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Moreira POL, Nogueira PM, Monte-Neto RL. Next-Generation Leishmanization: Revisiting Molecular Targets for Selecting Genetically Engineered Live-Attenuated Leishmania. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041043. [PMID: 37110466 PMCID: PMC10145799 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041043] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research devoted to finding a vaccine against leishmaniasis, we are still lacking a safe and effective vaccine for humans. Given this scenario, the search for a new prophylaxis alternative for controlling leishmaniasis should be a global priority. Inspired by leishmanization-a first generation vaccine strategy where live L. major parasites are inoculated in the skin to protect against reinfection-live-attenuated Leishmania vaccine candidates are promising alternatives due to their robust elicited protective immune response. In addition, they do not cause disease and could provide long-term protection upon challenge with a virulent strain. The discovery of a precise and easy way to perform CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing allowed the selection of safer null mutant live-attenuated Leishmania parasites obtained by gene disruption. Here, we revisited molecular targets associated with the selection of live-attenuated vaccinal strains, discussing their function, their limiting factors and the ideal candidate for the next generation of genetically engineered live-attenuated Leishmania vaccines to control leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo O L Moreira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Paula M Nogueira
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Rubens L Monte-Neto
- Biotechnology Applied to Pathogens (BAP), Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte 30190-009, Brazil
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Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic and vector-borne infectious disease that is caused by the genus Leishmania belonging to the trypanosomatid family. The protozoan parasite has a digenetic life cycle involving a mammalian host and an insect vector. Leishmaniasisis is a worldwide public health problem falling under the neglected tropical disease category, with over 90 endemic countries, and approximately 1 million new cases and 20,000 deaths annually. Leishmania infection can progress toward the development of species–specific pathologic disorders, ranging in severity from self-healing cutaneous lesions to disseminating muco-cutaneous and fatal visceral manifestations. The severity and the outcome of leishmaniasis is determined by the parasite’s antigenic epitope characteristics, the vector physiology, and most importantly, the immune response and immune status of the host. This review examines the nature of host–pathogen interaction in leishmaniasis, innate and adaptive immune responses, and various strategies that have been employed for vaccine development.
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Elikaee S, Zarei Z, Khamesipour A, Akhoundi B, Borjian AR, Afshar MJA, Allely QK, Heidari S, Mohebali M. Live attenuated Leishmania major p27 gene knockout as a novel vaccine candidate: A study on safety, protective immunity and efficacy against canine leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum. Acta Trop 2022; 225:106153. [PMID: 34634264 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is an important parasitic e disease caused by Leishmania infantum and is transmitted by female phlebotomine sand flies primarily between canines and secondarily to humans. Recently, we showed that immunization with Leishmania major p27 gene knockout (Lmp27-/-) as a live attenuated vaccine was safe, induced immunogenicity, and protected against the development cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in mice. The p27 protein is a component of the COX protein complex which is responsible for ATP production. In this study, we analyzed the Lmp27-/- candidate vaccine potential with this regard to the safety and induction of immunogenicity and protection against CanL. Variables such a clinical manifestation, anti-Leishmania antibodies using direct agglutination test (DAT), lymphocyte proliferation, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), bone marrow aspiration (BMA) and parasite burden using parasitological and molecular examinations were measured. The results demonstrated that the Lmp27-/- vaccinated group showed no clinical signs after inoculation with Lmp27-/- mutant during a 12-month follow-up, and had significantly higher T-cell responses (Lymphocyte proliferation and DTH), lower seroconversion and parasite burdens following a challenge inoculation with L. infantum after 6-mounth. In conclusion, vaccination with Lmp27-/- parasites would be safe and provide significant immunoprotectivity and efficacy against infection with wild type (WT) L. infantum.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Elikaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Pacific University School of Pharmacy, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Z Zarei
- Meshkin Shahr Station, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - B Akhoundi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A R Borjian
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M J Abbaszadeh Afshar
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Q K Allely
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - S Heidari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Caner A, Sadıqova A, Erdoğan A, Namlıses D, Nalbantsoy A, Oltulu F, Toz S, Yiğittürk G, Ozkök E, Gunduz C, Ozbel Y, Haydaroğlu A. Targeting of antitumor ımmune responses with live-attenuated Leishmania strains in breast cancer model. Breast Cancer 2020; 27:1082-1095. [PMID: 32472473 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-020-01112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide and most of the therapeutic approaches are relatively ineffective in eliminating cancer especially due to drug resistance. As an alternative, therapy with live microorganisms can induce a robust proinflammatory and anti-cancer immune response in the microenvironment of the tumor. In the present study, we aimed to establish a model for taking the advantages of immune responses against intracellular protozoan parasites for cancer treatment. METHODS Leishmania infantum and L. tropica were used in our study as agents of visceral and cutaneous forms of the infection, respectively. After establishing 4T1 breast cancer in mice groups, live-attenuated L. infantum (At-Li) and live-attenuated L. tropica (At-Lt) treatments were performed and results were evaluated according to tumor volume, immune markers and histological examination. RESULTS Live-attenuated Leishmania strains regressed 4T1-breast cancer in mice and are nonpathogenic, and these strains induce an immune response against 4T1 breast cancer. It is shown that At-Lt is found to be more effective than At-Li in breast cancer treatment using different methods included in the study as analyses of immune parameters, and histopathological examination in tumor tissue besides spleen cells. The tumor grew more slowly by the immune-stimulant effect of live-attenuated Leishmania parasites. CONCLUSION This promising therapy should be investigated for optimization in further studies with different cancer types and L. tropica may be designed to express antigens to enhance tumor antigen-specific responses, which may further improve efficacy and immune memory development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Caner
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey. .,Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Aygül Sadıqova
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alper Erdoğan
- Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Dünya Namlıses
- Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayse Nalbantsoy
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatih Oltulu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Seray Toz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gürkan Yiğittürk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Emel Ozkök
- Department of Pathology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Gunduz
- Department of Medical Biology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozbel
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Haydaroğlu
