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Palkumbura PGAS, Mahakapuge TAN, Wijesundera RRMKK, Wijewardana V, Kangethe RT, Rajapakse RPVJ. Mucosal Immunity of Major Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections in Small Ruminants Can Be Harnessed to Develop New Prevention Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1409. [PMID: 38338687 PMCID: PMC10855138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasitic nematode (GIN) infections are the cause of severe losses to farmers in countries where small ruminants such as sheep and goat are the mainstay of livestock holdings. There is a need to develop effective and easy-to-administer anti-parasite vaccines in areas where anthelmintic resistance is rapidly rising due to the inefficient use of drugs currently available. In this review, we describe the most prevalent and economically significant group of GIN infections that infect small ruminants and the immune responses that occur in the host during infection with an emphasis on mucosal immunity. Furthermore, we outline the different prevention strategies that exist with a focus on whole and purified native parasite antigens as vaccine candidates and their possible oral-nasal administration as a part of an integrated parasite control toolbox in areas where drug resistance is on the rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. G. Ashani S. Palkumbura
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Thilini A. N. Mahakapuge
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - R. R. M. K. Kavindra Wijesundera
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
| | - Viskam Wijewardana
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Richard Thiga Kangethe
- Animal Production and Health Laboratory, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, International Atomic Energy Agency, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - R. P. V. Jayanthe Rajapakse
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
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Zheng Y, Young ND, Song J, Gasser RB. Genome-Wide Analysis of Haemonchus contortus Proteases and Protease Inhibitors Using Advanced Informatics Provides Insights into Parasite Biology and Host-Parasite Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12320. [PMID: 37569696 PMCID: PMC10418638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity within the animal kingdom is associated with extensive molecular diversity. The expansion of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data sets for invertebrate groups and species with unique biological traits necessitates reliable in silico tools for the accurate identification and annotation of molecules and molecular groups. However, conventional tools are inadequate for lesser-known organismal groups, such as eukaryotic pathogens (parasites), so that improved approaches are urgently needed. Here, we established a combined sequence- and structure-based workflow system to harness well-curated publicly available data sets and resources to identify, classify and annotate proteases and protease inhibitors of a highly pathogenic parasitic roundworm (nematode) of global relevance, called Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm). This workflow performed markedly better than conventional, sequence-based classification and annotation alone and allowed the first genome-wide characterisation of protease and protease inhibitor genes and gene products in this worm. In total, we identified 790 genes encoding 860 proteases and protease inhibitors representing 83 gene families. The proteins inferred included 280 metallo-, 145 cysteine, 142 serine, 121 aspartic and 81 "mixed" proteases as well as 91 protease inhibitors, all of which had marked physicochemical diversity and inferred involvements in >400 biological processes or pathways. A detailed investigation revealed a remarkable expansion of some protease or inhibitor gene families, which are likely linked to parasitism (e.g., host-parasite interactions, immunomodulation and blood-feeding) and exhibit stage- or sex-specific transcription profiles. This investigation provides a solid foundation for detailed explorations of the structures and functions of proteases and protease inhibitors of H. contortus and related nematodes, and it could assist in the discovery of new drug or vaccine targets against infections or diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanting Zheng
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Neil D. Young
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Jiangning Song
