1
|
Vázquez ME, Zabala BA, Mesías AC, Biscari L, Kaufman CD, Alloatti A, Siano F, Picariello G, Corbalán NS, Lenis BA, Toscano MA, Parodi CM, Brandán CMP, Acuña L. Protective Efficacy of the Epitope-Conjugated Antigen N-Tc52/TSkb20 in Mitigating Trypanosoma cruzi Infection through CD8+ T-Cells and IFNγ Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:621. [PMID: 38932350 PMCID: PMC11209121 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a major public health challenge affecting millions in Latin America and worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in vector control, no vaccine exists to prevent infection or mitigate disease pathogenesis. We developed a rationally designed chimeric protein vaccine, N-Tc52/TSkb20, incorporating immunodominant epitopes from two T. cruzi antigens, the amino-terminal portion of Tc52 and the TSkb20 epitope derived from trans-sialidase. The objectives of this study were to construct and characterize the antigen and evaluate its protective potential in an immunoprophylactic murine model of T. cruzi infection. The N-Tc52/TSkb20 protein was recombinantly expressed in E. coli and its identity was confirmed using mass spectrometry and Western blotting. Immunization with the chimeric protein significantly controlled parasitemia and reduced the heart, colon, and skeletal muscle parasite burdens compared to non-vaccinated mice. Protection was superior to vaccination with the individual parental antigen components. Mechanistically, the vaccine induced potent CD8+ T-cell and IFNγ responses against the incorporated epitopes and a protective IgG antibody profile. A relatively low IL-10 response favored early parasite control. These results validate the promising multi-epitope approach and support the continued development of this type of rational vaccine design strategy against Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Elisa Vázquez
- Unidad de Biotecnología y Protozoarios, Instituto de Patología Experimental “Dr. Miguel Ángel Basombrío”, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta A4400, Argentina; (M.E.V.); (B.A.Z.); (A.C.M.); (C.M.P.)
| | - Brenda A. Zabala
- Unidad de Biotecnología y Protozoarios, Instituto de Patología Experimental “Dr. Miguel Ángel Basombrío”, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta A4400, Argentina; (M.E.V.); (B.A.Z.); (A.C.M.); (C.M.P.)
| | - Andrea C. Mesías
- Unidad de Biotecnología y Protozoarios, Instituto de Patología Experimental “Dr. Miguel Ángel Basombrío”, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta A4400, Argentina; (M.E.V.); (B.A.Z.); (A.C.M.); (C.M.P.)
| | - Lucia Biscari
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario, IDICER—CONICET—UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina; (L.B.); (C.D.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Cintia D. Kaufman
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario, IDICER—CONICET—UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina; (L.B.); (C.D.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Andrés Alloatti
- Instituto de Inmunología Clínica y Experimental de Rosario, IDICER—CONICET—UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina; (L.B.); (C.D.K.); (A.A.)
| | - Francesco Siano
- Istituto di Scienze dell’ Alimentazione—Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 83100 Avellino, Italy; (F.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Gianluca Picariello
- Istituto di Scienze dell’ Alimentazione—Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 83100 Avellino, Italy; (F.S.); (G.P.)
| | - Natalia S. Corbalán
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta A4400, Argentina;
| | - Bladimiro A. Lenis
- Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional, Hospital Arturo Oñativia, Salta A4400, Argentina; (B.A.L.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Marta A. Toscano
- Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional, Hospital Arturo Oñativia, Salta A4400, Argentina; (B.A.L.); (M.A.T.)
| | - Cecilia M. Parodi
- Unidad de Biotecnología y Protozoarios, Instituto de Patología Experimental “Dr. Miguel Ángel Basombrío”, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta A4400, Argentina; (M.E.V.); (B.A.Z.); (A.C.M.); (C.M.P.)
| | - Cecilia M. Pérez Brandán
- Unidad de Biotecnología y Protozoarios, Instituto de Patología Experimental “Dr. Miguel Ángel Basombrío”, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta A4400, Argentina; (M.E.V.); (B.A.Z.); (A.C.M.); (C.M.P.)
