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Shintouo CM, Shey RA, Yengo BN, Yaah NE, Teh RN, Ngwese RA, Ayong L, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J, Ghogomu SM, Njemini R. Effects of the suspension of mass drug administration during the COVID-19 pandemic on onchocerciasis prevalence in the Bandjoun and Massangam health districts, West Region of Cameroon. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106999. [PMID: 37549841 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is an infectious disease of public health and socio-economic importance in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the suspension of implementation activities towards combating onchocerciasis in the Bandjoun and Massangam health districts in the West Region of Cameroon as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained using a structured questionnaire. All participants in both health districts were examined for the presence of clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis. In addition, two skin snips were obtained from the knee of each participant and examined for the presence of microfilaria. All data were categorized, coded, entered in a database, and analysed using SPSS version 23.0. A total of 229 participants in the Bandjoun health district and 378 in the Massangam health district were recruited for the study. In both health districts, there was no significant difference between male and female participants in terms of the clinical manifestations of onchocerciasis. The prevalence of nodules was 8.7% in the Bandjoun health district and 20.6% in the Massangam health district while the prevalence of microfilaria carriers in Bandjoun and Massangam health districts was 3.5% and 3.7%, respectively. Except for the Tsesse and Lemgo communities in the Bandjoun health district, there was a reduction in the prevalence of microfilaria in the communities that were studied when compared to previous data obtained before the disruption of control programmes activities. Overall, in both health districts, elderly individuals bear the largest burden of onchocerciasis. Based on the results obtained, we conclude that the temporary suspension of Neglected Tropical Disease control programme activities by the World Head Organization as a result of COVID-19 may have resulted to recrudescence of O. volvulus transmission in hypoendemic communities in the Bandjoun health district.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon; Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 126040 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Bernis Neneyoh Yengo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ntang Emmaculate Yaah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Rene Ning Teh
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Roland Akwelle Ngwese
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaounde´, Cameroon
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 126040 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 126040 Gosselies, Belgium.
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon.
| | - Rose Njemini
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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Hebishy M, Shintouo CM, Dufait I, Debacq-Chainiaux F, Bautmans I, Njemini R. Heat shock proteins and cellular senescence in humans: A systematic review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 113:105057. [PMID: 37207540 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence (CS) is a permanent arrest of cell growth and exit of the cell cycle. It is an important tumor suppression mechanism and has a key role in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and prevention of tissue fibrosis. Despite the short-term benefits of CS, accumulation of senescent cells has deleterious effects and is associated with several pathological age-related phenotypes. As Heat Shock Proteins (HSP) are associated with cyto-protection, their role in longevity and CS became a research interest. However, an overview of the relationship between HSP and CS in humans still lacks in the literature. To provide an overview of the current state of the literature, this systematic review focused on the role of HSP in the development of CS in humans. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were systematically screened for studies on the relationship between HSP and CS in humans. A total of 14 articles were eligible for inclusion. The heterogeneity and lack of numerical reporting of outcomes obstructed the conduction of a meta-analysis. The results consistently show that HSP depletion results in increased CS, while overexpression of HSP decreases CS, whether in cancer, fibroblasts, or stem cell lines. This systematic review summarized the literature on the prospective role of HSP in the development of CS in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Hebishy
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63 Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ines Dufait
- Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Florence Debacq-Chainiaux
- Research Unit on Cellular Biology (URBC), Department of Biology, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles, 61, Namur B-5000, Belgium
| | - Ivan Bautmans
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Rose Njemini
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels 1090, Belgium.
