Immunity in the spleen and blood of mice immunized with irradiated Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites

Evaluation of the toxoplasma Urm1 gene deletion mutant (PruΔUrm1) as a promising vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis in mice

Toxoplasmosis is a significant zoonotic disease that poses a serious threat to both human and animal health. Despite ongoing research, developing an effective vaccine for toxoplasmosis remains a challenge. In this study, we evaluated the vaccine potential of the Toxoplasma Urm1 gene deletion mutant (PruΔUrm1) by assessing its pathogenicity and protective efficacy in mice. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we successfully created a type II Toxoplasma gondii Pru mutant strain with a deleted Urm1 gene. Compared to the wild-type parasite, the PruΔUrm1 strain exhibited significantly reduced invasive and proliferative abilities in vitro. In in vivo studies, mice intraperitoneally infected with the parental Pru strain showed severe symptoms including emaciation, hunching, and high mortality rates. In contrast, mice infected with PruΔUrm1 tachyzoites demonstrated a 100 % survival rate, no overt symptoms, and a markedly reduced parasite burden in the liver, spleen, and lungs, indicating reduced pathogenicity. Notably, PruΔUrm1 vaccination triggered a strong immune response, characterized by significantly elevated cytokine levels, including TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-10. Furthermore, we assessed the immunoprotective efficacy of PruΔUrm1 vaccination in mice against type I strains. Mice immunized with PruΔUrm1 were able to resist the tachyzoites of type I RH wild-type parasites, achieving a 100 % survival rate and significantly reduced parasite loads in the liver, spleen and lungs. These data demonstrate that PruΔUrm1 immunization provides effective protection against acute Toxoplasma infections and holds promise as a potential vaccine candidate for toxoplasmosis.

Scavenger receptors mediate increased uptake of irradiated T.gondii extracts by J774 macrophages

PURPOSE

Protein extracts developed increased immunogenicity without the aid of adjuvants after gamma irradiation. Gamma irradiation of snake venom increased antivenin production by detoxification and enhanced immunity, probably due preferential uptake of irradiated venoms by macrophage scavenger receptors. We studied this uptake of irradiated soluble Toxoplasma gondii extract (STag) by the J774 macrophage cell line similar to antigen presenting cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We labeled STag by biosynthesis in living tachyzoites with radioactive amino acids before purification and irradiation or by adding labels as biotin or fluorescein in stored STag, for quantitative studies or subcellular distribution visualization.

RESULTS

There was enhanced binding and uptake of irradiated STag into the cells compared to non-irradiated STag. Using fluorescein labeled antigens and morphological assays, we confirmed that cells avidly ingested both native and irradiated proteins but native STag were digested after ingestion while irradiated proteins remained in the cell, suggesting diverse intracytoplasmic pathways. Native or irradiated STag present the same in vitro sensitivity to three types of peptidases. Inhibitors of scavenger receptors (SRs) such as Dextran sulfate (SR-A1 blocker) or Probucol (SR-B blocker) affect the specific uptake of irradiated antigens, suggesting its association with enhanced immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests that cell SRs recognize irradiated proteins, mainly SRs for oxidized proteins, leading to antigen uptake by an intracytoplasmic pathway with fewer peptidases that prolongs presentation to nascent major histocompatibility complex I or II and enhances immunity by better antigen presentation.

Toxoplasma gondii in CD36 -/- mice shows lethal infection and poor immunization with probable macrophage immune defects

Experimental toxoplasmosis is an excellent model for adaptive immune response. Gamma-irradiated tachyzoites or soluble tachyzoite antigen extracts (STag) induce protection against experimental toxoplasmosis in mice. Scavenger receptors recognize irradiated proteins, promote their entry into cells, and lead to antigen presentation. CD36 is a specific scavenger receptor involved in intracellular transport of free fatty acid (FFA), cellular recycling, and intracellular trafficking in lipid rafts outside the lysosomal pathways. CD36 is also associated with an altered immune response, as CD36^-/- mice presented some immune defects in the cyst-forming Toxoplasma gondii. We studied T. gondii infection in CD36^-/- mice, naïve or immunized, with irradiated T. gondii STags by investigating protection, antibody production, and primed macrophage transplantation. CD36^-/- mice presented no resistance against the viable RH tachyzoites, even after immunization with gamma-irradiated STags that protected wild-type mice. The animals presented poor humoral responses to both immunogens despite adequate levels of serum immunoglobulins. CD36^-/- mice failed to induce protection against virulent T. gondii infection with inadequate antibody production or an innate response. Irradiated antigens failed to induce antibodies in CD36^-/- mice and only produced adequate levels of immunoglobulin G when transplanted with irradiated STag-primed wild-type macrophages. The CD36 pathway is necessary for humoral response against the irradiated antigen; however, several other pathways are also involved in mounting a humoral response against any antigen. CD36 is a multipurpose molecule for FFA and lipid transport, as well as for the immune response, and gamma radiation mimics the innate response by targeting irradiated antigens of this pathway.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Activated Dendritic Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Induce Antiviral Immunity in Mice

