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Itani S, Hamie M, El Jammal R, Abdine W, Doumit M, Charafeddine A, El-Sabban M, Patinote C, Masquefa C, Bonnet PA, Obeid M, El Hajj H. Imiquimod Reverses Chronic Toxoplasmosis-Associated Behavioral and Neurocognitive Anomalies in a Rat Model. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1295. [PMID: 38927503 PMCID: PMC11202296 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061295] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a highly prevalent parasitosis. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) transits in the brain from acute (AT) to chronic toxoplasmosis (CT), under host immune control. In immunocompromised patients, reactivation of CT is potentially life-threatening. Behavioral and neurological complications have been associated with CT. Furthermore, an effective treatment targeting CT is still lacking. We previously reported the efficacy of imiquimod against CT. Here, we demonstrate the molecular effects of imiquimod or imiquimod followed by the clinically used combination of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine (SDZ + PYR) on CT-associated behavior in a rat model. Imiquimod decreased the number of cysts in the brains of chronically infected rats due to an induced reactivation of bradyzoites into tachyzoites. Importantly, this decrease was more pronounced in rats treated with imiquimod followed by SDZ + PYR. Rats chronically infected with T. gondii exhibited an anxiety-like behavior. Notably, treatment with imiquimod reversed this behavior aberrancy, with even a more pronounced effect with imiquimod followed by SDZ/PYR. Similarly, rats chronically infected with T. gondii exhibited learning deficits, and imiquimod alone or followed by SDZ/PYR reversed this behavior. Our results enhance our knowledge of the implications of CT on behavioral aberrancies and highlight the potency of imiquimod followed by SDZ + PYR on these CT-associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
| | - Reem El Jammal
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Wassim Abdine
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
| | - Mark Doumit
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Adib Charafeddine
- College of Pharmacy, American University of Iraq-Baghdad, Baghdad 10071, Iraq;
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Cindy Patinote
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.P.); (C.M.); (P.-A.B.)
| | - Carine Masquefa
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.P.); (C.M.); (P.-A.B.)
| | - Pierre-Antoine Bonnet
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), UMR 5247, CNRS, ENSCM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (C.P.); (C.M.); (P.-A.B.)
| | - Makram Obeid
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (R.E.J.); (M.D.); (M.E.-S.); (M.O.)
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.); (W.A.)
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Saini I, Joshi J, Kaur S. Leishmania vaccine development: A comprehensive review. Cell Immunol 2024; 399-400:104826. [PMID: 38669897 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Infectious diseases like leishmaniasis, malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, leprosy and filariasis are responsible for an immense burden on public health systems. Among these, leishmaniasis is under the category I diseases as it is selected by WHO (World Health Organization) on the ground of diversity and complexity. High cost, resistance and toxic effects of Leishmania traditional drugs entail identification and development of therapeutic alternative. Since the natural infection elicits robust immunity, consistence efforts are going on to develop a successful vaccine. Clinical trials have been conducted on vaccines like Leish-F1, F2, and F3 formulated using specific Leishmania antigen epitopes. Current strategies utilize individual or combined antigens from the parasite or its insect vector's salivary gland extract, with or without adjuvant formulation for enhanced efficacy. Promising animal data supports multiple vaccine candidates (Lmcen-/-, LmexCen-/-), with some already in or heading for clinical trials. The crucial challenge in Leishmania vaccine development is to translate the research knowledge into affordable and accessible control tools that refines the outcome for those who are susceptible to infection. This review focuses on recent findings in Leishmania vaccines and highlights difficulties facing vaccine development and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Saini
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jyoti Joshi
- Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Sector-32C, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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Siewe N, Friedman A. Treatment of leishmaniasis with chemotherapy and vaccine: a mathematical model. JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DYNAMICS 2023; 17:2257746. [PMID: 37733407 DOI: 10.1080/17513758.2023.2257746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, an infectious disease, manifests itself mostly in two forms, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and, a more severe and potentially deadly form, visceral leishmaniasis (VL). The current control strategy for leishmaniasis relies on chemotherapy drugs such as sodium antimony gluconate (SAG) and meglumine antimoniate (MA). However, all these chemotherapy compounds have poor efficacy, and they are associated with toxicity and other adverse effects, as well as drug resistance. While research in vaccine development for leishmaniasis is continuously progressing, no vaccine is currently available. However, some experimental vaccines such as LEISH-F1+MPL-SE (V) have demonstrated some efficacy when used as drugs for CL patients. In this paper we use a mathematical model to address the following question: To what extent vaccine shots can enhance the efficacy of standard chemotherapy treatment of leishmaniasis? Starting with standard MA treatment of leishmaniasis and combining it with three injections of V , we find, by Day 84, that efficacy increased from 29% to 65-91% depending on the amount of the vaccine. With two or just one injection of V , efficacy is still very high, but there is a definite resurgence of the disease by end-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourridine Siewe
- School of Mathematical Sciences, College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Avner Friedman
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Bhattacharya P, Gannavaram S, Ismail N, Saxena A, Dagur PK, Akue A, KuKuruga M, Nakhasi HL. Toll-like Receptor-9 (TLR-9) Signaling Is Crucial for Inducing Protective Immunity following Immunization with Genetically Modified Live Attenuated Leishmania Parasites. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040534. [PMID: 37111420 PMCID: PMC10143410 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
No human vaccine is available for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Live attenuated centrin gene-deleted L. donovani (LdCen−/−) parasite vaccine has been shown to induce robust innate immunity and provide protection in animal models. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in innate immune cells and are essential for the early stages of Leishmania infection. Among TLRs, TLR-9 signaling has been reported to induce host protection during Leishmania infection. Importantly, TLR-9 ligands have been used as immune enhancers for non-live vaccination strategies against leishmaniasis. However, the function of TLR-9 in the generation of a protective immune response in live attenuated Leishmania vaccines remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of TLR-9 during LdCen−/− infection and found that it increased the expression of TLR-9 on DCs and macrophages from ear-draining lymph nodes and spleen. The increase in TLR-9 expression resulted in changes in downstream signaling in DCs mediated through signaling protein myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), resulting in activation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). This process resulted in an increase in the DC’s proinflammatory response, activation, and DC-mediated CD4+T cell proliferation. Further, LdCen−/− immunization in TLR-9−/− mice resulted in a significant loss of protective immunity. Thus, LdCen−/− vaccine naturally activates the TLR-9 signaling pathway to elicit protective immunity against virulent L. donovani challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parna Bhattacharya
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (H.L.N.); Tel.: +1-240-402-8209 (H.L.N.)
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Nevien Ismail
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Ankit Saxena
- Immune Monitoring Shared Resource, Rutgers, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Pradeep K. Dagur
- Flow Cytometry Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Adovi Akue
- Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Mark KuKuruga
- Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Hira L. Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Disease, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (H.L.N.); Tel.: +1-240-402-8209 (H.L.N.)
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Bhattacharjee M, Banerjee M, Mukherjee A. In silico designing of a novel polyvalent multi-subunit peptide vaccine leveraging cross-immunity against human visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis: an immunoinformatics-based approach. J Mol Model 2023; 29:99. [PMID: 36928431 PMCID: PMC10018593 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-023-05503-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Leishmaniasis is a group of vector-borne infectious diseases caused by over 20 pathogenic Leishmania species that are endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries. The emergence of drug-resistant strains, the adverse side effects of anti-Leishmania drugs, and the absence of a preventative vaccination strategy threaten the sensitive population. Recently, many groups of researchers have exploited the field of reverse vaccinology to develop vaccines, focusing chiefly on inducing immunity against either visceral or cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS This present work involves retrieving twelve experimentally validated leishmanial antigenic protein sequences from the UniProt database, followed by their antigenicity profiling employing ANTIGENpro and Vaxijen 2.0 servers. MHC-binding epitopes for the same were predicted using both NetCTL 1.2 and SYFPEITHI servers, while epitopes for B cell were computed using ABCpred and BepiPred 2.0 servers. The screened epitopes with significantly higher scores were utilized for designing the vaccine construct with appropriate linkers and natural adjuvant. The secondary and tertiary structures of the synthetic peptide were determined by conditional random fields, shallow neural networks, and profile-profile threading alignment with iterative structure assembly simulations, respectively. The 3-D vaccine model was validated through CASP10-tested refinement and the MolProbity web server. Molecular docking and multi-scale normal mode analysis simulation were performed to analyze the best vaccine-TLR complex. Finally, computational immune simulation findings revealed promising cellular and humoral immune responses, suggesting that the engineered chimeric peptide is a potential broad-spectrum vaccine against visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mainak Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biotechnology, Heritage Institute of Technology, 994, Madurdaha, Kolkata, 700107, India
| | - Monojit Banerjee
- Department of Zoology, Triveni Devi Bhalotia College, Raniganj, 713347, India
| | - Arun Mukherjee
- Department of Zoology, Triveni Devi Bhalotia College, Raniganj, 713347, India.
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Validating Immunomodulatory Responses of r- LdODC Protein and Its Derived HLA-DRB1 Restricted Epitopes against Visceral Leishmaniasis in BALB/c Mice. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010016. [PMID: 36678364 PMCID: PMC9867430 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is considered the most appropriate way to control visceral leishmaniasis (VL). With this background, the r-LdODC protein as well as its derived HLA-DRB1-restricted synthetic peptides (P1: RLMPSAHAI, P2: LLDQYQIHL, P3: GLYHSFNCI, P4: AVLEVLSAL, and P5: RLPASPAAL) were validated in BALB/c mice against visceral leishmaniasis. The study was initiated by immunization of the r-LdODC protein as well as its derived peptides cocktail with adjuvants (r-CD2 and MPL-A) in different mice groups, separately. Splenocytes isolated from the challenged and differentially immunized mice group exhibited significantly higher IFN-γ secretion, which was evidenced by the increase in the expression profile of intracellular CD4+IFN-γ T cells. However, the IL-10 secretion did not show a significant increase against the protein and peptide cocktail. Subsequently, the study confirmed the ability of peptides as immunoprophylactic agents, as the IE-I/AD-I molecule overexpressed on monocytes and macrophages of the challenged mice group. The parasitic load in macrophages of the protein and peptides cocktail immunized mice groups, and T cell proliferation rate, further established immunoprophylactic efficacy of the r-LdODC protein and peptide cocktail. This study suggests that the r-LdODC protein, as well as its derived HLA-DRB1-restricted synthetic peptides, have immunoprophylactic potential and can activate other immune cells' functions towards protection against visceral leishmaniasis. However, a detailed study in a humanized mice model can explore its potential as a vaccine candidate.