- Department of Data Science and AI, Faculty of IT, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Monash Data Futures Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
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Dahal S, Gour P, Raghuvanshi S, Prasad YK, Saikia D, Ghatani S. Multi-stage transcriptome profiling of the neglected food-borne echinostome Artyfechinostomum sufrartyfex reveal potential diagnostic and drug targets. Acta Trop 2022; 233:106564. [PMID: 35716764 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lack of effective surveillance and control methods for neglected helminth diseases particularly in context of rural areas in India is a serious concern in terms of public health. With regard to the emerging food-borne echinostomid Artyfechinostomum sufrartyfex infection in the country, the current study is an in silico attempt to screen for plausible diagnostic and drug targets against the trematode. Transcriptome of adult, encysted and excysted metacercaria stages of the parasite was generated using Illumina sequencing platform. A de-novo assembly strategy utilizing transcriptome data generated from the three lifecycle stages was followed to generate the representative transcripts. Longest open reading frames identified for the transcripts were further conceptually translated into their respective protein sequences. Detailed analysis of this dataset through various bioinformatics pipelines and tools eventually identified 14 credible diagnostic and 10 drug targets along with their FDA-approved and ZINC molecules. Some of the important diagnostic candidates include thioredoxin peroxidase, haemoglobinase, cathepsin L, cathepsin L-like and B-like cysteine proteases. Among the drug targets, uncharacterized sodium dependent transporter and bifunctional protein Aas were identified as top targets exhibiting significant interaction with Rifamycin and ZINC02820058 molecule, respectively. Further, B-cell epitope analysis of the diagnostic targets revealed unique epitopes for 10 of them thus indicating their potential role in specific diagnosis of the parasite. The diagnostic candidates along with a number of lesser known drug targets and their ligand molecules identified in this study provides a reasonable basis for evaluation and development of future intervention strategies against A. sufrartyfex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman Dahal
- Department of Zoology, School of Life sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Pratibha Gour
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Saurabh Raghuvanshi
- Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Dipshikha Saikia
- Department of Zoology, School of Life sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
| | - Sudeep Ghatani
- Department of Zoology, School of Life sciences, Sikkim University, Gangtok, Sikkim, India.
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pH-Dependent Structural Dynamics of Cathepsin D-Family Aspartic Peptidase of Clonorchis sinensis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091128. [PMID: 34578162 PMCID: PMC8466142 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin D (CatD; EC 3.4.23.5) family peptidases of parasitic organisms are regarded as potential drug targets as they play critical roles in the physiology and pathobiology of parasites. Previously, we characterized the biochemical features of cathepsin D isozyme 2 (CatD2) in the carcinogenic liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis (CsCatD2). In this study, we performed all-atomic molecular dynamics simulations by applying different systems for the ligand-free/bound forms under neutral and acidic conditions to investigate the pH-dependent structural alterations and associated functional changes in CsCatD2. CsCatD2 showed several distinctive characteristics as follows: (1) acidic pH caused major conformational transitions from open to closed state in this enzyme; (2) during 30–36-ns simulations, acidic pH contributed significantly to the formation of rigid β-sheets around the catalytic residue Asp219, higher occupancy (0% to 99%) of hydrogen bond than that of Asp33, and enhanced stabilization of the CsCatD2-inhibtor complex; (3) neutral pH-induced displacement of the N-terminal part to hinder the accessibility of the active site and open allosteric site of this enzyme; and (4) the flap dynamics metrics, including distance (d1), TriCα angles (θ1 and θ2), and dihedral angle (ϕ), account for the asymmetrical twisting motion of the active site of this enzyme. These findings provide an in-depth understanding of the pH-dependent structural dynamics of free and bound forms of CsCatD2 and basic information for the rational design of an inhibitor as a drug targeting parasitic CatD.
