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Diez A, Arrieta-Aguirre I, Carrano G, Fernandez-de-Larrinoa I, Moragues MD. A novel Candida albicans Als3, Hwp1 and Met6 derived complex peptide protects mice against hematogenously induced candidiasis. Vaccine 2024; 42:125990. [PMID: 38789371 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.038] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans can cause superficial or systemic infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Vaccination strategies targeting specific antigens of C. albicans have shown promise in providing protection against invasive candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the immuno-protective capacity of a KLH conjugated complex peptide, 3P-KLH, containing epitopes from C. albicans antigens Als3, Hwp1, and Met6 in a murine model of hematogenously induced candidiasis. Mice immunized with 3P-KLH raised a specific antibody response, and protection against C. albicans infection was assessed. Immunized mice exhibited significantly lower fungal load in their kidneys compared to the control group. Moreover, 37.5 % of immunized mice survived 21 days after the infection, while all control animals died within the first nine days. These findings suggest that the 3P-KLH complex peptide, targeting C. albicans key antigens, elicits a protective immune response and reduces the severity of systemic Candida infection. In addition, the high binding affinity of the selected epitopes with MHC II alleles further supports the potential immunogenicity of this peptide in humans. This research provides insights into the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches against invasive candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ander Diez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain; Department of Nursing I, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ines Arrieta-Aguirre
- Department of Nursing I, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
| | - Giulia Carrano
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
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Chechi JL, da Costa FAC, Figueiredo JM, de Souza CM, Valdez AF, Zamith-Miranda D, Camara AC, Taborda CP, Nosanchuk JD. Vaccine development for pathogenic fungi: current status and future directions. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:1136-1153. [PMID: 37936254 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2279570] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fungal infections are caused by a broad range of pathogenic fungi that are found worldwide with different geographic distributions, incidences, and mortality rates. Considering that there are relatively few approved medications available for combating fungal diseases and no vaccine formulation commercially available, multiple groups are searching for new antifungal drugs, examining drugs for repurposing and developing antifungal vaccines, in order to control deaths, sequels, and the spread of these complex infections. AREAS COVERED This review provides a summary of advances in fungal vaccine studies and the different approaches under development, such as subunit vaccines, whole organism vaccines, and DNA vaccines, as well as studies that optimize the use of adjuvants. We conducted a literature search of the PubMed with terms: fungal vaccines and genus of fungal pathogens (Cryptococcus spp. Candida spp. Coccidioides spp. Aspergillus spp. Sporothrix spp. Histoplasma spp. Paracoccidioides spp. Pneumocystis spp. and the Mucorales order), a total of 177 articles were collected from database. EXPERT OPINION Problems regarding the immune response development in an immunocompromised organism, the similarity between fungal and mammalian cells, and the lack of attention by health organizations to fungal infections are closely related to the fact that, at present, there are no fungal vaccines available for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica L Chechi
- Laboratório de Fungos Dimórficos Patogênicos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe A C da Costa
- Laboratório de Fungos Dimórficos Patogênicos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica (LIM-53), Departamento de Dermatologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
| | - Julia M Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Fungos Dimórficos Patogênicos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
| | - Cássia M de Souza
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Biologia Molecular de Fungos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
- Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo, Cruz (Fiocruz), Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Alessandro F Valdez
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Aline C Camara
- Laboratório de Fungos Dimórficos Patogênicos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica (LIM-53), Departamento de Dermatologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos P Taborda