The onset and spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have created an unprecedented universal crisis. Although vaccines have been developed against the parental SARS-CoV-2, outbreaks of the disease still occur through the appearance of different variants, suggesting a continuous need for improved and effective therapeutic strategies. Therefore, we developed a novel nanovesicle presenting Spike protein on the surface of the dendritic cell-derived extracellular vesicles (DEVs) for use as a potential vaccine platform against SARS-CoV-2. DEVs express peptide/MHC-I (pMHC-I) complexes, CCR-7, on their surface. The immunogenicity and efficacy of the Spike-activated DEVs were tested in mice and compared with free Spike protein. A 1/10 Spike equivalent dose of DEVs showed a superior potency in inducing anti-Spike IgG titers in blood of mice when compared to dendritic cells or free Spike protein treatment. Moreover, DEV-induced sera effectively reduced viral infection by 55-60% within 15 days of booster dose administration. Furthermore, a 1/10 Spike equivalent dose of DEV-treated mice was found to be equally effective in inducing CD19+CD38+ T-cells in the spleen and lymph node; CD8 cells in the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph node; and CD4+CD25+ T-cells in the spleen and lymph node after 90 days of treatment. Thus, our results support the immunogenic nature of DEVs, demonstrating that a low dose of DEVs induces antibodies to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro, therefore warranting further investigations.

Enhancement of immune responses by vaccine potential of three antigens, including ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1 against acute toxoplasmosis in mice

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes considerable financial losses in the livestock industry and can present serious threats to pregnant women, as well as immunocompromised patients. Therefore, it is required to design and produce an efficient vaccine for controlling toxoplasmosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective immunity induced by RMS protein (ROP18, MIC4, and SAG1) with Freund adjuvant, calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs), and chitosan nanoparticles (CNs) in BALB/c mice. The RMS protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified using a HisTrap HP column. Thereafter, cellular and humoral immunity was assessed by injecting RMS protein on days 0, 21, and 35 into four groups [RMS, RMS-chitosan nanoparticles (RMS-CNs), RMS-calcium phosphate nanoparticles (RMS-CaPNs), and RMS-Freund]. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS), CNs, CaPNs, and Freund served as the four control groups. The results displayed that vaccination with RMS protein and adjuvants significantly elicited the levels of specific IgG antibodies and cytokines against toxoplasmosis. There were high levels of total IgG, IgG2a, and IFN-γ in vaccinated mice, compared to those in the control groups, especially in the RMS-Freund, indicating a Th-1 type response. The vaccinated and control mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 1 × 10³ tachyzoites of the T. gondii RH strain four weeks after the last injection, and in RMS-Freund and RMS-CaPNs groups, the highest increase in survival time was observed (15 days). The RMS can significantly increase Th1 and Th2 responses; moreover, multi-epitope vaccines with adjuvants can be a promising strategy for the production of a vaccine against toxoplasmosis.

Histopathological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Studies of Murine Hepatosplenic Tissues Affected by Chronic Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a serious health problem in humans and animals resulting from obligatory intracellular invasion of reticuloendothelial tissue by Toxoplasma gondii. The profound pathologic effect of toxoplasmosis is confined to nervous tissue, but many other organs, including the liver and spleen, are insulted. Many molecules like caspase-3, CD3, and CD138 are implicated in the tissue immune response in a trial to alleviate hazardous toxoplasmosis impact. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic toxoplasmosis on the liver and spleen tissues of mice using biochemical and histopathological techniques and to detect the activity and level of expression of caspase-3, CD3, and CD138 in these tissues using immunohistochemical labeling. Compared with normal control, altered normal histological features accompanied by inflammatory reaction were recorded in hepatosplenic reticuloendothelial tissues in chronically infected mice. The biochemical profile of the liver has been changed in the form of increased liver enzymes, and oxidative stress has been evidenced by elevated nitric oxide (NO) concentration in liver homogenate. The levels of caspase3, CD3, and CD138 were markedly expressed in the liver and spleen of infected mice. Our findings revealed the persistent effect of latent toxoplasmosis on the host's histological architecture, metabolic, and immunological profile, creating a continued challenging host-parasite relationship.