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Immunogenicity and protection induced by recombinant Toxocara canis proteins in a murine model of toxocariasis. Vaccine 2020; 38:4762-4772. [PMID: 32451213 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.04.072] [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: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxocariasis, a natural helminth infection of dogs and cats caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati, respectively, that are transmitted to mammals, including humans. Infection control is based currently on periodic antihelmintic treatment and there is a need for the development of vaccines to prevent this infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight potential vaccine candidate T. canis recombinant proteins were identified by in silico (rTcGPRs, rTcCad, rTcVcan, rTcCyst) and larval proteomics (rTES26, rTES32, rMUC-3 and rCTL-4) analyses. Immunogenicity and protection against infectious challenge for seven of these antigens were determined in a murine model of toxocariasis. C57BL/6 female mice were immunized with each of or combinations of recombinant antigens prior to challenge with 500 T. canis embryonated eggs. Levels of specific antibodies (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgE) in sera and cytokines (IL-5, INF-ɣ and IL-10) produced by antigens-stimulated splenocytes, were measured. Presence of specific antibodies to the molecules was measured in sera of T. canis-seropositive dogs and humans. RESULTS All seven molecules were immunogenic in immunized mice; all stimulated significantly elevated levels of specific IgG, IgG1 or IgG2a and six were associated with elevated levels of specific IgE; all induced elevated production of IFN- ɣ and IL-10 by splenocytes, but only the in silico-identified membrane-associated recombinants (rTcCad, rTcVcan, and rTcCyst) induced significantly increased IL-5 production. Vaccination with two of the latter (rTcCad and rTcVcan) reduced larval loads in the T. canis challenged mice by 54.3% and 53.9% (P < 0.0001), respectively, compared to unimmunized controls. All seven recombinants were recognized by T. canis-seropositive dog and human sera. CONCLUSION The identification of vaccine targets by in silico analysis was an effective strategy to identify immunogenic T. canis proteins capable of reducing larval burdens following challenge with the parasite. Two recombinant proteins, rTcCad and rTcVcan, were identified as promising vaccine candidates for canine toxocariasis.
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Caffrey CR, Goupil L, Rebello KM, Dalton JP, Smith D. Cysteine proteases as digestive enzymes in parasitic helminths. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0005840. [PMID: 30138310 PMCID: PMC6107103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We briefly review cysteine proteases (orthologs of mammalian cathepsins B, L, F, and C) that are expressed in flatworm and nematode parasites. Emphasis is placed on enzyme activities that have been functionally characterized, are associated with the parasite gut, and putatively contribute to degrading host proteins to absorbable nutrients [1–4]. Often, gut proteases are expressed as multigene families, as is the case with Fasciola [5] and Haemonchus [6], presumably expanding the range of substrates that can be degraded, not least during parasite migration through host tissues [5]. The application of the free-living planarian and Caenorhabditis elegans as investigative models for parasite cysteine proteases is discussed. Finally, because of their central nutritive contribution, targeting the component gut proteases with small-molecule chemical inhibitors and understanding their utility as vaccine candidates are active areas of research [7].
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Louise Goupil
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Karina M. Rebello
- Laboratório de Toxinologia and Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John P. Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Loukas A, Hotez PJ, Diemert D, Yazdanbakhsh M, McCarthy JS, Correa-Oliveira R, Croese J, Bethony JM. Hookworm infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2016; 2:16088. [PMID: 27929101 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2016.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hookworms are soil-transmitted nematode parasites that can reside for many years in the small intestine of their human hosts; Necator americanus is the predominant infecting species. Adult worms feed on the blood of a host and can cause iron deficiency anaemia, especially in high-risk populations (children and women of childbearing age). Almost 500 million people in developing tropical countries are infected, and simulation models estimate that hookworm infection is responsible for >4 million disability-adjusted life years lost annually. Humans mount an immune response to hookworms, but it is mostly unsuccessful at removing adult worms from the bowel. Accordingly, the host switches to an immune-tolerant state that enables hookworms to reside in the gut for many years. Although anthelmintic drugs are available and widely used, their efficacy varies and the drugs do not prevent reinfection. Thus, other control strategies aimed at improving water quality, sanitation and hygiene are needed. In addition, efforts are underway to develop a human hookworm vaccine through public-private partnerships. However, hookworms could also be a resource; as hookworms have the capability to regulate the host's inflammation, researchers are experimentally infecting patients to treat some inflammatory diseases as an approach to discover new anti-inflammatory molecules. This area of endeavour might well yield new biotherapeutics for autoimmune and allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Building E4, James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College Of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Sabin Vaccine Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Diemert