- Laboratório de Fungos Dimórficos Patogênicos, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica (LIM-53), Departamento de Dermatologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, SP, SP, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are emerging diseases that kill over 1.5 million people per year worldwide. With the increase of immunocompromised populations, the incidence of invasive fungal infections is expected to continue to rise. Vaccines for viral and bacterial infectious diseases have had a transformative impact on human health worldwide. However, no fungal vaccines are currently in clinical use. Recently, interest in fungal vaccines has grown significantly. One Candida vaccine has completed phase 2 clinical trials, and research on vaccines against coccidioidomycosis continues to advance. Additionally, multiple groups have discovered various Cryptococcus mutant strains that promote protective responses to subsequent challenge in mouse models. There has also been progress in antibody-mediated fungal vaccines. In this review, we highlight recent fungal vaccine research progress, outline the wealth of data generated, and summarize current research for both fungal biology and immunology studies relevant to fungal vaccine development. We also review technological advancements in vaccine development and highlight the future prospects of a human vaccine against invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amariliz Rivera
- Department of Pediatrics and Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA;
| | - Jennifer Lodge
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA;
| | - Chaoyang Xue
- Public Health Research Institute and Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA;
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Jin Z, Dong YT, Liu S, Liu J, Qiu XR, Zhang Y, Zong H, Hou WT, Guo SY, Sun YF, Chen SM, Dong HQ, Li YY, An MM, Shen H. Potential of Polyethyleneimine as an Adjuvant To Prepare Long-Term and Potent Antifungal Nanovaccine. Front Immunol 2022; 13:843684. [PMID: 35651617 PMCID: PMC9149211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.843684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Candida albicans infections are particularly prevalent in immunocompromised patients. Even with appropriate treatment with current antifungal drugs, the mortality rate of invasive candidiasis remains high. Many positive results have been achieved in the current vaccine development. There are also issues such as the vaccine's protective effect is not persistent. Considering the functionality and cost of the vaccine, it is important to develop safe and efficient new vaccines with long-term effects. In this paper, an antifungal nanovaccine with Polyethyleneimine (PEI) as adjuvant was constructed, which could elicit more effective and long-term immunity via stimulating B cells to differentiate into long-lived plasma cells. Materials and Methods Hsp90-CTD is an important target for protective antibodies during disseminated candidiasis. Hsp90-CTD was used as the antigen, then introduced SDS to "charge" the protein and added PEI to form the nanovaccine. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope were conducted to identify the size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology of nanovaccine. The antibody titers in mice immunized with the nanovaccine were measured by ELISA. The activation and maturation of long-lived plasma cells in bone marrow by nanovaccine were also investigated via flow cytometry. Finally, the kidney of mice infected with Candida albicans was stained with H&E and PAS to evaluate the protective effect of antibody in serum produced by immunized mice. Results Nanoparticles (NP) formed by Hsp90-CTD and PEI are small, uniform, and stable. NP had an average size of 116.2 nm with a PDI of 0.13. After immunizing mice with the nanovaccine, it was found that the nano-group produced antibodies faster and for a longer time. After 12 months of immunization, mice still had high and low levels of antibodies in their bodies. Results showed that the nanovaccine could promote the differentiation of B cells into long-lived plasma cells and maintain the long-term existence of antibodies in vivo. After immunization, the antibodies in mice could protect the mice infected by C. albicans. Conclusion As an adjuvant, PEI can promote the differentiation of B cells into long-lived plasma cells to maintain long-term antibodies in vivo. This strategy can be adapted for the future design of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Ting Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Ran Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Tong Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Fang Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Qing Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Yong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mao-Mao An
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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5
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Kischkel B, Boniche-Alfaro C, Menezes IDG, Rossi SA, Angeli CB, de Almeida SR, Palmisano G, Lopes-Bezerra L, Nosanchuk JD, Taborda CP. Immunoproteomic and Immunopeptidomic Analyses of Histoplasma capsulatum Reveal Promiscuous and Conserved Epitopes Among Fungi With Vaccine Potential. Front Immunol 2021; 12:764501. [PMID: 34880863 PMCID: PMC8645968 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.764501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As there are more than 6 million human deaths due to mycoses each year, there is an urgent need to develop fungal vaccines. Moreover, given the similarities among pathogenic fungi, it may be possible to create a multi-fungi vaccine. In this study, we combined immunoproteomic and immunopeptidomic methods, for which we have adapted a technique based on co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) that made it possible to map Histoplasma capsulatum epitopes for the first time in a natural context using murine dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (Mφ). Although polysaccharide epitopes exist, this research focused on mapping protein epitopes as these are more immunogenic. We used different