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Vergara EJ, Tran AC, Paul MJ, Harrison T, Cooper A, Reljic R. A modified mycobacterial growth inhibition assay for the functional assessment of vaccine-mediated immunity. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:123. [PMID: 38956057 PMCID: PMC11219912 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00906-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) is an ex-vivo assay used to measure the overall functional immune response elicited by infection or vaccination. In tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development, MGIA is a potentially important tool for preclinical evaluation of early-stage vaccine candidates to complement existing assays, and to potentially reduce the need for lengthy and costly pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) animal challenge experiments. The conventional method of MGIA in mice entails directly infecting mixed cell cultures, most commonly splenocytes, from immunised mice with mycobacteria. However, this direct infection of mixed cell populations may yield unreliable results and lacks sufficient sensitivity to discriminate well between different vaccines due to the low number of mycobacteria-permissive cells. Here, we modified the assay by inclusion of mycobacteria-infected congenic murine macrophage cell lines as the target cells, and by measuring the total number of killed cells rather than the relative reduction between different groups. Thus, using splenocytes from Mycobacterium bovis BCG immunised mice, and J774 and MH-S (BALB/c background) or BL/6-M (C57Bl/6 background) macrophage cell lines, we demonstrated that the modified assay resulted in at least 26-fold greater mycobacterial killing per set quantity of splenocytes as compared to the conventional method. This increased sensitivity of measuring mycobacterial killing was confirmed using both the standard culture forming unit (CFU) assay and luminescence readings of luciferase-tagged virulent and avirulent mycobacteria. We propose that the modified MGIA can be used as a highly calibrated tool for quantitating the killing capacity of immune cells in preclinical evaluation of vaccine candidates for TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Joseph Vergara
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Andy Cano Tran
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Paul
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Harrison
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Cooper
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rajko Reljic
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
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2
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Painter H, Willcocks S, Zelmer A, Reljic R, Tanner R, Fletcher H. Demonstrating the utility of the ex vivo murine mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) for high-throughput screening of tuberculosis vaccine candidates against multiple Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2024; 146:102494. [PMID: 38367368 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2024.102494] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Human tuberculosis (TB) is caused by various members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex. Differences in host response to infection have been reported, illustrative of a need to evaluate efficacy of novel vaccine candidates against multiple strains in preclinical studies. We previously showed that the murine lung and spleen direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) can be used to assess control of ex vivo mycobacterial growth by host cells. The number of mice required for the assay is significantly lower than in vivo studies, facilitating testing of multiple strains and/or the incorporation of other cellular analyses. Here, we provide proof-of-concept that the murine MGIA can be applied to evaluate vaccine-induced protection against multiple Mtb clinical isolates. Using an ancient and modern strain of the Mtb complex, we demonstrate that ex vivo bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-mediated mycobacterial growth inhibition recapitulates protection observed in the lung and spleen following in vivo infection of mice. Further, we provide the first report of cellular and transcriptional correlates of BCG-induced growth inhibition in the lung MGIA. The ex vivo MGIA represents a promising platform to gain early insight into vaccine performance against a collection of Mtb strains and improve preclinical evaluation of TB vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Painter
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Sam Willcocks
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Andrea Zelmer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Rajko Reljic
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Rachel Tanner
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Helen Fletcher
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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3
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Wajja A, Nassanga B, Natukunda A, Serubanja J, Tumusiime J, Akurut H, Oduru G, Nassuuna J, Kabagenyi J, Morrison H, Scott H, Doherty RP, Marshall JL, Puig IC, Cose S, Kaleebu P, Webb EL, Satti I, McShane H, Elliott AM. Safety and immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 85A prime followed by MVA85A boost compared with BCG revaccination among Ugandan adolescents who received BCG at birth: a randomised, open-label trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:285-296. [PMID: 38012890 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00501-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BCG confers reduced, variable protection against pulmonary tuberculosis. A more effective vaccine is needed. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of candidate regimen ChAdOx1 85A-MVA85A compared with BCG revaccination among Ugandan adolescents. METHODS After ChAdOx1 85A dose escalation and age de-escalation, we did a randomised open-label phase 2a trial among healthy adolescents aged 12-17 years, who were BCG vaccinated at birth, without evident tuberculosis exposure, in Entebbe, Uganda. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a block size of 6, to ChAdOx1 85A followed by MVA85A (on day 56) or BCG (Moscow strain). Laboratory staff were masked to group assignment. Primary outcomes were solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) up to day 28 and serious adverse events (SAEs) throughout the trial; and IFN-γ ELISpot response to antigen 85A (day 63 [geometric mean] and days 0-224 [area under the curve; AUC). FINDINGS Six adults (group 1, n=3; group 2, n=3) and six adolescents (group 3, n=3; group 4, n=3) were enrolled in the ChAdOx1 85A-only dose-escalation and age de-escalation studies (July to August, 2019). In the phase 2a trial, 60 adolescents were randomly assigned to ChAdOx1 85A-MVA85A (group 5, n=30) or BCG (group 6, n=30; December, 2019, to October, 2020). All 60 participants from groups 5 and 6 were included in the safety analysis, with 28 of 30 from group 5 (ChAdOx1 85A-MVA85A) and 29 of 30 from group 6 (BCG revaccination) analysed for immunogenicity outcomes. In the randomised trial, 60 AEs were reported among 23 (77%) of 30 participants following ChAdOx1 85A-MVA85A, 31 were systemic, with one severe event that occurred after the MVA85A boost that was rapidly self-limiting. All 30 participants in the BCG revaccination group reported at least one mild to moderate solicited AE; most were local reactions. There were no SAEs in either group. Ag85A-specific IFN-γ ELISpot responses peaked on day 63 in the ChAdOx1 85A-MVA85A group and were higher in the ChAdOx1 85A-MVA85A group compared with the BCG revaccination group (geometric mean ratio 30·59 [95% CI 17·46-53·59], p<0·0001, day 63; AUC mean difference 57 091 [95% CI 40 524-73 658], p<0·0001, days 0-224). INTERPRETATION The ChAdOx1 85A-MVA85A regimen was safe and induced stronger Ag85A-specific responses than BCG revaccination. Our findings support further development of booster tuberculosis vaccines. FUNDING UK Research and Innovations and Medical Research Council. TRANSLATIONS For the Swahili and Luganda translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Wajja