| | - Leonardo Acuña
- Unidad de Biotecnología y Protozoarios, Instituto de Patología Experimental “Dr. Miguel Ángel Basombrío”, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta A4400, Argentina; (M.E.V.); (B.A.Z.); (A.C.M.); (C.M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Finkensieper J, Mayerle F, Rentería-Solís Z, Fertey J, Makert GR, Lange F, Besecke J, Schopf S, Poremba A, König U, Standfest B, Thoma M, Daugschies A, Ulbert S. Apicomplexan parasites are attenuated by low-energy electron irradiation in an automated microfluidic system and protect against infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07880-w. [PMID: 37233817 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07880-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-attenuated intracellular parasites are promising immunization strategies. The irradiated parasites are able to invade host cells but fail to fully replicate, which allows for the generation of an efficient immune response. Available radiation technologies such as gamma rays require complex shielding constructions and are difficult to be integrated into pharmaceutical production processes. In this study, we evaluated for the first time low-energy electron irradiation (LEEI) as a method to generate replication-deficient Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Similar to other radiation technologies, LEEI mainly damages nucleic acids; however, it is applicable in standard laboratories. By using a novel, continuous, and microfluidic-based LEEI process, tachyzoites of T. gondii and oocysts of C. parvum were irradiated and subsequently analyzed in vitro. The LEEI-treated parasites invaded host cells but were arrested in intracellular replication. Antibody-based analysis of surface proteins revealed no significant structural damage due to LEEI. Similarly, excystation rates of sporozoites from irradiated C. parvum oocysts were similar to those from untreated controls. Upon immunization of mice, LEEI-attenuated T. gondii tachyzoites induced high levels of antibodies and protected the animals from acute infection. These results suggest that LEEI is a useful technology for the generation of attenuated Apicomplexan parasites and has potential for the development of anti-parasitic vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Finkensieper
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Mayerle
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Zaida Rentería-Solís
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Albrecht-Daniel-Thaer Institute, Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 35, 04463 Großpösna, Germany
| | - Jasmin Fertey
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gustavo R Makert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Lange
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joana Besecke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Simone Schopf
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andre Poremba
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulla König
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bastian Standfest
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Thoma
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Arwid Daugschies
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vázquez ME, Mesías AC, Acuña L, Spangler J, Zabala B, Parodi C, Thakur M, Oh E, Walper SA, Brandán CP. Exploring the performance of Escherichia coli outer membrane vesicles as a tool for vaccine development against Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2023; 118:e220263. [PMID: 37222309 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine development is a laborious craftwork in which at least two main components must be defined: a highly immunogenic antigen and a suitable delivery method. Hence, the interplay of these elements could elicit the required immune response to cope with the targeted pathogen with a long-lasting protective capacity. OBJECTIVES Here we evaluate the properties of Escherichia coli spherical proteoliposomes - known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) - as particles with natural adjuvant capacities and as antigen-carrier structures to assemble an innovative prophylactic vaccine for Chagas disease. METHODS To achieve this, genetic manipulation was carried out on E. coli using an engineered plasmid containing the Tc24 Trypanosoma cruzi antigen. The goal was to induce the release of OMVs displaying the parasite protein on their surface. FINDINGS As a proof of principle, we observed that native OMVs - as well as those carrying the T. cruzi antigen - were able to trigger a slight, but functional humoral response at low immunization doses. Of note, compared to the non-immunized group, native OMVs-vaccinated animals survived the lethal challenge and showed minor parasitemia values, suggesting a possible involvement of innate trained immunity mechanism. MAIN CONCLUSION These results open the range for further research on the design of new carrier strategies focused on innate immunity activation as an additional immunization target and venture to seek for alternative forms in which OMVs could be used for optimizing vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Elisa Vázquez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Andrea Cecilia Mesías
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Acuña
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Joseph Spangler
- US Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Brenda Zabala
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Parodi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Meghna Thakur
- George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Eunkeu Oh
