1
|
Tapajóz RCDS, Santos FDS, de Oliveira NR, Maia MAC, Seixas Neto ACP, Maiocchi LDV, Souza PHFC, Oliveira TL, Dellagostin OA. Chimeric lipoproteins for leptospirosis vaccine: immunogenicity and protective potential. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:424. [PMID: 39037584 PMCID: PMC11263434 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13196-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease, is caused by pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira and has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Vaccination stands out as one of the most effective preventive measures for susceptible populations. Within the outer membrane of Leptospira spp., we find the LIC12287, LIC11711, and LIC13259 lipoproteins. These are of interest due to their surface location and potential immunogenicity. Thorough examination revealed the conservation of these proteins among pathogenic Leptospira spp.; we mapped the distribution of T- and B-cell epitopes along their sequences and assessed the 3D structures of each protein. This information aided in selecting immunodominant regions for the development of a chimeric protein. Through gene synthesis, we successfully constructed a chimeric protein, which was subsequently expressed, purified, and characterized. Hamsters were immunized with the chimeric lipoprotein, formulated with adjuvants aluminum hydroxide, EMULSIGEN®-D, Sigma Adjuvant System®, and Montanide™ ISA206VG. Another group was vaccinated with an inactivated Escherichia coli bacterin expressing the chimeric protein. Following vaccination, hamsters were challenged with a virulent L. interrogans strain. Our evaluation of the humoral immune response revealed the production of IgG antibodies, detectable 28 days after the second dose, in contrast to pre-immune samples and control groups. This demonstrates the potential of the chimeric protein to elicit a robust humoral immune response; however, no protection against challenge was achieved. While this study provides valuable insights into the subject, further research is warranted to identify protective antigens that could be utilized in the development of a leptospirosis vaccine. KEY POINTS: • Several T- and B-cell epitopes were identified in all the three proteins. • Four different adjuvants were used in vaccine formulations. • Immunization stimulated significant levels of IgG2/3 in vaccinated animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mara Andrade Colares Maia
- Biotechnology Center, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Laura de Vargas Maiocchi
- Biotechnology Center, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Biotechnology Center, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Biotechnology Center, Technological Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martínez ML, Esteban M, Sánchez C, Saraullo V, Hamer M, Samartino L, Brihuega B. Study on the interference of vaccine antibodies with the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis in cattle. Vet Microbiol 2024; 296:110169. [PMID: 39032443 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110169] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
A simple IgG-specific ELISA for Leptospira spp. was compared with the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) to detect IgG antibody responses to a commercial vaccine in cattle. We used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with sonicated Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni M 20. After initial vaccination, specific antibodies against Leptospira spp. were detected in 90 % of the animals by IgG-ELISA and 60 % by MAT, while after booster, antibodies were detected in 100 % and 80 % of the animals by IgG-ELISA and MAT, respectively. Both serological MAT and ELISA tests revealed interferences of vaccine antibodies. Disease diagnosis with ELISA and MAT methods should be made two and a half months and four months, respectively, after vaccination to avoid interference of vaccine antibodies. On the other hand, our results suggest that IgG-ELISA may be a useful method to assess the development of IgG antibodies induced by Leptospira vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Leila Martínez
- Laboratorio de Leptospirosis. Instituto de Patobiología, UEDD IPVET INTA CONICET, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicolás Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires B1686, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Micaela Esteban
- Laboratorio de Leptospirosis. Instituto de Patobiología, UEDD IPVET INTA CONICET, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicolás Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires B1686, Argentina.
| | - Cristina Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Leptospirosis. Instituto de Patobiología, UEDD IPVET INTA CONICET, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicolás Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires B1686, Argentina.
| | - Vanina Saraullo
- Laboratorio de Leptospirosis. Instituto de Patobiología, UEDD IPVET INTA CONICET, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicolás Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires B1686, Argentina.
| | - Micaela Hamer
- Laboratorio de Leptospirosis. Instituto de Patobiología, UEDD IPVET INTA CONICET, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicolás Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires B1686, Argentina.
