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Keiser J, Bouchery T. A step forward in the journey towards hookworm vaccines. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:673-674. [PMID: 38513685 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00145-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tiffany Bouchery
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Shanley HT, Taki AC, Nguyen N, Wang T, Byrne JJ, Ang CS, Leeming MG, Nie S, Williamson N, Zheng Y, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Hofmann A, Chang BCH, Wells TNC, Häberli C, Keiser J, Jabbar A, Sleebs BE, Gasser RB. Structure-activity relationship and target investigation of 2-aryl quinolines with nematocidal activity. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2024; 24:100522. [PMID: 38295619 PMCID: PMC10845918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2024.100522] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Within the context of our anthelmintic discovery program, we recently identified and evaluated a quinoline derivative, called ABX464 or obefazimod, as a nematocidal candidate; synthesised a series of analogues which were assessed for activity against the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; and predicted compound-target relationships by thermal proteome profiling (TPP) and in silico docking. Here, we logically extended this work and critically evaluated the anthelmintic activity of ABX464 analogues on Haemonchus contortus (barber's pole worm) - a highly pathogenic nematode of ruminant livestock. First, we tested a series of 44 analogues on H. contortus (larvae and adults) to investigate the nematocidal pharmacophore of ABX464, and identified one compound with greater potency than the parent compound and showed moderate activity against a select number of other parasitic nematodes (including Ancylostoma, Heligmosomoides and Strongyloides species). Using TPP and in silico modelling studies, we predicted protein HCON_00074590 (a predicted aldo-keto reductase) as a target candidate for ABX464 in H. contortus. Future work aims to optimise this compound as a nematocidal candidate and investigate its pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, this study presents a first step toward the development of a new nematocide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison T Shanley
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Aya C Taki
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nghi Nguyen
- Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph J Byrne
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Michael G Leeming
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Shuai Nie
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Williamson
- Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Yuanting Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; National Reference Centre for Authentic Food, Max Rubner-Institut, 95326, Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Tim N C Wells
- Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), 1215, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123, Allschwil, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Abdul Jabbar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Chemical Biology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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3
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Hon KL, Leung AKC. An update on the current and emerging pharmacotherapy for the treatment of human ascariasis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024. [PMID: 38372051 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2319686] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, Ascaris lumbricoides is the commonest helminthic infection that affects people in underdeveloped countries and returning immigrants in industrialized nations. This article aims to provide latest updates on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and pharmacotherapy of ascariasis. AREAS COVERED A PubMed search was conducted using Clinical Queries and the key terms 'human ascariasis' OR 'Ascaris lumbricoides.' Ascaris lumbricoides is highly endemic in tropical and subtropic regions and among returning immigrants in industrialized nations. Predisposing factors include poor sanitation and poverty. The prevalence is greatest in young children. Most infected patients are asymptomatic. Patients with A. lumbricoides infection should be treated with anti-helminthic drugs to prevent complications from migration of the worm. Mebendazole and albendazole are indicated for children and nonpregnant women. Pregnant individuals should be treated with pyrantel pamoate. EXPERT OPINION Cure rates with anthelmintic treatment are high. No emerging pharmacotherapy can replace these existing drugs of good efficacy, safety profile and low cost for public health. It is opinioned that advances in the management of ascariasis include diagnostic accuracy at affordable costs, Emodepside is highly effective in single doses against ascarids in mammals and in human trials. The drug could be registered for human use in multiple neglected tropical diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam Lun Hon
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexander K C Leung
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Calgary and the Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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4
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Sais D, Chowdhury S, Dalton JP, Tran N, Donnelly S. Both host and parasite non-coding RNAs co-ordinate the regulation of macrophage gene expression to reduce pro-inflammatory immune responses and promote tissue repair pathways during infection with fasciola hepatica. RNA Biol 2024; 21:62-77. [PMID: 39344634 PMCID: PMC11445894 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2408706] [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] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic worms (helminths) establish chronic infection within mammalian hosts by strategically regulating their host's immune responses. Deciphering the mechanisms by which host non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) co-ordinate the activation and regulation of immune cells is essential to understanding host immunity and immune-related pathology. It is also important to comprehend how pathogens secrete specific ncRNAs to manipulate gene expression of host immune cells and influence their response to infection. To investigate the contribution of both host and helminth derived ncRNAs to the activation and/or regulation of innate immune responses during a parasite infection, we examined ncRNA expression in the peritoneal