- US Naval Research Laboratory, Optical Science Division, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Scott Allan Walper
- US Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Cecilia Pérez Brandán
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jha BK, Varikuti S, Verma C, Shivahare R, Bishop N, Dos Santos GP, McDonald J, Sur A, Myler PJ, Schenkman S, Satoskar AR, McGwire BS. Immunization with a Trypanosoma cruzi cyclophilin-19 deletion mutant protects against acute Chagas disease in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:63. [PMID: 37185599 PMCID: PMC10130101 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00647-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease for which there are no prophylactic vaccines. Cyclophilin 19 is a secreted cis-trans peptidyl isomerase expressed in all life stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. This protein in the insect stage leads to the inactivation of insect anti-parasitic peptides and parasite transformation whereas in the intracellular amastigotes it participates in generating ROS promoting the growth of parasites. We have generated a parasite mutant with depleted expression of Cyp19 by removal of 2 of 3 genes encoding this protein using double allelic homologous recombination. The mutant parasite line failed to replicate when inoculated into host cells in vitro or in mice indicating that Cyp19 is critical for infectivity. The mutant parasite line also fails to replicate in or cause clinical disease in immuno-deficient mice further validating their lack of virulence. Repeated inoculation of mutant parasites into immuno-competent mice elicits parasite-specific trypanolytic antibodies and a Th-1 biased immune response and challenge of mutant immunized mice with virulent wild-type parasites is 100% effective at preventing death from acute disease. These results suggest that parasite Cyp19 may be candidate for small molecule drug targeting and that the mutant parasite line may warrant further immunization studies for prevention of Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bijay Kumar Jha
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sanjay Varikuti
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rahul Shivahare
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Bishop
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gregory P Dos Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jacquelyn McDonald
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aakash Sur
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter J Myler
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sergio Schenkman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Abhay R Satoskar
- Departments of Pathology and Microbiology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Bradford S McGwire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Disruption of Active Trans-Sialidase Genes Impairs Egress from Mammalian Host Cells and Generates Highly Attenuated Trypanosoma cruzi Parasites. mBio 2022; 13:e0347821. [PMID: 35073735 PMCID: PMC8787462 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03478-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trans-sialidases (TS) are unusual enzymes present on the surface of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Encoded by the largest gene family in the T. cruzi genome, only few members of the TS family have catalytic activity. Active trans-sialidases (aTS) are responsible for transferring sialic acid from host glycoconjugates to mucins, also present on the parasite surface. The existence of several copies of TS genes has impaired the use of reverse genetics to study this highly polymorphic gene family. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we generated aTS knockout cell lines displaying undetectable levels of TS activity, as shown by sialylation assays and labeling with antibodies that recognize sialic acid-containing mucins. In vitro infection assays showed that disruption of aTS genes does not affect the parasite's capacity to invade cells or to escape from the parasitophorous vacuole but resulted in impaired differentiation of amastigotes into trypomastigotes and parasite egress from the cell. When inoculated into mice, aTS mutants were unable to establish infection even in the highly susceptible gamma interferon (IFN-γ) knockout mice. Mice immunized with aTS mutants were fully protected against a challenge infection with the virulent T. cruzi Y strain. Altogether, our results confirmed the role of aTS as a T. cruzi virulence factor and indicated that aTS play a major role during the late stages of intracellular development and parasite egress. Notably, mutants lacking TS activity are completely avirulent in animal models of infection and may be used as a live attenuated vaccine against Chagas disease. IMPORTANCE Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects approximately 6 to 8 million people and for which there is no effective treatment or vaccine. The parasite expresses a family of surface proteins, named trans-sialidases, responsible for transferring sialic acid from host glycoconjugates to parasite mucins. Although recognized as a main virulence factor, the multiple roles of these proteins during infection have not yet been fully characterized, mainly because the presence of several copies of aTS genes has impaired their study using reverse genetics. By applying CRISPR-Cas9, we generated aTS knockout parasites and showed that, although aTS parasite mutants were able to infect cells in vitro, they have an impaired capacity to egress from the infected cell. Importantly, aTS mutants lost the ability to cause infection in vivo but provided full protection against a challenge infection with a virulent strain.
