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Niroumand U, Motazedian MH, Ahmadi F, Asgari Q, Bahreini MS, Ghasemiyeh P, Mohammadi-Samani S. Preparation and characterization of artemether-loaded niosomes in Leishmania major-induced cutaneous leishmaniasis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10073. [PMID: 38698123 PMCID: PMC11065877 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60883-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis worldwide. Although various anti-leishmanial regimens have been considered, due to the lack of efficacy or occurrence of adverse reactions, design and development of novel topical delivery systems would be essential. This study aimed to prepare artemether (ART)-loaded niosomes and evaluate their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania major. ART-loaded niosomes were prepared through the thin-film hydration technique and characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, drug loading, and drug release. Furthermore, anti-leishmanial effect of the preparation was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The prepared ART-loaded niosomes were spherical with an average diameter of about 100 and 300 nm with high encapsulation efficiencies of > 99%. The results of in vitro cytotoxicity revealed that ART-loaded niosomes had significantly higher anti-leishmanial activity, lower general toxicity, and higher selectivity index (SI). Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of ART, ART-loaded niosomes, and liposomal amphotericin B were 39.09, 15.12, and 20 µg/mL, respectively. Also, according to the in vivo study results, ART-loaded niosomes with an average size of 300 nm showed the highest anti-leishmanial effects in animal studies. ART-loaded niosomes would be promising topical drug delivery system for the management of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uranous Niroumand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz-Marvdasht Hwy, Karafarin St, Shiraz, 71468 64685, Fars, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Motazedian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ahmadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Parisa Ghasemiyeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soliman Mohammadi-Samani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz-Marvdasht Hwy, Karafarin St, Shiraz, 71468 64685, Fars, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Dinc R. Leishmania Vaccines: the Current Situation with Its Promising Aspect for the Future. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2022; 60:379-391. [PMID: 36588414 PMCID: PMC9806502 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2022.60.6.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease caused by Leishmania spp. transmitted through sandfly bites. This disease is a major public health concern worldwide. It can occur in 3 different clinical forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral Leishmaniasis (CL, MCL, and VL, respectively), caused by different Leishmania spp. Currently, licensed vaccines are unavailable for the treatment of human Leishmaniasis. The treatment and prevention of this disease rely mainly on chemotherapeutics, which are highly toxic and have an increasing resistance problem. The development of a safe, effective, and affordable vaccine for all forms of vector-borne disease is urgently needed to block transmission of the parasite between the host and vector. Immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Leishmaniasis are complex. IL-12-driven Th1-type immune response plays a crucial role in host protection. The essential purpose of vaccination is to establish a protective immune response. To date, numerous vaccine studies have been conducted using live/attenuated/killed parasites, fractionated parasites, subunits, recombinant or DNA technology, delivery systems, and chimeric peptides. Most of these studies were limited to animals. In addition, standardization has not been achieved in these studies due to the differences in the virulence dynamics of the Leishmania spp. and the feasibility of the adjuvants. More studies are needed to develop a safe and effective vaccine, which is the most promising approach against Leishmania infection.
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Montakhab-Yeganeh H, Shafiei R, Najm M, Masoori L, Aspatwar A, Badirzadeh A. Immunogenic properties of empty pcDNA3 plasmid against zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263993. [PMID: 35167596 PMCID: PMC8846536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania (L) parasite, the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), effectively stimulates the mammalian cells to mount strong humoral responses by enhancing T-helper-2 (Th2)-associated cytokines for its survival. The best strategy to decrease the intensity of infection in the host is induction of cellular immunity. Methods We evaluated the effects of the empty bacterial pcDNA3 plasmid on mice infected with L. major and quantified the immune mediators including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IgG2a, IgG1, arginase activity and nitric oxide (NO) in the mice. Moreover, the footpad lesion size and parasite load were assessed. Results We observed that pcDNA3 could modulate the immune responses in favor of host cells and decrease the disease severity. Th2- associated mediators, including arginase, IL-4, and IL-10 are downregulated, while cellular responses are upregulated in line with an increase in the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and interfero-gamma (IFN-γ). Interestingly, pcDNA3 induced specific Th1-associated antibodies, IgG2a isotype; however, it suppressed the production of humoral IgG1. The stimulation of the immune response by the empty pcDNA3 is able to shift the immune function to predominant cellular responses caused by Th1, and it had a positive effect on the treatment of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL). Conclusions Altogether, we introduced the pcDNA3 as a potential interfering factor in the modulation of the immune system against ZCL. Since this vector has been widely used as a control group in different studies, we suggest that the potential function of the empty vector should be deeply assessed, as it exerts anti-parasitic effects on mice infected with L. major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Montakhab-Yeganeh
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Reza Shafiei
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Najm
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Masoori
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ashok Aspatwar
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Alireza Badirzadeh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail: ,