Dynamic Expressions of TIGIT on Splenic T Cells and TIGIT-Mediated Splenic T Cell Dysfunction of Mice With Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection

As an immunosuppressive receptor, T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) play a critical part in cellular immune regulation mediated by pathogen infection. Whereas, TIGIT expression on splenic T cells in hosts infected with Toxoplasma gondii cysts has not been studied. In this study, we detected TIGIT expression and the changes of immune function in the spleen by flow cytometry and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). We found that TIGIT expression on splenic T cells increased significantly post infection. At the same time, splenic TIGIT⁺T_CM cells were activated and transformed into TIGIT⁺T_EM cells during the infection, and the cytotoxicity of TIGIT⁺ T cells was reduced in the later stage of infection. This study shows that chronic T. gondii infection can upregulate TIGIT expression on the surface of T cells and affect immune cell function.

Beneficial effects of Strongyloides venezuelensis antigen extract in acute experimental toxoplasmosis

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan with worldwide distribution and triggers a strong Th1 immune response in infected susceptible hosts. On the contrary, most helminth infections are characterized by Th2 immune response and the use of helminth-derived antigens to regulate immune response in inflammatory disorders has been broadly investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with Strongyloides venezuelensis antigen extract (SvAg) would alter immune response against T gondii.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were orally infected with T gondii and treated with SvAg, and parasitological, histological and immunological parameters were investigated.

RESULTS

It was observed that SvAg treatment improved survival rates of T gondii-infected mice. At day 7 post-infection, the parasite load was lower in the lung and small intestine of infected SvAg-treated mice than untreated infected mice. Remarkably, SvAg-treated mice infected with T gondii presented reduced inflammatory lesions in the small intestine than infected untreated mice and decreased intestinal and systemic levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6. In contrast, SvAg treatment increased T gondii-specific IgA serum levels in infected mice.

CONCLUSIONS

S venezuelensis antigen extract has anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties during T gondii infection suggesting as a possible alternative to parasite and inflammation control.

Leishmania infantum transfected with toxic plasmid induces protection in mice infected with wild type L. infantum or L. amazonensis

Leishmania infantum infection may cause visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a fatal disease having worldwide distribution, that may be silent or asymptomatic. The latter indicates that immunity is naturally developed in some individuals, and, therefore, a vaccine against VL would be possible. Molecular mechanisms of gene expression are being understood in Leishmania, and this knowledge may be useful for vaccine development. The aim of this study was developing an attenuated strain by regulating the expression of toxic proteins in a stage specific manner. For that purpose, the 3' UTR of an amastin gene, known by its increased expression in the amastigote phase, was selected for direct the expression of exogenous proteins. This construct (pFL-AMA), firstly, was proved effective for the expression of mCherry specifically in the intracellular form of L. infantum, as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting. Afterwards, mCherry coding sequence was replaced, in the pFL-AMA plasmid, by either egg avidin or the active form of bovine trypsin. Viability of transfected parasites was evaluated in promastigote axenic cultures and in in vitro infection of macrophages. Both lines of transfected parasites showed a limited capacity to multiply inside macrophages. BALB/c mice were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with a single dose consisting of 2 × 10⁶L. infantum promastigotes transfected with plasmids bearing the toxic genes. After 10 weeks post-inoculation, no parasites were recovered by limiting dilution in either liver or spleen, but a specific immunological response was detected. The immunization with transfected parasites induced cellular and humoral immune responses with activation of TCD4⁺, TCD8⁺ and B cells, having a TH1-type response with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6. In parallel groups of mice, a challenge consisting on 1 × 10⁶ virulent parasites of either L. infantum (inoculated i.p.) or L. amazonensis subcutaneously (s.c.) was performed. Vaccinated mice, challenged with L. infantum, showed lower parasite burdens in liver, spleen and bone marrow than infected mice with WT L. infantum (non-vaccinated); similarly, vaccinated mice developed smaller footpad inflammation than control group. These data support this strategy as an efficient immunization system aimed to the development of vaccines against different forms of leishmaniasis.