Collapse
|
6
|
Live attenuated vaccines, a favorable strategy to provide long-term immunity against protozoan diseases. Trends Parasitol 2021; 38:316-334. [PMID: 34896016 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The control of diseases caused by protozoan parasites is one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. In recent years much research effort has gone into developing a new generation of live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) against malaria, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. However, there is a bottleneck related to their biosafety, production, and distribution that slows downs further development. The success of irradiated or genetically attenuated sporozoites against malaria, added to the first LAV against leishmaniasis to be evaluated in clinical trials, is indicative that the drawbacks of LAVs are gradually being overcome. However, whether persistence of LAVs is a prerequisite for sustained long-term immunity remains to be clarified, and the procedures necessary for clinical evaluation of vaccine candidates need to be standardized.
Collapse
|
7
|
In Silico Identification of New Targets for Diagnosis, Vaccine, and Drug Candidates against Trypanosoma cruzi. DISEASE MARKERS 2021; 2020:9130719. [PMID: 33488847 PMCID: PMC7787821 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9130719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite the efforts and distinct methodologies, the search of antigens for diagnosis, vaccine, and drug targets for the disease is still needed. The present study is aimed at identifying possible antigens that could be used for diagnosis, vaccine, and drugs targets against T. cruzi using reverse vaccinology and molecular docking. The genomes of 28 T. cruzi strains available in GenBank (NCBI) were used to obtain the genomic core. Then, subtractive genomics was carried out to identify nonhomologous genes to the host in the core. A total of 2630 conserved proteins in 28 strains of T. cruzi were predicted using OrthoFinder and Diamond software, in which 515 showed no homology to the human host. These proteins were evaluated for their subcellular localization, from which 214 are cytoplasmic and 117 are secreted or present in the plasma membrane. To identify the antigens for diagnosis and vaccine targets, we used the VaxiJen software, and 14 nonhomologous proteins were selected showing high binding efficiency with MHC I and MHC II with potential for in vitro and in vivo tests. When these 14 nonhomologous molecules were compared against other trypanosomatids, it was found that the retrotransposon hot spot (RHS) protein is specific only for T. cruzi parasite suggesting that it could be used for Chagas diagnosis. Such 14 proteins were analyzed using the IEDB software to predict their epitopes in both B and T lymphocytes. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis was performed using the software MHOLline. As a result, we identified 6 possible T. cruzi drug targets that could interact with 4 compounds already known as antiparasitic activities. These 14 protein targets, along with 6 potential drug candidates, can be further validated in future studies, in vivo, regarding Chagas disease.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sarsaiya S, Shi J, Chen J. Bioengineering tools for the production of pharmaceuticals: current perspective and future outlook. Bioengineered 2019; 10:469-492. [PMID: 31656120 PMCID: PMC6844412 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2019.1682108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The bioengineering tools have significant advantages through less time-consuming and utilized as a promising stage for the production of pharmaceutical bioproducts under the single platform. This review highlighted the advantages and current improvement in the plant, animal and microbial bioengineering tools and outlines feasible approaches by biological and process's bioengineering levels for advancing the economic feasibility of pharmaceutical's production. The critical analysis results revealed that system biology and synthetic biology along with advanced bioengineering tools like transcriptome, proteome, metabolome and nano bioengineering tools have shown a promising impact on the development of pharmaceutical's bioproducts. Tools to overcome and resolve the accompanying encounters of pharmaceutical's production that include nano bioengineering tools are also discussed. As a summary and prospect, it also gives new insight into the challenges and possible breakthrough of the development of pharmaceutical's bioproducts through bioengineering tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Sarsaiya
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Bioresource Institute for Healthy Utilization, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jingshan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jishuang Chen
- Bioresource Institute for Healthy Utilization, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Teh-Poot C, Dumonteil E. Mining Trypanosoma cruzi Genome Sequences for Antigen Discovery and Vaccine Development. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1955:23-34. [PMID: 30868516 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9148-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
A large number of studies have demonstrated that Trypanosoma cruzi can be controlled by vaccines in animal models, but the identification of effective vaccine antigens represents one of the most critical steps in vaccine development. Thus, only a limited diversity of parasite antigens has been empirically tested as vaccine candidates. More recently, genome-to-vaccine approaches, based principally on T-cell epitope prediction, have emerged as powerful strategies to accelerate vaccine development. In parallel, the increased availability of extensive genomic information on multiple T. cruzi strains offers a major resource for data mining and antigen identification. We present here some of the key strategies for T. cruzi genome mining for antigen discovery and vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Teh-Poot
