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Kelleci K, Allahverdiyev A, Bağırova M, Ihlamur M, Abamor EŞ. Combining Killed Vaccine Candidate with Different Adjuvants to Determine Prophylactic Potential against Leishmaniasis. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:1613-1620. [PMID: 39164549 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00903-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Visceral Leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem caused by Leishmania species parasites. Approximately 500 thousand people get Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) every year. An effective and reliable vaccine against the disease has still not been formulated. Choosing the right adjuvant is important to increase immunogenicity in vaccines prepared with total antigens. In this study, we investigate the ideal adjuvant for use in vaccine formulations against VL. For this purpose, Leishmania antigens (FTLA) obtained from L. infantum parasites by the freeze-thaw method and three different adjuvants (alum-saponin and calcium phosphate) were used. The effectiveness of the formulations was investigated in vitro by cell viability analysis and determination of nitric oxide and cytokine production abilities in J774 macrophage cells. According to the study results, it was determined that formulations prepared with calcium phosphate produced 72% more NO and approximately 7.2 times more IL-12 cytokine. The results obtained showed that calcium phosphate salts can be used as ideal adjuvants in vaccine research against leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Kelleci
- Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Adil Allahverdiyev
- V. Akhundov National Scientific Research Medical Prophylactic Institute, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Melahat Bağırova
- V. Akhundov National Scientific Research Medical Prophylactic Institute, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Murat Ihlamur
- Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of electronics and automation, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Şefik Abamor
- Department of Bioengineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Moura DMD, Carvalho AMRS, Brito RCFD, Roatt BM, Lage DP, Martins VT, Cruz LDR, Medeiros FAC, Batista SD, Pinheiro GRG, da Costa Rocha MO, Coelho EAF, Duarte MC, Mendes TADO, Menezes-Souza D. CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell multi-epitope chimeric protein associated with an MPLA adjuvant induce protective efficacy and long-term immunological memory for the immunoprophylaxis of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis. Vaccine 2024; 42:126178. [PMID: 39096765 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126178] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is a disease of high severity and incidence in Brazil, in addition to being a worldwide concern in public health. Leishmania amazonensis is one of the etiological agents of ATL, and the inefficiency of control measures, associated with the high toxicity of the treatment and the lack of effective immunoprophylactic strategies, makes the development of vaccines indispensable and imminent. In this light, the present study proposes to elaborate a chimeric protein (rChiP), based on the fusion of multiple epitopes of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, identified in the immunoproteome of the parasites L. amazonensis and L. braziliensis. The designed chimeric protein was tested in the L. amazonensis murine model of infection using the following formulations: 25 μg of the rChiP in saline (rChiP group) and 25 μg of the rChiP plus 25 μg of MPLA-PHAD® (rChiP+MPLA group). After completing immunization, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, stimulated with SLa-Antigen or rChiP, showed an increased production of nitric oxide and intracytoplasmic pro-inflammatory cytokines, in addition to the generation of central and effector memory T cells. rChiP and rChiP+MPLA formulations were able to promote an effective protection against L. amazonensis infection determined by a reduction in the development of skin lesions and lower parasitic burden. Reduction in the development of skin lesions and lower parasitic burden in the vaccinated groups were associated with an increase of nitrite, CD4+/CD8+IFN-γ+TNF-α+ and CD4+/CD8+CD44highCD62Lhigh/low T cells, IgGTotal, IgG2a, and lower rates of IgG1 and CD4+/CD8+IL-10+. This data suggests that proposed formulations could be considered potential tools to prevent ATL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dênia Monteiro de Moura
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rory Cristiane Fortes de Brito
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto 35400-000, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vivian Tamietti Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiza Dos Reis Cruz
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Sintética, Instituto de Química, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, 13083-970 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Alvarenga Cardoso Medeiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sarah Dutra Batista
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Rafael Gomide Pinheiro
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Manoel Otávio da Costa Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariana Costa Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Devender M, Sebastian P, Maurya VK, Kumar K, Anand A, Namdeo M, Maurya R. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of tuzin protein as a vaccine candidate in Leishmania donovani-infected BALB/c mice. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1294397. [PMID: 38274802 PMCID: PMC10808571 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is referred to as the most severe and fatal type of leishmaniasis basically caused by Leishmania donovani and L. infantum. The most effective method for preventing the spread of the disease is vaccination. Till today, there is no promising licensed vaccination for human VL. Hence, investigation for vaccines is necessary to enrich the therapeutic repertoire against leishmaniasis. Tuzin is a rare trans-membrane protein that has been reported in Trypanosoma cruzi with unknown function. However, tuzin is not characterized in Leishmania parasites. In this study, we for the first time demonstrated that tuzin protein was expressed in both stages (promastigote and amastigote) of L. donovani parasites. In-silico studies revealed that tuzin has potent antigenic properties. Therefore, we analyzed the immunogenicity of tuzin protein and immune response in BALB/c mice challenged with the L. donovani parasite. We observed that tuzin-vaccinated mice have significantly reduced parasite burden in the spleen and liver compared with the control. The number of granulomas in the liver was also significantly decreased compared with the control groups. We further measured the IgG2a antibody level, a marker of Th1 immune response in VL, which was significantly higher in the serum of immunized mice when compared with the control. Splenocytes stimulated with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) displayed a significant increase in NO and ROS levels compared with the control groups. Tuzin-immunized and parasite-challenged mice exhibit a notable rise in the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio by significantly suppressing IL-10 expression level, an immunosuppressive cytokine that inhibits leishmanicidal immune function and encourages disease progression. In conclusion, tuzin immunizations substantially increase the protective immune response in L. donovani-challenged mice groups compared with control.
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Margaroni M, Agallou M, Tsanaktsidou E, Kammona O, Kiparissides C, Karagouni E. Immunoinformatics Approach to Design a Multi-Epitope Nanovaccine against Leishmania Parasite: Elicitation of Cellular Immune Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:304. [PMID: 36851182 PMCID: PMC9960668 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by an intracellular parasite of the genus Leishmania with different clinical manifestations that affect millions of people worldwide, while the visceral form may be fatal if left untreated. Since the available chemotherapeutic agents are not satisfactory, vaccination emerges as the most promising strategy for confronting leishmaniasis. In the present study, a reverse vaccinology approach was adopted to design a pipeline starting from proteome analysis of three different Leishmania species and ending with the selection of a pool of MHCI- and MHCII-binding epitopes. Epitopes from five parasite proteins were retrieved and fused to construct a multi-epitope chimeric protein, named LeishChim. Immunoinformatics analyses indicated that LeishChim was a stable, non-allergenic and immunogenic protein that could bind strongly onto MHCI and MHCII molecules, suggesting it as a potentially safe and effective vaccine candidate. Preclinical evaluation validated the in silico prediction, since the LeishChim protein, encapsulated simultaneously with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) into poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles, elicited specific cellular immune responses when administered to BALB/c mice. These were characterized by the development of memory CD4+ T cells, as well as IFNγ- and TNFα-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, supporting the potential of LeishChim as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritsa Margaroni
- Immunology of Infection Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 125 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Agallou
- Immunology of Infection Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 125 21 Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenia Tsanaktsidou
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57 001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Kammona
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57 001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Costas Kiparissides
- Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, 57 001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54 124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evdokia Karagouni
- Immunology of Infection Laboratory, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 125 21 Athens, Greece
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Design of a Chimeric Multi-Epitope Vaccine (CMEV) against Both Leishmania martiniquensis and Leishmania orientalis Parasites Using Immunoinformatic Approaches. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101460. [PMID: 36290364 PMCID: PMC9598663 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoan flagellates of the genus Leishmania. Recently, Leishmania martiniquensis and Leishmania orientalis, emerging species of Leishmania, were isolated from patients in Thailand. Development of the vaccine is demanded; however, genetic differences between the two species make it difficult to design a vaccine that is effective for both species. In this study, we applied immuno-informatic approaches to design a chimeric multi-epitope vaccine (CMEV) against both L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis. We identified seven helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes, sixteen cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, and eleven B-cell epitopes from sixteen conserved antigenic proteins found in both species. All these epitopes were joined together, and to further enhance immunogenicity, protein and peptides adjuvant were also added at the N-terminal of the molecule by using specific linkers. The candidate CMEV was subsequently analyzed from the perspectives of the antigenicity, allergenicity, and physiochemical properties. The interaction of the designed multi-epitope vaccine and immune receptor (TLR4) of the host were evaluated based on molecular dockings of the predicted 3D structures. Finally, in silico cloning was performed to construct the expression vaccine vector. Docking analysis showed that the vaccine/TLR4 complex took a stable form. Based on the predicted immunogenicity, physicochemical, and structural properties in silico, the vaccine candidate was expected to be appropriately expressed in bacterial expression systems and show the potential to induce a host immune response. This study proposes the experimental validation of the efficacy of the candidate vaccine construct against the two Leishmania.