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Beatrice Nassanga
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Joel Serubanja
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Helen Akurut
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Gloria Oduru
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | - Hazel Morrison
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Hannah Scott
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Powell Doherty
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julia L Marshall
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ingrid Cabrera Puig
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen Cose
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Pontiano Kaleebu
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emily L Webb
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Iman Satti
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen McShane
- The Jenner Institute, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison M Elliott
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Painter H, Harriss E, Fletcher HA, McShane H, Tanner R. Development and application of the direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay: a systematic review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1355983. [PMID: 38380319 PMCID: PMC10877019 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction First described by Wallis et al. in 2001 for the assessment of TB drugs, the direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) offers a tractable ex vivo tool measuring the combined influences of host immunity, strain virulence and intervention effects. Over the past 13 years, we have led efforts to adapt the direct MGIA for the assessment of TB vaccines including optimisation, harmonisation and validation of BCG vaccine-induced responses as a benchmark, as well as assay transfer to institutes worldwide. Methods We have performed a systematic review on the primary published literature describing the development and applications of the direct MGIA from 2001 to June 2023 in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines. Results We describe 63 studies in which the direct MGIA has been applied across species for the evaluation of TB drugs and novel TB vaccine candidates, the study of clinical cohorts including those with comorbidities, and to further understanding of potential immune correlates of protection from TB. We provide a comprehensive update on progress of the assay since its conception and critically evaluate current findings and evidence supporting its utility, highlighting priorities for future directions. Discussion While further standardisation and validation work is required, significant advancements have been made in the past two decades. The direct MGIA provides a potentially valuable tool for the early evaluation of TB drug and vaccine candidates, clinical cohorts, and immune mechanisms of mycobacterial control. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023423491.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Painter
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eli Harriss
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Helen A. Fletcher
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen McShane
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Tanner
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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5
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Fan X, Zhao X, Wang R, Li M, Luan X, Wang R, Wan K, Liu H. A novel multistage antigens ERA005f confer protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis by driving Th-1 and Th-17 type T cell immune responses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1276887. [PMID: 38022539 PMCID: PMC10662081 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a major threat to human health. In 2021, TB was the second leading cause of death after COVID-19 among infectious diseases. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG), the only licensed TB vaccine, is ineffective against adult TB. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new effective vaccines. Methods In this study, we developed a novel multistage subunit vaccine (ERA005f) comprising various proteins expressed in metabolic states, based on three immunodominant antigens (ESAT-6, Rv2628, and Ag85B). We utilized the E. coli prokaryotic expression system to express ERA005f and subsequently purified the protein using nickel affinity chromatography and anion exchange. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of ERA005f and ERA005m were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Results ERA005f was consistently expressed as an inclusion body in a prokaryotic expression system, and a highly pure form of the protein was successfully obtained. Both ERA005f and ERA005m significantly improved IgG titers in the serum. In addition, mice immunized with ERA005f and ERA005m generated higher titers of antigen-specific IgG2a than the other groups. Elispot results showed that, compared with other groups, ERA005f increased the numbers of IFN-γ-secreting and IL-4-secreting T cells, especially the number of IFN-γ-secreting T cells. Meanwhile, ERA005f induced a higher number of IFN-γ+ T lymphocytes than ERA005m did. In addition, ERA005f improved the expression of cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-12p70, TNF-α, IL-17, and GM-CSF and so on. Importantly, both ERA005f and ERA005m significantly inhibited the growth of Mtb. Conclusion The novel multistage antigen ERA005f elicited a strong antigen-specific humoral response and Th-1 and Th-17 cell-mediated immunity in mice. Meanwhile, it can effectively inhibit H37Rv growth in vitro, and represents a correlate of protection in vivo, indicating that ERA005f may exhibit excellent protective efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv infection. Our study suggests that ERA005f has the potential to be a promising multistage tuberculosis vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Fan