macrophages from mice infected with Fasciola hepatica. We discovered the presence of several parasitic-derived miRNAs within host macrophages at 6 hrs and 18 hrs post infection. Target prediction analysis showed that these Fasciola miRNAs regulate host genes associated with the activation of host pro-inflammatory macrophages. Concomitantly, there was a distinct shift in host ncRNA expression, which was significant at 5 days post-infection. Prediction analysis suggested that these host ncRNAs target a different cohort of host genes compared to the parasite miRNAs, although the functional outcome was predicted to be similar i.e. reduced pro-inflammatory response and the promotion of a reparative/tolerant phenotype. Taken together, these observations uncover the interplay between host and parasitic ncRNAs and reveal a complementary regulation of the immune response that allows the parasite to evade immune detection and promote tissue repair for the host. These findings will provide a new understanding of the molecular interaction between parasites and host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayna Sais
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Sumaiya Chowdhury
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - John. P. Dalton
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Nham Tran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Sheila Donnelly
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Ramlal A, Nautiyal A, Kumar J, Mishra V, Sogan N, Nasser B. Singab A. Botanicals against some important nematodal diseases: Ascariasis and hookworm infections. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103814. [PMID: 37841664 PMCID: PMC10570706 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis and intestinal parasitic nematodes are the leading cause of mass mortality infecting many people across the globe. In light of the various deleterious side effects of modern chemical-based allopathic drugs, our preferences have currently shifted towards the use of traditional plant-based drugs or botanicals for treating diseases. The defensive propensities in the botanicals against parasites have probably evolved during their co-habitation with parasites, humans and plants in nature and hence their combative interference in one another's defensive mechanisms has occurred naturally ultimately being very effective in treating diseases. This article broadly outlines the utility of plant-based compounds or botanicals prepared from various medicinal herbs that have the potential to be developed as effective therapies against the important parasites causing ascariasis and intestinal hookworm infections leading to ascariasis & infections and thereby human mortality, wherein allopathic treatments are less effective and causes enormous side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayyagari Ramlal
- Division of Genetics, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa Campus, New Delhi, Delhi, India 110012
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia 11800
| | - Aparna Nautiyal
- Department of Botany, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 110019
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, Life Sciences Park, Electronics City Phase 1, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India 560100
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), First Floor, MTNL Building, 9 Lodhi Road, CGO Complex, Pragati Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi, India 110003
| | - Vachaspati Mishra
- Department of Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyay College, University of Delhi, Dwarka, Delhi, India 110078
| | - Nisha Sogan
- Department of Botany, Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India 110019
| | - Abdel Nasser B. Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt 11156
- Centre of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt
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Zaini A, Dalit L, Sheikh AA, Zhang Y, Thiele D, Runting J, Rodrigues G, Ng J, Bramhall M, Scheer S, Hailes L, Groom JR, Good-Jacobson KL, Zaph C. Heterogeneous Tfh cell populations that develop during enteric helminth infection predict the quality of type 2 protective response. Mucosal Immunol 2023; 16:642-657. [PMID: 37392971 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are an important component of germinal center (GC)-mediated humoral immunity. Yet, how a chronic type 1 versus protective type 2 helminth infection modulates Tfh-GC responses remains poorly understood. Here, we employ the helminth Trichuris muris model and demonstrate that Tfh cell phenotypes and GC are differentially regulated in acute versus chronic infection. The latter failed to induce Tfh-GC B cell responses, with Tfh cells expressing Τ-bet and interferon-γ. In contrast, interleukin-4-producing Tfh cells dominate responses to an acute, resolving infection. Heightened expression and increased chromatin accessibility of T helper (Th)1- and Th2 cell-associated genes are observed in chronic and acute induced Tfh cells, respectively. Blockade of the Th1 cell response by T-cell-intrinsic T-bet deletion promoted Tfh cell expansion during chronic infection, pointing to a correlation between a robust Tfh cell response and protective immunity to parasites. Finally, blockade of Tfh-GC interactions impaired type 2 immunity, revealing the critical protective role of GC-dependent Th2-like Tfh cell responses during acute infection. Collectively, these results provide new insights into the protective roles of Tfh-GC responses and identify distinct transcriptional and epigenetic features of Tfh cells that emerge during resolving or chronic T. muris infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidil Zaini
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lennard Dalit
- Division of Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Amania A Sheikh
- Division of Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yan Zhang
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Daniel Thiele
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jessica Runting
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Grace Rodrigues
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Judy Ng
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Michael Bramhall
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sebastian Scheer
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Lauren Hailes
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia
| | - Joanna R Groom
- Division of Immunology, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kim L Good-Jacobson
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia.
| | - Colby Zaph
- Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clayton, Australia.