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Polylactide Nanoparticles as a Biodegradable Vaccine Adjuvant: A Study on Safety, Protective Immunity and Efficacy against Human Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania Major. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248677. [PMID: 36557812 PMCID: PMC9783570 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is the 3rd most challenging vector-borne disease after malaria and lymphatic filariasis. Currently, no vaccine candidate is approved or marketed against leishmaniasis due to difficulties in eliciting broad immune responses when using sub-unit vaccines. The aim of this work was the design of a particulate sub-unit vaccine for vaccination against leishmaniasis. The poly (D,L-lactide) nanoparticles (PLA-NPs) were developed in order to efficiently adsorb a recombinant L. major histone H2B (L. major H2B) and to boost its immunogenicity. Firstly, a study was focused on the production of well-formed nanoparticles by the nanoprecipitation method without using a surfactant and on the antigen adsorption process under mild conditions. The set-up preparation method permitted to obtain H2B-adsorbed nanoparticles H2B/PLA (adsorption capacity of about 2.8% (w/w)) with a narrow size distribution (287 nm) and a positive zeta potential (30.9 mV). Secondly, an in vitro release assay performed at 37 °C, pH 7.4, showed a continuous release of the adsorbed H2B for almost 21 days (30%) from day 7. The immune response of H2B/PLA was investigated and compared to H2B + CpG7909 as a standard adjuvant. The humoral response intensity (IgG) was substantially similar between both formulations. Interestingly, when challenged with the standard parasite strain (GLC94) isolated from a human lesion of cutaneous leishmaniasis, mice showed a significant reduction in footpad swelling compared to unvaccinated ones, and no deaths occurred until week 17th. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PLA-NPs represent a stable, cost-effective delivery system adjuvant for use in vaccination against leishmaniasis.
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Evaluation of calpain T-cell epitopes as vaccine candidates against experimental Leishmania major infection: a pilot study. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:3275-3285. [PMID: 36102970 PMCID: PMC9471026 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Muñoz-Durango N, Gómez A, García-Valencia N, Roldán M, Ochoa M, Bautista-Erazo DE, Ramírez-Pineda JR. A Mouse Model of Ulcerative Cutaneous Leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis to Investigate Infection, Pathogenesis, Immunity, and Therapeutics. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:907631. [PMID: 35770175 PMCID: PMC9234518 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.907631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A mouse model of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) by Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis (L(V)p) that reproduces the characteristics of the human disease remains elusive. Here we report the development of a CL model that uses a mouse-adapted L(V)p isolate to reproducibly induce a dermal disease with a remarkable similarity to human CL. BALB/c mice infected intradermally in the ear with 105 stationary UA-946 L(V)p promastigotes develop a progressive cutaneous disease that exhibits the typical ulcerated lesions with indurated borders observed in CL patients. Although most of parasites in the inoculum die within the first week of infection, the survivors vigorously multiply at the infection site during the following weeks, paralleling disease appearance and aggravation. Regional lymphadenopathy as well as lymphatic dissemination of parasites to draining lymph nodes (dLN) was evidenced early after infection. Viable parasites were also isolated from spleen at later timepoints indicating systemic parasitic dissemination, but, strikingly, no signs of systemic disease were observed. Increasing numbers of myeloid cells and T lymphocytes producing IFNγ and IL-4 were observed in the dLN as disease progressed. A mixed adaptive L(V)p-specific T cell-mediated response was induced, since ex vivo recall experiments using dLN cells and splenocytes revealed the production of type 1 (IFNγ, IL-2), type 2 (IL-4, IL-13), regulatory (IL-10), and inflammatory (GM-CSF, IL-3) cytokines. Humoral adaptive response was characterized by early production of IgG1- followed by IgG2a-type of L(V)p-specific antibodies. IFNγ/IL-4 and IgG2a/IgG1 ratios indicated that the initial non-protective Th2 response was redirected toward a protective Th1 response. In situ studies revealed a profuse recruitment of myeloid cells and of IFNγ- and IL-4-producing T lymphocytes to the site of infection, and the typical histopathological changes induced by dermotropic Leishmania species. Evidence that this model is suitable to investigate pharmacological and immunomodulatory interventions, as well as for antigen discovery and vaccine development, is also presented. Altogether, these results support the validity and utility of this novel mouse model to study the pathogenesis, immunity, and therapeutics of L(V)p infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Muñoz-Durango
- Grupo Inmunomodulación (GIM), Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Corporación Académica para el Estudio de Patologías Tropicales (CAEPT), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Alexander Gómez
- Grupo Inmunomodulación (GIM), Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Corporación Académica para el Estudio de Patologías Tropicales (CAEPT), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Natalia García-Valencia
- Grupo Inmunomodulación (GIM), Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Corporación Académica para el Estudio de Patologías Tropicales (CAEPT), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Miguel Roldán
- Instituto de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Marcela Ochoa
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - David E. Bautista-Erazo
- Grupo Inmunomodulación (GIM), Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Corporación Académica para el Estudio de Patologías Tropicales (CAEPT), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - José R. Ramírez-Pineda
- Grupo Inmunomodulación (GIM), Instituto de Investigaciones Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Corporación Académica para el Estudio de Patologías Tropicales (CAEPT), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- *Correspondence: José R. Ramírez-Pineda,
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Hajj RE, Tawk L, Itani S, Hamie M, Ezzeddine J, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Toxoplasmosis: Current and Emerging Parasite Druggable Targets. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122531. [PMID: 34946133 PMCID: PMC8707595 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a prevalent disease affecting a wide range of hosts including approximately one-third of the human population. It is caused by the sporozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which instigates a range of symptoms, manifesting as acute and chronic forms and varying from ocular to deleterious congenital or neuro-toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may cause serious health problems in fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised patients. Recently, associations between toxoplasmosis and various neuropathies and different types of cancer were documented. In the veterinary sector, toxoplasmosis results in recurring abortions, leading to significant economic losses. Treatment of toxoplasmosis remains intricate and encompasses general antiparasitic and antibacterial drugs. The efficacy of these drugs is hindered by intolerance, side effects, and emergence of parasite resistance. Furthermore, all currently used drugs in the clinic target acute toxoplasmosis, with no or little effect on the chronic form. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview on the currently used and emergent drugs and their respective parasitic targets to combat toxoplasmosis. We will also abridge the repurposing of certain drugs, their targets, and highlight future druggable targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy against toxoplasmosis, hence lessening its burden and potentially alleviating the complications of its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, P.O. Box 11-5020, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Jana Ezzeddine
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon; (L.T.); (J.E.)
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (S.I.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
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Immunological characterization of rLdTCP1γ for its prophylactic potential against visceral leishmaniasis in hamster model. Mol Immunol 2021; 141:33-42. [PMID: 34798496 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic tropical disease responsible for devastating epidemics worldwide. Though current treatment relies on drugs, the emergence of resistance, toxic side-effects, and strenuous administration has led to an ineffective remedy. Hence, vaccination remains an alternative and desirable approach for VL control. Though extensive research on anti-leishmanial vaccine candidates has been carried out in past decades, presence of an effective molecule is still missing. In the present study, we have evaluated the immunogenicity and prophylactic potential of a recombinant T-complex protein-1 gamma subunit of L. donovani (rLdTCP1γ), against VL in hamster model. The antigen exhibited in vitro stimulation of lymphoproliferative and NO response in miltefosine and amphotericin B treated hamsters depicting its immunotherapeutic/immunogenic nature. Immunization with rLdTCP1γ revealed a strong protective response against experimental VL as indicated by reduced parasite load in the spleen of immunized group compared to infected control. The immunized animals gained body weight and exhibited significant reduction in the spleen and liver weight as compared to infected controls on days 60, 90, 120 post-challenge. A substantial augmentation of cell-mediated immune response as depicted by an increased lymphocyte proliferation, nitric oxide production, DTH responses and increased levels of IgG2 was observed in rLdTCP1γ immunized hamsters. The Th1 stimulatory potential, imparted by the antigen, was found to be intensified in the presence of adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). The efficacy was further assisted by an upregulated mRNA transcript of Th1 induced cytokines (IL-12, IFN-γ and TNFα) and downregulation of IL-4 and IL-10. The results are thus suggestive of rLdTCP1γ having the potential of a strong vaccine candidate against VL.