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Disease, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuqin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Disease, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Ruibai Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Disease, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Machao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Disease, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuli Luan
- Department of Tuberculosis, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ruihuan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Disease, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Kanglin Wan
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Disease, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Haican Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Disease, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Bellini C, Vergara E, Bencs F, Fodor K, Bősze S, Krivić D, Bacsa B, Surguta SE, Tóvári J, Reljic R, Horváti K. Design and Characterization of a Multistage Peptide-Based Vaccine Platform to Target Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1738-1753. [PMID: 37606258 PMCID: PMC10587871 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The complex immunopathology ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is one of the main challenges in developing a novel vaccine against this pathogen, particularly regarding eliciting protection against both active and latent stages. Multistage vaccines, which contain antigens expressed in both phases, represent a promising strategy for addressing this issue, as testified by the tuberculosis vaccine clinical pipeline. Given this approach, we designed and characterized a multistage peptide-based vaccine platform containing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes previously validated for inducing a relevant T cell response against Mtb. After preliminary screening, CFP10 (32-39), GlfT2 (4-12), HBHA (185-194), and PPE15 (1-15) were selected as promising candidates, and we proved that the PM1 pool of these peptides triggered a T cell response in Mtb-sensitized human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Taking advantage of the use of thiol-maleimide chemoselective ligation, we synthesized a multiepitope conjugate (Ac-CGHP). Our results showed a structure-activity relationship between the conjugation and a higher tendency to fold and assume an ordered secondary structure. Moreover, the palmitoylated conjugate (Pal-CGHP) comprising the same peptide antigens was associated with an enhanced cellular uptake in human and murine antigen-presenting cells and a better immunogenicity profile. Immunization study, conducted in BALB/c mice, showed that Pal-CGHP induced a significantly higher T cell proliferation and production of IFNγ and TNFα over PM1 formulated in the Sigma Adjuvant System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bellini
- MTA-TTK
Lendület “Momentum” Peptide-Based Vaccines Research
Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Hevesy
György PhD School of Chemistry, Eötvös
Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Emil Vergara
- Institute
for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s,
University of London, London SW17 0RE, U.K.
| | - Fruzsina Bencs
- Hevesy
György PhD School of Chemistry, Eötvös
Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Laboratory
of Structural Chemistry and Biology, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Kinga Fodor
- Department
of Laboratory Animal Science and Animal Protection, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest 1078, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Bősze
- ELKH-ELTE
Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd
Research Network (ELKH), Eötvös
Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Denis Krivić
- Division
of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Bernadett Bacsa
- Division
of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sára Eszter Surguta
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology and National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology and National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Rajko Reljic
- Institute
for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s,
University of London, London SW17 0RE, U.K.
| | - Kata Horváti
- MTA-TTK
Lendület “Momentum” Peptide-Based Vaccines Research
Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
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Badia-Bringué G, Canive M, Alonso-Hearn M. Control of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis load within infected bovine monocyte-derived macrophages is associated with host genetics. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1042638. [PMID: 36911672 PMCID: PMC9992791 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1042638] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic loci influencing individual resistance to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection are still largely unknown. In the current study, we searched for genetic loci associated with resistance to MAP infection by evaluating the performance of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) isolated from the peripheral blood of 75 healthy Holsteins cows and infected ex vivo with MAP. Bacterial load (log colony-forming units, log CFUs) within MDMs was quantified at 2 h and 7 days p. i. using a BACTEC MGIT 960 instrument. In addition, the expression levels of some genes with important roles in the innate immune response including epiregulin (EREG), complement component C3 (C3), galectin-9 (Gal9), and nitric oxide (NO-) were measured in the supernatant of the infected cells. DNA from peripheral blood samples of the animals included in the study was isolated and genotyped with the EuroG MD bead Chip (44,779 single nucleotide-polymorphisms, SNPs). Linear mixed models were used to calculate the heritability (h2 ) estimates for each indicator of MDM performance, MAP load within MDMs and EREG, C3, Gal9, and NO-expression. After performing a genome-wide association study, the only phenotypes that showed SNPs with a significant association were the bacterial load within MDMs at 2 h (h2 = 0. 87) and 7 days (h2 = 0.83) p.i. A total of 6 SNPs, 5 candidate genes, and one microRNA on the Bos taurus chromosomes BTA2, BTA17, BTA18, and BTA21 were associated with MAP load at 2 h p.i. Overlap was seen in two SNPs associated with the log CFUs at 2 h and 7 d p.i. The identified SNPs had negative regression coefficients, and were, therefore, associated with a low bacterial load within MDMs. Some of the identified SNPs were located within QTLs previously associated with longevity, reproductive, and udder health traits. Some of the identified candidate genes; Oxysterol Binding Protein Like 6, Cysteine and Serine Rich Nuclear Protein 3, and the Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 92 regulate cellular cholesterol trafficking and efflux, apoptosis, and interferon production, respectively. Taken together, our results define a heritable and distinct immunogenetic profile in MAP-infected macrophages designed to limit bacterial load early after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Badia-Bringué
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,Doctoral Program in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - María Canive
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Marta Alonso-Hearn