- Department of Microbiology, Tropical Medicine and Immunology, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.,Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington DC, USA
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - James S McCarthy
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - John Croese
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Building E4, James Cook University, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Tropical Medicine and Immunology, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
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Tebeje BM, Harvie M, You H, Loukas A, McManus DP. Schistosomiasis vaccines: where do we stand? Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:528. [PMID: 27716365 PMCID: PMC5045607 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1799-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, caused mainly by S. mansoni, S. haematobium and S. japonicum, continues to be a serious tropical disease and public health problem resulting in an unacceptably high level of morbidity in countries where it is endemic. Praziquantel, the only drug currently available for treatment, is unable to kill developing schistosomes, it does not prevent re-infection and its continued extensive use may result in the future emergence of drug-resistant parasites. This scenario provides impetus for the development and deployment of anti-schistosome vaccines to be used as part of an integrated approach for the prevention, control and eventual elimination of schistosomiasis. This review considers the present status of candidate vaccines for schistosomiasis, and provides some insight on future vaccine discovery and design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biniam Mathewos Tebeje
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia. .,School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Marina Harvie
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hong You
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
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Wang Q, Rosa BA, Jasmer DP, Mitreva M. Pan-Nematoda Transcriptomic Elucidation of Essential Intestinal Functions and Therapeutic Targets With Broad Potential. EBioMedicine 2015; 2:1079-89. [PMID: 26501106 PMCID: PMC4587998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode intestine is continuous with the outside environment, making it easily accessible to anthelmintics for parasite control, but the development of new therapeutics is impeded by limited knowledge of nematode intestinal cell biology. We established the most comprehensive nematode intestinal functional database to date by generating transcriptional data from the dissected intestines of three parasitic nematodes spanning the phylum, and integrating the results with the whole proteomes of 10 nematodes (including 9 pathogens of humans or animals) and 3 host species and 2 outgroup species. We resolved 10,772 predicted nematode intestinal protein families (IntFams), and studied their presence and absence within the different lineages (births and deaths) among nematodes. Conserved intestinal cell functions representing ancestral functions of evolutionary importance were delineated, and molecular features useful for selective therapeutic targeting were identified. Molecular patterns conserved among IntFam proteins demonstrated large potential as therapeutic targets to inhibit intestinal cell functions with broad applications towards treatment and control of parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bruce A. Rosa
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Douglas P. Jasmer
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Makedonka Mitreva
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Pearson MS, Becker L, Driguez P, Young ND, Gaze S, Mendes T, Li XH, Doolan DL, Midzi N, Mduluza T, McManus DP, Wilson RA, Bethony JM, Nausch N, Mutapi F, Felgner PL, Loukas A. Of monkeys and men: immunomic profiling of sera from humans and non-human primates resistant to schistosomiasis reveals novel potential vaccine candidates. Front Immunol 2015; 6:213. [PMID: 25999951 PMCID: PMC4419842 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma haematobium affects more than 100 million people throughout Africa and is the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis. The parasite is strongly associated with urothelial cancer in infected individuals and as such is designated a group I carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Using a protein microarray containing schistosome proteins, we sought to identify antigens that were the targets of protective IgG1 immune responses in S. haematobium-exposed individuals that acquire drug-induced resistance (DIR) to schistosomiasis after praziquantel treatment. Numerous antigens with known vaccine potential were identified, including calpain (Smp80), tetraspanins, glutathione-S-transferases, and glucose transporters (SGTP1), as well as previously uncharacterized proteins. Reactive IgG1 responses were not elevated in exposed individuals who did not acquire DIR. To complement our human subjects study, we screened for antigen targets of rhesus macaques rendered resistant to S. japonicum by experimental infection followed by self-cure, and discovered a number of new and known vaccine targets, including major targets recognized by our human subjects. This study has further validated the immunomics-based approach to schistosomiasis vaccine antigen discovery and identified numerous novel potential vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns, QLD , Australia