algorithms to screen proteins and peptides identified by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-D) and Co-IP. Seventeen proteins were revealed by 2-D gels, and 45 and 24 peptides from distinct proteins were presented by DCs and Mφ, respectively. We then determined which epitopes were restricted to MHC-I and II from humans and mice and showed high promiscuity, but lacked identity with human proteins. The 4 most promising peptides were synthesized, and the peptides with and without incorporation into glucan particles induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation and produced a Th1 and Th17 response marked by the secretion of high levels of IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-2. These epitopes were from heat shock protein 60, enolase, and the ATP-dependent molecular chaperone HSC82, and they each have a high degree of identity with proteins expressed by other medically important pathogenic fungi. Thus, the epitopes described in this study have the potential for use in the development of vaccines that could result in cross-protection among fungal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Kischkel
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Boniche-Alfaro
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela de Godoy Menezes
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suelen Andreia Rossi
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Blanes Angeli
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandro Rogério de Almeida
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leila Lopes-Bezerra
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Dermatology, Tropical Medicine Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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6
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β-glucan as a promising food additive and immunostimulant in aquaculture industry. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2021-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The use of antibiotics in aquatic feed reduces the incidence of disease and enhances growth performance, although it presents harmful effects, such as development of resistant bacteria and accumulation in the natural environment. A variety of immune stimulants including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, phytobiotics, organic acids, nucleotides, antioxidants, microalgae, yeast and enzymes have been used in the aquaculture industry. In recent decades, much attention has been paid on finding a variety of immunostimulants with lower cost which also affect specific and non-specific immunity and improve fish resistance against a wide range of pathogens. These stimulants strengthen the fish’s immune system by increasing the number of phagocytes, lysozyme activity and level of immunoglobulin. The use of immune stimulants as an effective tool to overcome diseases and strengthen the immune system of farmed species, leads to the promotion of cellular and humoral defense mechanisms and increases resistance to infectious diseases. Among these immunostimulants used in aquaculture, β-glucans are of particular importance. Glucans are complex polysaccharide compounds extracted from the cell wall of yeasts and fungi. These compounds can stimulate fish growth, survival, and immune function. Therefore, this review discusses the role and importance of β-glucan as a food additive in aquaculture and examines the impact of these compounds on the growth performance, immunity and biochemical parameters of farmed species.
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7
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Boniche-Alfaro C, Kischkel B, Thomaz L, Carvalho-Gomes MM, Lopes-Bezerra LM, Nosanchuk JD, Taborda CP. Antibody- Based Immunotherapy Combined With Antimycotic Drug TMP- SMX to Treat Infection With Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:725882. [PMID: 34737741 PMCID: PMC8562153 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.725882] [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: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are promising alternatives to treat infectious diseases, especially given their potential for applications in combination therapies with antimicrobial drugs to enhance the antifungal efficacy. Protection mediated by mAbs used to treat experimental paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) has been demonstrated previously. Our aim in the present work was to characterize a monoclonal antibody (mAbF1.4) raised against a cell wall glycoconjugate fraction of Paracoccidioides spp. and to analyze its efficacy combined with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) as treatment for experimental PCM. We demonstrated that the epitope recognized by mAbF1.4 is consistent with branched glucose residues present on a cell wall β-glucan polymer. In vitro, mAbF1.4 increased the phagocytic capacity and nitric oxide concentration induced by the macrophage cell line J774.1A, and this resulted in a significant reduction in the viability of the opsonophagocytized yeasts. In vivo, we detected a significant reduction in pulmonary fungal burdens of mice treated with mAbF1.4 in association with TMP/SMX, which correlated with increased pulmonary concentrations (determined by ELISA) of IFN- γ, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-17. In parallel, we observed a decrease in IL-4, suggesting that the treatment was associated with a mixed Th1-Th17 type immune response. Histopathology of lung segments from mice receiving the combination therapy showed a significant reduction in granulomas, which were well-defined, and improved maintenance of lung architecture. These findings demonstrate that mAbF1.4 + TMP/SMX therapy is a promising approach to combat PCM as well as decrease disease sequelae and highlights the potential benefits of immune mediators in PCM combined immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Boniche-Alfaro