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
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Eshraghisamani R, Arrazuria R, Luo L, De Buck J. Evaluation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isocitrate lyase ( IcL) and ABC transporter ( BacA) knockout mutants as vaccine candidates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1149419. [PMID: 37065210 PMCID: PMC10098363 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1149419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been little success in controlling Johne's disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, due to suboptimal diagnostics and the ineffectiveness of available vaccines. By knocking out BacA and IcL, genes required for MAP survival in dairy calves, two live-attenuated vaccine candidates were created. This study evaluated the host-specific attenuation of MAP IcL and BacA mutants in mouse and calf models, as well as the elicited immune responses. Deletion mutants were generated in MAP strain A1-157 through specialized transduction and found viable in vitro. First, the mutants' attenuation and elicited cytokine secretion were assessed in a mouse model, 3 weeks after intraperitoneal inoculation with MAP strains. Later, vaccine strains were assessed in a natural host infection model where calves received 109CFU oral dose of MAP wild-type or mutant strains at 2 weeks old. Transcription levels of cytokines in PBMCs were evaluated at 12-, 14-, and 16-weeks post-inoculation (WPI) and MAP colonization in tissue was assessed at 4.5 months after inoculation. Whereas both vaccine candidates colonized mouse tissues similarly to wild-type strain, both failed to persist in calf tissues. In either mouse or calf models, gene deletion did not reduce immunogenicity. Instead, inoculation with ΔBacA induced a greater upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines than ΔIcL and wild-type in both models and a greater expansion of cytotoxic and memory T-cells than uninfected control in calves. ΔBacA and wild-type strains significantly increased secretion of IP-10, MIG, TNFα, and RANTES in mice serum compared to uninfected control. This agreed with upregulation of IL-12, IL-17, and TNFα in calves inoculated with ΔBacA at all time points. The ΔBacA also gave rise to greater populations of CD4+CD45RO+, and CD8+ cells than uninfected control calves at 16 WPI. Low survival rate of MAP in macrophages co-incubated with PBMCs isolated from the ΔBacA group indicated that these cell populations are capable of killing MAP. Overall, the immune response elicited by ΔBacA is stronger compared to ΔIcL and it is maintained over two different models and over time in calves. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the BacA mutant's protection against MAP infection as a live attenuated vaccine candidate.
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9
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Bulnes-Ramos Á, Pozo-Balado MM, Olivas-Martínez I, Garrido-Rodríguez V, Bernal-Blanco G, Suárez-Benjumea A, Álvarez-Ríos AI, Lozano C, González-Corvillo C, Suñer-Poblet M, González-Roncero FM, Sánchez B, Maldonado-Calzado I, Lara-Ruiz JM, Gonzalez-Escribano MF, Pacheco YM. Factors associated with the humoral response after three doses of COVID-19 vaccination in kidney transplant recipients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1099079. [PMID: 36875099 PMCID: PMC9977967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1099079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Kidney transplant recipients showed a weak humoral response to the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine despite receiving three cumulative doses of the vaccine. New approaches are still needed to raise protective immunity conferred by the vaccine administration within this group of high-risk patients. Methods To analyze the humoral response and identify any predictive factors within these patients, we designed a prospective monocentric longitudinal study of Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) who received three doses of mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine. Specific antibody levels were measured by chemiluminescence. Parameters related to clinical status such as kidney function, immunosuppressive therapy, inflammatory status and thymic function were analyzed as potential predictors of the humoral response. Results Seventy-four KTR and sixteen healthy controls were included. One month after the administration of the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, 64.8% of KTR showed a positive humoral response. As predictive factors of seroconversion and specific antibody titer, we found that immunosuppressive therapy, worse kidney function, higher inflammatory status and age were related to a lower response in KTR while immune cell counts, thymosin-a1 plasma concentration and thymic output were related to a higher humoral response. Furthermore, baseline thymosin-a1 concentration was independently associated with the seroconversion after three vaccine doses. Discussion In addition to the immunosuppression therapy, condition of kidney function and age before vaccination, specific immune factors could also be relevant in light of optimization of the COVID-19 vaccination protocol in KTR. Therefore, thymosin-a1, an immunomodulatory hormone, deserves further research as a potential adjuvant for the next vaccine boosters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Bulnes-Ramos
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Mar Pozo-Balado
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Israel Olivas-Martínez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Vanesa Garrido-Rodríguez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Carmen Lozano
- Microbiology Service, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Marta Suñer-Poblet
- Nephrology Service, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Berta Sánchez
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Maldonado-Calzado
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - José Manuel Lara-Ruiz
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - María Francisca Gonzalez-Escribano
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Yolanda María Pacheco
- Immunology Service, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR)/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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10