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, CIR Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico
| | - Eric Dumonteil
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Vector-Borne and Infectious Disease Research Center, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pérez Brandán C, Mesias AC, Acuña L, Teixeira TL, da Silva CV. Evaluation of pathogen P21 protein as a potential modulator of the protective immunity induced by Trypanosoma cruzi attenuated parasites. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2019; 114:e180571. [PMID: 31116244 PMCID: PMC6528380 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760180571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TcP21 is a ubiquitous secreted protein of Trypanosoma cruzi and its recombinant form (rP21) promotes parasite cell invasion and acts as a phagocytosis inducer by activating actin polymerisation in the host cell. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to evaluate if the additional supplementation of rP21 during a prime/boost/challenge scheme with T. cruzi TCC attenuated parasites could modify the well-known protective behavior conferred by these parasites. METHODS The humoral immune response was evaluated through the assessment of total anti-T. cruzi antibodies as well as IgG subtypes. IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-10 were measured in supernatants of splenic cells stimulated with total parasite homogenate or rP21. FINDINGS Our results demonstrated that, when comparing TCC+rP21 vs. TCC vaccinated animals, the levels of IFN-γ were significantly higher in the former group, while the levels of IL-10 and TNF-α were significantly lower. Further, the measurement of parasite load after lethal challenge showed an exacerbated infection and parasite load in heart and skeletal muscle after pre-treatment with rP21, suggesting the important role of this protein during parasite natural invasion process. MAIN CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that rP21 may have adjuvant capacity able to modify the cytokine immune profile elicited by attenuated parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pérez Brandán
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Salta- Capital, Argentina
| | - Andrea C Mesias
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Salta- Capital, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Acuña
- Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Salta- Capital, Argentina
| | - Thaise Lara Teixeira
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Uberlândia, MG, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pérez Brandán C, Mesías AC, Parodi C, Cimino RO, Pérez Brandán C, Diosque P, Basombrío MÁ. Effects of IFN-γ coding plasmid supplementation in the immune response and protection elicited by Trypanosoma cruzi attenuated parasites. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:732. [PMID: 29178839 PMCID: PMC5702110 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2834-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies showed that a naturally attenuated strain from Trypanosoma cruzi triggers an immune response mainly related to a Th2-type profile. Albeit this, a strong protection against virulent challenge was obtained after priming mice with this attenuated strain. However, this protection is not enough to completely clear parasites from the host. In T. cruzi infection, early Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is critical to lead type 1 responses able to control intracellular parasites. Therefore we evaluated whether the co-administration of a plasmid encoding murine IFN-γ could modify the immune response induced by infection with attenuated parasites and improve protection against further infections. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were infected intraperitoneally with three doses of live attenuated parasites in combination with plasmid pVXVR-mIFN-γ. Before each infection dose, sera samples were collected for parasite specific antibodies determination and cytokine quantification. To evaluate the recall response to T. cruzi, mice were challenged with virulent parasites 30 days after the last dose and parasite load in peripheral blood and heart was evaluated. RESULTS As determined by ELISA, significantly increase in T. cruzi specific antibodies response was detected in the group in which pVXVR-mIFN-γ was incorporated, with a higher predominance of IgG2a subtype in comparison to the group of mice only inoculated with attenuated parasites. At our limit of detection, serum levels of IFN-γ were not detected, however a slight decrease in IL-10 concentrations was observed in groups in which pVXVR-mIFN-γ was supplemented. To analyze if the administration of pVXVR-mIFN-γ has any beneficial effect in protection against subsequent infections, all experimental groups were submitted to a lethal challenge with virulent bloodstream trypomastigotes. Similar levels of challenge parasites were detected in peripheral blood and heart of mice primed with attenuated parasites alone or combined with plasmid DNA. Expansion of IgG antibodies was not significant in TCC+ pVXVR-mIFN-γ; however, the overall tendency to sustain a Th2 profile was maintained. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results suggest that administration of plasmid pVXVR-mIFN-γ could have beneficial effects on host specific antibody production in response to T. cruzi attenuated infection; however, this outcome is not reflected in an improved protection against further virulent infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pérez Brandán
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta-Capital, Argentina.