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7
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Neto AFR, Di Christine Oliveira YL, de Oliveira LM, La Corte R, Jain S, de Lyra Junior DP, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Why Are We Still a Worm World in the 2020s? An Overview of Risk Factors and Endemicity for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:481-495. [PMID: 37531011 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00701-1] [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: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is one of the most common chronic infections in developing countries associated with poor socioeconomic and sanitary conditions. The main objective of this overview was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors, risk factors related to the host, and control strategies on the prevalence of STH in different regions of the world. METHODS LILACS, PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Clinical Trials (gray literature) databases were used to obtain the systematic reviews published until December 2020. The methodological quality of systematic reviews was assessed using the standard criteria recommended by AMSTAR. RESULTS The initial results of the bibliographic search identified 1448 articles, of which 66 studies were read in full and 16 met the inclusion criteria. All the reviews included in this overview associated variations in the global prevalence of STH with at least one of the factors related to the environment, host, and/or control strategies. Climate, temperature, soil moisture, precipitation, mass drug administration, lack of access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and non-use of footwear were considered the main factors associated with the prevalence of STH. Socioeconomic factors, low educational level, and wearing shoes were universal factors related to prevalence, regardless of the location studied. CONCLUSION The combination of environmental factors, with factors associated with hosts that predispose infection and reinfection of helminths, as well as the adoption of control strategies based on the treatment of target populations instead of the entire population, influenced the prevalence of STH in all the continents evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelson Ferreira Ramos Neto
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Maria de Oliveira
- Department of Morphology, Center of Biology and Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Roseli La Corte
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
| | - Sona Jain
- Postgraduate Program in Industrial Biotechnology, Tiradentes University, Aracaju, SE, 49010-390, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Silvio Santana Dolabella
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, 49100-000, Brazil.
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You H, Jones MK, Gordon CA, Arganda AE, Cai P, Al-Wassiti H, Pouton CW, McManus DP. The mRNA Vaccine Technology Era and the Future Control of Parasitic Infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0024121. [PMID: 36625671 PMCID: PMC10035331 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00241-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite intensive long-term efforts, with very few exceptions, the development of effective vaccines against parasitic infections has presented considerable challenges, given the complexity of parasite life cycles, the interplay between parasites and their hosts, and their capacity to escape the host immune system and to regulate host immune responses. For many parasitic diseases, conventional vaccine platforms have generally proven ill suited, considering the complex manufacturing processes involved and the costs they incur, the inability to posttranslationally modify cloned target antigens, and the absence of long-lasting protective immunity induced by these antigens. An effective antiparasite vaccine platform is required to assess the effectiveness of novel vaccine candidates at high throughput. By exploiting the approach that has recently been used successfully to produce highly protective COVID mRNA vaccines, we anticipate a new wave of research to advance the use of mRNA vaccines to prevent parasitic infections in the near future. This article considers the characteristics that are required to develop a potent antiparasite vaccine and provides a conceptual foundation to promote the development of parasite mRNA-based vaccines. We review the recent advances and challenges encountered in developing antiparasite vaccines and evaluate the potential of developing mRNA vaccines against parasites, including those causing diseases such as malaria and schistosomiasis, against which vaccines are currently suboptimal or not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alexa E. Arganda
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Harry Al-Wassiti
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin W. Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Department of Infection and Inflammation, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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9
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In silico design of a polypeptide as a vaccine candidate against ascariasis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3504. [PMID: 36864139 PMCID: PMC9981566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30445-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis is the most prevalent zoonotic helminthic disease worldwide, and is responsible for nutritional deficiencies, particularly hindering the physical and neurological development of children. The appearance of anthelmintic resistance in Ascaris is a risk for the target of eliminating ascariasis as a public health problem by 2030 set by the World Health Organisation. The development of a vaccine could be key to achieving this target. Here we have applied an in silico approach to design a multi-epitope polypeptide that contains T-cell and B-cell epitopes of reported novel potential vaccination targets, alongside epitopes from established vaccination candidates. An artificial toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) adjuvant (RS09) was added to improve immunogenicity. The constructed peptide was found to be non-allergic, non-toxic, with adequate antigenic and physicochemical characteristics, such as solubility and potential expression in Escherichia coli. A tertiary structure of the polypeptide was used to predict the presence of discontinuous B-cell epitopes and to confirm the molecular binding stability with TLR2 and TLR4 molecules. Immune simulations predicted an increase in B-cell and T-cell immune response after injection. This polypeptide can now be validated experimentally and compared to other vaccine candidates to assess its possible impact in human health.