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Functional in-vitro evaluation of the non-specific effects of BCG vaccination in a randomised controlled clinical study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7808. [PMID: 35552463 PMCID: PMC9096342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11748-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), the only currently licenced tuberculosis vaccine, may exert beneficial non-specific effects (NSE) in reducing infant mortality. We conducted a randomised controlled clinical study in healthy UK adults to evaluate potential NSE using functional in-vitro growth inhibition assays (GIAs) as a surrogate of protection from four bacteria implicated in infant mortality. Volunteers were randomised to receive BCG intradermally (n = 27) or to be unvaccinated (n = 8) and were followed up for 84 days; laboratory staff were blinded until completion of the final visit. Using GIAs based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we observed a significant reduction in the growth of the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia following BCG vaccination, but no effect for the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae. There was a modest association between S. aureus nasal carriage and growth of S. aureus in the GIA. Our findings support a causal link between BCG vaccination and improved ability to control growth of heterologous bacteria. Unbiased assays such as GIAs are potentially useful tools for the assessment of non-specific as well as specific effects of TB vaccines. This study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02380508, 05/03/2015; completed).
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11
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Setiabudiawan TP, Reurink RK, Hill PC, Netea MG, van Crevel R, Koeken VACM. Protection against tuberculosis by Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination: A historical perspective. MED 2022; 3:6-24. [PMID: 35590145 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) was developed exactly 100 years ago, and it is still the only licensed tuberculosis (TB) vaccine and the most frequently administered of all vaccines worldwide. Despite universal vaccination policies in TB-endemic settings, the burden of TB remains high. Although BCG protects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and TB disease, the level of protection varies greatly between age groups and settings. In this review, we present a historical perspective and describe the evidence for BCG's ability to protect against TB as well as the factors that influence protection. We also present the immunological mechanisms through which BCG vaccination induces protection, focusing on T cell, B cell, and innate immunity. Finally, we discuss several possibilities to boost BCG's efficacy, including alternative vaccination routes, BCG revaccination, and use of recombinant BCG vaccines, and describe the knowledge gaps that exist with respect to BCG's protection against TB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todia P Setiabudiawan
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Remi K Reurink
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Philip C Hill
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, North Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland 6525 GA, the Netherlands; Human Genomics Laboratory, Craiova University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Județul Dolj 200349, Romania
| | - Reinout van Crevel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland 6525 GA, the Netherlands; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Valerie A C M Koeken
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Gelderland 6525 GA, the Netherlands; Department of Computational Biology for Individualised Infection Medicine, Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover 30625, Germany; TWINCORE, a joint venture between the Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and the Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover 30625, Germany.
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12
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Bitencourt J, Peralta-Álvarez MP, Wilkie M, Jacobs A, Wright D, Salman Almujri S, Li S, Harris SA, Smith SG, Elias SC, White AD, Satti I, Sharpe SS, O’Shea MK, McShane H, Tanner R. Induction of Functional Specific Antibodies, IgG-Secreting Plasmablasts and Memory B Cells Following BCG Vaccination. Front Immunol 2022; 12:798207. [PMID: 35069580 PMCID: PMC8767055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.798207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health problem and the only currently-licensed vaccine, BCG, is inadequate. Many TB vaccine candidates are designed to be given as a boost to BCG; an understanding of the BCG-induced immune response is therefore critical, and the opportunity to relate this to circumstances where BCG does confer protection may direct the design of more efficacious vaccines. While the T cell response to BCG vaccination has been well-characterized, there is a paucity of literature on the humoral response. We demonstrate BCG vaccine-mediated induction of specific antibodies in different human populations and macaque species which represent important preclinical models for TB vaccine development. We observe a strong correlation between antibody titers in serum versus plasma with modestly higher titers in serum. We also report for the first time the rapid and transient induction of antibody-secreting plasmablasts following BCG vaccination, together with a robust and durable memory B cell response in humans. Finally, we demonstrate a functional role for BCG vaccine-induced specific antibodies in opsonizing mycobacteria and enhancing macrophage phagocytosis in vitro, which may contribute to the BCG vaccine-mediated control of mycobacterial growth observed. Taken together, our findings indicate that the humoral immune response in the context of BCG vaccination merits further attention to determine whether TB vaccine candidates could benefit from the induction of humoral as well as cellular immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bitencourt
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Laboratório Avançado de Saúde Pública, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IGM/Fiocruz), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Morven Wilkie
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Jacobs
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daniel Wright
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Salem Salman Almujri
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Shuailin Li
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie A. Harris
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Steven G. Smith
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Biosciences, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sean C. Elias
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. White
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Iman Satti
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sally S. Sharpe
- United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew K. O’Shea
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Helen McShane
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Tanner
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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13