| | - Andrea C Mesías
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta-Capital, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Parodi
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta-Capital, Argentina
| | - Rubén O Cimino
- Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales, Sede Regional Orán. Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta-Capital, Argentina
| | - Carolina Pérez Brandán
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Salta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Salta-Capital, Argentina
| | - Patricio Diosque
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta-Capital, Argentina
| | - Miguel Ángel Basombrío
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta-Capital, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Status of vaccine research and development of vaccines for Chagas disease. Vaccine 2016; 34:2996-3000. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
13
|
Enriquez GF, Garbossa G, Macchiaverna NP, Argibay HD, Bua J, Gürtler RE, Cardinal MV. Is the infectiousness of dogs naturally infected with Trypanosoma cruzi associated with poly-parasitism? Vet Parasitol 2016; 223:186-94. [PMID: 27198799 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interactions among different species of parasites co-infecting the same host could be synergistic or antagonistic. These interactions may modify both the frequency of infected hosts and their infectiousness, and therefore impact on transmission dynamics. This study determined the infectiousness of Trypanosoma cruzi-seropositive dogs (using xenodiagnosis) and their parasite load (quantified by qPCR), and tested the association between both variables and the presence of concomitant endoparasites. A cross-sectional serosurvey conducted in eight rural villages from Pampa del Indio and neighboring municipalities (northeastern Argentina) detected 32 T. cruzi-seropositive dogs out of 217 individuals examined for infection. Both the infectiousness to the vector Triatoma infestans and parasite load of T. cruzi-seropositive dogs examined were heterogeneous. A statistically significant, nine-fold higher mean infectiousness was registered in T. cruzi-seropositive dogs co-infected with Ancylostoma caninum and a trematode than in T. cruzi-seropositive dogs without these infections. The median parasite load of T. cruzi was also significantly higher in dogs co-infected with these helminths. An opposite trend was observed in T. cruzi-seropositive dogs that were serologically positive to Toxoplasma gondii or Neospora caninum relative to dogs seronegative for these parasites. Using multiple logistic regression analysis with random effects, we found a positive and significant association between the infectiousness of T. cruzi-seropositive dogs and co-infections with A. caninum and a trematode. Our results suggest that co-infections may be a modifier of host infectiousness in dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G F Enriquez
- Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Ecology, Genetics and Evolution of Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Argentina
| | - G Garbossa
- Laboratory of Clinical and Environmental Parasitology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, (IQUIBICEN-CONICET-UBA), Public Health Research Institute, Argentina
| | - N P Macchiaverna
- Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Ecology, Genetics and Evolution of Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Argentina
| | - H D Argibay
- Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Ecology, Genetics and Evolution of Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Argentina
| | - J Bua
- National Institute of Parasitology Dr. M. Fatala Chaben, National Administration of Laboratories and Institutes of Health Dr. C.G. Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R E Gürtler
- Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Ecology, Genetics and Evolution of Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Argentina
| | - M V Cardinal
- Laboratory of Eco-Epidemiology, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Institute of Ecology, Genetics and Evolution of Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nascentes GAN, Hernández CG, Rabelo RADS, Coelho RF, Morais FRD, Marques T, Batista LR, Meira WSF, Oliveira CJFD, Lages Silva E, Ramírez LE. The Driving of Immune Response by Th1 Adjuvants in Immunization of Mice with Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei Elicits a Controversial Infection Control. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:317-25. [PMID: 26959861 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, we have demonstrated that inoculation with a Trypanosoma cruzi marinkellei (avirulent RM1 strain) was able to reduce parasitemia in mice challenged with T. cruzi, although it was not able to prevent histopathological lesions. Th1 response stimulation by immunization is necessary for T. cruzi infection control, but the resistance is also dependent on immunoregulatory mechanisms, which can be induced by adjuvants. Thus, we evaluated whether inoculation of T. cruzi marinkellei associated with administration of different adjuvants would be capable of inducing different patterns of immune response to maximize the immune response against T. cruzi (virulent Romildo strain) infection. Two hundred eighty nonisogenic mice were divided into 14 groups according to the immunization scheme and the subsequent challenge with virulent Romildo T. cruzi strain. Nonimmunized groups and animals inoculated without adjuvants were also included. Immune protection was not observed with Th2 adjuvants (incomplete Freund's