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Rodrigues LS, Barreto AS, Bomfim LGS, Gomes MC, Ferreira NLC, da Cruz GS, Magalhães LS, de Jesus AR, Palatnik-de-Sousa CB, Corrêa CB, de Almeida RP. Multifunctional, TNF-α and IFN-γ-Secreting CD4 and CD8 T Cells and CD8 High T Cells Are Associated With the Cure of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:773983. [PMID: 34777391 PMCID: PMC8581227 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.773983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic and often fatal disease caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania that affects millions of people worldwide. Patients with symptomatic VL have an impaired anti-Leishmania-specific CD4+ T-cell response, which is reversed after clinical cure. In contrast, the quality of the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses involved in resistance and/or cure of VL relies on the capability of these cells to activate polyfunctional and memory responses, which are associated with the simultaneous production of three cytokines: IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α. Models for the development of CD4 and CD8 T-cell quality in memory and protection to leishmaniasis have been described previously. We aimed to assess the functionality of the T cells involved in the recovery of the immune suppression throughout the VL treatment. Therefore, we cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from VL patients and healthy controls in vitro with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA). Cell surface markers and intracellular cytokine production were determined on days 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, and 180 after the beginning of chemotherapy. We observed that the frequencies of CD4+TNF-α+IFN-γ+ and the multifunctional CD4+IL-2+TNF-α+IFN-γ+, together with CD4+TNF-α+ and CD4+IFN-γ+ T cells, increased throughout and at the end of the treatment, respectively. In addition, enhanced frequencies of CD8+IL-2+TNF-α+IFN-γ+ and CD8+TNF-α+IFN-γ T cells were also relevant in the healing process. Noteworthy, the frequencies of the CD4+ and CD8 central-memory T cells, which produce IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and ensure the memory response against parasite reinfection, are significantly enhanced in cured patients. In addition, the subset of the non-functional CD8Low population is predominant in VL untreated patients and decreases along the chemotherapy treatment. In contrast, a CD8High subset increased towards the cure. Furthermore, the cure due to treatment with meglumine antimoniate or with liposomal amphotericin B was associated with the recovery of the T-cell immune responses. We described the evolution and participation of functional T cells during the treatment of patients with VL. Our results disclosed that the clinical improvement of patients is significantly associated with the participation of the CD4+ and CD8+ cytokine-secreting T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorranny Santana Rodrigues
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Aline Silva Barreto
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.,Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/Brazilian Hospital Services Company (EBSERH), Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Lays Gisele Santos Bomfim
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Marcos Couto Gomes
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Luisa Carlos Ferreira
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Geydson Silveira da Cruz
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.,Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/Brazilian Hospital Services Company (EBSERH), Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Lucas Sousa Magalhães
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Amélia Ribeiro de Jesus
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.,Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/Brazilian Hospital Services Company (EBSERH), Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Clarisa B Palatnik-de-Sousa
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.,Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Bani Corrêa
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.,Laboratory of Biology and Immunology of Cancer and Leishmania, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Roque Pacheco de Almeida
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Immunology Investigative Institute (III), National Insitute of Science and Technology (INCT), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Aracaju, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.,Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/Brazilian Hospital Services Company (EBSERH), Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil
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Savar NS, Vallet T, Azizi M, Arashkia A, Lundstrom K, Vignuzzi M, Niknam HM. Quantitative evaluation of PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion gene expression following transfection with an alphavirus-derived self-amplifying mRNA and conventional DNA vaccine platforms. Mol Cell Probes 2021; 59:101749. [PMID: 34214632 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2021.101749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
New vaccine platforms are crucial to address complex parasitic infections such as cutaneous leishmaniasis. Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) based vaccines represent the next generation nucleic acid-based platform. In the present study, we compared the expression levels of PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion gene in BHK-21 cells following transfection with Semliki Forest virus (SFV)-derived SAM, SFV-derived plasmid DNA (pSFV-PD) and conventional plasmid DNA (pcDNA3.1+). PpSP15-LmSTI1 fusion gene expression levels were evaluated at different time points, using quantitative Real-time PCR. All data were validated and normalized by two internal control genes. According to the results, mean values of relative expression were significantly higher for SFV-PD SAM/fusion than pcDNA/fusion and pSFV-PD/fusion at all concentrations and time points. Our results showed that higher levels of PpSp15-LmSTI1 antigen expression could be achieved using a SAM vector than pcDNA and pSFV-PD, making it a valuable and efficient alternative to conventional plasmid DNA-based vaccines against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Vallet
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique UMR, 3569, Paris, France
| | - Masoumeh Azizi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Arashkia
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Marco Vignuzzi
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique UMR, 3569, Paris, France.