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High-dose Mycobacterium tuberculosis aerosol challenge cannot overcome BCG-induced protection in Chinese origin cynomolgus macaques; implications of natural resistance for vaccine evaluation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12274. [PMID: 34112845 PMCID: PMC8192909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes the use of cynomolgus macaques of Chinese origin (CCM) to evaluate the efficacy and immunogenicity of the BCG vaccine against high dose aerosol Mycobacterium tuberculosis challenge. Progressive disease developed in three of the unvaccinated animals within 10 weeks of challenge, whereas all six vaccinated animals controlled disease for 26 weeks. Three unvaccinated animals limited disease progression, highlighting the intrinsic ability of this macaque species to control disease in comparison to macaques of other species and genotypes. Low levels of IFNγ were induced by BCG vaccination in CCM suggesting that IFNγ alone does not provide a sufficiently sensitive biomarker of vaccination in this model. An early response after challenge, together with the natural bias towards terminal effector memory T-cell populations and the contribution of monocytes appears to enhance the ability of CCM to naturally control infection. The high dose aerosol challenge model of CCM has value for examination of the host immune system to characterise control of infection which would influence future vaccine design. Although it may not be the preferred platform for the assessment of prophylactic vaccine candidates, the model could be well suited for testing post-exposure vaccination strategies and drug evaluation studies.
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14
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Bobadilla-Del-Valle M, Leal-Vega F, Torres-Gonzalez P, Ordaz-Vazquez A, Garcia-Garcia MDL, Tovar-Vargas MDLA, Delgado-Sanchez G, Guerra De Blas PDC, Wallis RS, Ponce-De-León A, Sifuentes-Osornio J. Mycobacterial Growth Inhibition Assay (MGIA) as a Host Directed Diagnostic Tool for the Evaluation of the Immune Response in Subjects Living With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:640707. [PMID: 34084753 PMCID: PMC8167894 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.640707] [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: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of efficient and cost-effective diagnostic tools contributes to poor control of tuberculosis in endemic countries. Moreover, host biological processes influence susceptibility, and infection resolution. It is well known that comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) affect the host immune response, making individuals more susceptible to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Currently, there are no laboratory tools that can identify those subjects who have a higher risk of developing the disease. In this study, we used a whole blood mycobacterial growth inhibition assay to assess the immune response capacity to inhibit mycobacterial growth between healthy subjects and those living with DM2 with optimal and poor glycemic control. We also measured cytokine levels in the culture supernatant by cytokine bead arrays. We included 89 patients with DM2: 54 patients with optimal control (mean age 56.2 ± 11.75 years) and 35 patients with poor control (mean age 52.05 ± 9.94 years). We also included 44 healthy subjects as controls (mean age 42.12 ± 11.75 years). We compared the Δlog UFC (a value that represents the difference between mycobacterial growth in the control tube versus the subject’s blood) between each group. Our results demonstrate that patients with DM2 had a lower capacity to inhibit M. tuberculosis growth (Δlog UFC DM2 subjects 0.9581 (-0.3897 to 2.495) vs Δlog UFC healthy subjects 0.7190 (-0.2678 to 2.098); p=0.013). Comparing subjects living with DM2 (optimal and poor glycemic control) vs healthy subjects, we found only significant differences between healthy subjects and patients poorly controlled (Δlog UFC optimal control group 0.876 (-0.3897 to 2.495); Δlog UFC poor control group 1.078 (0.068 to 2.33); Δlog UFC healthy subjects 0.7190 (-0.2678 to 2.098); p= 0.022). Therefore, glycemic control assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin values influences the capacity of the host to control the infection. Our results confirm that the whole blood mycobacterial growth inhibition assay has potential utility as an in vitro marker of M. tuberculosis immunological control in vivo in subjects living with DM2. This assay can be used to evaluate the immune response of each individual against M. tuberculosis, allowing clinicians to choose a more specific host-directed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Bobadilla-Del-Valle
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Leal-Vega
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pedro Torres-Gonzalez
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Anabel Ordaz-Vazquez
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Ma de Los Angeles Tovar-Vargas
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Delgado-Sanchez
- Centro de Investigación sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Paola Del Carmen Guerra De Blas
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico.,LaRed- Coordinating Center, The Mexican Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Network (La Red), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Alfredo Ponce-De-León
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Sifuentes-Osornio
- Laboratorio de Microbiologia Clinica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
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15
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Tanner R, Hoogkamer E, Bitencourt J, White A, Boot C, Sombroek CC, Harris SA, O'Shea MK, Wright D, Wittenberg R, Sarfas C, Satti I, Verreck FA, Sharpe SA, Fletcher HA, McShane H. The in vitro direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) for the early evaluation of TB vaccine candidates and assessment of protective immunity: a protocol for non-human primate cells. F1000Res 2021; 10:257. [PMID: 33976866 PMCID: PMC8097740 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51640.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The only currently available approach to early efficacy testing of tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidates is in vivo preclinical challenge models. These typically include mice, guinea pigs and non-human primates (NHPs), which must be exposed to virulent M.tb in a 'challenge' experiment following vaccination in order to evaluate protective efficacy. This procedure results in disease development and is classified as 'Moderate' in severity under EU legislation and UK ASPA licensure. Furthermore, experiments are relatively long and animals must be maintained in high containment level facilities, making them relatively costly. We describe an in vitro protocol for the direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) for use in the macaque model of TB vaccine development with the aim of overcoming some of these limitations. Importantly, using an in vitro assay in place of in vivo M.tb challenge represents a significant refinement to the existing procedure for early vaccine efficacy testing. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell and autologous serum samples collected from vaccinated and unvaccinated control animals are co-cultured with mycobacteria in a 48-well plate format for 96 hours. Adherent monocytes are then lysed to release intracellular mycobacteria which is quantified using the BACTEC MGIT system and colony-forming units determined relative to an inoculum control and stock standard curve. We discuss related optimisation and characterisation experiments, and review evidence that the direct NHP MGIA provides a biologically relevant model of vaccine-induced protection. The potential end-users of the NHP MGIA are academic and industry organisations that conduct the assessment of TB vaccine candidates and associated protective immunity using the NHP model. This approach aims to provide a method for high-throughput down-selection of vaccine candidates going forward to in vivo efficacy testing, thus expediting the development of a more efficacious TB vaccine and offering potential refinement and reduction to the use of NHPs for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tanner