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10
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Li B, Chen S, Cui X, Dai M, Meng W, Wu Q, Sheng H. Chronic Hemorrhagic Anemia Caused by Hookworm Infection: A Case Report. Acta Parasitol 2023; 68:288-292. [PMID: 36539676 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hookworm infection is one of the causes of long-term chronic hemorrhagic anemia in patients. This article reports a case of chronic severe anemia caused by hookworm infection. METHODS The capsule endoscopy showed that there were a large number of hookworms in the small intestine of a patient. At the same time, using the technique of saturated brine floatation and the automatic stool analyzer, hookworm eggs were detected. RESULTS The patient's anemia was caused by hookworm infection and was significantly improved after anti-hookworm treatment. CONCLUSION Hookworm infection cannot be ignored in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic anemia. Capsule endoscopy combined with stool detection haves an important clinical value for the diagnosis of hookworm disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baisheng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1111 XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China.
| | - Shihong Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1111 XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Xiangming Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1111 XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Ming Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1111 XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China
| | - Wenying Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiming Sheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongren Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 1111 XianXia Road, Shanghai, 200336, China.
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Wong MTJ, Anuar NS, Noordin R, Tye GJ. Soil-transmitted helminthic vaccines: Where are we now? Acta Trop 2023; 239:106796. [PMID: 36586174 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been tested and proven that vaccination is still the best strategy to combat infectious diseases. However, to date, there are still no vaccines against human soil-transmitted helminthic diseases, despite their high prevalence globally, particularly in developing countries and rural areas with tropical climates and poor sanitation. The development of vaccines against helminths is riddled with obstacles. Helminths have a complex life cycle, multiple stages within the same host with stage-specific antigen expression, and the ability to regulate host immune reactions to evade the immune response. These elements contribute to the main challenge of helminthic vaccines: the identification of effective vaccine candidates. Therefore, this article reviews the current progress and potential future direction of soil-transmitted helminthic vaccines, particularly against Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale. The study design employed was a systematic review, using qualitative meta-summary synthesis. Preclinical studies and clinical trials on the development of protein subunit vaccines against the five soil-transmitted helminths were searched on PubMed and Scopus. Effectiveness was indicated by a reduction in worm burden or larval output, an increase in specific IgG levels, or an increase in cytokine production. Our findings show that only the hookworm vaccine against N. americanus is in the clinical trial phase, while the rest is still in exploratory research and pre-clinical development phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tze Jian Wong
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Nor Suhada Anuar
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Rahmah Noordin
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
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12
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de Barros LD, Koutsodontis Cerqueira-Cézar C. Editorial: Vaccines against parasitic infections in domestic animals. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1144700. [PMID: 36876015 PMCID: PMC9978800 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1144700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Daniel de Barros
- Laboratory of Animal Protozoology, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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13
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Wainwright E, Shears RK. Trichuris WAP and CAP proteins: Potential whipworm vaccine candidates? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010933. [PMID: 36548229 PMCID: PMC9778506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichuris trichiura and T. suis are gastrointestinal dwelling roundworms that infect humans and pigs, respectively. Heavy infections cause gastrointestinal symptoms and impaired growth and development. Vaccination has the potential to reduce the disease burden of whipworm infection; however, there are currently no commercially available vaccines against these parasites and very few against other gastrointestinal-dwelling nematodes of medical and agricultural importance. The naturally occurring mouse whipworm, T. muris, has been used for decades to model human trichuriasis, and the immunogenic potential of the excretory/secretory material (E/S, which can be collected following ex vivo culture of worms) has been studied in the context of vaccine candidate identification. Despite this, researchers are yet to progress an effective vaccine candidate to clinical trials. The T. muris, T. trichiura, and T. suis genomes each encode between 10 and 27 whey acidic protein (WAP) domain-containing proteins and 15 to 34 cysteine-rich secretory protein/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1 (CAP) family members. WAP and CAP proteins have been postulated to play key roles in host-parasite interactions and may possess immunomodulatory functions. In addition, both protein families have been explored in the context of helminth vaccines. Here, we use phylogenetic and functional analysis to investigate the evolutionary relationship between WAP and CAP proteins encoded by T. muris, T. trichiura, and T. suis. We highlight several WAP and CAP proteins that warrant further study to understand their biological function and as possible vaccine candidates against T. trichiura and/or T. suis, based on the close evolutionary relationship with WAP or CAP proteins identified within T. muris E/S products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Wainwright