adjuvant [IFA] and Alum) due to high parasitemia. Th1/Th2-polarizing adjuvants also did not induce immune protection because inulin was unable to maintain survival, and immune-stimulating complexes induced intense inflammatory processes. Animals sensitized with RM1 strain without adjuvants were able to reduce parasitemia, increase survival, and protect against severe histological lesions, followed by adequate cytokine stimulation. Finally, our results demonstrate that the early and balanced IFN-γ production becomes critical to promote protection and that Th1 adjuvant elicited a controversial infection control due to increased histopathological damage. Therefore, the host's immunomodulation remains one of the most important challenges in the research for effective protection against T. cruzi infection. Similarly, the identification of protective antigens in the RM1 strain of T. cruzi marinkellei may contribute to further studies on vaccine development against human Chagas disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Antonio Nogueira Nascentes
- 1 Microbiology and Immunology Discipline, Federal Institute of Education , Science and Technology at Triângulo Mineiro (IFTM), Uberaba, Brazil
| | - César Gómez Hernández
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Rosiley Aparecida de Souza Rabelo
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Raquel Fernandes Coelho
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Rossetto de Morais
- 3 School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (USP) , Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Marques
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Lara Rocha Batista
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Wendell Sérgio Ferreira Meira
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire de Oliveira
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Eliane Lages Silva
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo Ramírez
- 2 Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) , Uberaba, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Padmanabhan PK, Polidoro RB, Barteneva NS, Gazzinelli RT, Burleigh BA. Transient transfection and expression of foreign and endogenous genes in the intracellular stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2015; 198:100-3. [PMID: 25712770 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The capacity for rapid localization of epitope-tagged or fluorescent fusion proteins in cells is an important tool for biological discovery and functional analysis. For Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes human Chagas disease, visualization of ectopically-expressed proteins in the clinically-relevant mammalian stages is hindered by the necessity to first perform transfection and lengthy selection procedures in the insect vector form of the parasite. Here, we demonstrate the ability to by-pass the insect stage with the delivery of plasmid DNA to non-dividing, tissue culture trypomastigotes such that upon host cell infection, transgenes are expressed and rapidly localized in intracellular T. cruzi amastigotes. The inclusion of a sorting step prior to host cell infection by trypomastigotes greatly enriches (>90%) the number of transgene-expressing amastigotes observed in mammalian host cells. This is a significant methodological advance that has the potential to accelerate the pace of discovery in the Chagas disease field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasad K Padmanabhan
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Rafael B Polidoro
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Natasha S Barteneva
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Program, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ricardo T Gazzinelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia and Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Augusto de Lima 1715, 30190-002 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation St, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Barbara A Burleigh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
CD8(+) T cell-mediated immunity during Trypanosoma cruzi infection: a path for vaccine development? Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:243786. [PMID: 25104879 PMCID: PMC4102079 DOI: 10.1155/2014/243786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
MHC-restricted CD8+ T cells are important during infection with the intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Experimental studies performed in the past 25 years have elucidated a number of features related to the immune response mediated by these T cells, which are important for establishing the parasite/host equilibrium leading to chronic infection. CD8+ T cells are specific for highly immunodominant antigens expressed by members of the trans-sialidase family. After infection, their activation is delayed, and the cells display a high proliferative activity associated with high apoptotic rates. Although they participate in parasite control and elimination, they are unable to clear the infection due to their low fitness, allowing the parasite to establish the chronic phase when these cells then play an active role in the induction of heart immunopathology. Vaccination with a number of subunit recombinant vaccines aimed at eliciting specific CD8+ T cells can reverse this path, thereby generating a productive immune response that will lead to the control of infection, reduction of symptoms, and reduction of disease transmission. Due to these attributes, activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes may constitute a path for the development of a veterinarian or human vaccine.