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Emily Hoogkamer
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Public Health England, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Julia Bitencourt
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Gonҫalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | | | - Charelle Boot
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, 2288 GJ, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia C. Sombroek
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, 2288 GJ, The Netherlands
| | | | - Matthew K. O'Shea
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Daniel Wright
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Rachel Wittenberg
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Iman Satti
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Frank A.W. Verreck
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, 2288 GJ, The Netherlands
| | | | - Helen A. Fletcher
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Helen McShane
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
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16
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Tanner R, Hoogkamer E, Bitencourt J, White A, Boot C, Sombroek CC, Harris SA, O'Shea MK, Wright D, Wittenberg R, Sarfas C, Satti I, Verreck FAW, Sharpe SA, Fletcher HA, McShane H. The in vitro direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) for the early evaluation of TB vaccine candidates and assessment of protective immunity: a protocol for non-human primate cells. F1000Res 2021; 10:257. [PMID: 33976866 PMCID: PMC8097740.2 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51640.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The only currently available approach to early efficacy testing of tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidates is in vivo preclinical challenge models. These typically include mice, guinea pigs and non-human primates (NHPs), which must be exposed to virulent M.tb in a 'challenge' experiment following vaccination in order to evaluate protective efficacy. This procedure results in disease development and is classified as 'Moderate' in severity under EU legislation and UK ASPA licensure. Furthermore, experiments are relatively long and animals must be maintained in high containment level facilities, making them relatively costly. We describe an in vitro protocol for the direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) for use in the macaque model of TB vaccine development with the aim of overcoming some of these limitations. Importantly, using an in vitro assay in place of in vivo M.tb challenge represents a significant refinement to the existing procedure for early vaccine efficacy testing. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell and autologous serum samples collected from vaccinated and unvaccinated control animals are co-cultured with mycobacteria in a 48-well plate format for 96 hours. Adherent monocytes are then lysed to release intracellular mycobacteria which is quantified using the BACTEC MGIT system and colony-forming units determined relative to an inoculum control and stock standard curve. We discuss related optimisation and characterisation experiments, and review evidence that the direct NHP MGIA provides a biologically relevant model of vaccine-induced protection. The potential end-users of the NHP MGIA are academic and industry organisations that conduct the assessment of TB vaccine candidates and associated protective immunity using the NHP model. This approach aims to provide a method for high-throughput down-selection of vaccine candidates going forward to in vivo efficacy testing, thus expediting the development of a more efficacious TB vaccine and offering potential refinement and reduction to the use of NHPs for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Tanner
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Emily Hoogkamer
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Public Health England, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Julia Bitencourt
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Gonҫalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, 40296-710, Brazil
| | | | - Charelle Boot
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, 2288 GJ, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia C Sombroek
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, 2288 GJ, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie A Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Matthew K O'Shea
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Daniel Wright
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Rachel Wittenberg
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Iman Satti
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Frank A W Verreck
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, 2288 GJ, The Netherlands
| | | | - Helen A Fletcher
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Helen McShane
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
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17
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Opportunities for Refinement of Non-Human Primate Vaccine Studies. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030284. [PMID: 33808708 PMCID: PMC8003535 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHPs) are used extensively in the development of vaccines and therapeutics for human disease. High standards in the design, conduct, and reporting of NHP vaccine studies are crucial for maximizing their scientific value and translation, and for making efficient use of precious resources. A key aspect is consideration of the 3Rs principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement. Funders of NHP research are placing increasing emphasis on the 3Rs, helping to ensure such studies are legitimate, ethical, and high-quality. The UK's National Centre for the 3Rs (NC3Rs) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have collaborated on a range of initiatives to support vaccine developers to implement the 3Rs, including hosting an international workshop in 2019. The workshop identified opportunities to refine NHP vaccine studies to minimize harm and improve welfare, which can yield better quality, more reproducible data. Careful animal selection, social housing, extensive environmental enrichment, training for cooperation with husbandry and procedures, provision of supportive care, and implementation of early humane endpoints are features of contemporary good practice that should and can be adopted more widely. The requirement for high-level biocontainment for some pathogens imposes challenges to implementing refinement but these are not insurmountable.