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Parkash V, Kaye PM, Layton AM, Lacey CJ. Vaccines against leishmaniasis: using controlled human infection models to accelerate development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1407-1418. [PMID: 34664543 PMCID: PMC9835556 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1991795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that is defined by the World Health Organization as vaccine preventable. Although several new candidate vaccines are in development, no vaccine has successfully reached the market for human use. Several species of Leishmania cause human disease and have co-evolved with their respective sand fly vectors. These unique relationships have implications for initiation of infection and vaccine development. An approach to vaccine development for many infectious diseases is the use of controlled human infection models (CHIMs). AREAS COVERED We describe the history and recent development of experimental and deliberate infection using Leishmania in humans and the rationale for developing a new sand fly-initiated CHIM to progress leishmaniasis vaccine development. Examples from other infectious diseases are discussed in the context of the development of a new leishmaniasis CHIM. We also reflect upon the manufacture of the challenge agent, practical considerations, safety, ethics, and regulatory issues. EXPERT OPINION A new cutaneous Leishmania CHIM is being developed to enable testing of vaccines in the development pipeline. Questions remain about the use of such CHIMs to determine effectiveness of vaccines against visceral leishmaniasis. However, such a CHIM will be invaluable in expediting time to market for vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivak Parkash
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK,Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Nhs Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul M. Kaye
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Alison M Layton
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Charles J Lacey
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK,CONTACT Charles J Lacey York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
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Protective Efficacy in a Hamster Model of a Multivalent Vaccine for Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (MuLeVaClin) Consisting of the KMP11, LEISH-F3+, and LJL143 Antigens in Virosomes, Plus GLA-SE Adjuvant. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112253. [PMID: 34835379 PMCID: PMC8618729 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe clinical form of leishmaniasis, fatal if untreated. Vaccination is the most cost-effective approach to disease control; however, to date, no vaccines against human VL have been made available. This work examines the efficacy of a novel vaccine consisting of the Leishmania membrane protein KMP11, LEISH-F3+ (a recombinant fusion protein, composed of epitopes of the parasite proteins nucleoside hydrolase, sterol-24-c-methyltransferase, and cysteine protease B), and the sand fly salivary protein LJL143, in two dose ratios. The inclusion of the TLR4 agonist GLA-SE as an adjuvant, and the use of virosomes (VS) as a delivery system, are also examined. In a hamster model of VL, the vaccine elicited antigen-specific immune responses prior to infection with Leishmania infantum. Of note, the responses were greater when higher doses of KMP11 and LEISH-F3+ proteins were administered along with the GLA-SE adjuvant and/or when delivered within VS. Remarkably, hamsters immunized with the complete combination (i.e., all antigens in VS + GLA-SE) showed significantly lower parasite burdens in the spleen compared to those in control animals. This protection was underpinned by a more intense, specific humoral response against the KMP11, LEISH-F3+, and LJL143 antigens in vaccinated animals, but a significantly less intense antibody response to the pool of soluble Leishmania antigens (SLA). Overall, these results indicate that this innovative vaccine formulation confers protection against L. infantum infection, supporting the advancement of the vaccine formulation into process development and manufacturing and the conduction of toxicity studies towards future phase I human clinical trials.
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Volpedo G, Huston RH, Holcomb EA, Pacheco-Fernandez T, Gannavaram S, Bhattacharya P, Nakhasi HL, Satoskar AR. From infection to vaccination: reviewing the global burden, history of vaccine development, and recurring challenges in global leishmaniasis protection. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1431-1446. [PMID: 34511000 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1969231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leishmaniasis is a major public health problem and the second most lethal parasitic disease in the world due to the lack of effective treatments and vaccines. Even when not lethal, leishmaniasis significantly affects individuals and communities through life-long disabilities, psycho-sociological trauma, poverty, and gender disparity in treatment. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the most relevant and recent research available on Pubmed and GoogleScholar highlighting leishmaniasis' global impact, pathogenesis, treatment options, and lack of effective control strategies. An effective vaccine is necessary to prevent morbidity and mortality, lower health care costs, and reduce the economic burden of leishmaniasis for endemic low- and middle-income countries. Since there are several forms of leishmaniasis, a pan-Leishmania vaccine without geographical restrictions is needed. This review also focuses on recent advances and common challenges in developing prophylactic strategies against leishmaniasis. EXPERT OPINION Despite advances in pre-clinical vaccine research, approval of a human leishmaniasis vaccine still faces major challenges - including manufacturing of candidate vaccines under Good Manufacturing Practices, developing well-designed clinical trials suitable in endemic countries, and defined correlates of protection. In addition, there is a need to explore Challenge Human Infection Model to avoid large trials because of fluctuating incidence and prevalence of leishmanasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Volpedo
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ryan H Huston
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erin A Holcomb
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Thalia Pacheco-Fernandez
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Parna Bhattacharya
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Hira L Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Rostami MN, Khamesipour A. Potential biomarkers of immune protection in human leishmaniasis. Med Microbiol Immunol 2021; 210:81-100. [PMID: 33934238 PMCID: PMC8088758 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-021-00703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease endemic in over 100 countries around the world. Available control measures are not always successful, therapeutic options are limited, and there is no vaccine available against human leishmaniasis, although several candidate antigens have been evaluated over the last decades. Plenty of studies have aimed to evaluate the immune response development and a diverse range of host immune factors have been described to be associated with protection or disease progression in leishmaniasis; however, to date, no comprehensive biomarker(s) have been identified as surrogate marker of protection or exacerbation, and lack of enough information remains a barrier for vaccine development. Most of the current understanding of the role of different markers of immune response in leishmaniasis has been collected from experimental animal models. Although the data generated from the animal models are crucial, it might not always be extrapolated to humans. Here, we briefly review the events during Leishmania invasion of host cells and the immune responses induced against Leishmania in animal models and humans and their potential role as a biomarker of protection against human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14155-6383, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Hamie M, Najm R, Deleuze-Masquefa C, Bonnet PA, Dubremetz JF, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Imiquimod Targets Toxoplasmosis Through Modulating Host Toll-Like Receptor-MyD88 Signaling. Front Immunol 2021; 12:629917. [PMID: 33767699 PMCID: PMC7986122 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.629917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent parasite of medical and veterinary importance. Tachyzoïtes and bradyzoïtes are responsible for acute and chronic toxoplasmosis (AT and CT), respectively. In immunocompetent hosts, AT evolves into a persistent CT, which can reactivate in immunocompromised patients with dire consequences. Imiquimod is an efficient immunomodulatory drug against certain viral and parasitic infections. In vivo, treatment with Imiquimod, throughout AT, reduces the number of brain cysts while rendering the remaining cysts un-infectious. Post-establishment of CT, Imiquimod significantly reduces the number of brain cysts, leading to a delay or abortion of reactivation. At the molecular level, Imiquimod upregulates the expression of Toll-like receptors 7, 11, and 12, following interconversion from bradyzoïtes to tachyzoïtes. Consequently, MyD88 pathway is activated, resulting in the induction of the immune response to control reactivated Toxoplasma foci. This study positions Imiquimod as a potent drug against toxoplasmosis and elucidates its mechanism of action particularly against chronic toxoplasmosis, which is the most prevalent form of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rania Najm
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | | | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Pandey RK, Dikhit MR, Lokhande KB, Pandey K, Das P, Bimal S. An immunoprophylactic evaluation of Ld-ODC derived HLA-A0201 restricted peptides against visceral leishmaniasis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:6086-6096. [PMID: 33602055 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1876773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Five (5) HLA-A 0201 restricted epitopes of ornithine decarboxylase derived from Leishmania donovani (Ld-ODC) were examined by reverse vaccinology to develop prophylactics against visceral leishmaniasis (VL). These consensus epitopes comprising (P1: RLMPSAHAI, P2: LLDQYQIHL, P3: GLYHSFNCI, P4: AVLEVLSAL and P5: RLPASPAAL) were observed and presented by diverse HLA alleles screened by immune-informatics tools. These epitopes were also observed for strong stability for appropriate immune response in in silico screening and molecular dynamics. Top five selected epitopes filtered from population coverage analysis and TAP binding affinity were identified and evaluated against treated cases of VL subjects. Experiments were run individually with synthetic peptides or as the cocktail of peptides. A major population of CD8+ T cells were predominantly IFN-γ producers but not the IL-10 cytokines and shown with granzyme-B activity. Therefore, it can be concluded that the screened HLA-A0201 restricted epitope hotspots derived from Leishmania ODC can trigger CD8+ T cells, which can skew other immune cells functions toward protection. However, a detailed analysis can explore its potentiality as a vaccine candidate.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Kishor Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Hajipur, India.,Division of Immunology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Manas Ranjan Dikhit
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Kiran Bharat Lokhande
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hajipur, India
| | - Krishna Pandey
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Pradeep Das
- Department of Molecular Biology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Sanjiva Bimal
- Division of Immunology, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
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18
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Goyal DK, Keshav P, Kaur S. Adjuvanted vaccines driven protection against visceral infection in BALB/c mice by Leishmania donovani. Microb Pathog 2021; 151:104733. [PMID: 33484811 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Kinteoplastid protozoan parasite of genus Leishmania is the pathogen that causes leishmaniasis. Its prevalence is highest after malaria and visceral leishmaniasis is the most dreaded form of infection. No vaccine is available for the disease management and it relies wholly on a few chemotherapeutic agents which are toxic and besides drug resistance their costs are the limitations. Therefore, development of an effective vaccine is urgently required. In this study, Montanide ISA 201 and AddaVax were assessed for their adjuvant potential along with formalin-inactivated or killed vaccine for the immune induction. Immunological and parasitological studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different vaccine formulations in BALB/c mice before challenge infection as well as 4, 8, and 12 weeks after challenge. The efficacy of vaccines was evidenced with reduced parasite burden, the higher DTH response, Th1 cytokines, and IgG2a isotype antibody in immunized mice. All the vaccines showed their potential against Leishmania donovani infection and vaccine formulated with Montanide ISA 201 exhibited maximum efficacy. Our results suggest the potential of these vaccine formulations in controlling Leishmania infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar Goyal
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Poonam Keshav
