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Yao G, Min H, Yu X, Liu F, Cui L, Cao Y. A nanoparticle vaccine displaying the ookinete PSOP25 antigen elicits transmission-blocking antibody response against Plasmodium berghei. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:403. [PMID: 37932796 PMCID: PMC10626823 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06020-8] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Safe and effective vaccines are crucial for the control and eventual elimination of malaria. Novel approaches to optimize and improve vaccine efficacy are urgently required. Nanoparticle-based delivery platforms are considered potent and powerful tools for vaccine development. METHODS In this study, we developed a transmission-blocking vaccine against malaria by conjugating the ookinete surface antigen PSOP25 to the Acinetobacter phage coat protein AP205, forming virus-like particles (VLPs) using the SpyTag/SpyCatcher adaptor system. The combination of AP205-2*SpyTag with PSOP25-SpyCatcher resulted in the formation of AP205-PSOP25 complexes (VLP-PSOP25). The antibody titers and avidity of serum from each immunization group were assessed by ELISA. Western blot and IFA were performed to confirm the specific reactivity of the elicit antisera to the native PSOP25 in Plasmodium berghei ookinetes. Both in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to evaluate the transmission-blocking activity of VLP-PSOP25 vaccine. RESULTS Immunization of mice with VLP-PSOP25 could induced higher levels of high-affinity antibodies than the recombinant PSOP25 (rPSOP25) alone or mixtures of untagged AP205 and rPSOP25 but was comparable to rPSOP25 formulated with alum. Additionally, the VLP-PSOP25 vaccine enhanced Th1-type immune response with remarkably increased levels of IgG2a subclass. The antiserum generated by VLP-PSOP25 specifically recognizes the native PSOP25 antigen in P. berghei ookinetes. Importantly, antisera generated by inoculation with the VLP-PSOP25 could inhibit ookinete development in vitro and reduce the prevalence of infected mosquitoes or oocyst intensity in direct mosquito feeding assays. CONCLUSIONS Antisera elicited by immunization with the VLP-PSOP25 vaccine confer moderate transmission-reducing activity and transmission-blocking activity. Our results support the utilization of the AP205-SpyTag/SpyCatcher platform for next-generation TBVs development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixiang Yao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xinxin Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Parres-Mercader M, Pance A, Gómez-Díaz E. Novel systems to study vector-pathogen interactions in malaria. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1146030. [PMID: 37305421 PMCID: PMC10253182 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1146030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Some parasitic diseases, such as malaria, require two hosts to complete their lifecycle: a human and an insect vector. Although most malaria research has focused on parasite development in the human host, the life cycle within the vector is critical for the propagation of the disease. The mosquito stage of the Plasmodium lifecycle represents a major demographic bottleneck, crucial for transmission blocking strategies. Furthermore, it is in the vector, where sexual recombination occurs generating "de novo" genetic diversity, which can favor the spread of drug resistance and hinder effective vaccine development. However, understanding of vector-parasite interactions is hampered by the lack of experimental systems that mimic the natural environment while allowing to control and standardize the complexity of the interactions. The breakthrough in stem cell technologies has provided new insights into human-pathogen interactions, but these advances have not been translated into insect models. Here, we review in vivo and in vitro systems that have been used so far to study malaria in the mosquito. We also highlight the relevance of single-cell technologies to progress understanding of these interactions with higher resolution and depth. Finally, we emphasize the necessity to develop robust and accessible ex vivo systems (tissues and organs) to enable investigation of the molecular mechanisms of parasite-vector interactions providing new targets for malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Parres-Mercader
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN, CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Alena Pance
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Gómez-Díaz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPBLN, CSIC), Granada, Spain