Collapse
|
17
|
Genetic vaccination against experimental infection with myotropic parasite strains of Trypanosoma cruzi. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:605023. [PMID: 25061263 PMCID: PMC4098640 DOI: 10.1155/2014/605023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In earlier studies, we reported that a heterologous prime-boost regimen using recombinant plasmid DNA followed by replication-defective adenovirus vector, both containing Trypanosoma cruzi genes encoding trans-sialidase (TS) and amastigote surface protein (ASP) 2, provided protective immunity against experimental infection with a reticulotropic strain of this human protozoan parasite. Herein, we tested the outcome of genetic vaccination of F1 (CB10XBALB/c) mice challenged with myotropic parasite strains (Brazil and Colombian). Initially, we determined that the coadministration during priming of a DNA plasmid containing the murine IL-12 gene improved the immune response and was essential for protective immunity elicited by the heterologous prime-boost regimen in susceptible male mice against acute lethal infections with these parasites. The prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination of resistant female mice led to a drastic reduction in the number of inflammatory infiltrates in cardiac and skeletal muscles during the chronic phase of infection with either strain. Analysis of the electrocardiographic parameters showed that prophylactic vaccination reduced the frequencies of sinus arrhythmia and atrioventricular block. Our results confirmed that prophylactic vaccination using the TS and ASP-2 genes benefits the host against acute and chronic pathologies caused by T. cruzi and should be further evaluated for the development of a veterinary or human vaccine against Chagas disease.
Collapse
|
18
|
Recombinant yellow fever viruses elicit CD8+ T cell responses and protective immunity against Trypanosoma cruzi. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59347. [PMID: 23527169 PMCID: PMC3601986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas’ disease is a major public health problem affecting nearly 10 million in Latin America. Despite several experimental vaccines have shown to be immunogenic and protective in mouse models, there is not a current vaccine being licensed for humans or in clinical trial against T. cruzi infection. Towards this goal, we used the backbone of Yellow Fever (YF) 17D virus, one of the most effective and well-established human vaccines, to express an immunogenic fragment derived from T. cruzi Amastigote Surface Protein 2 (ASP-2). The cDNA sequence of an ASP-2 fragment was inserted between E and NS1 genes of YF 17D virus through the construction of a recombinant heterologous cassette. The replication ability and genetic stability of recombinant YF virus (YF17D/ENS1/Tc) was confirmed for at least six passages in Vero cells. Immunogenicity studies showed that YF17D/ENS1/Tc virus elicited neutralizing antibodies and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) producing-cells against the YF virus. Also, it was able to prime a CD8+ T cell directed against the transgenic T. cruzi epitope (TEWETGQI) which expanded significantly as measured by T cell-specific production of IFN-γ before and after T. cruzi challenge. However, most important for the purposes of vaccine development was the fact that a more efficient protective response could be seen in mice challenged after vaccination with the YF viral formulation consisting of YF17D/ENS1/Tc and a YF17D recombinant virus expressing the TEWETGQI epitope at the NS2B-3 junction. The superior protective immunity observed might be due to an earlier priming of epitope-specific IFN-γ-producing T CD8+ cells induced by vaccination with this viral formulation. Our results suggest that the use of viral formulations consisting of a mixture of recombinant YF 17D viruses may be a promising strategy to elicit protective immune responses against pathogens, in general.
Collapse
|