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
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19
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Keshavarzian N, Noroozbeygi M, Haji Molla Hoseini M, Yeganeh F. Evaluation of Leishmanization Using Iranian Lizard Leishmania Mixed With CpG-ODN as a Candidate Vaccine Against Experimental Murine Leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1725. [PMID: 33193290 PMCID: PMC7645074 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The live non-pathogenic Leishmania tarantolae has recently provided a promising approach as an effective vaccine candidate against experimental leishmaniasis (ILL). Here, we evaluated the immunoprotective potential of the live Iranian Lizard Leishmania mixed with CpG adjuvant against L. major infection in BALB/c mice. Methods: Four groups of female BALB/c mice were included in the study. The first and second groups received PBS and CpG, respectively. The immunized groups received 2 × 105 ILL promastigotes and the CpG-mixed ILL (ILL+CpG). Injections were performed subcutaneously in the right footpad. Three weeks later, all mice were challenged with 2 × 105 metacyclic promastigotes of Leishmania majorEGFP; inoculation was done in the left footpad. The measurement of footpad swelling and in vivo fluorescent imaging were used to evaluate disease progress during infection course. Eight weeks after challenge, all mice were sacrificed and the cytokines levels (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10) and sera antibodies concentrations (IgG2a and IgG1) using ELISA assay, nitric oxide production using Griess assay, and arginase activity in cultured splenocytes, were measured. In addition, direct fluorescent microscopy analysis and qPCR assay were used to quantify the splenic parasite burden. Result: The results showed that mice immunized with ILL+CpG were protected against the development of the dermal lesion. Moreover, they showed a significant reduction in the parasite load, in comparison to the control groups. The observed protection was associated with higher production of IFN-γ, as well as a reduction in IL-4 level. Additionally, the results demonstrated that arginase activity was decreased in ILL+CpG group compared to other groups. Conclusion: Immunization using ILL+CpG induces a protective immunity; indicating that ILL with an appropriate adjuvant would be a suitable choice for vaccination against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Keshavarzian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Noroozbeygi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Haji Molla Hoseini
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshid Yeganeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Germanó MJ, Lozano ES, Sanchez MV, Bruna FA, García-Bustos MF, Sosa Lochedino AL, Salomón MC, Fernandes AP, Mackern-Oberti JP, Cargnelutti DE. Evaluation of different total Leishmania amazonensis antigens for the development of a first-generation vaccine formulated with a Toll-like receptor-3 agonist to prevent cutaneous leishmaniasis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200067. [PMID: 32667458 PMCID: PMC7357544 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unfortunately, no any vaccine against leishmaniasis has been developed for human use. Therefore, a vaccine based on total Leishmania antigens could be a good and economic approach; and there are different methodologies to obtain these antigens. However, it is unknown whether the method to obtain the antigens affects the integrity and immune response caused by them. OBJECTIVES to compare the protein profile and immune response generated by total L. amazonensis antigens (TLA) produced by different methods, as well as to analyse the immune response and protection by a first-generation vaccine formulated with sonicated TLA (sTLA) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [Poly (I:C)]. METHODS TLA were obtained by four different methodologies and their integrity and immune response were evaluated. Finally, sTLA was formulated with Poly (I:C) and their protective immune response was measured. FINDINGS sTLA presented a conserved protein profile and induced a strong immune response. In addition, Poly (I:C) improved the immune response generated by sTLA. Finally, sTLA + Poly (I:C) formulation provided partial protection against L. amazonensis infection. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The protein profile and immune response depend on the methodology used to obtain the antigens. Also, the formulation sTLA + Poly (I:C) provides partial protection against cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Germanó
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Esteban Sebastián Lozano
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Sanchez
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Flavia Alejandra Bruna
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María Fernanda García-Bustos
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Salta, Argentina
| | - Arianna Lourdes Sosa Lochedino
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Ana Paula Fernandes
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Juan Pablo Mackern-Oberti
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Diego Esteban Cargnelutti
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, Mendoza, Argentina
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21
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Evaluation of the protective efficacy of a Leishmania protein associated with distinct adjuvants against visceral leishmaniasis and in vitro immunogenicity in human cells. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2609-2622. [PMID: 32535734 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06752-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The treatment against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) presents problems, mainly related to the toxicity and/or high cost of the drugs. In this context, a prophylactic vaccination is urgently required. In the present study, a Leishmania protein called LiHyE, which was suggested recently as an antigenic marker for canine and human VL, was evaluated regarding its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in BALB/c mice against Leishmania infantum infection. In addition, the protein was used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from VL patients before and after treatment, as well as from healthy subjects. Vaccination results showed that the recombinant (rLiHyE) protein associated with liposome or saponin induced effective protection in the mice, since significant reductions in the parasite load in spleen, liver, draining lymph nodes, and bone marrow were found. The parasitological protection was associated with Th1-type cell response, since high IFN-γ, IL-12, and GM-CSF levels, in addition to low IL-4 and IL-10 production, were found. Liposome induced a better parasitological and immunological protection than did saponin. Experiments using PBMCs showed rLiHyE-stimulated lymphoproliferation in treated patients' and healthy subjects' cells, as well as high IFN-γ levels in the cell supernatant. In conclusion, rLiHyE could be considered for future studies as a vaccine candidate against VL.
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Martínez-Flórez A, Martori C, Monteagudo PL, Rodriguez F, Alberola J, Rodríguez-Cortés A. Sirolimus enhances the protection achieved by a DNA vaccine against Leishmania infantum. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:294. [PMID: 32517744 PMCID: PMC7282043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmaniases are a group of neglected tropical parasitic diseases, mainly affecting vulnerable populations of countries with poor socioeconomic status. Development of efficient vaccines is a priority due to the increasing incidence of drug resistance and toxicity to current treatments. In the search for a safe and efficient protective vaccine for human and dog visceral leishmaniases, we analyzed the suitability of the immunomodulatory drug sirolimus (SIR) to boost a preventive DNA vaccine against leishmaniasis. SIR is an already marketed drug that has been described to boost immune protection against different disease models and has also emerged as a promising therapeutic drug against L. major. Methods Syrian hamsters were treated with SIR concomitantly with the administration of a DNA vaccine formulation consisting in four plasmids carrying the Leishmania genes LACK, TRYP, PAPLE22 and KMPII, respectively. Two weeks after the last vaccination, the animals were infected intraperitoneally with L. infantum parasites. Five weeks post-infection the parasite load was measured by real-time PCR in target tissues and immune response was evaluated by determining anti-Leishmania specific antibodies in combination with cytokine expression in the spleen. Results Our results show that the DNA vaccine itself efficiently reduced the burden of parasites in the skin (P = 0.0004) and lymph nodes (P = 0.0452). SIR administration also enhanced the protection by reducing the parasite load in the spleen (P = 0.0004). Vaccinated animals with or without SIR co-treatment showed lower IFN-γ expression levels than those found in the spleen of control animals. mRNA expression levels of NOS2 and IL-10 were found to be significantly higher in the vaccinated plus SIR treated group. Conclusions Co-administration of SIR enhances a DNA vaccination regimen against L. infantum, improving the reduction of parasite load in skin, lymph node and spleen. The analysis of immune markers in the spleen after challenge suggests that the trend to recover naïve levels of IFN-γ and IL-10, and the concurrent higher expression of NOS2, may be responsible for the protection induced by our vaccine co-administered with SIR.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Martínez-Flórez
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Martori
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula L Monteagudo
- Centre de Recerca En Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Fernando Rodriguez
- Centre de Recerca En Sanitat Animal (CReSA), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Alberola
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alhelí Rodríguez-Cortés
- Departament de Farmacologia, de Terapèutica i de Toxicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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23
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Askarizadeh A, Badiee A, Khamesipour A. Development of nano-carriers for Leishmania vaccine delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:167-187. [PMID: 31914821 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1713746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical infection caused by several species of intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. It is strongly believed that the development of vaccines is the most appropriate approach to control leishmaniasis. However, there is no vaccine available yet and the lack of an appropriate adjuvant delivery system is the main reason.Areas covered: Adjuvants are the utmost important part of a vaccine, to induce the immune response in the right direction. Limitations and drawbacks of conventional adjuvants have been necessitated the development of novel particulate delivery systems as adjuvants to obtain desirable protection against infectious diseases such as leishmaniasis. This review focused on particulate adjuvants especially nanoparticles that are in use to develop vaccines against leishmaniasis. The list of adjuvants includes generally lipids-, polymers-, or mineral-based delivery systems that target antigens specifically to the site of action within the host's body and enhance immune responses.Expert opinion: Over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in developing particulate adjuvants as alternatives to immunostimulatory types. The composition of nano-carriers and particularly the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles have great potential to overcome challenges posed to leishmaniasis vaccine developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Askarizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Badiee
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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dos Santos Meira C, Gedamu L. Protective or Detrimental? Understanding the Role of Host Immunity in Leishmaniasis. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120695. [PMID: 31847221 PMCID: PMC6956275 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania are the causative agents of leishmaniasis, a vector-borne disease of major public health concern, estimated to affect 12 million people worldwide. The clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis are highly variable and can range from self-healing localized cutaneous lesions to life-threatening disseminated visceral disease. Once introduced into the skin by infected sandflies, Leishmania parasites interact with a variety of immune cells, such as neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages. The resolution of infection requires a finely tuned interplay between innate and adaptive immune cells, culminating with the activation of microbicidal functions and parasite clearance within host cells. However, several factors derived from the host, insect vector, and Leishmania spp., including the presence of a double-stranded RNA virus (LRV), can modulate the host immunity and influence the disease outcome. In this review, we discuss the immune mechanisms underlying the main forms of leishmaniasis, some of the factors involved with the establishment of infection and disease severity, and potential approaches for vaccine and drug development focused on host immunity.