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenda Kischkel
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciana Thomaz
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Leila M Lopes-Bezerra
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,BIDiagnostics, Centro de Inovação, Empreendedorismo e Tecnologia (CIETEC)/Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joshua Daniel Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases), Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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8
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Burger E. Paracoccidioidomycosis Protective Immunity. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7020137. [PMID: 33668671 PMCID: PMC7918802 DOI: 10.3390/jof7020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective immunity against Paracoccidioides consists of a stepwise activation of numerous effector mechanisms that comprise many cellular and soluble components. At the initial phase of non-specific innate immunity, resistance against Paracoccidioides comes from phagocytic polymorphonuclear neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells and monocytes, supplemented by soluble factors such as cytokines and complement system components. Invariant receptors (Toll-like receptors (TLRs), Dectins) which are present in cells of the immune system, detect patterns present in Paracoccidioides (but not in the host) informing the hosts cells that there is an infection in progress, and that the acquired immunity must be activated. The role of components involved in the innate immunity of paracoccidioidomycosis is herein presented. Humoral immunity, represented by specific antibodies which control the fungi in the blood and body fluids, and its role in paracoccidioidomycosis (which was previously considered controversial) is also discussed. The protective mechanisms (involving various components) of cellular immunity are also discussed, covering topics such as: lysis by activated macrophages and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the participation of lytic products, and the role of cytokines secreted by T helper lymphocytes in increasing the efficiency of Paracoccidioides, lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Burger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas 37130-001, Brazil
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9
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Scorzoni L, Alves de Paula e Silva AC, de Oliveira HC, Tavares dos Santos C, de Lacorte Singulani J, Akemi Assato P, Maria Marcos C, Teodoro Oliveira L, Ferreira Fregonezi N, Rossi DCP, Buffoni Roque da Silva L, Pelleschi Taborda C, Fusco-Almeida AM, Soares Mendes-Giannini MJ. In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of Peptides Derived from 14-3-3 Paracoccidioides spp. Protein. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010052. [PMID: 33451062 PMCID: PMC7828505 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a chronic disease that causes sequelae and requires prolonged treatment; therefore, new therapeutic approaches are necessary. In view of this, three peptides from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis 14-3-3 protein were selected based on its immunogenicity and therapeutic potential. Methods: The in vitro antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of the 14-3-3 peptides were evaluated. The influence of the peptides in immunological and survival aspects was evaluated in vivo, using Galleria mellonella and the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in Caenorhabditis elegans. Results: None of the peptides were toxic to HaCaT (skin keratinocyte), MRC-5 (lung fibroblast), and A549 (pneumocyte) cell lines, and only P1 exhibited antifungal activity against Paracoccidioides spp. The peptides could induce an immune response in G. mellonella. Moreover, the peptides caused a delay in the death of Paracoccidioides spp. infected larvae. Regarding C. elegans, the three peptides were able to increase the expression of the antimicrobial peptides. These peptides had essential effects on different aspects of Paracoccidioides spp. infection showing potential for a therapeutic vaccine. Future studies using mammalian methods are necessary to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Scorzoni
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Ana Carolina Alves de Paula e Silva
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Claudia Tavares dos Santos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Junya de Lacorte Singulani
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Patricia Akemi Assato
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Caroline Maria Marcos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Lariane Teodoro Oliveira
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Nathália Ferreira Fregonezi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Diego Conrado Pereira Rossi
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (D.C.P.R.); (L.B.R.d.S.); (C.P.T.)
| | - Leandro Buffoni Roque da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (D.C.P.R.); (L.B.R.d.S.); (C.P.T.)
| | - Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (D.C.P.R.); (L.B.R.d.S.); (C.P.T.)