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6
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Flórez MM, Rodríguez R, Cabrera JA, Robledo SM, Delgado G. Leishmania spp Epitopes in Humans Naturally Resistant to the Disease: Working Toward a Synthetic Vaccine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:631019. [PMID: 34164345 PMCID: PMC8216392 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.631019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most effective strategies to fight infectious diseases. Reverse vaccinology strategies provide tools to perform in silico screening and a rational selection of potential candidates on a large scale before reaching in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Leishmania infection in humans produces clinical symptoms in some individuals, while another part of the population is naturally resistant (asymptomatic course) to the disease, and therefore their immune response controls parasite replication. By the identification of epitopes directly in humans, especially in those resistant to the disease, the probabilities of designing an effective vaccine are higher. The aim of this work was the identification of Leishmania epitopes in resistant humans. To achieve that, 11 peptide sequences (from Leishmania antigenic proteins) were selected using epitope prediction tools, and then, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from human volunteers who were previously divided into four clinical groups: susceptible, resistant, exposed and not exposed to the parasite. The induction of inflammatory cytokines and lymphoproliferation was assessed using monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) as antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The response was evaluated after exposing volunteers’ cells to each peptide. As a result, we learned that STI41 and STI46 peptides induced IL-8 and IL-12 in moDCs and lymphoproliferation and low levels of IL-10 in lymphocytes differentially in resistant volunteers, similar behavior to that observed in those individuals to L. panamensis lysate antigens. We conclude that, in silico analysis allowed for the identification of natural Leishmania epitopes in humans, and also STI41 and STI46 peptides could be epitopes that lead to a cellular immune response directed at parasite control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Melissa Flórez
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunotoxicología, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Rocío Rodríguez
- Secretaría Municipal de Salud, Municipio de Rovira, Tolima, Colombia
| | | | - Sara M Robledo
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET)-Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Gabriela Delgado
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunotoxicología, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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Akuffo R, Sanchez C, Chicharro C, Carrillo E, Attram N, Mosore MT, Yeboah C, Kotey NK, Boakye D, Ruiz-Postigo JA, Moreno J, Wilson M, Sarfo B, Anto F. Detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis in three communities of Oti Region, Ghana. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009416. [PMID: 34029326 PMCID: PMC8177633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common type of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania. In Ghana, some studies in the Volta region have detected Leishmania parasites among persons with skin ulcers. Methodology/Principal findings Using a cross-sectional study design, the prevalence of CL in three communities of the Oti Region of Ghana was investigated. Demographic and epidemiological data were obtained by a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. A total of 426 (12.4%) out of 3,440 participants screened had at least one skin ulcer. Of 595 skin ulcers sampled and tested by PCR for Leishmania infection, 150 (25.2%) ulcers from 136 individuals tested positive, accounting for an overall CL prevalence of 31.9% among persons with skin ulcers. Individual community CL prevalence of 23.2%, 29.8%, and 36.8% was observed in Ashiabre, Keri, and Sibi Hilltop respectively among persons with skin ulcers. Conclusions/Significance Confirmation of CL in the study area suggests an active cycle of transmission of Leishmania infection. The observation of skin ulcers which tested negative to Leishmania infection suggests a need to test for additional causes of skin ulcers such as Treponema pallidum pertenue and Mycobacterium ulcerans in the study area. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by various species of female sandflies. CL usually begins as painless nodules and is usually characterized by skin ulcers which may be single or multiple. Although ulcers due to CL are often self-healing, they may become painful and result in scarring after healing. Typically, CL occurs on exposed parts of the body such as the neck, limbs, and face, which may be easily accessible to sandflies. Although cases of CL had previously been reported in some parts of the Volta region of Ghana, no previous case of CL had been reported in the Oti region. This study was initiated following reports of skin ulcers which were suggestive of CL in some communities of the Oti region. This study confirmed Leishmania infection in 150(25.5%) out of 595 skin ulcer samples obtained from 426 study participants. Given that 445(74,8%) of the skin ulcers tested negative for Leishmania parasite suggests a need for investigation of additional causes of skin ulcers such as yaws and Buruli ulcer in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Akuffo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Carmen Sanchez
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Chicharro
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eugenia Carrillo
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Naiki Attram
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Clara Yeboah
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Ghana Detachment, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Daniel Boakye
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jose-Antonio Ruiz-Postigo