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Peptide-based vaccine successfully induces protective immunity against canine visceral leishmaniasis. NPJ Vaccines 2019; 4:49. [PMID: 31815006 PMCID: PMC6884440 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-019-0144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dogs are the main reservoir of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis. Vaccination is a promising approach to help control leishmaniasis and to interrupt transmission of the Leishmania parasite. The promastigote surface antigen (PSA) is a highly immunogenic component of Leishmania excretory/secretory products. A vaccine based on three peptides derived from the carboxy-terminal part of Leishmania amazonensis PSA and conserved among Leishmania species, formulated with QA-21 as adjuvant, was tested on naive Beagle dogs in a preclinical trial. Four months after the full course of vaccination, dogs were experimentally infected with Leishmania infantum promastigotes. Immunization of dogs with peptide-based vaccine conferred immunity against experimental infection with L. infantum. Evidence for macrophage nitric oxide production and anti-leishmanial activity associated with IFN-γ production by lymphocytes was only found in the vaccinated group. An increase in specific IgG2 antibodies was also measured in vaccinated dogs from 2 months after immunization. Additionally, after challenge with L. infantum, the parasite burden was significantly lower in vaccinated dogs than in the control group. These data strongly suggest that this peptide-based vaccine candidate generated cross-protection against zoonotic leishmaniasis by inducing a Th1-type immune response associated with production of specific IgG2 antibodies. This preclinical trial including a peptide-based vaccine against leishmaniasis clearly demonstrates effective protection in a natural host. This approach deserves further investigation to enhance the immunogenicity of the peptides and to consider the possible engineering of a vaccine targeting several Leishmania species. Leishmaniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania, can present in different forms depending on the infecting species. Visceral leishmaniasis is associated with migration of the parasite, in this case Leishmania infantum, to various organs and can infect both humans and canids. Here Rachel Bras-Gonçalves and colleagues test a Leishmania vaccine for dogs as they are the main reservoir for this zoonotic disease. The vaccine is based on the abundant immunogenic component of Leishmania excretory/secretory product, promastigote surface antigen (PSA); specifically, three peptides from the carboxyl-terminal of PSA, which is conserved in Leishmania species. Uninfected Beagle dogs were immunized with QA-21 as an adjuvant, and no local or systemic adverse reactions were observed. Four months later after three doses of the vaccine, dogs were infected with L. infantum promastigotes. Vaccination provided immunity with reduced parasite burden and this was associated with macrophage anti-leishmanial activity, increased IFN-y and nitric oxide production and increased Leishmania-specific IgG2 antibodies.
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Coutinho De Oliveira B, Duthie MS, Alves Pereira VR. Vaccines for leishmaniasis and the implications of their development for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:919-930. [PMID: 31634036 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1678998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The leishmaniases are a collection of vector-borne parasitic diseases caused by a number of different Leishmania species that are distributed worldwide. Clinical and laboratory research have together revealed several important immune components that control Leishmania infection and indicate the potential of immunization to prevent leishmaniasis. In this review we introduce previous and ongoing experimental research efforts to develop vaccines against Leishmania species. First, second and third generation vaccine strategies that have been proposed to counter cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (CL and VL, respectively) are summarized. One of the major bottlenecks in development is the transition from results in animal model studies to humans, and we highlight that although American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL; New World CL) can progress to destructive and disfiguring mucosal lesions, most research has been conducted using mouse models and Old World Leishmania species. We conclude that assessment of vaccine candidates in ATL settings therefore appears merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Coutinho De Oliveira
- Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
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Nascimento LFMD, Moura LDD, Lima RT, Cruz MDSPE. Novos adjuvantes vacinais: importante ferramenta para imunoterapia da leishmaniose visceral. HU REVISTA 2019. [DOI: 10.34019/1982-8047.2018.v44.14123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atualmente, muitas das vacinas em desenvolvimento são aquelas compostas de proteínas antigênicas individuais de parasitas ou uma combinação de vários antígenos individuais que são produzidos como produtos recombinantes obtidos por técnicas de biologia molecular. Dentre elas a Leish-111f e sua variação Leish-110f tem ganhado destaque na proteção contra a LV e LC e alcançaram estudos de fase II em seres humanos. A eficácia de uma vacina é otimizada pela adição de adjuvantes imunológicos. No entanto, embora os adjuvantes tenham sido usados por mais de um século, até o momento, apenas alguns adjuvantes são aprovados para o uso em humanos, a maioria destinada a melhorar a eficácia da vacina e a produção de anticorpos protetores específicos do antígeno. Os mecanismos de ação dos adjuvantes imunológicos são diversos, dependendo da sua natureza química e molecular sendo capazes de ativar células imunes especificas que conduzem a respostas imunes inatas e adaptativas melhoradas. Embora o mecanismo de ação molecular detalhado de muitos adjuvantes ainda seja desconhecido, a descoberta de receptores Toll-like (TLRs) forneceu informações críticas sobre o efeito imunoestimulador de numerosos componentes bacterianos que envolvem interação com receptores TLRs, mostrando que estes ligantes melhoram tanto a qualidade como a quantidade de respostas imunes adaptativas do hospedeiro quando utilizadas em formulações de vacinais direcionadas para doenças. O potencial desses adjuvantes de TLR em melhorar o design e os resultados de várias vacinas está em constante evolução, à medida que novos agonistas são descobertos e testados em modelos experimentais e estudos clínicos de vacinação. Nesta revisão, é apresentado um resumo do progresso recente no desenvolvimento de proteínas recombinantes de segunda geração e adjuvantes de TLR, sendo o foco principal nos TLR4 e suas melhorias.
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Ratnapriya S, Keerti, Sahasrabuddhe AA, Dube A. Visceral leishmaniasis: An overview of vaccine adjuvants and their applications. Vaccine 2019; 37:3505-3519. [PMID: 31103364 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although there has been an extensive research on vaccine development over the last decade and some vaccines have been commercialized for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), but as yet no effective vaccine is available for anthroponotic VL which may partly be due to the absence of an appropriate adjuvant system. Vaccines alone yield poor immunity hence requiring an adjuvant which can boost the immunosuppressed state of VL infected individuals by eliciting adaptive immune responses to achieve required immunological enhancement. Recent studies have documented the continuous efforts that are being made in the field of adjuvants research in an attempt to render vaccines more effective. This review article focuses on adjuvants, particularly particulate and non-particulate ones, which have been assessed with VL vaccine candidates in several preclinical and clinical trials outlining the induction of immune responses obtained from these studies. Moreover, we have emphasized the applicability of multiple adjuvants combination for an improvement in the potential of a VL vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Ratnapriya
- Molecular and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Keerti
- Molecular and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Amogh A Sahasrabuddhe
- Molecular and Structural Biology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Anuradha Dube
- Division of Parasitology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Sector-10, Jankipuram Extension, Sitapur Road, Lucknow 226031, India.
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Mehravaran A, Nasab MR, Mirahmadi H, Sharifi I, Alijani E, Nikpoor AR, Akhtari J. Protection induced by Leishmania Major antigens and the imiquimod adjuvant encapsulated on liposomes in experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2019; 70:27-35. [PMID: 30738195 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for new, effective, and less expensive and toxic treatment for Leishmaniasis. It seems that the use of a suitable adjuvant and a delivery system is effective in inducing immune reactions for protection. Liposomes can be applied as immunoadjuvants to trigger immune reactions to different antigens. The adjuvant effects of imiquimod using DSPC liposomes containing SLA (soluble Leishmania antigens) were studied on the type and intensity of the produced immune reaction to the challenge of Leishmania major in BALB/c mice. Liposomes were produced by the lipid film procedure. BALB/C mice were immunized subcutaneously, three times at 2-week intervals and with various formulations. Lesion development and the parasite burden in the spleens and feet after the challenge with Leishmania major, Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ), and the IgG isotype titration were assessed to evaluate the induced immune reaction and the protection level. The group of mice immunized with Liposome DSPC +Imiquimod +SLA revealed less severe footpad swelling, being significantly different (P < .05) from other groups. A higher level of IgG2a and IFN-γ secretion was observed in the mice immunized with Liposome DSPC +Imiquimod +SLA than the control group. These observations imply that the DSPC liposome containing imiquimod induces the Th1 immune response that is protective against the challenge of Leishmania major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mehravaran
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Maryam Rezaei Nasab
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hadi Mirahmadi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Resistant Tuberculosis institute, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Alijani
- Clinical Immunology Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Amin Reza Nikpoor
- Immunogenetic and Cell Culture Department, Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Javad Akhtari
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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El Hajj R, Bou Youness H, Lachaud L, Bastien P, Masquefa C, Bonnet PA, El Hajj H, Khalifeh I. EAPB0503: An Imiquimod analog with potent in vitro activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006854. [PMID: 30462645 PMCID: PMC6248897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic infection classified by the WHO as one of the most uncontrolled spreading neglected diseases. Syria is endemic for Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, causing CL in the Eastern Mediterranean. The large-scale displacement of Syrian refugees exacerbated the spread of CL into neighboring countries. Therapeutic interventions against CL include local, systemic and physical treatments. The high risk for drug-resistance to current treatments stresses the need for new therapies. Imiquimod is an immunomodulatory drug with a tested efficacy against L. major species. Yet, Imiquimod efficacy against L. tropica and the molecular mechanisms dictating its potency are still underexplored. In this study, we characterized the effect of Imiquimod against L. tropica and L. major, and characterized the molecular mechanisms dictating its anti-leishmanial efficacy against both strains. We also investigated the potency and molecular mechanisms of an Imiquimod analog, EAPB0503, against these two strains. We have tested the effect of Imiquimod and EAPB0503 on macrophages infected with either L. major, L. tropica strains, or patient-derived freshly isolated L. tropica parasites. The anti-amastigote activity of either drugs was assessed by quantitative real time PCR (RT-PCR) using kinetoplast specific primers, confocal microscopy using the Glycoprotein 63 (Gp63) Leishmania amastigote antibody or by histology staining. The mechanism of action of either drugs on the canonical nuclear factor kappa- B (NF-κB) pathway was determined by western blot, and confocal microscopy. The immune production of cytokines upon treatment of infected macrophages with either drugs was assessed by ELISA. Both drugs reduced amastigote replication. EAPB0503 proved more potent, particularly on the wild type L. tropica amastigotes. Toll-Like Receptor-7 was upregulated, mainly by Imiquimod, and to a lesser extent by EAPB0503. Both drugs activated the NF-κB canonical pathway triggering an immune response and i-NOS upregulation in infected macrophages. Our findings establish Imiquimod as a strong candidate for treating L. tropica and show the higher potency of its analog EAPB0503 against CL. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic infection caused by Leishmania (L.) parasites. In the Old World and the Near East, CL is mainly caused by L. major and L. tropica. The ongoing Syrian war and the resulting massive population displacement led to an alarming increase in the incidence of CL, in Syria and its surrounding countries. Current therapies against CL lead to partial or complete cure in L. major infections but are less effective against L. tropica. These therapies associate with several limitations, including patients’age, immune system, repetitive painful injections, high cost, poor availability, and mainly systemic toxicity. Therefore, it is of high interest to seek for novel drugs against CL. We assessed the activity of an immunomodulatory drug and its analog against L. major and L. tropica parasites and showed their potency. Importantly, the analog proved more efficient against the wild type L. tropica strain. These results highlight the promising efficacy of immuno-modulatory drugs against CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana El Hajj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hanady Bou Youness
