nested real-time PCR were used to discriminate symptomless Plasmodium vivax-infected individuals who did not develop clinical symptoms during a 2-months from those uninfected ones or who have had acute malaria. The acquisition of antibodies against Pv-MSP1 was also evaluated as survival analysis by prospective study over a year collecting information of new malaria infections in surveillance database. Results The majority of P. vivax-infected individuals (52-67%) showed immune recognition of the N-terminus of Pv-MSP1. Interesting data on infected individuals who have not developed symptoms, total IgG levels against the N-terminus Pv-MSP1 were age-dependent and the IgG3 levels were significantly higher than levels of subjects had acute malaria or those uninfected ones. The total IgG anti ICB2-5 was detected to be an important factor of protection against new malaria vivax attacks in survival analysis in a prospective survey (p = 0.029). Conclusions The study findings illustrate the importance of IgG3 associated to 2-months of symptomless in P. vivax infected individuals and open perspectives for the rationale of malaria vaccine designs capable to sustain high levels of IgG3 against polymorphic malaria antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda G Versiani
- Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - Fiocruz, Rua Teresina 476, 69057-070 Manaus, AM, Brazil.
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Zakeri S, Sadeghi H, Mehrizi AA, Djadid ND. Population genetic structure and polymorphism analysis of gene encoding apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) of Iranian Plasmodium vivax wild isolates. Acta Trop 2013; 126:269-79. [PMID: 23467011 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (PvAMA-1) is a major candidate antigen for human malaria vaccine. In the present study, polymorphism of pvama-1 among Iranian isolates was investigated to generate useful information on this vaccine candidate antigen, which is required for the rational design of a vaccine against P. vivax. Blood samples were collected from P. vivax-infected Iranian patients during 2009-2010. Of 99 collected isolates, 37 were analyzed for almost the entire pvama-1 gene using sequencing. The overall nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.00826 ± 0.0004 and the majority of polymorphic sites were identified in domain I (DI) of the pvama-1 gene. Neutrality analysis using Tajima's D, Fu and Li's D* and F* and McDonald Kreitman tests showed a significant positive departure from neutral substitution patterns, indicating a possible balancing selection across the entire ectodomain and DI sequences of pvama-1 gene. However, no evidence was found for the balancing selection in DII and DIII regions of Iranian PvAMA-1. Also, 29 haplotypes with different frequencies were identified and the overall haplotype diversity was 0.982 ± 0.012. Epitope mapping prediction of PvAMA-1 showed the potential B-cell epitopes across DI-DIII overlap with E145K, P210S, R249H, G253E, K352E, R438H and N445D mutations; however, no mutation has been found in intrinsically unstructured/disordered regions. The fixation index (Fst) estimation between Iran and the closest geographical sites such as India (0.0707) showed a slight geographical genetic differentiation; however, the Fst estimation between Iran and Thailand (0.1253) suggested a moderate geographical isolation. In summary, genetic investigation in pvama-1 among Iranian P. vivax isolates indicates that this antigen showed limited antigenic diversity and most of the detected mutations are located outside B-cell epitopes. Therefore, the present results have significant implications in understanding the nature of P. vivax population circulating in Iran as well as in providing useful information for malaria vaccine development based on this antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran.
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Mehrizi AA, Sepehri M, Karimi F, Djadid ND, Zakeri S. Population genetics, sequence diversity and selection in the gene encoding the Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 in clinical isolates from the south-east of Iran. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 17:51-61. [PMID: 23557839 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen1 (AMA1) is a leading malaria vaccine candidate antigen. In the present investigation, for the first time, the almost full length of the ama1 gene covering domain I (DI), DII and DIII was PCR amplified and sequenced in 21 P. falciparum isolates collected from the southeastern parts of Iran. The result showed the low genetic diversity of Iranian PfAMA1 with 11 PfAMA1 haplotypes in which nine out of 11 haplotypes are novel and have been reported for the first time. The Iranian P. falciparum population indicated a moderate level of genetic differentiation. The difference among the rates of non-synonymous and synonymous mutations, Tajima's D and McDonald-Kreitman tests suggested that the diversity at DI is due to positive natural selection. In addition, recombination contributes to the diversity of Iranian PfAMA1 and this is supported by the decline of the linkage disequilibrium index R(2) with increasing the nucleotide distance. The highly polymorphic residues (positions: 187, 197, 200, 230 and 243) were polymorphic; however, most of the SNPs in non-polymorphic residues were conserved except the residue at position 395. Nevertheless, no mutation was found in the DII loop of the Iranian PfAMA1, indicating that it is subjected to purifying selection. In conclusion, the low genetic diversity in PfAMA1 among Iranian isolates supports and provides valuable information for the development of a PfAMA1-based malaria vaccine.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antigens, Protozoan/chemistry
- Antigens, Protozoan/genetics
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Evolution, Molecular
- Gene Frequency
- Genetic Variation
- Haplotypes
- Humans
- Iran
- Malaria Vaccines/genetics
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/prevention & control
- Membrane Proteins/chemistry
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Proteins/immunology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutation
- Phylogeny
- Plasmodium falciparum/genetics
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium falciparum/isolation & purification
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Protozoan Proteins/chemistry
- Protozoan Proteins/genetics
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Recombination, Genetic
- Selection, Genetic
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Abouie Mehrizi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
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Mueller I, Galinski MR, Tsuboi T, Arevalo-Herrera M, Collins WE, King CL. Natural acquisition of immunity to Plasmodium vivax: epidemiological observations and potential targets. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2013; 81:77-131. [PMID: 23384622 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407826-0.00003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Population studies show that individuals acquire immunity to Plasmodium vivax more quickly than Plasmodium falciparum irrespective of overall transmission intensity, resulting in the peak burden of P. vivax malaria in younger age groups. Similarly, actively induced P. vivax infections in malaria therapy patients resulted in faster and generally more strain-transcending acquisition of immunity than P. falciparum infections. The mechanisms behind the more rapid acquisition of immunity to P. vivax are poorly understood. Natural acquired immune responses to P. vivax target both pre-erythrocytic and blood-stage antigens and include humoral and cellular components. To date, only a few studies have investigated the association of these immune responses with protection, with most studies focussing on a few merozoite antigens (such as the Pv Duffy binding protein (PvDBP), the Pv reticulocyte binding proteins (PvRBPs), or the Pv merozoite surface proteins (PvMSP1, 3 & 9)) or the circumsporozoite protein (PvCSP). Naturally acquired transmission-blocking (TB) immunity (TBI) was also found in several populations. Although limited, these data support the premise that developing a multi-stage P. vivax vaccine may be feasible and is worth pursuing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Mueller
- Walter + Eliza Hall Institute, Infection & Immunity Division, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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