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca K. Shears
- Centre for Bioscience, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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14
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Pilotte N, Manuel M, Walson JL, Ajjampur SSR. Community-wide mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminths – risk of drug resistance and mitigation strategies. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.897155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass drug administration programs for the control of soil-transmitted helminths (STH) in humans most commonly utilize a single class of drugs; the benzimidazoles. Most such programs focus on the treatment of pre-school and school aged children attending schools, although there is increasing interest in the potential utility of community-wide MDA to reduce infection intensity within communities and possibly to interrupt STH transmission. In animals, mass treatment with benzimidazoles leads to the rapid selection of parasites containing resistance-encoding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and the potential emergence of resistance in parasite species that infect humans is of major potential public health concern. As programs scale up delivery of anthelmintics and consider expanding treated populations, monitoring of drug efficacy and the potential emergence of anthelmintic resistance with sensitive diagnostic tools is critical to ensure the continued success of STH control programs. In particular, as programs consider the adoption of community-wide deworming, there is concern that such a strategy may increase the risk of drug resistance by limiting the number of untreated individuals which serve as a refugia of unexposed worm populations. We review the literature for evidence of drug resistance in human STH infections and explore risks and mitigation strategies for emergence of drug resistance in the context of community-wide deworming.
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15
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Evangelista FMD, van Vliet AHM, Lawton SP, Betson M. A reverse vaccinology approach identifies putative vaccination targets in the zoonotic nematode Ascaris. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1014198. [PMID: 36387396 PMCID: PMC9665164 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1014198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascariasis is the most prevalent helminthic disease affecting both humans and pigs and is caused by the roundworms Ascaris lumbricoides and Ascaris suum. While preventive chemotherapy continues to be the most common control method, recent reports of anthelminthic resistance highlight the need for development of a vaccine against ascariasis. The aim of this study was to use a reverse vaccinology approach to identify potential vaccine candidates for Ascaris. Three Ascaris proteomes predicted from whole-genome sequences were analyzed. Candidate proteins were identified using open-access bioinformatic tools (e.g., Vacceed, VaxiJen, Bepipred 2.0) which test for different characteristics such as sub-cellular location, T-cell and B-cell molecular binding, antigenicity, allergenicity and phylogenetic relationship with other nematode proteins. From over 100,000 protein sequences analyzed, four transmembrane proteins were predicted to be non-allergen antigens and potential vaccine candidates. The four proteins are a Piezo protein, two voltage-dependent calcium channels and a protocadherin-like protein, are all expressed in either the muscle or ovaries of both Ascaris species, and all contained high affinity epitopes for T-cells and B-cells. The use of a reverse vaccinology approach allowed the prediction of four new potential vaccination targets against ascariasis in humans and pigs. These targets can now be further tested in in vitro and in vivo assays to prove efficacy in both pigs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. D. Evangelista
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Arnoud H. M. van Vliet
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Scott P. Lawton
- Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Northern Faculty, Scotland's Rural University College (SRUC), An Lòchran, Inverness, United Kingdom
| | - Martha Betson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Martha Betson
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16
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Shears RK, Grencis RK. Whipworm secretions and their roles in host-parasite interactions. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:348. [PMID: 36175934 PMCID: PMC9524059 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05483-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Whipworm (Trichuris) is a genus of roundworms that causes gastrointestinal infections in humans and animals. Of particular interest are T. trichiura, the causative agent of human trichuriasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects 477 million people worldwide, and T. suis, the pig whipworm species, responsible for growth stunting and economic losses within the agricultural industry. The naturally occurring mouse whipworm, T. muris, has been used for decades as a model for trichuriasis, yielding knowledge on the biology of these parasites and the host response to infection. Ex vivo culture of T. muris (and to some extent, T. suis) has provided insight into the composition of the excretory/secretory (E/S) products released by worms, which include a myriad of proteins, RNAs, lipids, glycans, metabolites and extracellular vesicles. T. muris E/S has formed the basis of the search for whipworm vaccine candidates, while the immunomodulatory potential of T. suis and T. muris secretions has been investigated with the aim of improving our understanding of how these parasites modulate host immunity, as well as identifying immunomodulatory candidates with therapeutic potential in the context of inflammatory diseases. This article will review the various components found within Trichuris E/S, their potential as vaccine candidates and their immunomodulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Shears
- Centre for Bioscience, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5DG, UK. .,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5DG, UK.