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns, QLD , Australia
| | - Patrick Driguez
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane, QLD , Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- University of Melbourne , Melbourne, VIC , Australia
| | - Soraya Gaze
- Centro de Pesquisas Rene Rachou, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Tiago Mendes
- Federal University of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases , Shanghai , China
| | - Denise L Doolan
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane, QLD , Australia
| | - Nicholas Midzi
- National Institutes of Health Research , Harare , Zimbabwe
| | - Takafira Mduluza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe , Harare , Zimbabwe
| | - Donald P McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane, QLD , Australia
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology, University of York , York , UK
| | - Jeffrey M Bethony
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University , Washington, DC , USA
| | | | | | | | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University , Cairns, QLD , Australia
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The use of a conformational cathepsin D-derived epitope for vaccine development against Schistosoma mansoni. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:1307-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Figueiredo BCP, Ricci ND, de Assis NRG, de Morais SB, Fonseca CT, Oliveira SC. Kicking in the Guts: Schistosoma mansoni Digestive Tract Proteins are Potential Candidates for Vaccine Development. Front Immunol 2015; 6:22. [PMID: 25674091 PMCID: PMC4309203 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease that represents a major health problem in at least 74 tropical and subtropical countries. Current disease control strategies consist mainly of chemotherapy, which cannot prevent recurrent re-infection of people living in endemic area. In the last decades, many researchers made a remarkable effort in the search for an effective vaccine to provide long-term protection. Parasitic platyhelminthes of Schistosoma genus, which cause the disease, live in the blood vessels of definitive hosts where they are bathed in host blood for many years. Among the most promising molecules as vaccine candidates are the proteins present in the host–parasite interface, so numerous tegument antigens have been assessed and the achieved protection never got even close to 100%. Besides the tegument, the digestive tract is the other major site of host–parasite interface. Since parasites feed on blood, they need to swallow a considerable amount of blood for nutrient acquisition. Host blood ingested by schistosomes passes through the esophagus and reaches the gut where many peptidases catalyze the proteolysis of blood cells. Recent studies show the emergence of antigens related to the parasite blood feeding, such as esophageal gland proteins, proteases, and other proteins related to nutrient uptake. Herein, we review what is known about Schistosoma mansoni digestive tract proteins, emphasizing the ones described as potential vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Castro-Pimentel Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Natasha Delaqua Ricci
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Natan Raimundo Gonçalves de Assis
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Suellen Batistoni de Morais
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Laboratório de Esquistossomose do Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Sergio Costa Oliveira
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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13
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Cantacessi C, Hofmann A, Campbell BE, Gasser RB. Impact of next-generation technologies on exploring socioeconomically important parasites and developing new interventions. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1247:437-474. [PMID: 25399114 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2004-4_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput molecular and computer technologies have become instrumental for systems biological explorations of pathogens, including parasites. For instance, investigations of the transcriptomes of different developmental stages of parasitic nematodes give insights into gene expression, regulation and function in a parasite, which is a significant step to understanding their biology, as well as interactions with their host(s) and disease. This chapter (1) gives a background on some key parasitic nematodes of socioeconomic importance, (2) describes sequencing and bioinformatic technologies for large-scale studies of the transcriptomes and genomes of these parasites, (3) provides some recent examples of applications and (4) emphasizes the prospects of fundamental biological explorations of parasites using these technologies for the development of new interventions to combat parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Yang Y, Xiong J, Zhou Z, Huo F, Miao W, Ran C, Liu Y, Zhang J, Feng J, Wang M, Wang M, Wang L, Yao B. The genome of the myxosporean Thelohanellus kitauei shows adaptations to nutrient acquisition within its fish host. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:3182-98. [PMID: 25381665 PMCID: PMC4986447 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of Myxozoa, a parasitic metazoan taxon, have considerable detrimental effects on fish hosts and also have been associated with human food-borne illness. Little is known about their biology and metabolism. Analysis of the genome of Thelohanellus kitauei and comparative analysis with genomes of its two free-living cnidarian relatives revealed that T. kitauei has adapted to parasitism, as indicated by the streamlined metabolic repertoire and the tendency toward anabolism rather than catabolism. Thelohanellus kitauei mainly secretes proteases and protease inhibitors for nutrient digestion (parasite invasion), and depends on endocytosis (mainly low-density lipoprotein receptors-mediated type) and secondary carriers for nutrient absorption. Absence of both classic and complementary anaerobic pathways and gluconeogenesis, the lack of de novo synthesis and reduced activity in hydrolysis of fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleotides indicated that T. kitauei in this vertebrate host-parasite system has adapted to inhabit a physiological environment extremely rich in both oxygen and nutrients (especially glucose), which is consistent with its preferred parasitic site, that is, the host gut submucosa. Taking advantage of the genomic and transcriptomic information, 23 potential nutrition-related T. kitauei-specific chemotherapeutic targets were identified. This first genome sequence of a myxozoan will facilitate development of potential therapeutics for efficient control of myxozoan parasites and ultimately prevent myxozoan-induced fish-borne illnesses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Yang
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmin Huo
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Miao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Ran
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchun Liu
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinyong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinmei Feng
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Tianjin Biochip Corporation, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Wang
- TEDA School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- TEDA School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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15
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Abstract
Helminth parasites infect over one fourth of the human population and are highly prevalent in livestock worldwide. In model systems, parasites are strongly immunomodulatory, but the immune system can be driven to expel them by prior vaccination. However, no vaccines are currently available for human use. Recent advances in vaccination with recombinant helminth antigens have been successful against cestode infections of livestock and new vaccines are being tested against nematode parasites of animals. Numerous vaccine antigens are being defined for a wide range of helminth parasite species, but greater understanding is needed to define the mechanisms of vaccine-induced immunity, to lay a rational platform for new vaccines and their optimal design. With human trials underway for hookworm and schistosomiasis vaccines, a greater integration between veterinary and human studies will highlight the common molecular and mechanistic pathways, and accelerate progress towards reducing the global health burden of helminth infection.
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16
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Dougall AM, Skwarczynski M, Khoshnejad M, Chandrudu S, Daly NL, Toth I, Loukas A. Lipid core peptide targeting the cathepsin D hemoglobinase of Schistosoma mansoni as a component of a schistosomiasis vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 10:399-409. [PMID: 24231271 DOI: 10.4161/hv.27057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-adjuvanting lipid core peptide (LCP) system offers a safe alternative vaccine delivery strategy, eliminating the need for additional adjuvants such as CpG Alum. In this study, we adopted the LCP as a scaffold for an epitope located on the surface of the cathepsin D hemoglobinase (Sm-CatD) of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. Sm-CatD plays a pivotal role in digestion of the fluke's bloodmeal and has been shown to be efficacious as a subunit vaccine in a murine model of human schistosomiasis. Using molecular modeling we showed that S. mansoni cathepsin D possesses a predicted surface exposed α-helix (A₂₆₃K) that corresponds to an immunodominant helix and target of enzyme-neutralizing antibodies against Necator americanus APR-1 (Na-APR-1), the orthologous protease and vaccine antigen from blood-feeding hookworms. The A₂₆₃K epitope was engineered as two peptide variants, one of which was flanked at both termini with a coil maintaining sequence, thereby promoting the helical characteristics of the native A₂₆₃K epitope. Some of the peptides were fused to a self-adjuvanting lipid core scaffold to generate LCPs. Mice were vaccinated with unadjuvanted peptides, peptides formulated with Freund's adjuvants, or LCPs. Antibodies generated to LCPs recognized native Sm-CatD within a soluble adult schistosome extract, and almost completely abolished its enzymatic activity in vitro. Using immunohistochemistry we showed that anti-LCP antibodies bound to the native Sm-CatD protein in the esophagus and anterior regions of the gastrodermis of adult flukes. Vaccines offer an alternative control strategy in the fight against schistosomiasis, and further development of LCPs containing multiple epitopes from this and other vaccine antigens should become a research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette M Dougall