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Laurence Lachaud
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Bastien
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Carine Masquefa
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- * E-mail: (HEH); (IK)
| | - Ibrahim Khalifeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- * E-mail: (HEH); (IK)
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Sundar S, Singh OP, Chakravarty J. Visceral leishmaniasis elimination targets in India, strategies for preventing resurgence. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018; 16:805-812. [PMID: 30289007 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2018.1532790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a fatal parasitic disease caused by a parasite belonging to the Leishmania donovani complex and transmitted by infected female Phlebotomous argentipes sand flies. The VL elimination strategy in the Indian subcontinent (ISC), which has a current goal of reducing the incidence of VL to below 1/10,000 of population by the year 2020, consists of rapid detection and treatment of VL to reduce the number of human reservoirs as well as vector control using indoor residual spraying (IRS). However, as the incidence of VL declines toward the elimination goal, greater targeting of control methods will be required to ensure appropriate early action to prevent the resurgence of VL. Area covered: We discuss the current progress and challenges in the VL elimination program and strategies to be employed to ensure sustained elimination of VL. Expert commentary: The VL elimination initiative has saved many human lives; however, for VL elimination to become a reality in a sustained way, an intense effort is needed, as substantial numbers of endemic subdistricts (primary health centers (PHCs) blocks level) are yet to reach the elimination target. In addition to effective epidemiological surveillance, appropriate diagnostic and treatment services for VL at PHCs will be needed to ensure long-term sustainability and prevent reemergence of VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar
- a Department of Medicine , Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University , Varanasi , India
| | - Om Prakash Singh
- a Department of Medicine , Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University , Varanasi , India
| | - Jaya Chakravarty
- a Department of Medicine , Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University , Varanasi , India
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Torkashvand A, Bahrami F, Adib M, Ajdary S. Subcutaneous administration of a fusion protein composed of pertussis toxin and filamentous hemagglutinin from Bordetella pertussis induces mucosal and systemic immune responses. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 21:753-759. [PMID: 30140416 PMCID: PMC6098962 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2018.29112.7026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): After decades of containment, pertussis disease, caused by Bordetella pertussis seems to be re-emerging and still remains a major cause of reported vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide. The current licensed whole-cell vaccines display reactogenicity while acellular vaccines are expensive and do not induce Th1-type immune responses that are required for optimum protection against the disease. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop new vaccines and the recombinant technology seems to be the method of choice for this purpose. The present study was an attempt to develop a new, simplified, cost-effective and well-defined vaccine against Bordetella pertussis, with capacity to induce a Th1 response. Materials and Methods: A fusion DNA fragment encoding the N-terminal region of pertussis toxin S1 subunit and filamentous hemagglutinin type 1 immunodominant domain was constructed and the corresponding fusion protein (F1S1) was produced in Escherichia coli. F1S1 in conjunction with imiquimod was administered by subcutaneous (SC) and intranasal (IN) routes to BALB/c mice. Results: This vaccine formulation could elicit high levels of IFN-γ, serum IgG (with higher IgG2a/IgG1 ratio) and lung IgA after the SC and, to a lesser extent, following the IN administration. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the above-mentioned important proteins of B. pertussis could be successfully produced in E. coli as a single fusion protein. Furthermore, this protein could induce proper systemic and mucosal immune responses after administration via SC or IN routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Torkashvand
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fariborz Bahrami
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69 Pasteur Ave., Tehran, Iran
| | - Minoo Adib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 69 Pasteur Ave., Tehran, Iran
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Filardy AA, Guimarães-Pinto K, Nunes MP, Zukeram K, Fliess L, Pereira L, Oliveira Nascimento D, Conde L, Morrot A. Human Kinetoplastid Protozoan Infections: Where Are We Going Next? Front Immunol 2018; 9:1493. [PMID: 30090098 PMCID: PMC6069677 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinetoplastida trypanosomatidae microorganisms are protozoan parasites exhibiting a developmental stage in the gut of insect vectors and tissues of vertebrate hosts. During the vertebrate infective stages, these parasites alter the differential expression of virulence genes, modifying their biological and antigenic properties in order to subvert the host protective immune responses and establish a persistent infection. One of the hallmarks of kinetoplastid parasites is their evasion mechanisms from host immunity, leading to disease chronification. The diseases caused by kinetoplastid parasites are neglected by the global expenditures in research and development, affecting millions of individuals in the low and middle-income countries located mainly in the tropical and subtropical regions. However, investments made by public and private initiatives have over the past decade leveraged important lines of intervention that if well-integrated to health care programs will likely accelerate disease control initiatives. This review summarizes recent advances in public health care principles, including new drug discoveries and their rational use with chemotherapeutic vaccines, and the implementation of control efforts to spatially mapping the kinetoplastid infections through monitoring of infected individuals in epidemic areas. These approaches should bring us the means to track genetic variation of parasites and drug resistance, integrating this knowledge into effective stewardship programs to prevent vector-borne kinetoplastid infections in areas at risk of disease spreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Almeida Filardy
- Department of Immunology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kamila Guimarães-Pinto
- Department of Immunology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marise Pinheiro Nunes
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ketiuce Zukeram
- Department of Immunology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lara Fliess
- Department of Immunology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ludimila Pereira
- Department of Immunology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Danielle Oliveira Nascimento
- Department of Immunology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Conde
- Department of Immunology, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Tuberculosis Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dias DS, Ribeiro PA, Martins VT, Lage DP, Ramos FF, Dias AL, Rodrigues MR, Portela ÁS, Costa LE, Caligiorne RB, Steiner BT, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Salles BC, Santos TT, Silveira JA, Magalhães-Soares DF, Roatt BM, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Duarte MC, Menezes-Souza D, Silva ES, Galdino AS, Coelho EA. Recombinant prohibitin protein of Leishmania infantum acts as a vaccine candidate and diagnostic marker against visceral leishmaniasis. Cell Immunol 2018; 323:59-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Firouzmand H, Sahranavard M, Badiee A, Khamesipour A, Alavizadeh SH, Samiei A, Soroush D, Tavassoti Kheiri M, Mahboudi F, Jaafari MR. The role of LPD-nanoparticles containing recombinant major surface glycoprotein of Leishmania (rgp63) in protection against leishmaniasis in murine model. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2017; 40:72-82. [PMID: 29210292 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2017.1407941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Leishmaniasis is a major public health problem. Despite numerous attempts, yet there is no effective vaccine against human leishmaniasis, mainly due to a lack of an effective vaccine delivery system as well as adjuvant. OBJECTIVE(S) The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of recombinant glycoprotein 63 (rgp63) as a model of Leishmania antigen, entrapped in liposome-polycation-DNA (LPD) complexes nanoparticles in inducing cell mediated immune (CMI) response and protecting against L. major in BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS To this end, the abundant leishmania promastigote cell surface glycoprotein, gp63, was entrapped in nano-sized LPD (CpG) particles, (LPD (CpG)-rgp63), and BALB/c mice were immunized three times with either (LPD (CpG)-rgp63) or rgp63-CpG DNA or LPD (CpG) or free rgp63 and dextrose 5%. Various parameters including footpad thickness, splenic load of L. major parasites, rgp63-binding IgGs and also cytokine levels of rgp63-reactive T lymphocytes were then compared among different vaccinated animals. RESULTS The lowest number of parasites in spleen, the higher levels of IgG2a after challenge infection, the minimal footpad swelling and high level of IFN-γ secretion, all indicated that adjuvants and antigen-delivery systems are essential in modifying immune responses; as mice received LPD (CpG)-rgp63 induced immune response stronger than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that LPD nanoparticle is a promising and adaptable delivery system which could be modified towards specific vaccine targets to induce a more potent immune response in combination with rgp63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengameh Firouzmand
- a Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Mehrnosh Sahranavard
- a Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Ali Badiee
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,c Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- d Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences , Bandar Abbas , Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,c Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Afshin Samiei
- e Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Dina Soroush
- a Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | | | - Fereidoun Mahboudi
- f Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- a Nanotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,b Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.,c Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
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Not All Antigens Are Created Equally: Progress, Challenges, and Lessons Associated with Developing a Vaccine for Leishmaniasis. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00108-17. [PMID: 28515135 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00108-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
From experimental models and the analyses of patients, it is well documented that antigen-specific T cells are critical for protection against Leishmania infection. Effective vaccines require both targeting to the pathogen and an immune stimulant to induce maturation of appropriate immune responses. While a great number of antigens have been examined as vaccine candidates against various Leishmania species, few have advanced to human or canine clinical trials. With emphasis on antigen expression, in this minireview we discuss some of the vaccine platforms that are currently being explored for the development of Leishmania vaccines. It is clear that the vaccine platform of choice can have a significant impact upon the level of protection induced by particular antigens, and we provide and highlight some examples for which the vaccine system used has impacted the protective efficacy imparted.