| | - Richard K Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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17
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Peng J, Federman HG, Hernandez C, Siracusa MC. Communication is key: Innate immune cells regulate host protection to helminths. Front Immunol 2022; 13:995432. [PMID: 36225918 PMCID: PMC9548658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.995432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic helminth infections remain a significant global health issue and are responsible for devastating morbidity and economic hardships. During infection, helminths migrate through different host organs, which results in substantial tissue damage and the release of diverse effector molecules by both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. Thus, host protective responses to helminths must initiate mechanisms that help to promote worm clearance while simultaneously mitigating tissue injury. The specialized immunity that promotes these responses is termed type 2 inflammation and is initiated by the recruitment and activation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells. Recent work has also revealed the importance of neuron-derived signals in regulating type 2 inflammation and antihelminth immunity. These studies suggest that multiple body systems coordinate to promote optimal outcomes post-infection. In this review, we will describe the innate immune events that direct the scope and intensity of antihelminth immunity. Further, we will highlight the recent progress made in our understanding of the neuro-immune interactions that regulate these pathways and discuss the conceptual advances they promote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianya Peng
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Hannah G. Federman
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Christina M. Hernandez
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Mark C. Siracusa
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark C. Siracusa,
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18
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Tadesse Boltena M, El-Khatib Z, Kebede AS, Asamoah BO, Yaw ASC, Kamara K, Constant Assogba P, Tadesse Boltena A, Adane HT, Hailemeskel E, Biru M. Malaria and Helminthic Co-Infection during Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5444. [PMID: 35564842 PMCID: PMC9101176 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy causes fetomaternal haemorrhage and foetal growth retardation. This study determined the pooled burden of pregnancy malaria and helminthic co-infection in sub-Saharan Africa. CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to retrieve data from the literature, without restricting language and publication year. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies was used for quality assessment. STATA Version 14.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. The I2 statistics and Egger's test were used to test heterogeneity and publication bias. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, with the number CRD42019144812. In total, 24 studies (n = 14,087 participants) were identified in this study. The pooled analysis revealed that 20% of pregnant women were co-infected by malaria and helminths in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence of malaria and helminths were 33% and 35%, respectively. The most prevalent helminths were Hookworm (48%), Ascaris lumbricoides (37%), and Trichuris trichiura (15%). Significantly higher malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy were observed. Health systems in sub-Saharan Africa must implement home-grown innovative solutions to underpin context-specific policies for the early initiation of effective intermittent preventive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyahil Tadesse Boltena
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Ziad El-Khatib
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- World Health Programme, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada
| | | | - Benedict Oppong Asamoah
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (B.O.A.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 101, Ghana;
| | - Kassim Kamara
- Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Phénix Constant Assogba
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi 526, Benin;
| | - Andualem Tadesse Boltena
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (B.O.A.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Hawult Taye Adane
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Elifaged Hailemeskel
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mulatu Biru
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
- Child and Family Health, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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19
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Papaiakovou M, Littlewood DTJ, Doyle SR, Gasser RB, Cantacessi C. Worms and bugs of the gut: the search for diagnostic signatures using barcoding, and metagenomics-metabolomics. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:118. [PMID: 35365192 PMCID: PMC8973539 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) helminth infections cause significant morbidity in both humans and animals worldwide. Specific and sensitive diagnosis is central to the surveillance of such infections and to determine the effectiveness of treatment strategies used to control them. In this article, we: (i) assess the strengths and limitations of existing methods applied to the diagnosis of GI helminth infections of humans and livestock; (ii) examine high-throughput sequencing approaches, such as targeted molecular barcoding and shotgun sequencing, as tools to define the taxonomic composition of helminth infections; and (iii) discuss the current understanding of the interactions between helminths and microbiota in the host gut. Stool-based diagnostics are likely to serve as an important tool well into the future; improved diagnostics of helminths and their environment in the gut may assist the identification of biomarkers with the potential to define the health/disease status of individuals and populations, and to identify existing or emerging anthelmintic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Papaiakovou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD UK
| | | | | | - Robin B. Gasser
- Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0ES UK
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20