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
| | - Maria José Soares Mendes-Giannini
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo 14800-903, Brazil; (L.S.); (A.C.A.d.P.eS.); (H.C.d.O.); (C.T.d.S.); (J.d.L.S.); (P.A.A.); (C.M.M.); (L.T.O.); (N.F.F.); (A.M.F.-A.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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de Araújo MV, Santos Júnior SRD, Nosanchuk JD, Taborda CP. Therapeutic Vaccination with Cationic Liposomes Formulated with Dioctadecyldimethylammonium and Trehalose Dibehenate (CAF01) and Peptide P10 Is Protective in Mice Infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040347. [PMID: 33302372 PMCID: PMC7762540 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040347] [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: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The peptide P10 is a vaccine candidate for Paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic mycosis caused by fungal species of the genus Paracoccidioides spp. We have previously shown that peptide P10 vaccination, in the presence of several different adjuvants, induced a protective cellular immune response mediated by CD4+ Th1 lymphocytes that was associated with the increased production of IFN-γ in mice challenged with a virulent isolate of Paracoccidoides brasiliensis. Cationic liposomes formulated with dioctadecyldimethylammonium and trehalose dibehenate (DDA/TDB, termed also CAF01–cationic adjuvant formulation) have been developed for safe administration in humans and CAF01 liposomes are utilized as an adjuvant for modulating a robust Th1/Th17 cellular response. We evaluated the efficacy of the adsorption of peptide P10 to CAF01 cationic liposomes and used the generated liposomes to vaccinate C57Bl/6 mice infected with P. brasiliensis. Our results showed that P10 was efficiently adsorbed onto CAF01 liposomes. The vaccination of infected mice with cationic liposomes formulated with DDA/TDB 250/50 µg/mL and 20 µg of P10 induced an effective cellular immune response with increased levels of Th17 cytokines, which correlated with significant decreases in the fungal burdens in lungs and protective granulomatous tissue responses. Hence, cationic liposomes of DDA/TDB 250/50 µg/mL with 20 µg of P10 are a promising therapeutic for safely and effectively improving the treatment of paracoccidioidomycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Valdemir de Araújo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.V.d.A.); (S.R.D.S.J.)
| | - Samuel Rodrigues Dos Santos Júnior
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.V.d.A.); (S.R.D.S.J.)
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Disease), Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.V.d.A.); (S.R.D.S.J.)
- Departamento de Dermatologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo—LIM53, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 4023-062, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7351
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11
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Kischkel B, Rossi SA, Santos SR, Nosanchuk JD, Travassos LR, Taborda CP. Therapies and Vaccines Based on Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Systemic Fungal Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:463. [PMID: 33014889 PMCID: PMC7502903 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment modalities for systemic mycoses are still limited. Currently, the main antifungal therapeutics include polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins. However, even in the setting of appropriate administration of antifungals, mortality rates remain unacceptably high. Moreover, antifungal therapy is expensive, treatment periods can range from weeks to years, and toxicity is also a serious concern. In recent years, the increased number of immunocompromised individuals has contributed to the high global incidence of systemic fungal infections. Given the high morbidity and mortality rates, the complexity of treatment strategies, drug toxicity, and the worldwide burden of disease, there is a need for new and efficient therapeutic means to combat invasive mycoses. One promising avenue that is actively being pursued is nanotechnology, to develop new antifungal therapies and efficient vaccines, since it allows for a targeted delivery of drugs and antigens, which can reduce toxicity and treatment costs. The goal of this review is to discuss studies using nanoparticles to develop new therapeutic options, including vaccination methods, to combat systemic mycoses caused by Candida sp., Cryptococcus sp., Paracoccidioides sp., Histoplasma sp., Coccidioides sp., and Aspergillus sp., in addition to providing important information on the use of different types of nanoparticles, nanocarriers and their corresponding mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Kischkel
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Suélen A Rossi
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel R Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine [Division of Infectious Diseases], Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Luiz R Travassos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos P Taborda
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology-Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo/LIM53/Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Intranasal Vaccine Using P10 Peptide Complexed within Chitosan Polymeric Nanoparticles as Experimental Therapy for Paracoccidioidomycosis in Murine Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030160. [PMID: 32887256 PMCID: PMC7560165 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a granulomatous fungal disease caused by the dimorphic fungal species of Paracoccidioides, which mainly affects the lungs. Modern strategies for the treatment and/or prevention of PCM are based on a Th1-type immune response, which is important for controlling the disease. One of the most studied candidates for a vaccine is the P10 peptide, derived from the 43 kDa glycoprotein of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. In order to improve its immune modulatory effect, the P10 peptide was associated with a chitosan-conjugated nanoparticle. The nanoparticles presented 220 nm medium size, poly dispersion index (PDI) below 0.5, zeta potential of +20 mV and encapsulation efficiency around 90%. The nanoparticles' non-toxicity was verified by hemolytic test and cell viability using murine macrophages. The nanoparticles were stable and presented physicochemical characteristics desirable for biological applications, reducing the fungal load and the usual standard concentration of the peptide from 4 to 20 times.