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; James Cook University; Cairns, QLD Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; James Cook University; Cairns, QLD Australia; The University of Queensland; School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences; St. Lucia; QLD Australia; The University of Queensland; School of Pharmacy; Wooloongabba, QLD Australia
| | - Makan Khoshnejad
- The University of Queensland; School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences; St. Lucia; QLD Australia
| | - Saranya Chandrudu
- The University of Queensland; School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences; St. Lucia; QLD Australia
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; James Cook University; Cairns, QLD Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; James Cook University; Cairns, QLD Australia; The University of Queensland; School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences; St. Lucia; QLD Australia; The University of Queensland; School of Pharmacy; Wooloongabba, QLD Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; James Cook University; Cairns, QLD Australia
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17
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The hookworm pharmacopoeia for inflammatory diseases. Int J Parasitol 2012; 43:225-31. [PMID: 23220091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the developed world, declining prevalence of parasitic infections correlates with increased incidence of allergic and autoimmune disorders. Current treatments for these chronic inflammatory conditions have little to no effect on their prevalence and are referred to as "controllers" rather than cures. There has been limited success in therapeutically targeting allergic and autoimmune pathways, leaving an unmet need for development of effective anti-inflammatories. We discuss the benefit of hookworm infections and the parasite's ability to condition the immune system to prevent allergic asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. We then examine the immunomodulatory properties of selected hookworm-derived proteins in these two models of inflammation. While hookworm protein therapy has yet to be fully exploited, the identification of these proteins and the mechanisms by which they skew the immune system will provide new avenues for controlling and optimally reversing key pathological processes important in allergic and inflammatory bowel diseases.
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18
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Pearson MS, Tribolet L, Cantacessi C, Periago MV, Valero MA, Valerio MA, Jariwala AR, Hotez P, Diemert D, Loukas A, Bethony J. Molecular mechanisms of hookworm disease: stealth, virulence, and vaccines. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:13-21. [PMID: 22742835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hookworms produce a vast repertoire of structurally and functionally diverse molecules that mediate their long-term survival and pathogenesis within a human host. Many of these molecules are secreted by the parasite, after which they interact with critical components of host biology, including processes that are key to host survival. The most important of these interactions is the hookworm's interruption of nutrient acquisition by the host through its ingestion and digestion of host blood. This results in iron deficiency and eventually the microcytic hypochromic anemia or iron deficiency anemia that is the clinical hallmark of hookworm infection. Other molecular mechanisms of hookworm infection cause a systematic suppression of the host immune response to both the parasite and to bystander antigens (eg, vaccines or allergens). This is achieved by a series of molecules that assist the parasite in the stealthy evasion of the host immune response. This review will summarize the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms used by hookworms to survive for extended periods in the human host (up to 7 years or longer) and examine the pivotal contributions of these molecular mechanisms to chronic hookworm parasitism and host clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Pearson
- Center for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.
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Vermeire JJ, Lantz LD, Caffrey CR. Cure of hookworm infection with a cysteine protease inhibitor. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1680. [PMID: 22802972 PMCID: PMC3389033 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hookworm disease is a major global health problem and principal among a number of soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) for the chronic disability inflicted that impacts both personal and societal productivity. Mass drug administration most often employs single-dose therapy with just two drugs of the same chemical class to which resistance is a growing concern. New chemical entities with the appropriate single-dose efficacy are needed. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using various life-cycle stages of the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum in vitro and a hamster model of infection, we report the potent, dose-dependent cidal activities of the peptidyl cysteine protease inhibitors (CPIs) K11002 (4-mopholino-carbonyl-phenylalanyl-homophenylalanyl- vinyl sulfone phenyl) and K11777 (N-methylpiperazine-phenylalanyl-homophenylalanyl-vinylsulfone phenyl). The latter is in late pre-clinical testing for submission as an Investigational New Drug (IND) with the US Federal Drug Administration as an anti-chagasic. In vitro, K11002 killed hookworm eggs but was without activity against first-stage larvae. The reverse was true for K11777 with a larvicidal potency equal to that of the current anti-hookworm drug, albendazole (ABZ). Both CPIs produced morbidity in ex vivo