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Javier Moreno
- WHO Collaborating Center for Leishmaniasis, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Wilson
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bismark Sarfo
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francis Anto
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Masoudzadeh N, Mizbani A, Rafati S. Transcriptomic profiling in Cutaneous Leishmaniasis patients. Expert Rev Proteomics 2020; 17:533-541. [PMID: 32886890 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2020.1812390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by different Leishmania parasite species, is associated with parasite-induced immune-mediated skin inflammation and ulceration. Whereas many CL studies focus on gene expression signatures in mouse models, the transcriptional response driving human patients in the field is less characterized. Human studies in CL disease provide the opportunity to directly investigate the host-pathogen interaction in the cutaneous lesion site. AREAS COVERED Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies, particularly their application for evaluation of the global gene expression changes, have made transcriptomics as a powerful tool to understand the pathogen-host molecular interactions. EXPERT COMMENTARY In this review, we focus on the transcriptomics studies that have been performed so far on human blood or tissue-driven samples to investigate Leishmania parasites interplay with the CL patients. Further, we summarize microarray and RNA-seq studies associated with lesion biopsies of CL patients to discuss how current whole genome analysis along with systems biology approaches have developed novel CL biomarkers for further applications, not only for research, but also for accelerating vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Masoudzadeh
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mizbani
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Sima Rafati
- Department of Immunotherapy and Leishmania Vaccine Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
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9
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Faridnia R, Kalani H, Hezarjaribi HZ, Denny PW, Rafie A, Fakhar M, Virgilio S. Apoptotic blebs from Leishmania major-infected macrophages as a new approach for cutaneous leishmaniasis vaccination. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104406. [PMID: 32738284 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104406] [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: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We focused on apoptotic blebs from Leishmania major-infected macrophages as a vaccine for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Apoptosis was induced in L. major-infected J774A.1 cells in order to prepare apoptotic blebs. Test groups of BALB/c mice were immunized with these at doses of 1 × 106, 5 × 106 or 1 × 107 blebs. An immunization control group received Leishmania lysate antigens. The results showed that as the number of apoptotic bodies increased, the lymphocyte proliferation index increased, and this was proportional to IFN-γ level in the test groups. Additionally, the difference of IFN-γ, IL-4, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, or total IgG (p < 0.0001) in all groups was statistically significant compared to the negative control group. The highest IFN-γ (514.0 ± 40.92 pg/mL) and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (2.94 ± 0.22) were observed in the group that received 1 × 107 apoptotic blebs. The highest levels of IL-4 (244.6 ± 38.8 pg/mL) and total IgG (5626 ± 377 μg/mL) were observed in the immunization control group. Reflecting these data, no lesions were observed in any of the groups vaccinated with apoptotic blebs after 12 weeks. In summary, the use of apoptotic blebs from L. major-infected macrophages is protective against the challenge with L. major in this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghiyeh Faridnia
- Student Research Committee, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hamed Kalani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Paul W Denny
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Global Infectious Disease, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - Alireza Rafie
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fakhar
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Iranian National Registry Center for Lophomoniasis and Toxoplasmosis, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| | - Stela Virgilio
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
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10
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E Silva RDF, de Oliveira BC, da Silva AA, Brelaz de Castro MCA, Ferreira LFGR, Hernandes MZ, de Brito MEF, de-Melo-Neto OP, Rezende AM, Pereira VRA. Immunogenicity of Potential CD4 + and CD8 + T Cell Epitopes Derived From the Proteome of Leishmania braziliensis. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3145. [PMID: 32117204 PMCID: PMC7033680 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A safe and effective vaccine against human leishmaniasis still requires the identification of better antigens for immunization and adequate models to evaluate the immune response. To support vaccine development, this work tested the immunogenicity of 10 different peptides derived from the proteome of Leishmania braziliensis, which were selected by their in silico affinity to MHC complexes. Research design and Methods: Comparative cell proliferation assays were performed by culturing, in the presence of each peptide, PBMC cells from subclinical subjects (SC), cutaneous leishmaniasis patients with active disease (AD), post-treatment (PT) individuals, and healthy controls. Culture supernatants were then used for Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokine measurements. Cells from selected PT samples were also used to assess the expression, by T cells, of the T-bet Th1 transcription factor. Results: A robust cell proliferation was observed for the SC group, for all the tested peptides. The levels of Th1 cytokines were peptide-dependent and had substantial variations between groups, where, for instance, IFN-γ and TNF levels were some of the highest, particularly on PT cultures, when compared to IL-2. On the other hand, Th2 cytokines displayed much less variation. IL-6 was the most abundant among all the evaluated cytokines while IL-4 and IL-10 could be found at much lower concentrations. IL-17 was also detected with variations in SC and AD groups. T-bet was up-regulated in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the PT group after stimulation with all peptides. Conclusions: The peptide epitopes can differentially stimulate cells from SC, AD, and PT individuals, leading to distinct immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael de Freitas E Silva