| | - Luis Samartino
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Bibiana Brihuega
- Laboratorio de Leptospirosis. Instituto de Patobiología, UEDD IPVET INTA CONICET, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Nicolás Repetto y de los Reseros s/n, Hurlingham, Buenos Aires B1686, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Veterinarias, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Azevedo SS. Epidemiology of Leptospira sp. Infection: Current Status, Insights and Future Prospects. Microorganisms 2023; 12:22. [PMID: 38257849 PMCID: PMC10821098 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the scientific community has been faced with an increased risk of emerging or re-emerging zoonotic diseases, such as leptospirosis, mainly originating from anthropic actions [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Rural Health and Technology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos 58708-110, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Oliveira NR, Santos FDS, Dos Santos VAC, Maia MAC, Oliveira TL, Dellagostin OA. Challenges and Strategies for Developing Recombinant Vaccines against Leptospirosis: Role of Expression Platforms and Adjuvants in Achieving Protective Efficacy. Pathogens 2023; 12:787. [PMID: 37375478 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first leptospiral recombinant vaccine was developed in the late 1990s. Since then, progress in the fields of reverse vaccinology (RV) and structural vaccinology (SV) has significantly improved the identification of novel surface-exposed and conserved vaccine targets. However, developing recombinant vaccines for leptospirosis faces various challenges, including selecting the ideal expression platform or delivery system, assessing immunogenicity, selecting adjuvants, establishing vaccine formulation, demonstrating protective efficacy against lethal disease in homologous challenge, achieving full renal clearance using experimental models, and reproducibility of protective efficacy against heterologous challenge. In this review, we highlight the role of the expression/delivery system employed in studies based on the well-known LipL32 and leptospiral immunoglobulin-like (Lig) proteins, as well as the choice of adjuvants, as key factors to achieving the best vaccine performance in terms of protective efficacy against lethal infection and induction of sterile immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Francisco Denis Souza Santos
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Mara Andrade Colares Maia
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chaurasia R, Salovey A, Guo X, Desir G, Vinetz JM. Vaccination With Leptospira interrogans PF07598 Gene Family-Encoded Virulence Modifying Proteins Protects Mice From Severe Leptospirosis and Reduces Bacterial Load in the Liver and Kidney. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:926994. [PMID: 35837473 PMCID: PMC9274288 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.926994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular and cellular pathogenesis of leptospirosis remains poorly understood. Based on comparative bacterial genomics data, we recently identified the hypothetical PF07598 gene family as encoding secreted exotoxins (VM proteins) that mediate cytotoxicity in vitro. To address whether VM proteins mediate in vivo leptospirosis pathogenesis, we tested the hypothesis that VM protein immunization of mice would protect against lethal challenge infection and reduce bacterial load in key target organs. C3H/HeJ mice were immunized with recombinant E. coli-produced, endotoxin-free, leptospiral VM proteins (derived from L. interrogans serovar Lai) in combination with the human-compatible adjuvant, glucopyranoside lipid A/squalene oil-in-water. Mice receiving full length recombinant VM proteins were protected from lethal challenge infection by L. interrogans serovar Canicola and had a 3-4 log10 reduction in bacterial load in the liver and kidney. These experiments show that immunization with recombinant VM proteins prevents leptospirosis clinical pathogenesis and leads to markedly reduced key target organ infection in this animal model. These data support the role of leptospiral VM proteins as virulence factors and suggest the possibility that a VM protein-based, serovar-independent, pan-leptospirosis vaccine may be feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reetika Chaurasia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Aryeh Salovey
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xiaojia Guo
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gary Desir
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Joseph M. Vinetz
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph M. Vinetz,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barazzone GC, Teixeira AF, Azevedo BOP, Damiano DK, Oliveira MP, Nascimento ALTO, Lopes APY. Revisiting the Development of Vaccines Against Pathogenic Leptospira: Innovative Approaches, Present Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 12:760291. [PMID: 35046936 PMCID: PMC8761801 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.760291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human vaccination against leptospirosis has been relatively unsuccessful in clinical applications despite an expressive amount of vaccine candidates has been tested over years of research. Pathogenic Leptospira encompass a great number of serovars, most of which do not cross-react, and there has been a lack of genetic tools for many years. These obstacles have hampered the understanding of the bacteria's biology and, consequently, the identification of an effective antigen. Thus far, many approaches have been used in an attempt to find a cost-effective and broad-spectrum protective antigen(s) against the disease. In this extensive review, we discuss several strategies that have been used to develop an effective vaccine against leptospirosis, starting with Leptospira-inactivated bacterin, proteins identified in the genome sequences of pathogenic Leptospira, including reverse vaccinology, plasmid DNA, live vaccines, chimeric multi-epitope, and toll- and nod-like receptors agonists. This overview should be able to guide scientists working in the field to select potential antigens and to choose the appropriate formulation to administer the candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovana C. Barazzone
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline F. Teixeira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna O. P. Azevedo
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deborah K. Damiano
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos P. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana L. T. O. Nascimento
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre P. Y. Lopes
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
de Oliveira NR, Oliveira TL, Jorge S, Dellagostin OA. Development of Human Recombinant Leptospirosis Vaccines. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2410:325-344. [PMID: 34914055 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1884-4_16] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease with significant impact on health all over the world. Currently, bacterins are the only vaccines available for prevention of this disease, despite several drawbacks. In an effort to develop a more effective vaccine against leptospirosis, reverse and structural vaccinology have been applied to design recombinant constructions composed of leptospiral surface-exposed antigens. Herein, we describe a protocol for design and development of Leptospirosis recombinant vaccines using immunoinformatic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Thaís Larré Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Jorge
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Odir Antônio Dellagostin
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Structure, regulation, and host interaction of outer membrane protein U (OmpU) of Vibrio species. Microb Pathog 2021; 162:105267. [PMID: 34718127 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OmpU is a multimeric, cation selective outer membrane protein of Vibrio and related species that non-covalently interact with peptidoglycan layer. Interaction of OmpU with human host cells triggers signaling pathways to promote cytokine secretion, reactive oxygen species production, and caspase independent death in immune and epithelial cells. Non-choleric OmpU imparts resistance to antimicrobial peptides and induces actin cytoskeletal reorganization in the host cells. Further, OmpU isolated from Vibrio species elicits an immune response in several aquaculture hosts. Importantly, in-vivo studies using recombinant OmpU or OmpU derived mimotopes reveal a short-lasting immunity, and protection against Vibrio in the aquaculture sector. In conclusion, OmpU is a key adhesion protein and an important virulence factor for successful colonization of Vibrio species into hosts. This review article provides a broad overview of structural, regulatory, and functional mechanisms of OmpU in normal and disease states.
Collapse
|