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Asa BF, Shintouo CM, Shey RA, Afoumbom MT, Siekeh N, Yoah A, Kah E, Ickowitz A, Tata CY, Asongalem E, Ghogomu SM. Prevalence, correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infection among children below 5 years living in the forest community of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional assessment. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278333. [PMID: 36480502 PMCID: PMC9731441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In low- and middle-income countries, undernutrition often co-exists with intestinal parasites, especially Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children. The collective impact of both conditions result in undernutrition and can exacerbate the general poor health status of children. A cross-sectional survey of 422 mother-child (12-59 months old) pairs from 14 villages in the District of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon, was carried out to assess the magnitude and correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites. Socio-demographic data were collected from mothers and anthropometric data were collected from children. Parasitological assessment was performed using a combination of direct microscopy flotation, sedimentation and centrifugation techniques. Correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites were identified using multinomial logistic regression at individual and household levels. 83.77% of the children assessed for undernutrition were undernourished and 66.82% were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. It was not uncommon for the study participants to be concurrently infected with two or more intestinal parasites. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica/dispar and Hookworm infection. Multinomial logistic regression using Nutritional status as outcome showed that, children who were not exclusively breastfed were 106% (RR = 2.06; C.I = 1.12-3.80) more likely to be underweight compared to those who were exclusively breastfed. The household size of 4 to 6 persons also significantly impacted wasting (p-value = 0.007) at 7% (RR = 1.07, C.I = 0.49-2.32). Analysis by a logistic regression model with STH infection as outcome revealed that, Fingernail cleanness (p-value = 0.044; AOR = 1.75; CI = 1.09-2.78) and household size (p-value = 0.038; AOR = 0.55; CI = 0.32-0.92) were positively associated with intestinal parasite infection at the 5% significant level. This study reveals that intestinal helminthic parasitic infections (STH) and undernutrition are serious health problems in children below five in the study area. To address this dire situation, concerted efforts are needed to improve sanitation, hygiene education access, community deworming programs, and improve diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertha Fru Asa
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Nadia Siekeh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Adolf Yoah
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Kah
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Amy Ickowitz
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) Bogor, Jawa Barat, Indonesia
| | - Caleb Yengo Tata
- Forests, Resources and People (FOREP), Botanic Gardens Limbe, Limbe, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Asongalem
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- * E-mail:
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Shey RA, Ghogomu SM, Nebangwa DN, Shintouo CM, Yaah NE, Yengo BN, Nkemngo FN, Esoh KK, Tchatchoua NMT, Mbachick TT, Dede AF, Lemoge AA, Ngwese RA, Asa BF, Ayong L, Njemini R, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J. Rational design of a novel multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine against Onchocerca volvulus using transmembrane proteins. Front Trop Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.1046522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost a decade ago, it was recognized that the global elimination of onchocerciasis by 2030 will not be feasible without, at least, an effective prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccine to complement chemotherapy and vector control strategies. Recent advances in computational immunology (immunoinformatics) have seen the design of novel multi-epitope onchocerciasis vaccine candidates which are however yet to be evaluated in clinical settings. Still, continued research to increase the pool of vaccine candidates, and therefore the chance of success in a clinical trial remains imperative. Here, we designed a multi-epitope vaccine candidate by assembling peptides from 14 O. volvulus (Ov) proteins using an immunoinformatics approach. An initial 126 Ov proteins, retrieved from the Wormbase database, and at least 90% similar to orthologs in related nematode species of economic importance, were screened for localization, presence of transmembrane domain, and antigenicity using different web servers. From the 14 proteins retained after the screening, 26 MHC-1 and MHC-II (T-cell) epitopes, and linear B-lymphocytes epitopes were predicted and merged using suitable linkers. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis Resuscitation-promoting factor E (RPFE_MYCTU), which is an agonist of TLR4, was then added to the N-terminal of the vaccine candidate as a built-in adjuvant. Immune simulation analyses predicted strong B-cell and IFN-γ based immune responses which are necessary for protection against O. volvulus infection. Protein-protein docking and molecular dynamic simulation predicted stable interactions between the 3D structure of the vaccine candidate and human TLR4. These results show that the designed vaccine candidate has the potential to stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses and should therefore be subject to further laboratory investigation.