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Ranaivomanana P, Rabodoarivelo MS, Ndiaye MDB, Rakotosamimanana N, Rasolofo V. Different PPD-stimulated cytokine responses from patients infected with genetically distinct Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex lineages. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 104:725-731. [PMID: 33556615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.01.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) influences the immune response of the host, which may affect the immunodiagnostic tests and biomarker assessment studies used for tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to determine whether the mycobacterial-antigen-stimulated cytokine responses vary with the genotype of the MTBC infecting the patient. METHODS Eighty-one patients with confirmed active pulmonary TB were recruited, and MTBC clinical strains were isolated from their sputum for bacterial lineage single-nucleotide polymorphism typing. Whole blood was drawn from the patients to measure the purified protein derivative (PPD)-stimulated cytokine responses (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-α, IL-12, eotaxin, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, MIP1-α, MIP1-β, MCP1, IL1RA, IP10, IL2R, MIG) with the Luminex multiplex immunoassay. RESULTS Of the 24 cytokines studied, three were produced differentially in whole blood dependent on the infecting lineage of MTBC. Decreased production of IL-17 was observed in patients infected with modern lineages compared with patients infected with ancestral lineages (P < 0.01), and production of IFN-γ and IL-2 was significantly decreased in patients infected with lineage 4 strains compared with patients infected with lineage 3 strains (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION MTBC strains belonging to lineage 4 induced a decreased whole-blood PPD-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Ranaivomanana
- Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, B.P. Ambatofotsikely, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | | | - Niaina Rakotosamimanana
- Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, B.P. Ambatofotsikely, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
| | - Voahangy Rasolofo
- Mycobacteria Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, B.P. Ambatofotsikely, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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A non-human primate in vitro functional assay for the early evaluation of TB vaccine candidates. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:3. [PMID: 33397986 PMCID: PMC7782578 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a non-human primate mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) using in vitro blood or cell co-culture with the aim of refining and expediting early tuberculosis vaccine testing. We have taken steps to optimise the assay using cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells, transfer it to end-user institutes, and assess technical and biological validity. Increasing cell concentration or mycobacterial input and co-culturing in static 48-well plates compared with rotating tubes improved intra-assay repeatability and sensitivity. Standardisation and harmonisation efforts resulted in high consistency agreements, with repeatability and intermediate precision <10% coefficient of variation (CV) and inter-site reproducibility <20% CV; although some systematic differences were observed. As proof-of-concept, we demonstrated ability to detect a BCG vaccine-induced improvement in growth inhibition in macaque samples, and a correlation between MGIA outcome and measures of protection from in vivo disease development following challenge with either intradermal BCG or aerosol/endobronchial Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) at a group and individual animal level.
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Pollard AJ, Sauerwein R, Baay M, Neels P. Third human challenge trial conference, Oxford, United Kingdom, February 6-7, 2020, a meeting report. Biologicals 2020; 66:41-52. [PMID: 32505512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The third Human Challenge Trial Meeting brought together a broad range of international stakeholders, including academia, regulators, funders and industry, with a considerable delegation from Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Controlled human infection models (CHIMs) can be helpful to study pathogenesis and for the development of vaccines. As challenge agents are used to infect healthy volunteers, ethical considerations include that the challenge studies need to be safe and results should be meaningful. The meeting provided a state-of-the-art overview on a wide range of CHIMs, including viral, bacterial and parasitic challenge agents. Recommendations included globally aligned guidance documents for CHIM studies; further definition of a CHIM, based on the challenge agent used; standardization of methodology and study endpoints; capacity building in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, in performance as well as regulation of CHIM studies; guidance on compensation for participation in CHIM studies; and preparation of CHIM studies, with strong engagement with stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Pollard
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Marc Baay
- P95 Epidemiology & Pharmacovigilance, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pieter Neels
- International Alliance for Biological Standardization, Belgium.
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