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Quinzo MJ, Perteguer MJ, Brindley PJ, Loukas A, Sotillo J. Transgenesis in parasitic helminths: a brief history and prospects for the future. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:110. [PMID: 35346328 PMCID: PMC8962113 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05211-z] [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: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminth infections impact the health of hundreds of millions of persons globally and also cause important economic losses in livestock farming. Methodological limitations as well as the low attention given to the study of helminths have impacted biological research and, thus, the procurement of accurate diagnosis and effective treatments. Understanding the biology of helminths using genomic and proteomic approaches could contribute to advances in understanding host-helminth interactions and lead to new vaccines, drugs and diagnostics. Despite the significant advances in genomics in the last decade, the lack of methodological adaptation of current transgenesis techniques has hampered the progression of post-genomic research in helminthology. However, the application of new techniques, such as CRISPR, to the study of trematodes and nematodes has opened new avenues for genome editing-powered functional genomics for these pathogens. This review summarises the historical advances in functional genomics in parasitic helminths and highlights pending limitations that will need to be overcome to deploy transgenesis tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Quinzo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - M J Perteguer
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - P J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - A Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - J Sotillo
- Parasitology Reference and Research Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Wei J, Hegde VL, Yanamandra AV, O'Hara MP, Keegan B, Jones KM, Strych U, Bottazzi ME, Zhan B, Sastry KJ, Hotez PJ. Mucosal Vaccination With Recombinant Tm-WAP49 Protein Induces Protective Humoral and Cellular Immunity Against Experimental Trichuriasis in AKR Mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:800295. [PMID: 35197976 PMCID: PMC8859434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.800295] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichuriasis is one of the most common neglected tropical diseases of the world's poorest people. A recombinant vaccine composed of Tm-WAP49, an immunodominant antigen secreted by adult Trichuris stichocytes into the mucosa of the cecum to which the parasite attaches, is under development. The prototype is being evaluated in a mouse model of Trichuris muris infection, with the ultimate goal of producing a mucosal vaccine through intranasal delivery. Intranasal immunization of mice with Tm-WAP49 formulated with the adjuvant OCH, a truncated analog of alpha-GalCer with adjuvanticity to stimulate natural killer T cells (NKT) and mucosal immunity, induced significantly high levels of IgG and its subclasses (IgG1 and IgG2a) in immunized mice. This also resulted in a significant reduction of worm burden after challenge with T. muris-infective eggs. The addition of QS-21 adjuvant to this vaccine formulation further reduced worm counts. The improved protection from the dual-adjuvanted vaccine correlated with higher serum antibody responses (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgA) as well as with the induction of antigen-specific IgA in the nasal mucosa. It was also associated with the robust cellular responses including functional subsets of CD4 T cells producing IL-4, and cytotoxic CD8 T cells expressing granzyme B. The worm reduction achieved by mucosal immunization was higher than that induced by subcutaneous immunization. Intranasal immunization also induced a significantly higher nasal mucosa-secreted antigen-specific IgA response, as well as higher functional cellular responses including CD4+IL4+ (Th1) and CD8+GnzB+ (Th2) T cells, and antigen-specific INFγ-producing T cells in both spleen and MLNs and antibody-producing B cells (CD19+B220+/B220+GL7+). Mucosal immunization further induced long-term T lymphocyte memory with increased central (CD62L+CD44+) and effector (CD62L-CD44+) memory subsets of both CD4 and CD8 T cells at 60 days after the last immunization. In summary, intranasal immunization with recombinant Tm-WAP49 protein induced strong protection versus murine trichuriasis. It represents a promising vaccination approach against intestinal nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Wei
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Venkatesh L Hegde
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ananta V Yanamandra
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Madison P O'Hara
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brian Keegan
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kathryn M Jones
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Bin Zhan
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - K Jagannadha Sastry
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
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22
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Innovative Ecosystem Model of Vaccine Lifecycle Management. JOURNAL OF OPEN INNOVATION: TECHNOLOGY, MARKET, AND COMPLEXITY 2022; 8. [PMCID: PMC9906693 DOI: 10.3390/joitmc8010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely tested humanity, revealing the need to develop and improve the medical, economic, managerial, and IT components of vaccine management systems. The vaccine lifecycle includes vaccine research and development, production, distribution, and vaccination of the population. To manage this cycle effectively the proper organizational and IT support model of the interaction of vaccine lifecycle management stakeholders is needed—which are an innovation ecosystem and an appropriate virtual platform. A literature review has revealed the lack of methodological basis for the vaccine innovation ecosystem and virtual platform. This article is devoted to the development of a complex approach for the development of an innovation ecosystem based on vaccine lifecycle management and a virtual platform which provides the data exchange environment and IT support for the ecosystem stakeholders. The methodological foundation of the solution, developed in the article, is an enterprise architecture approach, CALS technologies, supply chain management and an open innovation philosophy. The results, presented in the article, are supposed to be a reference set of models for the creation of a vaccine innovation ecosystem, both during pandemics and periods of stable viral load.