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A recombinant fusion protein displaying murine and human MHC class I- and II-specific epitopes protects against Leishmania amazonensis infection. Cell Immunol 2017; 313:32-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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JEIBOUEI S, BANDEHPOUR M, KAZEMI B, HAGHIGHI A. Designing a DNA Vaccine-based Leishmania major Polytope (Preliminary Report). IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 12:441-445. [PMID: 28979355 PMCID: PMC5623925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The treatment of the disease is hampered due to high cost, toxicity and the crisis of drug resistance. Polytope approaches of genetic immunization could be a strategy for prevention of infectious diseases. Furthermore, the identification of Leishmania genome sequence and the application of bioinformatics assist us to devise an effective vaccine's candidate. METHODS A linear sequence from predicted epitopes of GP63, LACK and CPC antigens was designed and was optimized using online available algorithms. The synthesized sequence (LAKJB93) was ligated to pEGFP-N1 plasmid. RESULTS The 264bp sequence was cloned at N terminal of GFP into pEGFP_N1 expression vector and transfect into CHO cell line. Construct was efficient expressed in CHO cells. CONCLUSION The protein of LAKJB93 cosnstruct was expressed in CHO cells successfully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam JEIBOUEI
- Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan BANDEHPOUR
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram KAZEMI
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Dept. of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Correspondence
| | - Ali HAGHIGHI
- Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Schaut RG, Grinnage-Pulley TL, Esch KJ, Toepp AJ, Duthie MS, Howard RF, Reed SG, Petersen CA. Recovery of antigen-specific T cell responses from dogs infected with Leishmania (L.) infantum by use of vaccine associated TLR-agonist adjuvant. Vaccine 2016; 34:5225-5234. [PMID: 27665354 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by infection with the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum, is a fatal disease of dogs and humans. Protection against VL requires a T helper 1 (Th1) skewed CD4+ T response, but despite this knowledge, there are currently no approved-to-market vaccines for humans and only three veterinary-use vaccines globally. As VL progresses from asymptomatic to symptomatic, L. infantum-specific interferon gamma (IFNγ) driven-Th1 responses become dampened and a state of immune exhaustion established. T cell exhaustion and other immunoregulatory processes, starting during asymptomatic disease, are likely to hinder vaccine-induced responses if vaccine is administered to infected, but asymptomatic and seronegative, individuals. In this study we evaluated how immune exhaustion, shown previously by our group to worsen in concert with VL progression, effected the capacity of vaccine candidate antigen/toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist combinations to promote protective CD4+ T cell responses during progressive VL. In conjunction with Th1 responses, we also evaluated concomitant stimulation of immune-balanced IL-10 regulatory cytokine production by these vaccine products in progressive VL canine T cells. Vaccine antigen L111f in combination with TLR agonists significantly recovered CD4+ T cell IFNγ intracellular production in T cells from asymptomatic VL dogs. Vaccine antigen NS with TLR agonists significantly recovered CD4+ T cell production in both endemic control and VL dogs. Combinations of TLR agonists and vaccine antigens overcame L. infantum induced cellular exhaustion, allowing robust Th1 CD4+ T cell responses from symptomatic dogs that previously had dampened responses to antigen alone. Antigen-agonist adjuvants can be utilized to promote more robust vaccine responses from infected hosts in endemic areas where vaccination of asymptomatic, L. infantum-infected animals is likely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Schaut
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | - Tara L Grinnage-Pulley
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Kevin J Esch
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Angela J Toepp
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
| | | | | | - Steven G Reed
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Christine A Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa Research Park, Coralville, IA 52241, USA.
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Seyed N, Taheri T, Rafati S. Post-Genomics and Vaccine Improvement for Leishmania. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:467. [PMID: 27092123 PMCID: PMC4822237 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that primarily affects Asia, Africa, South America, and the Mediterranean basin. Despite extensive efforts to develop an effective prophylactic vaccine, no promising vaccine is available yet. However, recent advancements in computational vaccinology on the one hand and genome sequencing approaches on the other have generated new hopes in vaccine development. Computational genome mining for new vaccine candidates is known as reverse vaccinology and is believed to further extend the current list of Leishmania vaccine candidates. Reverse vaccinology can also reduce the intrinsic risks associated with live attenuated vaccines. Individual epitopes arranged in tandem as polytopes are also a possible outcome of reverse genome mining. Here, we will briefly compare reverse vaccinology with conventional vaccinology in respect to Leishmania vaccine, and we will discuss how it influences the aforementioned topics. We will also introduce new in vivo models that will bridge the gap between human and laboratory animal models in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Seyed
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of IranTehran, Iran
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Gillespie PM, Beaumier CM, Strych U, Hayward T, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME. Status of vaccine research and development of vaccines for leishmaniasis. Vaccine 2016; 34:2992-2995. [PMID: 26973063 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.12.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of leishmaniasis vaccine candidates are at various stages of pre-clinical and clinical development. Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Leishmania and transmitted to humans by the bite of a sand fly. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, kala-azar) is a high mortality NTD found mostly in South Asia and East Africa, while cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disfiguring NTD highly endemic in the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Americas. Estimates attribute 50,000 annual deaths and 3.3 million disability-adjusted life years to leishmaniasis. There are only a few approved drug treatments, no prophylactic drug and no vaccine. Ideally, an effective vaccine against leishmaniasis will elicit long-lasting immunity and protect broadly against VL and CL. Vaccines such as Leish-F1, F2 and F3, developed at IDRI and designed based on selected Leishmania antigen epitopes, have been in clinical trials. Other groups, including the Sabin Vaccine Institute in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health are investigating recombinant Leishmania antigens in combination with selected sand fly salivary gland antigens in order to augment host immunity. To date, both VL and CL vaccines have been shown to be cost-effective in economic modeling studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Portia M Gillespie
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Coreen M Beaumier
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Peter J Hotez
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Sabin Vaccine Institute, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Hotez PJ, Pecoul B, Rijal S, Boehme C, Aksoy S, Malecela M, Tapia-Conyer R, Reeder JC. Eliminating the Neglected Tropical Diseases: Translational Science and New Technologies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0003895. [PMID: 26934395 PMCID: PMC4774924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, the World Health Organization recognizes 17 major parasitic and related infections as the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Despite recent gains in the understanding of the nature and prevalence of NTDs, as well as successes in recent scaled-up preventive chemotherapy strategies and other health interventions, the NTDs continue to rank among the world’s greatest global health problems. For virtually all of the NTDs (including those slated for elimination under the auspices of a 2012 London Declaration for NTDs and a 2013 World Health Assembly resolution [WHA 66.12]), additional control mechanisms and tools are needed, including new NTD drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and vector control agents and strategies. Elimination will not be possible without these new tools. Here we summarize some of the key challenges in translational science to develop and introduce these new technologies in order to ensure success in global NTD elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hotez
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bernard Pecoul
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Suman Rijal
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Delhi, India
| | - Catharina Boehme
- Foundation for Innovative new Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | | | | | - John C Reeder
- UNICEF/UNDP/ World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), Geneva, Switzerland
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Oliveira F, Rowton E, Aslan H, Gomes R, Castrovinci PA, Alvarenga PH, Abdeladhim M, Teixeira C, Meneses C, Kleeman LT, Guimarães-Costa AB, Rowland TE, Gilmore D, Doumbia S, Reed SG, Lawyer PG, Andersen JF, Kamhawi S, Valenzuela JG. A sand fly salivary protein vaccine shows efficacy against vector-transmitted cutaneous leishmaniasis in nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med 2016; 7:290ra90. [PMID: 26041707 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaa3043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no commercially available human vaccines against leishmaniasis. In rodents, cellular immunity to salivary proteins of sand fly vectors is associated to protection against leishmaniasis, making them worthy targets for further exploration as vaccines. We demonstrate that nonhuman primates (NHP) exposed to Phlebotomus duboscqi uninfected sand fly bites or immunized with salivary protein PdSP15 are protected against cutaneous leishmaniasis initiated by infected bites. Uninfected sand fly-exposed and 7 of 10 PdSP15-immunized rhesus macaques displayed a significant reduction in disease and parasite burden compared to controls. Protection correlated to the early appearance of Leishmania-specific CD4(+)IFN-γ(+) lymphocytes, suggesting that immunity to saliva or PdSP15 augments the host immune response to the parasites while maintaining minimal pathology. Notably, the 30% unprotected PdSP15-immunized NHP developed neither immunity to PdSP15 nor an accelerated Leishmania-specific immunity. Sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals naturally exposed to P. duboscqi bites recognized PdSP15, demonstrating its immunogenicity in humans. PdSP15 sequence and structure show no homology to mammalian proteins, further demonstrating its potential as a component of a vaccine for human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiano Oliveira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Edgar Rowton
- Department of Entomology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Hamide Aslan
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Regis Gomes
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz (CPqGM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Philip A Castrovinci
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Patricia H Alvarenga
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Resposta ao Estresse, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil. Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Maha Abdeladhim
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Clarissa Teixeira
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA. Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz (CPqGM)-Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Bahia 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Claudio Meneses
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Lindsey T Kleeman
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Anderson B Guimarães-Costa
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Tobin E Rowland
- Department of Entomology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Dana Gilmore
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontostomatology, University of Bamako, Bamako 1805, Mali
| | - Steven G Reed
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Phillip G Lawyer
- Department of Entomology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - John F Andersen
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Shaden Kamhawi
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
| | - Jesus G Valenzuela
- Vector Molecular Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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Halliday A, Turner JD, Guimarães A, Bates PA, Taylor MJ. The TLR2/6 ligand PAM2CSK4 is a Th2 polarizing adjuvant in Leishmania major and Brugia malayi murine vaccine models. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:96. [PMID: 26897363 PMCID: PMC4761161 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1381-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens, and are the target of new vaccine adjuvants. TLR2 plays a role in parasite recognition and activation of immune responses during cutaneous leishmaniasis infection, suggesting that TLR2 could be targeted by adjuvants for use in Leishmania vaccines. We therefore explored using Pam2CSK4 (Pam2) and Pam3CSK4 (Pam3) lipopeptide adjuvants, which activate TLR2/6 and TLR2/1 heterodimers respectively, in vaccine models for parasitic infections. Methods The use of lipopeptide adjuvants was explored using two vaccine models. For cutaneous leishmaniasis, the lipopeptide adjuvants Pam2 and Pam3 were compared to that of the Th1-driving double-stranded DNA TLR9 agonist CpG for their ability to improve the efficacy of the autoclaved Leishmania major (ALM) vaccine to protect against L. major infection. The ability of Pam2 to enhance the efficacy of a soluble Brugia malayi microfilariae extract (BmMfE) vaccine to protect against filarial infection was also assessed in a peritoneal infection model of B. malayi filariasis. Parasite antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune responses were assessed post-challenge. Results The use of lipopeptides in ALM-containing vaccines did not provide any protection upon infection with L. major, and Pam2 exacerbated the disease severity in vaccinated mice post-challenge. Pam2, and to a lesser extent Pam3, were able to elevate antigen-specific immune responses post-challenge in this model, but these responses displayed a skewed Th2 phenotype as characterised by elevated levels of IgG1. In the B. malayi vaccine model, the use of Pam2 as an adjuvant with BmMfE induced significant protective immunity to the same level as inclusion of an Alum adjuvant. Here, both Pam2 and Alum were found to enhance antigen-specific antibody production post-challenge, and Pam2 significantly elevated levels of antigen-specific IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 produced by splenocytes. Conclusions These data indicate that TLR2/6-targeting ligands could be considered as adjuvants for vaccines that require robust Th2 and/or antibody-dependent immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Halliday
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Joseph D Turner
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Ana Guimarães
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Paul A Bates
- Lancaster University, Furness Building, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, UK.