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6
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Lopes Valentim Di Paschoale Ostolin T, Rodrigues Gusmão M, Augusto Siqueira Mathias F, Mirelle de Oliveira Cardoso J, Mendes Roatt B, Dian de Oliveira Aguiar-Soares R, Conceição Ruiz J, de Melo Resende D, Cristiane Fortes de Brito R, Barbosa Reis A. A specific Leishmania infantum polyepitope vaccine triggers Th1-type immune response and protects against experimental visceral leishmaniasis. Cell Immunol 2022; 380:104592. [PMID: 36084402 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The development of an immunogenic, effective, and safe vaccine is essential as an alternative for disease control. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy potential of a polyepitope T-cell antigen candidate against visceral leishmaniasis in a murine model. BALB/c mice were immunized with three doses subcutaneously with Poly-T Leish alone or adjuvanted with Saponin plus Monophosphoryl lipid A, with 15-day intervals between doses, and challenged with 107 stationary-phase Leishmania infantum promastigotes via tail vein. Immunogenicity and parasitism in spleen and liver of immunized mice were evaluated 45 days post-challenge. Our results revealed that the immunization with Poly-T Leish and Poly-T Leish/SM increases the percentage of specific T (CD4+ and CD8+) lymphocytes proliferation in vitro after antigen-specific stimulation. Also, Poly-T Leish and Poly-T Leish/SM groups showed a high percentage of IFN-γ and TNF-α-producing T cells, meanwhile, the Poly-T Leish/SM group also showed an increased percentage of multifunctional T cells producing double and triple-positive (IFN-γ+TNF-α+IL-2+) cytokines. The immunization with Poly-T Leish or Poly-T Leish/SM stimulated a decreased IL-4 and IL-10 compared to the Saline and adjuvant group. Poly-T Leish/SM immunized mice exhibit a noteworthy reduction in the parasite burden (spleen and liver) through real-time PCR (96%). Moreover, we observed higher nitrite secretion in 120-hour stimulated-culture supernatant using Griess method. We demonstrated that the Poly-T Leish/SM candidate was potentially immunogenic, providing enhancement of protective immune mechanisms, and conferred protection reducing parasitism. Our candidate was considered potential against visceral leishmaniasis, and eventually, could be tested in phase I and II clinical trials in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriã Rodrigues Gusmão
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando Augusto Siqueira Mathias
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jamille Mirelle de Oliveira Cardoso
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Centro Universitário Presidente Tancredo de Almeida Neves (UNIPTAN), São João del Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dian de Oliveira Aguiar-Soares
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jeronimo Conceição Ruiz
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rory Cristiane Fortes de Brito
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Barbosa Reis
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Escola de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciências e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Lage DP, Vale DL, Linhares FP, Freitas CS, Machado AS, Cardoso JMO, de Oliveira D, Galvani NC, de Oliveira MP, Oliveira-da-Silva JA, Ramos FF, Tavares GSV, Ludolf F, Bandeira RS, Pereira IAG, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Roatt BM, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Christodoulides M, Coelho EAF, Martins VT. A Recombinant Chimeric Protein-Based Vaccine Containing T-Cell Epitopes from Amastigote Proteins and Combined with Distinct Adjuvants, Induces Immunogenicity and Protection against Leishmania infantum Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071146. [PMID: 35891310 PMCID: PMC9317424 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is no licensed vaccine to protect against human visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a potentially fatal disease caused by infection with Leishmania parasites. In the current study, a recombinant chimeric protein ChimT was developed based on T-cell epitopes identified from the immunogenic Leishmania amastigote proteins LiHyp1, LiHyV, LiHyC and LiHyG. ChimT was associated with the adjuvants saponin (Sap) or monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and used to immunize mice, and their immunogenicity and protective efficacy were evaluated. Both ChimT/Sap and ChimT/MPLA induced the development of a specific Th1-type immune response, with significantly high levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, TNF-α and GM-CSF cytokines produced by CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subtypes (p < 0.05), with correspondingly low production of anti-leishmanial IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines. Significantly increased (p < 0.05) levels of nitrite, a proxy for nitric oxide, and IFN-γ expression (p < 0.05) were detected in stimulated spleen cell cultures from immunized and infected mice, as was significant production of parasite-specific IgG2a isotype antibodies. Significant reductions in the parasite load in the internal organs of the immunized and infected mice (p < 0.05) were quantified with a limiting dilution technique and quantitative PCR and correlated with the immunological findings. ChimT/MPLA showed marginally superior immunogenicity than ChimT/Sap, and although this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), ChimT/MPLA was preferred since ChimT/Sap induced transient edema in the inoculation site. ChimT also induced high IFN-γ and low IL-10 levels from human PBMCs isolated from healthy individuals and from VL-treated patients. In conclusion, the experimental T-cell multi-epitope amastigote stage Leishmania vaccine administered with adjuvants appears to be a promising vaccine candidate to protect against VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P. Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Danniele L. Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Flávia P. Linhares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Camila S. Freitas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Amanda S. Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Jamille M. O. Cardoso
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto CEP 35400-000, MG, Brazil; (J.M.O.C.); (B.M.R.)