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Yengo BN, Shintouo CM, Hotterbeekx A, Yaah NE, Shey RA, Quanico J, Baggerman G, Ayong L, Vanhamme L, Njemini R, Souopgui J, Colebunders R, Ghogomu SM. Immunoinformatics Design and Assessment of a Multiepitope Antigen (OvMCBL02) for Onchocerciasis Diagnosis and Monitoring. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12061440. [PMID: 35741250 PMCID: PMC9221995 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12061440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease that has a significant socioeconomic impact, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Numerous reports indicate that the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases needs novel diagnostic tools before achieving its goal of successful elimination of onchocerciasis in Africa. The current diagnostic tests are either invasive, insensitive, or not applicable in the field and about 25% of persons infected cannot mount immune responses against the single antigen used in the only approved Ov-16 serological test. In the quest to identify novel biomarkers that can be used to certify that a patient is free from the disease, evaluate the progress of elimination programmes, and conduct post elimination surveillances, mass spectrometric analysis of Onchocerca volvulus crude extract revealed that 1392 proteins are expressed in the adult and microfilariae stages of the parasite. Computational analysis predicted six of the proteins as O. volvulus potential diagnostic targets. Linear B-epitopes were predicted from the six proteins and used to construct a multiepitope antigen (OvMCBL02). Serological analysis revealed that the OvMCBL02 test significantly differentiated between serum samples of onchocerciasis patients from the Kombone Health Area in the South West Region of Cameroon (n = 63) and control serum samples from Rwanda (n = 29) and Europe (n = 26) as well as between serum samples from the onchocerciasis hyperendemic region of Kombone Health Area (n = 63) and the hypoendemic region of Bandjoun Health District (n = 54). Interestingly, the test did not cross-react with serum samples from patients suffering from related nematode infections, thereby suggesting that further characterization of the OvMCBL02 multiepitope antigen will render it an additional member of the diagnostic toolbox for the elimination of onchocerciasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernis Neneyoh Yengo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (B.N.Y.); (C.M.S.); (N.E.Y.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (B.N.Y.); (C.M.S.); (N.E.Y.); (R.A.S.)
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - An Hotterbeekx
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.H.); (R.C.)
- Molecular Pathology Group, Laboratory of Cell biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ntang Emmaculate Yaah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (B.N.Y.); (C.M.S.); (N.E.Y.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (B.N.Y.); (C.M.S.); (N.E.Y.); (R.A.S.)
| | - Jusal Quanico
- Center for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium; (J.Q.); (G.B.)
| | - Geert Baggerman
- Center for Proteomics, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium; (J.Q.); (G.B.)
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon;
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Gosselies Campus, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (L.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Rose Njemini
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Gosselies Campus, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; (L.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Robert Colebunders
- Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (A.H.); (R.C.)
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (B.N.Y.); (C.M.S.); (N.E.Y.); (R.A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +237-6-7845-5646
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Sumbele IUN, Teh RN, Nkeudem GA, Sandie SM, Moyeh MN, Shey RA, Shintouo CM, Ghogomu SM, Batiha GES, Alkazmi L, Kimbi HK. Asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infection in children in the Mount Cameroon area: a cross-sectional study on altitudinal influence, haematological parameters and risk factors. Malar J 2021; 20:382. [PMID: 34565353 PMCID: PMC8474836 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03916-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Mount Cameroon area has experienced a 57.2% decline in confirmed malaria cases between 2006 and 2013 with the implementation of different control measures but, the disease is still of public health concern. The objective of the study was to assess the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection, altitudinal influence on it, their effect on haematological parameters as well as identify the risk factors of infection. Methodology A cross-sectional community-based survey involving 1319 children of both sexes aged 6 months to 14 years was conducted between July 2017 