Paratrygon aiereba irradiated anti-mucus serum reduce edematogenic activity induced in experimental model

Accidents by freshwater stingrays are common in northern Brazil, there is no specific therapy for high morbidity and local tissue destruction. The irradiation of venoms and toxins by ionizing radiation has been used to produce appropriate immunogens for the production of antisera. We planned to study the efficacy of stinging mucus irradiation in the production of antisera, with serum neutralization assays of edematogenic activity and quantification of cytokines performed in animal models of immunization with native and irradiated mucus of Paratrygon aiereba, a large freshwater stingray. Antiserum potency and its cross-reactivity with mucus from other freshwater stingrays were detected by ELISA. Immunization models demonstrated the ability to stimulate a strong humoral response with elevated levels of serum IgG detectable by ELISA, and both native and irradiated mucus were immunogenic and capable of recognizing mucus proteins from other freshwater neotropical stingrays. Mucus P. aiereba causes cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses in cells of immunized mice producing antibodies and cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-17. Rabbit antisera immunized with mucus from P. aiereba irradiated at 2 kGy showed a significant reduction of mucus-induced edematogenic activity in mice. Our data suggest that the use of antisera against freshwater stingray mucus show the possibility of specific therapy for these accidents.

Radiation effects on Toxoplasma antigens: different immune responses of irradiated intact tachyzoites or soluble antigens in experimental mice models

Purpose: Purpose: Protein irradiation causes aggregation, chain breakage, and oxidation, enhancing its uptake by antigen-presenting cells. To evaluate if irradiated proteins participate on the protection, we studied the immune response induced in mice immunized with irradiated soluble extracts of T. gondii tachyzoites (STag) or irradiated intact T. gondii RH tachyzoites (RH^0.25 kGy).Material and Methods: Soluble extracts of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites (STag) were irradiated at different dose by Cobalt-60 source. By polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-Page) we evaluated the effects on primary structures of protein STags induced by irradiation. By Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) we evaluated the difference between humoral immune response induced by irradiated STag or RH tachyzoites in immunized mice from the detection of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the serum of immunized mice. From challenge with viable RH strain of T. gondii we evaluated the protection induced in the immunized animals. By cytometry we performed the phenotyping of T and B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the immunized animals.Results: Irradiation dose of 1.5 kGy induced minimal changes in most proteins, without affecting their antigenicity or immunogenicity. Immunization showed saturation at the dose of 10 µg/mice, with worst response at higher doses. STag irradiated at 1.5  kGy (STag^1.5 kGy) induced higher survival and protection similar to T. gondii RH strain irradiated at 0.25 kGy (RH^0.25 kGy), with higher serum levels of high affinity IgG compared to STag native. Blood immune memory cells of mice immunized with STag^1.5 kGy had higher proportions of CD19⁺ (cluster of differentiation 19) and CD4⁺ (cluster of differentiation 14) cells, whereas mice RH^0.25 kGy had high proportion of memory CD8⁺ (cluster of differentiation 8) cells.Conclusions: Our data suggest that major histocompatibility complex type I (MHCI) pathway, appears seem to be used by RH^0.25 kGy to generate cytotoxic cells while STag1.5 kGy uses a major histocompatibility complex type II (MHCII) pathway for B-cell memory, but both induce sufficient immune response for protection in mice without any adjuvant. Irradiation of soluble protein extracts enhances their immune response, allowing similar protection against T. gondii in mice as compared to irradiated intact parasites.

The course of infection with Toxoplasma gondii RH strain in mice pre-vaccinated with gamma irradiated tachyzoites

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan of major medical and veterinary importance. Its treatment is difficult since the available drugs have severe side effects and reactivation may occur anytime. Vaccination with irradiated parasites exhibits ideal characteristics for vaccine development. In our experimental mice model, the protection against challenge with the virulent RH strain was assessed, using 255Gy irradiated tachyzoites. Eighty mice were allocated into 3 groups: naive control group, challenged with virulent RH tachyzoites group and a third group which is challenged with 1 × 10⁶ irradiated tachyzoites, administered as two biweekly doses intraperitoneally. Protection was tested by challenging vaccinated mice with the virulent type RH tachyzoites 30 days after the 2nd vaccination dose. The assessment was built on qualitative clinical, quantitative parasitological, histopathological parameters and measurement of serum Nitric Oxide (NO). The results showed prolonged survival rate, absence of tachyzoites in the peritoneal aspirate by counting, absence of tachyzoites in all examined organs by impression smears, amelioration of histopathological changes in the liver, spleen, brain and lung specimens and increase of the serum NO level in the vaccinated group. Therefore, we propose that irradiated Toxoplasma tachyzoites confer protection for challenged mice and could be an alternative immunization schedule for vaccine development especially for who are at risk of severe immunosuppression.