| | - Daysiane de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma 88806-000, SC, Brazil; (D.d.O.); (R.A.M.-d.-Á.)
| | - Nathália C. Galvani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Marcelo P. de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - João A. Oliveira-da-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Fernanda F. Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Grasiele S. V. Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Raquel S. Bandeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Isabela A. G. Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
| | - Miguel A. Chávez-Fumagalli
- Computational Biology and Chemistry Research Group, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Urb. San José S/N, Umacollo, Arequipa 04000, Peru;
| | - Bruno M. Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto CEP 35400-000, MG, Brazil; (J.M.O.C.); (B.M.R.)
| | - Ricardo A. Machado-de-Ávila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma 88806-000, SC, Brazil; (D.d.O.); (R.A.M.-d.-Á.)
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-02381-205120
| | - Eduardo A. F. Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
- Departamento de Patologia Clínica, Colégio Técnico (COLTEC), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil
| | - Vívian T. Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Prof. Alfredo Balena, 190, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil; (D.P.L.); (D.L.V.); (F.P.L.); (C.S.F.); (A.S.M.); (N.C.G.); (M.P.d.O.); (J.A.O.-d.-S.); (F.F.R.); (G.S.V.T.); (F.L.); (R.S.B.); (I.A.G.P.); (E.A.F.C.); (V.T.M.)
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8
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de Andrade Ferraz I, Carvalho AMRS, de Brito RCF, Roatt BM, Martins VT, Lage DP, Dos Reis Cruz L, Medeiros FAC, Gonçalves DU, da Costa Rocha MO, Coelho EAF, de Oliveira Mendes TA, Duarte MC, Menezes-Souza D. Development of an immunogen containing CD4 +/CD8 + T-cell epitopes for the prophylaxis of tegumentary leishmaniasis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:4627-4641. [PMID: 35759035 PMCID: PMC9244519 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is a disease of high severity and incidence in Brazil, and Leishmania braziliensis is its main etiological agent. The inefficiency of control measures, such as high toxicity and costs of current treatments and the lack of effective immunoprophylactic strategies, makes the development of vaccines indispensable and imminent. In this light, the present work developed a gene encoding multiple T-cell (CD4+/CD8+) epitope, derived from conserved proteins found in Leishmania species and associated with TL, to generate a chimeric protein (rMEP/TL) and compose a vaccine formulation. For this, six T-cell epitopes were selected by immunoinformatics approaches from proteins present in the amastigote stage and associated with host-parasite interactions. The following formulations were then tested in an L. braziliensis murine infection model: rMEP/TL in saline or associated with MPLA-PHAD®. Our data revealed that, after immunization (three doses; 14-day intervals) and subsequent challenging, rMEP/TL and rMEP/TL + MPLA-vaccinated mice showed an increased production of key immunological biomarkers of protection, such as IgG2a, IgG2a/IgG1, NO, CD4+, and CD8+ T-cells with IFN-γ and TNF-α production, associated with a reduction in CD4+IL-10+ and CD8+IL-10+ T-cells. Vaccines also induced the development of central (CD44highCD62Lhigh) and effector (CD44highCD62Llow) memory of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. These findings, associated with the observation of lower rates of parasite burdens in the vaccinated groups, when compared to the control groups, suggest that immunization with rMEP/TL and, preferably, associated with an adjuvant, may be considered an effective tool to prevent TL. Key points • Rational design approaches for vaccine development.