and May 2018. Malaria parasitaemia was confirmed by Giemsa-stained microscopy, sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection by 18S mRNA using nested PCR and full blood count analysis was done using an auto haematology analyser. Results Malaria parasite, asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection and anaemia were prevalent in 36.4%, 34.0%, 43.8% and 62.3% of the children, respectively. The risk of having sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection was highest in children 5‒9 (OR = 3.13, P < 0.001) and 10‒14 years of age (OR = 8.18, P < 0.001), non-insecticide treated net users (OR = 1.69, P < 0.04) and those anaemic (OR = 9.01, P < 0.001). Children with sub-microscopic infection had a significantly lower mean haemoglobin (9.86 ± 1.7 g/dL, P < 0.001), red blood cell counts (4.48 ± 1.1 × 1012/L, P < 0.001), haematocrit (31.92%, P < 0.001), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (313.25 ± 47.36, P = 0.035) and platelet counts (280.83 ± 112.62, P < 0.001) than their negative counterparts. Children < 5 years old (73.8%), having asymptomatic (69.8%) and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection (78.3%) as well as resident in the middle belt (72.7%) had a higher prevalence of anaemia than their peers. Conclusion The meaningful individual-level heterogeneity in the burden of asymptomatic and sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection in addition to its corollary on haematological variables among children in the different attitudinal sites of the Mount Cameroon Region accentuate the need for strategic context specific planning of malaria control and preventative measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03916-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ule Ngole Sumbele
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Rene Ning Teh
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers' Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | - Gillian Asoba Nkeudem
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teachers' Training College, University of Buea, Kumba, Cameroon
| | | | - Marcel Nyuylam Moyeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Luay Alkazmi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Helen Kuokuo Kimbi
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
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Shintouo CM, Shey RA, Mets T, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J, Ghogomu SM, Njemini R. Onchocerciasis Fingerprints in the Geriatric Population: Does Host Immunity Play a Role? Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6030153. [PMID: 34449738 PMCID: PMC8396225 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6030153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most debilitating consequences of aging is the progressive decline in immune function, known as immunosenescence. This phenomenon is characterized by a shift in T-cell phenotypes, with a manifest decrease of naive T-cells-dealing with newly encountered antigens-and a concomitant accumulation of senescent and regulatory T-cells, leading to a greater risk of morbidity and mortality in older subjects. Additionally, with aging, several studies have unequivocally revealed an increase in the prevalence of onchocerciasis infection. Most lymphatic complications, skin and eye lesions due to onchocerciasis are more frequent among the elderly population. While the reasons for increased susceptibility to onchocerciasis with age are likely to be multi-factorial, age-associated immune dysfunction could play a key role in the onset and progression of the disease. On the other hand, there is a growing consensus that infection with onchocerciasis may evoke deleterious effects on the host's immunity and exacerbate immune dysfunction. Indeed, Onchocerca volvulus has been reported to counteract the immune responses of the host through molecular mimicry by impairing T-cell activation and interfering with the processing of antigens. Moreover, reports indicate impaired cellular and humoral immune responses even to non-parasite antigens in onchocerciasis patients. This diminished protective response may intensify the immunosenescence outcomes, with a consequent vulnerability of those affected to additional diseases. Taken together, this review is aimed at contributing to a better understanding of the immunological and potential pathological mechanisms of onchocerciasis in the older population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; (C.M.S.); (T.M.)
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.)
| | - Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.)
| | - Tony Mets
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; (C.M.S.); (T.M.)
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 126040 Gosselies, Belgium; (L.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 126040 Gosselies, Belgium; (L.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.)
| | - Rose Njemini
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; (C.M.S.); (T.M.)