- Department of Natural Sciences, Universidade de Pernambuco, Garanhuns, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Carolina Accioly Brelaz de Castro
- Department of Immunology, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Brazil.,Parasitology Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Vitória de Santo Antão, Brazil
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11
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Activity of Chitosan and Its Derivatives against Leishmania major and Leishmania mexicana In Vitro. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.01772-19. [PMID: 31871082 PMCID: PMC7038302 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01772-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for safe, efficacious, affordable, and field-adapted drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, which newly affects around 1.5 million people worldwide annually. Chitosan, a biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, has previously been reported to have antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and immunostimulatory activities. There is an urgent need for safe, efficacious, affordable, and field-adapted drugs for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, which newly affects around 1.5 million people worldwide annually. Chitosan, a biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, has previously been reported to have antimicrobial, antileishmanial, and immunostimulatory activities. We investigated the in vitro activity of chitosan and several of its derivatives and showed that the pH of the culture medium plays a critical role in antileishmanial activity of chitosan against both extracellular promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania major and Leishmania mexicana. Chitosan and its derivatives were approximately 7 to 20 times more active at pH 6.5 than at pH 7.5, with high-molecular-weight chitosan being the most potent. High-molecular-weight chitosan stimulated the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species by uninfected and Leishmania-infected macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner at pH 6.5. Despite the in vitro activation of bone marrow macrophages by chitosan to produce nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, we showed that the antileishmanial activity of chitosan was not mediated by these metabolites. Finally, we showed that rhodamine-labeled chitosan is taken up by pinocytosis and accumulates in the parasitophorous vacuole of Leishmania-infected macrophages.
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12
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Zabala-Peñafiel A, Todd D, Daneshvar H, Burchmore R. The potential of live attenuated vaccines against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Exp Parasitol 2020; 210:107849. [PMID: 32027892 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem, typically affecting poor populations with limited access to health care. Control is largely dependent on chemotherapies that are inefficient, costly and challenging to deliver. Vaccination is an attractive and feasible alternative because long-term protection is typical in patients who recover from the disease. No human vaccine is yet approved for use, but several candidates are at various stages of testing. Live attenuated parasites, which stimulate long-term immune protection, have potential as effective vaccines, and their challenges relating to safety, formulation and delivery can be overcome. Here we review current data on the potential of live attenuated Leishmania vaccines and discuss possible routes to regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zabala-Peñafiel
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D Todd
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - H Daneshvar
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - R Burchmore
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Conceição-Silva F, Morgado FN. Leishmania Spp-Host Interaction: There Is Always an Onset, but Is There an End? Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:330. [PMID: 31608245 PMCID: PMC6761226 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
For a long time Leishmaniasis had been considered as a neglected tropical disease. Recently, it has become a priority in public health all over the world for different aspects such as geographic spread, number of population living at risk of infection as well as the potential lethality and/or the development of disfiguring lesions in the, respectively, visceral and tegumentary forms of the disease. As a result, several groups have been bending over this issue and many valuable data have been published. Nevertheless, parasite-host interactions are still not fully known and, consequently, we do not entirely understand the infection dynamics and parasite persistence. This knowledge may point targets for modulation or blockage, being very useful in the development of measures to interfere in the course of infection/ disease and to minimize the risks and morbidity. In the present review we will discuss some aspects of the Leishmania spp-mammalian host interaction in the onset of infection and after the clinical cure of the lesions. We will also examine the information already available concerning the parasite strategy to evade immune response mainly at the beginning of the infection, as well as during the parasite persistence. This knowledge can improve the conditions of treatment, follow-up and cure control of patients, minimizing the potential damages this protozoosis can cause to infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Conceição-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, IOC/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda N Morgado