• Central and effector memory of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. • Vaccine comprised of rMEP/TL plus MPLA as an effective tool to prevent TL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-12033-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela de Andrade Ferraz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Ravena Severino Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Rory Cristiane Fortes de Brito
- Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Núcleo de Pesquisas Em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Vívian Tamietti Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Daniela Pagliara Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Luiza Dos Reis Cruz
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Sintética, Instituto de Química, Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Alvarenga Cardoso Medeiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Denise Utsch Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Manoel Otávio da Costa Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Antonio Ferraz Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Costa Duarte
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil.,Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil. .,Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil.
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9
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Peralta MF, Usseglio NA, Bracamonte ME, Guzmán ML, Olivera ME, Marco JD, Barroso PA, Carrer DC. Efficacy of topical Miltefosine formulations in an experimental model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:180-196. [PMID: 33502733 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-021-00896-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease endemic in ~ 90 countries, with an increasing incidence. Presently available pharmacotherapy implies the systemic administration of moderately/very toxic drugs. Miltefosine (Milt) is the only FDA-approved drug to treat CL via the oral route (Impavido®). It produces side effects; in particular, teratogenic effects are of concern. A topical treatment would have the great advantage of minimising the systemic circulation of the drug, preventing side effects. We prepared dispersions containing Milt and liposomes of different compositions to enhance/modulate trans-epidermal penetration and evaluated in vitro and in vivo efficacy and toxicity, in vitro release rate of the drug and particles size stability with time. Treatments were topically administered to BALB/c mice infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis. The dispersions containing 0.5% Milt eliminated 99% of the parasites and cured the lesions with a complete re-epithelisation, no visible scar and re-growth of hair. Fluid liposomes decreased the time to heal the lesion and the time needed to eliminate viable amastigotes from the lesion site. Relapse of the infection was not found 1 month after treatment in any case. Ultraflexible liposomes on the other hand had no significant in vitro effect but decreased in vivo efficacy. A topical Milt formulation including fluid liposomes seems a promising treatment against CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma Florencia Peralta
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC- CONICET- UNC, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nadina A Usseglio
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC- CONICET- UNC, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, UNITEFA - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ma Estefanía Bracamonte
- Instituto de Patología Experimental - CONICET - , Universidad Nacional de Salta, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Ma Laura Guzmán
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, UNITEFA - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ma Eugenia Olivera
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, UNITEFA - CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - J Diego Marco
- Instituto de Patología Experimental - CONICET - , Universidad Nacional de Salta, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Paola A Barroso
- Instituto de Patología Experimental - CONICET - , Universidad Nacional de Salta, 4400, Salta, Argentina
| | - Dolores C Carrer
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC- CONICET- UNC, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina.
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10
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Ostolin TLVDP, Gusmão MR, Mathias FAS, Cardoso JMDO, Roatt BM, Aguiar-Soares RDDO, Ruiz JC, Resende DDM, de Brito RCF, Reis AB. A chimeric vaccine combined with adjuvant system induces immunogenicity and protection against visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice. Vaccine 2021; 39:2755-2763. [PMID: 33875268 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In Brazil, canine visceral leishmaniasis is an important public health problem due to its alarming growth. The high prevalence of infected dogs reinforces the need for a vaccine for use in prophylactic vaccination campaigns. In the present study, we evaluate the immunogenicity and protection of the best dose of Chimera A selected through the screening of cytokines production important in disease. BALB/c mice were vaccinated subcutaneously with three doses and challenged intravenously with 1 × 107L. infantum promastigotes. Spleen samples were collected to assess the intracellular cytokine profile production, T cell proliferation and parasite load. At first, three different doses of Chimera A (5 μg, 10 μg and 20 μg) were evaluated through the production of IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokines. Since the dose of 20 μg showed the best results, it was chosen to continue the study. Secondarily, Chimera A at dose of 20 μg was formulated with Saponin plus Monophosphoryl lipid A. Vaccination with Chimera A alone and formulated with SM adjuvant system was able to increase the percentage of the proliferation of specific T lymphocytes and stimulated a Th1 response with increased levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2, and decreased of IL-4 and IL-10. The vaccine efficacy through real-time PCR demonstrated a reduction in the splenic parasite load in animals that received Chimera A formulated with the SM adjuvant system (92%). Additionally, we observed increased levels of nitric oxide in stimulated-culture supernatants. The Chimera A formulated with the SM adjuvant system was potentially immunogenic, being able to induce immunoprotective mechanisms and reduce parasite load. Therefore, the use of T-cell multi-epitope vaccine is promising against visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriã Rodrigues Gusmão
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Fernando Augusto Siqueira Mathias
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil; Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Bruno Mendes Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Jeronimo Conceição Ruiz
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Melo Resende
- Grupo Informática de Biossistemas e Genômica, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rory Cristiane Fortes de Brito
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Barbosa Reis
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Salvador, Brazil.