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Kwapong SS, Asare KK, Kusi KA, Pappoe F, Ndam N, Tahar R, Poinsignon A, Amoah LE. Mosquito bites and stage-specific antibody responses against Plasmodium falciparum in southern Ghana. Malar J 2023; 22:126. [PMID: 37061695 PMCID: PMC10105943 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04557-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human host elicits specific immune responses after exposure to various life stages of the malaria parasite as well as components of mosquito saliva injected into the host during a mosquito bite. This study describes differences in IgG responses against antigens derived from the sporozoite (PfCSP), asexual stage parasite (PfEBA175) and the gametocyte (Pfs230), in addition to an Anopheles gambiae salivary gland antigen (gSG6-P1), in two communities in Ghana with similar blood stage malaria parasite prevalence. METHODS This study used archived plasma samples collected from an earlier cross-sectional study that enrolled volunteers aged from 6 months to 70 years from Simiw, peri-urban community (N = 347) and Obom, rural community (N = 291). An archived thick and thin blood smear for microscopy was used for the estimation of Plasmodium parasite density and species and DNA extraction from blood spots and P. falciparum confirmation was performed using PCR. This study used the stored plasma samples to determine IgG antibody levels to P. falciparum and Anopheles salivary antigens using indirect ELISA. RESULTS Individuals from Simiw had significantly higher levels of IgG against mosquito gSG6-P1 [median (95%CI)] [2.590 (2.452-2.783) ng/mL] compared to those from Obom [2.119 (1.957-2.345) ng/mL], p < 0.0001. Both IgG responses against Pfs230proC (p = 0.0006), and PfCSP (p = 0.002) were significantly lower in volunteers from Simiw compared to the participants from Obom. The seroprevalence of PfEBA-175.5R (p = 0.8613), gSG6-P1 (p = 0.0704), PfCSP (p = 0.7798) IgG were all similar in Obom and Simiw. However, Pfs230 seroprevalence was significantly higher at Obom compared to Simiw (p = 0.0006). Spearman correlation analysis showed no significant association between IgG responses against gSG6-P1, PfCSP, Pfs230proC and PfEBA-175.5R and parasite density at both Obom and Simiw (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study showed that participants from Simiw had higher concentrations of circulating gSG6-P1 IgG antibodies but lower concentrations of P. falciparum antibodies, PfCSP IgG and Pfs230proC IgG compared to participants from Obom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Shine Kwapong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwame Kumi Asare
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Biomedical and Clinical Research Centre, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Faustina Pappoe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Nicaise Ndam
- MERIT, IRD, Université de Paris Cité, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Rachida Tahar
- MERIT, IRD, Université de Paris Cité, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Anne Poinsignon
- IRD, CNRS, MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, 34000, Montpellier, France
| | - Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Ojueromi OO, Oboh G, Ademosun AO. Effect of black seeds (Nigella sativa) on inflammatory and immunomodulatory markers in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14300. [PMID: 35833536 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Nigella sativa, a core dietary supplement and food additive in folklore is one of the most broadly studied seed plants in the global nutraceutical sector. Malaria infection impairs the ability of principal cells of the immune system to trigger an efficient inflammatory and immune response. Ninety-six mice, weighing 20-25 g, were grouped into 12 consisting of 8 animals each. The mice were infected with standard inoculum of the strain NK65 Plasmodium berghei (chloroquine sensitive) and the percentage parasitemia suppression were evaluated. The individual effect of black seed supplemented diet and its combinatory effect with chloroquine (CQ) were investigated on reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), serum immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), and the hematological parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and red blood cell count) in P. berghei infected mice. The inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-6 and IL-10), as well as IgG and IgM were assayed in the serum. The mice temperature and behavioral changes were observed. Infected mice treated with the dietary supplementation of black seed with a percentage inclusion (2.5%, 5%, 10%) showed significantly decreased parasitemia and ROS levels (p < 0.05) compared with the untreated mice. The result demonstrated a significant suppression in the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) levels and a notable elevation in the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), antioxidant markers as well as the immunoglobulin levels of the P. berghei-infected mice treated with black seed. The study revealed that black seed enhanced host antioxidant status, modulated inflammatory and immune response by regulating some inflammatory cytokines and immunomodulatory mediators. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black seed (Nigella sativa) has been a dietary supplement and natural remedy for many centuries. Inflammatory and immune diseases are the most notable cause of mortality in the world and more than 50% of deaths have been attributed to it. However, there is paucity of information on the effect of N. sativa on anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory ability during malaria infection. The result suggests that N. sativa produced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effect in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice via the participation of glutathione antioxidant system, serum antibodies, and some inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Opeyemi Oluwafemi Ojueromi
- Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Ganiyu Oboh
- Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Ayokunle Olubode Ademosun
- Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Kehrer J, Formaglio P, Muthinja JM, Weber S, Baltissen D, Lance C, Ripp J, Grech J, Meissner M, Funaya C, Amino R, Frischknecht F. Plasmodium
sporozoite disintegration during skin passage limits malaria parasite transmission. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54719. [PMID: 35403820 PMCID: PMC9253755 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During transmission of malaria‐causing parasites from mosquitoes to mammals, Plasmodium sporozoites migrate rapidly in the skin to search for a blood vessel. The high migratory speed and narrow passages taken by the parasites suggest considerable strain on the sporozoites to maintain their shape. Here, we show that the membrane‐associated protein, concavin, is important for the maintenance of the Plasmodium sporozoite shape inside salivary glands of mosquitoes and during migration in the skin. Concavin‐GFP localizes at the cytoplasmic periphery and concavin(−) sporozoites progressively round up upon entry of salivary glands. Rounded concavin(−) sporozoites fail to pass through the narrow salivary ducts and are rarely ejected by mosquitoes, while normally shaped concavin(−) sporozoites are transmitted. Strikingly, motile concavin(−) sporozoites disintegrate while migrating through the skin leading to parasite arrest or death and decreased transmission efficiency. Collectively, we suggest that concavin contributes to cell shape maintenance by riveting the plasma membrane to the subtending inner membrane complex. Interfering with cell shape maintenance pathways might hence provide a new strategy to prevent a malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kehrer
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
- Infectious Diseases Imaging Platform Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Pauline Formaglio
- Malaria Infection and Immunity Unit Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors Institut Pasteur Paris France
| | - Julianne Mendi Muthinja
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Sebastian Weber
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Danny Baltissen
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Christopher Lance
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Johanna Ripp
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
| | - Janessa Grech
- Experimental Parasitology Ludwig Maximilian University Munich Planegg‐Martinsried Germany
| | - Markus Meissner
- Experimental Parasitology Ludwig Maximilian University Munich Planegg‐Martinsried Germany
| | - Charlotta Funaya
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Rogerio Amino
- Malaria Infection and Immunity Unit Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors Institut Pasteur Paris France
| | - Friedrich Frischknecht
- Integrative Parasitology Center for Infectious Diseases Heidelberg University Medical School Heidelberg Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
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Vaughan A. Motile mosquito stage malaria parasites: ready for their close-up. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13975. [PMID: 33787077 PMCID: PMC8033511 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202113975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many stages of the complex Plasmodium parasite life cycle, the eukaryotic pathogen that causes malaria, are extracellular and motile. This motility is essential for life cycle progression, and two studies in this issue of EMBO Molecular Medicine (Hopp et al, 2021; Ripp et al, 2021) examine the motility of two of these life cycle stages. These are the ookinete, which develops in the midgut of an infected mosquito vector, and the sporozoite, which is injected into the skin of an unsuspecting host by an infected mosquito, initiating the parasite life cycle in the human. Therapeutic targeting of the ookinete and sporozoite (Duffy & Patrick Gorres, 2020), which are profound bottlenecks in the life cycle, has recently received a great deal of attention in our battle to prevent the 400,000 deaths from malaria that occur every year (WHO, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Vaughan
- Center for Global Infectious Disease ResearchSeattle Children's Research InstituteSeattleWAUSA
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