- Laboratory of Leishmaniasis Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, IOC/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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16
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Moafi M, Rezvan H, Sherkat R, Taleban R. Leishmania Vaccines Entered in Clinical Trials: A Review of Literature. Int J Prev Med 2019; 10:95. [PMID: 31360342 PMCID: PMC6592111 DOI: 10.4103/ijpvm.ijpvm_116_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is considered as a zoonotic infection and neglected tropical disease. Leishmania treatment is not totally successful and imposes high expenditures, especially in developing countries. Since the natural infection leads to the robust immunity in most of the human cases, many bodies of research have been focusing on Leishmania vaccines, being capable to control Leishmania infection. First generation vaccines (such as Leishmune® and CaniLeish®) have proved robust protective immunity in dogs. In human, recombinant vaccines, including Leish-F1 could confer some degrees of protective immunity against natural infection. Recently, ChAd63-KH DNA vaccine has been accomplished in providing prevention against Leishmania infection; however, this vaccine should be further evaluated in other clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Moafi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Hossein Rezvan
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Roya Sherkat
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Taleban
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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17
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Leishmania major p27 gene knockout as a novel live attenuated vaccine candidate: Protective immunity and efficacy evaluation against cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. Vaccine 2019; 37:3221-3228. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Alves-Silva MV, Nico D, de Luca PM, Palatnik de-Sousa CB. The F1F3 Recombinant Chimera of Leishmania donovani-Nucleoside Hydrolase (NH36) and Its Epitopes Induce Cross-Protection Against Leishmania (V.) braziliensis Infection in Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:724. [PMID: 31024556 PMCID: PMC6465647 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (V.) braziliensis is the etiological agent of Cutaneous (CL) and Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (ML) in the New World. CL can be more benign but ML can be severe and disfiguring. Immunity to these diseases include hypersensitivity, an enhanced inflammatory response with strong IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion. Additionally, the production of IL-10 which down modulates the immune response is reduced. The Nucleoside hydrolase (NH36) of Leishmania (L.) donovani is the main antigen of the Leishmune veterinary vaccine and its F3 domain induces a CD4+ T cell-mediated protection against L. (L.) infantum chagasi infection. Prevention of L. (L.) amazonensis infection requires in contrast an additional CD8+ T cell mediated response induced by the F1 domain. Consequently, the F1F3 recombinant chimera, which contains both domains cloned in tandem, optimized the vaccine efficacy against L. (L.) amazonensis mouse infection. We compared the efficacies of NH36, F1, F3, and the FIF3 chimera against L. (V.) braziliensis mouse infection. The F1F3 chimera increased the NH36 specific IgA and response before and after infection and the IgG and IgG3 levels after challenge. It also induced a 49% stronger intradermal response to leishmanial antigen (IDR) than NH36 that was positively correlated to the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, IgG, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 anti-NH36 antibodies. However, stronger Th1 responses with elevated IFN-γ/IL-10 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratios were promoted by the F3 and F1 vaccines and detected in infected controls while the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest IL-10 secretion, which reduced the pathological Th1 response, and characterized the induction of a mixed and/or T-cell regulatory response. We identified the epitopes responsible for these immune responses. The F3 vaccine induced the earliest immunity and after challenge, the F1F3 chimera promoted the highest CD4+ and CD8+ cytokine-secreting T cell responses, and the predominant frequencies of multifunctional CD4+ and CD8+IL-2+TNF-α+IFN-γ+ T cells. Also as observed against L. (L.) amazonensis infection, the F1F3 chimera showed the strongest reduction of the ear lesions sizes induced by L. (V.) braziliensis. Our results confirm the potential use of the F1F3 chimera in a multi-species cross-protective vaccine against L. (V.) braziliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Vinícius Alves-Silva
- Laboratório de Biologia e Bioquímica de Leishmania, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia Vegetal e Bioprocessos, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dirlei Nico
- Laboratório de Biologia e Bioquímica de Leishmania, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula Melo de Luca
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clarisa B Palatnik de-Sousa
- Laboratório de Biologia e Bioquímica de Leishmania, Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Investigação em Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Transcutaneous immunization using SLA or rLACK skews the immune response towards a Th1 profile but fails to protect BALB/c mice against a Leishmania major challenge. Vaccine 2019; 37:516-523. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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Leishmania treatment and prevention: Natural and synthesized drugs. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 160:229-244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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21