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11
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Petersen E, Gradoni L, McLellan S. Human Genetics Influence the Susceptibility to Cutaneous Leishmanisis Caused by Leishmania guyanensis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:282-283. [PMID: 31722387 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eskild Petersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Aarhus, Denmark.,Directorate General for Disease Control and Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Luigi Gradoni
- Unit for Vector Borne Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Susan McLellan
- Biocontainment Treatment Unit, Biosafety for Research-Related Infectious Pathogens, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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12
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Leishmania eukaryotic elongation Factor-1 beta protein is immunogenic and induces parasitological protection in mice against Leishmania infantum infection. Microb Pathog 2021; 151:104745. [PMID: 33485994 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is hampered mainly by the toxicity and/or high cost of antileishmanial drugs. What is more, variability on sensitivity and/or specificity of diagnostic tests hinders effective disease management. In this context, prophylactic vaccination should be considered as a strategy to prevent disease. In the present study, immunogenicity of the Leishmania eukaryotic Elongation Factor-1 beta (EF1b) protein, classified as a Leishmania virulence factor, was evaluated in vitro and in vivo and tested, for the first time, as a vaccine candidate against Leishmania infantum infection. The antigen was administered as DNA vaccine or as recombinant protein (rEF1b) delivered in saponin. BALB/c mice immunization with a DNA plasmid and recombinant protein plus saponin induced development of specific Th1-type immunity, characterized by high levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, GM-CSF, both T cell subtypes and antileishmanial IgG2a isotype antibodies, before and after infection. This immunological response to the vaccines was corroborated further by parasitological analysis of the vaccinated and then challenged mice, which showed significant reductions in the parasite load in their liver, spleen, bone marrow and draining lymph nodes, when compared to the controls. Vaccination using rEF1b/saponin induced a more robust Th1 response and parasitological protection when compared to the DNA vaccine. Furthermore, in vitro analysis of lymphoproliferation, IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in human PBMC cultures showed as well development of a specific Th1-type response. In conclusion, data suggest that EF1b could be a promising vaccine candidate to protect against L. infantum infection.
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13
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A candidate vaccine for human visceral leishmaniasis based on a specific T cell epitope-containing chimeric protein protects mice against Leishmania infantum infection. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:75. [PMID: 32821440 PMCID: PMC7426426 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00224-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniases are neglected diseases caused by infection with Leishmania parasites and there are currently no prophylactic vaccines. In this study, we designed in silico a synthetic recombinant vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) called ChimeraT, which contains specific T-cell epitopes from Leishmania Prohibitin, Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 5a and the hypothetical LiHyp1 and LiHyp2 proteins. Subcutaneous delivery of ChimeraT plus saponin stimulated a Th1 cell-mediated immune response and protected mice against L. infantum infection, significantly reducing the parasite load in distinct organs. ChimeraT/saponin vaccine stimulated significantly higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, and GM-CSF cytokines by both murine CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, with correspondingly low levels of IL-4 and IL-10. Induced antibodies were predominantly IgG2a isotype and homologous antigen-stimulated spleen cells produced significant nitrite as a proxy for nitric oxide. ChimeraT also induced lymphoproliferative responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from VL patients after treatment and healthy subjects, as well as higher IFN-γ and lower IL-10 secretion into cell supernatants. Thus, ChimeraT associated with a Th1 adjuvant could be considered as a potential vaccine candidate to protect against human disease.