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13
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Advances in Fungal Peptide Vaccines. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030119. [PMID: 32722452 PMCID: PMC7558412 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the greatest public health achievements in the past century, protecting and improving the quality of life of the population worldwide. However, a safe and effective vaccine for therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of fungal infections is not yet available. The lack of a vaccine for fungi is a problem of increasing importance as the incidence of diverse species, including Paracoccidioides, Aspergillus, Candida, Sporothrix, and Coccidioides, has increased in recent decades and new drug-resistant pathogenic fungi are emerging. In fact, our antifungal armamentarium too frequently fails to effectively control or cure mycoses, leading to high rates of mortality and morbidity. With this in mind, many groups are working towards identifying effective and safe vaccines for fungal pathogens, with a particular focus of generating vaccines that will work in individuals with compromised immunity who bear the major burden of infections from these microbes. In this review, we detail advances in the development of vaccines for pathogenic fungi, and highlight new methodologies using immunoproteomic techniques and bioinformatic tools that have led to new vaccine formulations, like peptide-based vaccines.
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14
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Boniche C, Rossi SA, Kischkel B, Vieira Barbalho F, Nogueira D’Aurea Moura Á, Nosanchuk JD, Travassos LR, Pelleschi Taborda C. Immunotherapy against Systemic Fungal Infections Based on Monoclonal Antibodies. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6010031. [PMID: 32121415 PMCID: PMC7151209 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence in systemic fungal infections in humans has increased focus for the development of fungal vaccines and use of monoclonal antibodies. Invasive mycoses are generally difficult to treat, as most occur in vulnerable individuals, with compromised innate and adaptive immune responses. Mortality rates in the setting of our current antifungal drugs remain excessively high. Moreover, systemic mycoses require prolonged durations of antifungal treatment and side effects frequently occur, particularly drug-induced liver and/or kidney injury. The use of monoclonal antibodies with or without concomitant administration of antifungal drugs emerges as a potentially efficient treatment modality to improve outcomes and reduce chemotherapy toxicities. In this review, we focus on the use of monoclonal antibodies with experimental evidence on the reduction of fungal burden and prolongation of survival in in vivo disease models. Presently, there are no licensed monoclonal antibodies for use in the treatment of systemic mycoses, although the potential of such a vaccine is very high as indicated by the substantial promising results from several experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Boniche
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Microbiology, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.); (S.A.R.); (B.K.); (F.V.B.)
| | - Suélen Andreia Rossi
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Microbiology, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.); (S.A.R.); (B.K.); (F.V.B.)
| | - Brenda Kischkel
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Microbiology, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.); (S.A.R.); (B.K.); (F.V.B.)
| | - Filipe Vieira Barbalho
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Microbiology, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.); (S.A.R.); (B.K.); (F.V.B.)
| | - Ágata Nogueira D’Aurea Moura
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Luiz R. Travassos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 04021-001, Brazil;
| | - Carlos Pelleschi Taborda
- Biomedical Sciences Institute, Department of Microbiology, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (C.B.); (S.A.R.); (B.K.); (F.V.B.)