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Egui A, Ledesma D, Pérez-Antón E, Montoya A, Gómez I, Robledo SM, Infante JJ, Vélez ID, López MC, Thomas MC. Phenotypic and Functional Profiles of Antigen-Specific CD4 + and CD8 + T Cells Associated With Infection Control in Patients With Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:393. [PMID: 30510917 PMCID: PMC6252334 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The host immunological response is a key factor determining the pathogenesis of cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is known that a Th1 cellular response is associated with infection control and that antigen-specific memory T cells are necessary for the development of a rapid and strong protective cellular response. The present manuscript reports the analysis of the functional and phenotypic profiles of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from patients cured of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), patients with an active process of cutaneous leishmaniasis, asymptomatic individuals with a positive Montenegro test and healthy donors (HD). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the patients exhibited a lymphoproliferative capacity after stimulation with total soluble protein from either Leishmania panamensis (SLpA) or Leishmania infantum (SLiA) or with a recombinant paraflagellar rod protein-1 (rPFR1). Higher frequencies of antigen-specific TNAIVE cells, mainly following stimulation with rPFR1, were observed in asymptomatic and cured patients than in patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis, while T cells from patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis showed a higher percentage of effector memory T cells (TEM for CD4+ T cells and TEMRA for CD8+ T cells). The amount of antigen-specific CD57+/CD8+ TEMRA cells in patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis was higher than that in cured patients and asymptomatic subjects. Regarding functionality, a more robust multifunctional CD8+ T cell response was detected in cured patients than in those with active cutaneous leishmaniasis. Moreover, cured patients showed a significant increase in the frequency of cells expressing a Th1-type cytotoxic production profile (IFN-γ+/granzyme-B/+perforin+). Patients with an active leishmaniosis process had a significantly higher frequency of CD8+ T cells expressing the inhibitory CD160 and 2B4 receptors than did cured patients. The expression profile observed in cured patients could be indicative of an imbalance toward a CD8+ Th1 response, which could be associated with infection control; consequently, the determination of this profile could be a useful tool for facilitating the clinical follow-up of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis. The results also suggest a possible exhaustion process of CD8+ T cells associated with the evolution of Leishmania infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Egui
- Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Darién Ledesma
- Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Elena Pérez-Antón
- Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Andrés Montoya
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Inmaculada Gómez
- Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Sara María Robledo
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Juan José Infante
- Bionaturis Group, Bioorganic Research and Services, S.A., Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
| | - Ivan Darío Vélez
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Manuel C López
- Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - M Carmen Thomas
- Molecular Biology Department, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina "López Neyra", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
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22
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Detect the presence of LeIF gene in the Leishmania tropica genome and sequence it. Meta Gene 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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23
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Sabur A, Bhowmick S, Chhajer R, Ejazi SA, Didwania N, Asad M, Bhattacharyya A, Sinha U, Ali N. Liposomal Elongation Factor-1α Triggers Effector CD4 and CD8 T Cells for Induction of Long-Lasting Protective Immunity against Visceral Leishmaniasis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:18. [PMID: 29441060 PMCID: PMC5797590 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances, identification and formulation of safe and effective vaccine for long-lasting protection against leishmaniasis is still inadequate. In this study, we have identified a novel antigen, leishmanial elongation factor-1α (EF1-α), as an immunodominant component of solubilized leishmanial membrane antigens that reacts with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) sera and induces cellular proliferative and cytokine response in PBMCs of cured VL subjects. Leishmanial EF1-α is a 50 kDa antigen that plays a crucial role in pathogen survival by regulating oxidative burst in the host phagocytes. Previously, immunodominant truncated forms of EF1-α from different species of Leishmania have been reported. Formulation of the L. donovani 36 kDa truncated as well as the cloned recombinant EF1-α in cationic liposomes induce strong resistance to parasitic burden in liver and spleen of BALB/c mice through induction of DTH and a IL-10 and TGF-β suppressed mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine responses. Multiparametric analysis of splenocytes for generation of antigen-specific IFN-γ, IL2, and TNF-α producing lymphocytes indicate that cationic liposome facilitates expansion of both CD4+ as well as CD8+ memory and effector T cells. Liposomal EF1-α is a novel and potent vaccine formulation against VL that imparts long-term protective responses. Moreover, the flexibility of this formulation opens up the scope to combine additional adjuvants and epitope selected antigens for use in other disease forms also.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdus Sabur