adult hookworms with the activity of K11777 again being at least the equivalent of ABZ. Combinations of either CPI with ABZ enhanced morbidity compared to single compounds. Strikingly, oral treatment of infected hamsters with 100 mg/kg K11777 b.i.d. (i.e., a total daily dose of 200 mg/kg) for one day cured infection: a single 100 mg/kg treatment removed >90% of worms. Treatment also reversed the otherwise fatal decrease in blood hemoglobin levels and body weights of hosts. Consistent with its mechanism of action, K11777 decreased by >95% the resident CP activity in parasites harvested from hamsters 8 h post-treatment with a single 100 mg/kg oral dose. CONCLUSION A new, oral single-dose anthelmintic that is active in an animal model of hookworm infection and that possesses a distinct mechanism of action from current anthelmintics is discovered. The data highlight both the possibility of repurposing the anti-chagasic K11777 as a treatment for hookworm infection and the opportunity to further develop CPIs as a novel anthelmintic class to target hookworms and, possibly, other helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon J. Vermeire
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lorine D. Lantz
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Sandler Center for Drug Discovery, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences and the Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- * E-mail:
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20
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Cantacessi C, Campbell BE, Gasser RB. Key strongylid nematodes of animals — Impact of next-generation transcriptomics on systems biology and biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:469-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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21
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CANTACESSI C, CAMPBELL BE, JEX AR, YOUNG ND, HALL RS, RANGANATHAN S, GASSER RB. Bioinformatics meets parasitology. Parasite Immunol 2012; 34:265-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2011.01304.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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22
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Assessment of cathepsin D and L-like proteinases of poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer), as potential vaccine antigens. Parasitology 2012; 139:755-65. [PMID: 22310226 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011002356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is a feasible strategy for controlling the haematophagous poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. A cDNA library enriched for genes upregulated after feeding was created to identify potential vaccine antigens. From this library, a gene (Dg-CatD-1) encoding a 383 amino acid protein (Dg-CatD-1) with homology to cathepsin D lysosomal aspartyl proteinases was identified as a potential vaccine candidate. A second gene (Dg-CatL-1) encoding a 341 amino acid protein (Dg-CatL-1) with homology to cathepsin L cysteine proteinases was also selected for further study. IgY obtained from naturally infested hens failed to detect Dg-CatD-1 suggesting that it is a concealed antigen. Conversely, Dg-CatL-1 was detected by IgY derived from natural-infestation, indicating that infested hens are exposed to Dg-CatL-1. Mortality rates 120 h after mites had been fed anti-Dg-CatD-1 were significantly higher than those fed control IgY (PF<0·01). In a survival analysis, fitting a proportional hazards model to the time of death of mites, anti-Dg-CatD-1 and anti-Dg-CatL-1 IgY had 4·42 and 2·13 times higher risks of dying compared with controls (PF<0·05). Dg-CatD-1 and L-1 both have potential as vaccine antigens as part of a multi-component vaccine and have the potential to be improved as vaccine antigens using alternative expression systems.
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Loukas A, Gaze S, Mulvenna JP, Gasser RB, Brindley PJ, Doolan DL, Bethony JM, Jones MK, Gobert GN, Driguez P, McManus DP, Hotez PJ. Vaccinomics for the major blood feeding helminths of humans. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2011; 15:567-77. [PMID: 21679087 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2010.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Approximately one billion people are infected with hookworms and/or blood flukes (schistosomes) in developing countries. These two parasites are responsible for more disability adjusted life years lost than most other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and together, are second only to malaria. Although anthelmintic drugs are effective and widely available, they do not protect against reinfection, resistant parasites are likely to emerge, and mass drug administration programs are unsustainable. Therefore, there is a pressing need for the development of vaccines against these parasites. In recent years, there have been major advances in our understanding of hookworms and schistosomes at the molecular level through the use of "omics" technologies. The secretomes of these parasites have been characterized using transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, and newly developed gene manipulation and silencing techniques, and the proteins of interest are now the target of novel antigen discovery approaches, notably immunomics. This research has resulted in the discovery, development, and early stage clinical trials of subunit vaccines against hookworms and schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Loukas
- Queensland Tropical Health Alliance, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
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