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil;
- Correspondence:
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15
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de Oliveira FFM, Paredes V, de Sousa HR, D'Áurea Moura ÁN, Riasco-Palacios J, Casadevall A, Felipe MSS, Nicola AM. Thioredoxin Reductase 1 Is a Highly Immunogenic Cell Surface Antigen in Paracoccidioides spp., Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2930. [PMID: 31993026 PMCID: PMC6964600 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02930] [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: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of immunocompromised people has made invasive fungal infections more common. The antifungal armamentarium, in contrast, is limited to a few classes of drugs, with frequent toxicity and low efficacy pointing to the need for new agents. Antibodies are great candidates for novel antifungals, as their specificity can result in lower toxicity. Additionally, the immunomodulatory activity of antibodies could treat the underlying cause of many invasive mycoses, immune disfunction. In a previous comparative genomics study, we identified several potential targets for novel antifungals. Here we validate one of these targets, thioredoxin reductase (TRR1), to produce antibodies that could be useful therapeutic tools. Recombinant TRR1 proteins were produced by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli of genes encoding the proteins from Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Paracoccidioides lutzii. These proteins were then used to immunize mice, followed by detection of serum antibodies against them by ELISA and western blot. A first set of experiments in which individual mice were immunized repeatedly with TRR1 from a single species showed that all three were highly immunogenic, inducing mostly IgG1 antibodies, and that antibodies produced against one species cross-reacted with the others. In a second experiment, individual mice were immunized three times, each with the protein from a different species. The high titers of antibodies confirmed the presence of antigenic epitopes that were conserved in fungi but absent in humans. Immunofluorescence with sera from these immunized mice detected the protein in the cytoplasm and on the cell surface of fungi from all three species. These results validate TRR1 as a good target for potentially broad-spectrum antifungal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Freire Mendes de Oliveira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Verenice Paredes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Karan Technologies Research and Development, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Ágata Nogueira D'Áurea Moura
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences II, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maria Sueli Soares Felipe
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - André Moraes Nicola
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Karan Technologies Research and Development, Brasília, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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16
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Vaccine Development to Systemic Mycoses by Thermally Dimorphic Fungi. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-019-00179-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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17
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Immunoprotection elicited in rabbit by a chimeric protein containing B-cell epitopes of Sphingomyelinases D from Loxosceles spp. spiders. Vaccine 2018; 36:7324-7330. [PMID: 30352745 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Accidents with venomous animals pose a health issue in Brazil, and those involving brown spiders (Loxosceles sp.) figure between the most frequent ones. The accidental envenomation by brown spiders causes a strong local dermonecrotic effect, which can be followed by systemic manifestations that in some cases lead to death. The production of antivenoms for the treatments of such accidents relies on a variety of animal experiments, from the spider venom extraction to the production of antivenom in horses. In the present work, there is an attempt to reduce and optimize animal experiments with the construction and production of a chimeric protein, named Lil, containing immunodominant epitopes previously mapped from the main proteins of the Loxosceles venom, the Sphingomyelinases D. The Lil protein contains epitopes from Sphinomyelinases D of the three-main species found in Brazil and this chimeric protein was found capable of inducing antibodies with the potential to partially neutralize the toxic effects of Loxosceles intermedia venom in an animal model. Therefore, in order to reduce spider usage and to improve the lifespan of the horses used for immunization we suggest the Lil protein as a potential candidate to replace the venom usage in the antivenom production protocols.
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18
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An immunoproteomic approach revealing peptides from Sporothrix brasiliensis that induce a cellular immune response in subcutaneous sporotrichosis. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29520092 PMCID: PMC5843658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22709-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most virulent fungus of the Sporothrix complex and is the main species recovered in the sporotrichosis zoonotic hyperendemic area in Rio de Janeiro. A vaccine against S. brasiliensis could improve the current sporotrichosis situation. Here, we show 3 peptides from S. brasiliensis immunogenic proteins that have a higher likelihood for engaging MHC-class II molecules. We investigated the efficiency of the peptides as vaccines for preventing subcutaneous sporotrichosis. In this study, we observed a decrease in lesion diameters in peptide-immunized mice, showing that the peptides could induce a protective immune response against subcutaneous sporotrichosis. ZR8 peptide is from the GP70 protein, the main antigen of the Sporothrix complex, and was the best potential vaccine candidate by increasing CD4+ T cells and higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-1β characterizing a strong cellular immune response. This immune environment induced a higher number of neutrophils in lesions that are associated with fungus clearance. These results indicated that the ZR8 peptide induces a protective immune response against subcutaneous sporotrichosis and is a vaccine candidate against S. brasiliensis infection.
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19
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Taborda CP, Nosanchuk JD. Editorial: Vaccines, Immunotherapy and New Antifungal Therapy against Fungi: Updates in the New Frontier. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1743. [PMID: 28951730 PMCID: PMC5599784 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos P Taborda
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Medical Mycology, Institute of Tropical Medicine of São Paulo-LIM53/Medical School, University of São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronx, NY, United States
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