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23
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The yin and yang of human soil-transmitted helminth infections. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1243-1253. [PMID: 34774540 PMCID: PMC9145206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The major soil-transmitted helminths that infect humans are the roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Soil-transmitted helminth infections rank among the most important neglected tropical diseases in terms of morbidity, and almost one billion people are still infected with at least one species. While anthelmintic drugs are available, they do not offer long term protection against reinfection, precipitating the need for vaccines that provide long-term immunologic defense. Vaccine discovery and development is in advanced clinical development for hookworm infection, with a bivalent human hookworm vaccine in clinical trials in Brazil and Africa, but is in its infancy for both roundworm (ascariasis) and whipworm (trichuriasis) infections. One of the greatest hurdles to developing soil-transmitted helminth vaccines is the potent immunoregulatory properties of these helminths, creating a barrier to the induction of meaningful long-term protective immunity. While challenging for vaccinologists, this phenomenon presents unique opportunities to develop an entirely new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that capitalise on these immunomodulatory strategies. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials employing experimental soil-transmitted helminth challenge models, when coupled with findings from animal models, show that at least some soil-transmitted helminth-derived molecules can protect against the onset of autoimmune, allergic and metabolic disorders, and several natural products with the desired bioactivity have been isolated and tested in pre-clinical settings. The yin and yang of soil-transmitted helminth infections reflect both the urgency for effective vaccines and the potential for new immunoregulatory molecules from parasite products.
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Peng J, Siracusa MC. Basophils in antihelminth immunity. Semin Immunol 2021; 53:101529. [PMID: 34815162 PMCID: PMC8715908 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2021.101529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It has been appreciated that basophilia is a common feature of helminth infections for approximately 50 years. The ability of basophils to secrete IL-4 and other type 2 cytokines has supported the prevailing notion that basophils contribute to antihelminth immunity by promoting optimal type 2 T helper (Th2) cell responses. While this appears to be the case in several helminth infections, emerging studies are also revealing that the effector functions of basophils are extremely diverse and parasite-specific. Further, new reports now suggest that basophils can restrict type 2 inflammation in a manner that preserves the integrity of helminth-affected tissue. Finally, exciting data has also demonstrated that basophils can regulate inflammation by participating in neuro-immune interactions. This article will review the current state of basophil biology and describe how recent studies are transforming our understanding of the role basophils play in the context of helminth infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianya Peng
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Mark C Siracusa
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
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Hayon J, Weatherhead J, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Zhan B. Advances in vaccine development for human trichuriasis. Parasitology 2021; 148:1-12. [PMID: 33757603 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Trichuriasis known as whipworm infection caused by Trichuris trichiura, is a highly prevalent soil-transmitted helminthiasis in low- and middle-income countries located in tropical and subtropical areas and affecting approximately 360 million people. Children typically harbour the largest burden of T. trichiura and they are usually co-infected with other soil-transmitted helminth (STH), including Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm. The consequences of trichuriasis, such as malnutrition and physical and cognitive growth restriction, lead to a massive health burden in endemic regions. Despite the implementation of mass drug administration of anthelminthic treatment to school-age children, T. trichiura infection remains challenging to control due to the low efficacy of current drugs as well as high rates of post-treatment re-infection. Thus, the development of a vaccine that would induce protective immunity and reduce infection rate or community faecal egg output is essential. Hurdles for human whipworm vaccine development include the lack of suitable vaccine antigen targets and animal models for human T. trichiura infection. Instead, rodent whipworm T. muris infected mouse models serve as a major surrogate for testing immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccine candidates. In this review, we summarize recent advances in animal models for T. trichiura antigen discovery and testing of vaccine candidates, while providing an overall view of the current status of T. trichiura vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesica Hayon
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jill Weatherhead
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030, USA
| | - Bin Zhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030, USA
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