Vaccination challenges and strategies against long-lived Toxoplasma gondii

Since the discovery of Toxoplasma gondii in 1908, it is estimated that one-third of the global population has been exposed to this ubiquitous intracellular protozoan. The complex life cycle of T. gondii has enabled itself to overcome stress and transmit easily within a broad host range thus achieving a high seroprevalence worldwide. To date, toxoplasmosis remains one of the most prevalent HIV-associated opportunistic central nervous system infections. This review presents a comprehensive overview of different vaccination approaches ranging from traditional inactivated whole-T. gondii vaccines to the popular DNA vaccines. Extensive discussions are made to highlight the challenges in constructing these vaccines, selecting adjuvants as well as delivery methods, immunisation approaches and developing study models. Herein we also deliberate over the latest and promising enhancement strategies that can address the limitations in developing an effective T. gondii prophylactic vaccine.

Gamma irradiation of Toxoplasma gondii protein extract improve immune response and protection in mice models

Gamma radiation induces protein changes that enhance immunogenicity for venoms, used in antivenin production. Coccidian parasites exposed to gamma radiation elicit immune response with protection in mice and man, but without studies on the effect of gamma radiation in soluble acellular extracts or isolated proteins. Toxoplasmosis is a highly prevalent coccidian disease with only one vaccine for veterinary use but with remaining tissue cysts. Total parasite extracts or recombinant proteins used as immunogen induce usually low protection. Here, we study gamma radiation effect on T. gondii extracts proteins (STAG) and its induced immunity in experimental mice models. By SDS-PAGE, protein degradation is seen at high radiation doses, but at ideal dose (1500 Gy), there are preservation of the antigenicity and immunogenicity, detected by specific antibody recognition or production after mice immunization. Immunization with STAG irradiated at 1500 Gy induced significant protection in mice immunized and challenged with distinct T. gondii strains. In their blood, higher levels of specific CD19⁺, CD3⁺CD4⁺ and CD3⁺CD8⁺ activated cells were found when compared to mice immunized with STAG. Irradiated T. gondii tachyzoites extracts induce immune response and protection in mice in addition, could be a feasible alternative for Toxoplasma vaccine.

Host Cell Vimentin Restrains Toxoplasma gondii Invasion and Phosphorylation of Vimentin is Partially Regulated by Interaction with TgROP18

The obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, manipulates the cytoskeleton of its host cells to facilitate infection. A significant rearrangement of host cell vimentin around Toxoplasma parasitophorous vacuoles is observed during the course of infection. ROP18 (TgROP18) is a serine-threonine kinase secreted by T. gondii rhoptry and a major virulence factor; however, the mechanisms by which this kinase modulates host factors remain poorly understood. Different and dynamic patterns of vimentin solubility, phosphorylation, and expression levels were observed in host cells infected with T. gondii strain RH and RH Δrop18 strains, suggesting that TgROP18 contributes to the regulation of these dynamic patterns. Additionally, host cell vimentin was demonstrated to interact with and be phosphorylated by TgROP18. A significant increase in T. gondii infection rate was observed in vimentin knockout human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMEC), while vimentin knockout or knock down in host cells had no impact on parasite proliferation and egress. These results indicate that host cell vimentin can inhibit T. gondii invasion. Interestingly, western blotting of different mouse tissues indicated that the lowest vimentin expression level was present in the brain, which may explain the mechanism underlying the nervous system tropism of T. gondii, and the phenomenon of huge cyst burdens developing in the mouse brain during chronic infection.

Transcriptional Responses in the Murine Spleen after Toxoplasma gondii Infection: Inflammasome and Mucus-Associated Genes

The spleen plays an important role in coordinating both adaptive and innate immune responses. Here, the transcriptional response to T. gondii infection in the murine spleen was characterized concerning inflammasome sensors (two different models: seven days after oral or four weeks after intraperitoneal infection). Additionally, Tff1^KO and Tff3^KO mice were investigated because TFF genes are often upregulated during inflammation. The expression of the pattern-recognition receptors Nlrp3, Nlrp12, and Nlrp1a was significantly increased after infection. This increase was diminished in Tff1^KO and Tff3^KO mice pointing towards a positive regulation of the inflammatory response by Tff1 and Tff3. Furthermore, the transcription of Tff1 (encoding a motogenic lectin) and other secretory genes was analyzed, i.e., gastrokines (Gkn), IgG Fc binding protein (Fcgbp), and the mucin Muc2. The corresponding gene products belong to an interactome protecting mucous epithelia. Tff1 was significantly induced after infection, which might increase the motility of immune cells. In contrast, Gkn3, Fcgbp, and Muc2 were downregulated seven days after oral infection; whereas four weeks after i.p. infection only Gkn3 remained downregulated. This might be an indication that Gkn3, Fcgbp, and Muc2 are involved in the transient disruption of the splenic architecture and its reorganization, which is characteristic after T. gondii infection.