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Sudipta Bhowmick
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Rudra Chhajer
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmad Ejazi
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Nicky Didwania
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Mohammad Asad
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Anirban Bhattacharyya
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Utsa Sinha
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Nahid Ali
- Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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24
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Iniguez E, Schocker NS, Subramaniam K, Portillo S, Montoya AL, Al-Salem WS, Torres CL, Rodriguez F, Moreira OC, Acosta-Serrano A, Michael K, Almeida IC, Maldonado RA. An α-Gal-containing neoglycoprotein-based vaccine partially protects against murine cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006039. [PMID: 29069089 PMCID: PMC5673233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Protozoan parasites from the genus Leishmania cause broad clinical manifestations known as leishmaniases, which affect millions of people worldwide. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), caused by L. major, is one the most common forms of the disease in the Old World. There is no preventive or therapeutic human vaccine available for L. major CL, and existing drug treatments are expensive, have toxic side effects, and resistant parasite strains have been reported. Hence, further therapeutic interventions against the disease are necessary. Terminal, non-reducing, and linear α-galactopyranosyl (α-Gal) epitopes are abundantly found on the plasma membrane glycolipids of L. major known as glycoinositolphospholipids. The absence of these α-Gal epitopes in human cells makes these glycans highly immunogenic and thus potential targets for vaccine development against CL. Methodology/Principal findings Here, we evaluated three neoglycoproteins (NGPs), containing synthetic α-Gal epitopes covalently attached to bovine serum albumin (BSA), as vaccine candidates against L. major, using α1,3-galactosyltransferase-knockout (α1,3GalT-KO) mice. These transgenic mice, similarly to humans, do not express nonreducing, linear α-Gal epitopes in their cells and are, therefore, capable of producing high levels of anti-α-Gal antibodies. We observed that Galα(1,6)Galβ-BSA (NGP5B), but not Galα(1,4)Galβ-BSA (NGP12B) or Galα(1,3)Galα-BSA (NGP17B), was able to significantly reduce the size of footpad lesions by 96% in comparison to control groups. Furthermore, we observed a robust humoral and cellular immune response with production of high levels of protective lytic anti-α-Gal antibodies and induction of Th1 cytokines. Conclusions/Significance We propose that NGP5B is an attractive candidate for the study of potential synthetic α-Gal-neoglycoprotein-based vaccines against L. major infection. Despite a worldwide prevalence, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains largely neglected, with no prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine available. In the Old World, CL is mainly caused by either Leishmania major or L. tropica parasites, which produce localized cutaneous ulcers, often leading to scarring and social stigma. Currently, the disease has reached hyperendemicity levels in the Middle East due to conflict and human displacement. Furthermore, the first choice of treatment in that region continues to be pentavalent antimonials, which are costly and highly toxic, and current vector control measures alone are not sufficient to stop disease transmission. Hence, a vaccine against CL would be very beneficial. Previous studies have demonstrated that sugars are promising vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis, since most parasite species have a cell surface coat composed of immunogenic sugars, including linear α-galactopyranosyl (α-Gal) epitopes, which are absent in humans. Here, we have developed an α-Gal-based vaccine candidate, named NGP5B. When tested in transgenic mice which like humans lack α-Gal epitopes in their cells, NGP5B was able to induce a significant partial protection against L. major infection, by significantly reducing mouse footpad lesions and parasite burden. Altogether, we propose NGP5B as a promising preventive vaccine for CL caused by L. major.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Iniguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nathaniel S. Schocker
- Department of Chemistry, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Krishanthi Subramaniam
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Susana Portillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alba L. Montoya
- Department of Chemistry, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Waleed S. Al-Salem
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Caresse L. Torres
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Felipe Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Otacilio C. Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Acosta-Serrano
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Michael
- Department of Chemistry, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ICA); (RAM)
| | - Rosa A. Maldonado
- Department of Biological Sciences, Border Biomedical Research Center, the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ICA); (RAM)
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Caffeic acid combined with autoclaved Leishmania major boosted the protection of infected BALB/c mice by enhancing IgG2 production, IFN-γ/TGF-β and iNO synthase/arginase1 ratios, and the death of infected phagocytes. Inflammopharmacology 2017; 26:621-634. [DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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