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-24774241
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Shey RA, Ghogomu SM, Shintouo CM, Nkemngo FN, Nebangwa DN, Esoh K, Yaah NE, Manka’aFri M, Nguve JE, Ngwese RA, Njume FN, Bertha FA, Ayong L, Njemini R, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J. Computational Design and Preliminary Serological Analysis of a Novel Multi-Epitope Vaccine Candidate against Onchocerciasis and Related Filarial Diseases. Pathogens 2021; 10:99. [PMID: 33494344 PMCID: PMC7912539 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
: Onchocerciasis is a skin and eye disease that exerts a heavy socio-economic burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, a region which harbours greater than 96% of either infected or at-risk populations. The elimination plan for the disease is currently challenged by many factors including amongst others; the potential emergence of resistance to the main chemotherapeutic agent, ivermectin (IVM). Novel tools, including preventative and therapeutic vaccines, could provide additional impetus to the disease elimination tool portfolio. Several observations in both humans and animals have provided evidence for the development of both natural and artificial acquired immunity. In this study, immuno-informatics tools were applied to design a filarial-conserved multi-epitope subunit vaccine candidate, (designated Ov-DKR-2) consisting of B-and T-lymphocyte epitopes of eight immunogenic antigens previously assessed in pre-clinical studies. The high-percentage conservation of the selected proteins and epitopes predicted in related nematode parasitic species hints that the generated chimera may be instrumental for cross-protection. Bioinformatics analyses were employed for the prediction, refinement, and validation of the 3D structure of the Ov-DKR-2 chimera. In-silico immune simulation projected significantly high levels of IgG1, T-helper, T-cytotoxic cells, INF-γ, and IL-2 responses. Preliminary immunological analyses revealed that the multi-epitope vaccine candidate reacted with antibodies in sera from both onchocerciasis-infected individuals, endemic normals as well as loiasis-infected persons but not with the control sera from European individuals. These results support the premise for further characterisation of the engineered protein as a vaccine candidate for onchocerciasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francis Nongley Nkemngo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon;
- Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Yaounde BP 13591, Cameroon
| | - Derrick Neba Nebangwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Kevin Esoh
- Division of Human Genetics, Health Sciences Campus, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa;
| | - Ntang Emmaculate Yaah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Muyanui Manka’aFri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Joel Ebai Nguve
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Roland Akwelle Ngwese
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
| | - Ferdinand Ngale Njume
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon; (R.A.S.); (S.M.G.); (C.M.S.); (D.N.N.); (N.E.Y.); (M.M.); (J.E.N.); (R.A.N.); (F.N.N.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
| | - Fru Asa Bertha
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea 99999, Cameroon;
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé Rue 2005, Cameroon;
| | - Rose Njemini
- Frailty in Ageing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Department of Gerontology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, 6040 Gosselies, Belgium;
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Shey RA, Ghogomu SM, Esoh KK, Nebangwa ND, Shintouo CM, Nongley NF, Asa BF, Ngale FN, Vanhamme L, Souopgui J. In-silico design of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against onchocerciasis and related filarial diseases. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4409. [PMID: 30867498 PMCID: PMC6416346 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40833-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease with high socio-economic burden particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The elimination plan for this disease has faced numerous challenges. A multi-epitope prophylactic/therapeutic vaccine targeting the infective L3 and microfilaria stages of the parasite's life cycle would be invaluable to achieve the current elimination goal. There are several observations that make the possibility of developing a vaccine against this disease likely. For example, despite being exposed to high transmission rates of infection, 1 to 5% of people have no clinical manifestations of the disease and are thus considered as putatively immune individuals. An immuno-informatics approach was applied to design a filarial multi-epitope subunit vaccine peptide consisting of linear B-cell and T-cell epitopes of proteins reported to be potential novel vaccine candidates. Conservation of the selected proteins and predicted epitopes in other parasitic nematode species suggests that the generated chimera could be helpful for cross-protection. The 3D structure was predicted, refined, and validated using bioinformatics tools. Protein-protein docking of the chimeric vaccine peptide with the TLR4 protein predicted efficient binding. Immune simulation predicted significantly high levels of IgG1, T-helper, T-cytotoxic cells, INF-γ, and IL-2. Overall, the constructed recombinant putative peptide demonstrated antigenicity superior to current vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Adamu Shey
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Stephen Mbigha Ghogomu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Kevin Kum Esoh
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya
| | - Neba Derrick Nebangwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Cabirou Mounchili Shintouo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Nkemngo Francis Nongley
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Bertha Fru Asa
- Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ferdinand Njume Ngale
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium.
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