| | - Mark J Taylor
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
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Cargnelutti DE, Salomón MC, Celedon V, García Bustos MF, Morea G, Cuello-Carrión FD, Scodeller EA. Immunization with antigenic extracts of Leishmania associated with Montanide ISA 763 adjuvant induces partial protection in BALB/c mice against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis infection. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2016; 49:24-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Abstract
Dogs are the main reservoir host for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis, a sand fly-borne disease caused by Leishmania infantum. In endemic areas, "susceptible" dogs suffer from a severe disease characterized by chronic polymorphic viscerocutaneous signs that manifest several months from the exposure, whereas "resistant" dogs can remain subclinically infected for years or lifelong. The protective immune response to Leishmania is cell-mediated; for visceralizing Leishmania species a mixed T helper (Th)1/Th2 response with a dominant Th1 profile is required for protection. The activation of the adaptive immune system in naturally resistant dogs is revealed by parasite-specific lymphoproliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity, the production of interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α cytokines, and enhanced macrophage leishmanicidal activity via nitric oxide. Hence, an effective canine Leishmania vaccine should induce strong and long-lasting Th1-dominated immunity to control both infection progression and the parasite transmissibility via the vector. Preclinical research in rodent models has evaluated the efficacy of several categories of Leishmania antigens including killed parasites, cell purified fractions, parasite protein components or subunits, single or multiple chimeric recombinant proteins, plasmid DNA and viral particles encoding parasite virulence factors. Promising antigen(s)/adjuvant combinations from each of the above categories have also been tested in dogs; they mostly resulted in limited or no protection in Phase I-II studies (designed to test vaccine safety, immunogenicity and laboratory-induced protection) in which vaccinated dogs were challenged by the artificial intravenous injection of high-load L. infantum promastigotes. The recombinant A2 antigen plus saponin conferred about 40% protection against infection by this challenge system and has been registered in Brazil as a canine vaccine (LeishTec(®)). An increasing number of efficacy studies have privileged the use of natural challenge consisting in the long-term exposure of vaccinated dogs in endemic settings (Phase III). A 2-year field model including regular assessments by a set of standard diagnostic markers useful for an accurate infection staging has been developed. Again, most of the vaccines tested by this system, which included several antigen categories and adjuvants, failed to protect against infection and disease. Only two vaccines, consisting of parasite purified fractions with saponin derivative adjuvants, showed to confer significant protection against disease and death under natural conditions, and have been registered as canine vaccines: FML-QuilA (Leishmune(®)) in Brazil, and LiESP/QA-21 (CaniLeish(®)) in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gradoni
- Unit of Vector-borne Diseases and International Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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BARATI M, MOHEBALI M, ALIMOHAMMADIAN MH, KHMESIPOUR A, KESHAVARZ H, AKHOUNDI B, ZAREI Z. Double-Blind Randomized Efficacy Field Trial of Alum Precipitated Autoclaved Leishmania major (Alum-ALM) Vaccine Mixed With BCG Plus Imiquimod Vs. Placebo Control Group. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 10:351-9. [PMID: 26622290 PMCID: PMC4662735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is not only an emerging veterinary concern but also a public health threat in endemic areas. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, immunogenicity and safety of two doses of aluminum hydroxide (alum) precipitated Leishmania major (Alum-ALM) mixed with BCG plus imiquimod against CVL. METHODS A total of 560 ownership dogs were serologically tested and 234 healthy dogs with no clinical signs of CVL, no anti-Leishmania antibodies and negative leishmanin skin test were selected and double-blind randomly injected intradermally either with 0.1 ml Alum-ALM (200µg protein) mixed with BCG (2 × 10(6) CFUs) plus imiquimod (121 dogs) or with 0.1 ml of normal saline (113 dogs). RESULTS The follow-up examinations showed that there was no side effect associated with the vaccination except one case. Strong skin test conversion were seen in vaccinated group (30.3%) compared to the control group (6.6%) at 22-24 weeks after the booster injection (p<0.001). The seroconversion was 16.3% (18/110) in vaccinated group and 26.4% (28/106) in control group after two transmission cycles but the difference was not significant (P=0.095). The efficacy rate based on seroconversion was 40.4 %. CONCLUSION Two injections of Alum-ALM mixed with BCG and imiquimod is safe, although decreases the seroconversion rate of CVL, but the overall efficacy was low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad BARATI
- Dept.of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Center for Research of Infectious Diseases, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi MOHEBALI
- Dept.of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
| | | | - Ali KHMESIPOUR
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein KESHAVARZ
- Dept.of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz AKHOUNDI
- Dept.of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zabihollah ZAREI
- Meshkin-Shahr Research station, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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49
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Thakur A, Kaur H, Kaur S. Evaluation of the immunoprophylactic potential of a killed vaccine candidate in combination with different adjuvants against murine visceral leishmaniasis. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:70-8. [PMID: 25316605 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite a large number of field trials, till date no prophylactic antileishmanial vaccine exists for human use. Killed antigen formulations offer the advantage of being safe but they have limited immunogenicity. Recent research has documented that efforts to develop effective Leishmania vaccine have been limited due to the lack of an appropriate adjuvant. Addition of adjuvants to vaccines boosts and directs the immunogenicity of antigens. So, the present study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of four adjuvants i.e. alum, saponin, cationic liposomes and monophosphoryl lipid-A in combination with Autoclaved Leishmania donovani (ALD) antigen against murine visceral leishmaniasis (VL). BALB/c mice were immunized thrice with respective vaccine formulation. Two weeks after last booster, challenge infection was given. Mice were sacrificed 15 days after last immunization and on 30, 60 and 90 post infection/challenge days. A considerable protective efficacy was shown by all vaccine formulations. It was evident from significant reduction in parasite load, profound delayed type hypersensitivity responses (DTH), increased IgG2a titres and high levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12) as compared to the infected controls. However, level of protection varied with the type of adjuvant used. Maximum protection was achieved with the use of liposome encapsulated ALD antigen and it was closely followed by group immunized with ALD+MPL-A. Significant results were also obtained with ALD+saponin, ALD+alum and ALD antigen (alone) but the protective efficacy was reduced as compared to other immunized groups. The present study reveals greater efficacy of two vaccine formulations i.e. ALD+liposome and ALD+MPL-A against murine VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Thakur
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Sukhbir Kaur
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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50
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Tang Y, Lu J, Wu P, Liu Z, Tian Z, Zha G, Chen H, Wang Q, Wang Q, Hou F, Kang SM, Hou J. Inactivated vaccine with adjuvants consisting of pattern recognition receptor agonists confers protection against avian influenza viruses in chickens. Vet Microbiol 2014; 172:120-8. [PMID: 24894132 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Use of adjuvant containing pathogen pattern recognition receptor agonists is one of the effective strategies to enhance the efficacy of licensed vaccines. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of avian influenza vaccines containing an adjuvant (CVCVA5) which was composed of polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic, resiquimod, imiquimod, muramyl dipeptide and levomisole. Avian influenza vaccines adjuvanted with CVCVA5 were found to induce significantly higher titers of hemagglutiniton inhibition antibodies (P≤0.01) than those of commercial vaccines at 2-, 3- and 4-week post vaccination in both specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens and field application. Furthermore, virus shedding was reduced in SPF chickens immunized with H9-CVCVA5 vaccine after H9 subtype heterologous virus challenge. The ratios of both CD3(+)CD4(+) and CD3(+)CD8(+) lymphocytes were slowly elevated in chickens immunized with H9-CVCVA5 vaccine. Lymphocytes adoptive transfer study indicates that CD8(+) T lymphocyte subpopulation might have contributed to improved protection against heterologous virus challenge. Results of this study suggest that the adjuvant CVCVA5 was capable of enhancing the potency of existing avian influenza vaccines by increasing humoral and cellular immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Tang
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jihu Lu
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peipei Wu
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Tian
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guofei Zha
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Chen
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoxiu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengxiang Hou
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sang-Moo Kang
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Scicences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Jibo Hou
- National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Veterinary Biologicals, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, Jiangsu, China.
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