- Department of Basic Oncology, Ege University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
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Zabala-Peñafiel A, Todd D, Daneshvar H, Burchmore R. The potential of live attenuated vaccines against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Exp Parasitol 2020; 210:107849. [PMID: 32027892 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem, typically affecting poor populations with limited access to health care. Control is largely dependent on chemotherapies that are inefficient, costly and challenging to deliver. Vaccination is an attractive and feasible alternative because long-term protection is typical in patients who recover from the disease. No human vaccine is yet approved for use, but several candidates are at various stages of testing. Live attenuated parasites, which stimulate long-term immune protection, have potential as effective vaccines, and their challenges relating to safety, formulation and delivery can be overcome. Here we review current data on the potential of live attenuated Leishmania vaccines and discuss possible routes to regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zabala-Peñafiel
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D Todd
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - H Daneshvar
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - R Burchmore
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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Mohebali M, Nadim A, Khamesipour A. An overview of leishmanization experience: A successful control measure and a tool to evaluate candidate vaccines. Acta Trop 2019; 200:105173. [PMID: 31525323 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Leishmanization (LZ) is an intradermal inoculation of live Leishmania to induce an artificial cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesion in a covered part of the body to protect against further natural CL lesion development. Leishmanization has been used from ancient times and when NNN medium was developed continued with using Leishmania from culture media. The objective of this study was to review LZ published experiences. This article is a review of LZ experiences and historical studies initiated since 1910 when Leishmania promastigotes were harvested from culture media and used for LZ. This review includes LZ experiences in Israel, some countries of Former Soviet Union and Iran. The results of LZ in Israel, some countries of Former Soviet Union and Iran showed that despite limitations, using this method significantly reduced the incidence rate of CL among leishmanized individuals in endemic areas. In conclusion, leishmanization using Leishmania major produced under GMP guideline is a valuable tool to protect against CL, there are limitations which need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology & Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Endemic Parasites of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abolhassan Nadim
- Continuously member of Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Khamesipour
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14166-13675, Iran.
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Coutinho De Oliveira B, Duthie MS, Alves Pereira VR. Vaccines for leishmaniasis and the implications of their development for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:919-930. [PMID: 31634036 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1678998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The leishmaniases are a collection of vector-borne parasitic diseases caused by a number of different Leishmania species that are distributed worldwide. Clinical and laboratory research have together revealed several important immune components that control Leishmania infection and indicate the potential of immunization to prevent leishmaniasis. In this review we introduce previous and ongoing experimental research efforts to develop vaccines against Leishmania species. First, second and third generation vaccine strategies that have been proposed to counter cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis (CL and VL, respectively) are summarized. One of the major bottlenecks in development is the transition from results in animal model studies to humans, and we highlight that although American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL; New World CL) can progress to destructive and disfiguring mucosal lesions, most research has been conducted using mouse models and Old World Leishmania species. We conclude that assessment of vaccine candidates in ATL settings therefore appears merited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Coutinho De Oliveira
- Pós-Graduação em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil.,Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Recife, Brazil
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In vitro and in vivo anti-parasitic activity of biogenic antimony sulfide nanoparticles on Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER). Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2669-2678. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06382-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Terra R, Alves PJF, Lima AKC, Gomes SMR, Rodrigues LS, Salerno VP, Da-Silva SAG, Dutra PML. Immunomodulation From Moderate Exercise Promotes Control of Experimental Cutaneous Leishmaniasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:115. [PMID: 31131262 PMCID: PMC6510011 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise has been described as an important tool in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases as it promotes a range of responses and adaptations in several biological systems, including the immune system. Studies on the effect of exercise on the immune system could play a critical role in improving public health. Current literature suggests that moderate intensity exercise can modulate the Th1/Th2 dichotomy directing the immune system to a Th1 cellular immune response, which favors the resolution of infections caused by intracellular microorganisms. Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases presenting a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that range from self-limiting lesions to visceral injuries whose severity can lead to death. The etiological agents responsible for this group of diseases are protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Infections by the parasite Leishmania major in mice (Balb/c) provide a prototype model for the polarization of CD4+ T cell responses of both Th1 (resistance) or Th2 (susceptibility), which determines the progression of infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on the development of L. major experimental infections by scanning the pattern of immune response caused by exercise. Groups of Balb/c mice infected with L. major were divided into groups that preformed a physical exercise of swimming three times a week or were sedentary along with treatment or not with the reference drug, meglumine antimoniate. Animals in groups submitted to physical exercise did not appear to develop lesions and presented a significantly lower parasite load independent of drug treatment. They also showed a positive delayed hypersensitivity response to a specific Leishmania antigen compared to control animals. The IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL10 ratios in trained animals were clearly tilted to a Th1 response in lymph node cells. These data suggest that moderate intensity exercise is able to modulate the Th1 response that provides a protective effect against the development of leishmanial lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Terra
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro J F Alves
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana K C Lima
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Shayane M R Gomes
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana S Rodrigues
- Discipline of General Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratories, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Verônica P Salerno
- Laboratory of Exercise Biochemistry and Molecular Motors, School of Physical Education and Sports, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvia A G Da-Silva
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia M L Dutra
- Discipline of Parasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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