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14
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Martínez-Rodrigo A, Mas A, Álvarez-Campos D, Orden JA, Domínguez-Bernal G, Carrión J. Epitope Selection for Fighting Visceral Leishmaniosis: Not All Peptides Function the Same Way. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E352. [PMID: 32630347 PMCID: PMC7564088 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniosis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Treatments are expensive, toxic, and ineffective. Therefore, vaccination seems to be a promising approach to control VL. Peptide-based vaccination is a useful method due to its stability, absence of local side effects, and ease of scaling up. In this context, bioinformatics seems to facilitate the use of peptides, as this analysis can predict high binding affinity epitopes to MHC class I and II molecules of different species. We have recently reported the use of HisAK70 DNA immunization in mice to induce a resistant phenotype against L. major, L. infantum, and L. amazonensis infections. In the present study, we used bioinformatics tools to select promising multiepitope peptides (HisDTC and AK) from the polyprotein encoded in the HisAK70 DNA to evaluate their immunogenicity in the murine model of VL by L. infantum. Our results revealed that both multiepitope peptides were able to induce the control of VL in mice. Furthermore, HisDTC was able to induce a better cell-mediated immune response in terms of reduced parasite burden, protective cytokine profile, leishmanicidal enzyme modulation, and specific IgG2a isotype production in immunized mice, before and after infectious challenge. Overall, this study indicates that the HisDTC chimera may be considered a satisfactory tool to control VL because it is able to activate a potent CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell protective immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Gustavo Domínguez-Bernal
- INMIVET, Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-R.); (A.M.); (D.Á.-C.); (J.A.O.); (J.C.)
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Evaluation of the protective efficacy of a Leishmania protein associated with distinct adjuvants against visceral leishmaniasis and in vitro immunogenicity in human cells. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2609-2622. [PMID: 32535734 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06752-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The treatment against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) presents problems, mainly related to the toxicity and/or high cost of the drugs. In this context, a prophylactic vaccination is urgently required. In the present study, a Leishmania protein called LiHyE, which was suggested recently as an antigenic marker for canine and human VL, was evaluated regarding its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in BALB/c mice against Leishmania infantum infection. In addition, the protein was used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from VL patients before and after treatment, as well as from healthy subjects. Vaccination results showed that the recombinant (rLiHyE) protein associated with liposome or saponin induced effective protection in the mice, since significant reductions in the parasite load in spleen, liver, draining lymph nodes, and bone marrow were found. The parasitological protection was associated with Th1-type cell response, since high IFN-γ, IL-12, and GM-CSF levels, in addition to low IL-4 and IL-10 production, were found. Liposome induced a better parasitological and immunological protection than did saponin. Experiments using PBMCs showed rLiHyE-stimulated lymphoproliferation in treated patients' and healthy subjects' cells, as well as high IFN-γ levels in the cell supernatant. In conclusion, rLiHyE could be considered for future studies as a vaccine candidate against VL.
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Lanza JS, Vucen S, Flynn O, Donadei A, Cojean S, Loiseau PM, Fernandes APSM, Frézard F, Moore AC. A TLR9-adjuvanted vaccine formulated into dissolvable microneedle patches or cationic liposomes protects against leishmaniasis after skin or subcutaneous immunization. Int J Pharm 2020; 586:119390. [PMID: 32540349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Re-emergence and geographic expansion of leishmaniasis is accelerating efforts to develop a safe and effective Leshmania vaccine. Vaccines using Leishmania recombinant antigens, such as LiHyp1, which is mostly present in the amastigote parasite form, are being developed as a next generation to crude killed parasite-based vaccines. The main objective of this work was to develop a LiHyp1-based vaccine and determine if it can induce protective immunity in BALB/c mice when administered using a dissolvable microneedle (DMN) patch by the skin route. The LiHyp1 antigen was incorporated into cationic liposomes (CL), with or without the TLR9 agonist, CpG. The LiHyp1-liposomal vaccines were characterized with respect to size, protein encapsulation rates and retention of their physical characteristics after incorporation into the DMN patch. DMN mechanical strength and skin penetration ability were tested. A vaccine composed of LiHyp1, CpG and liposomes and subcutaneously injected or a vaccine containing antigen and CpG in DMN patches, without liposomes, induced high antibody responses and significant levels of protection against L. donovani parasite infection. This study progresses the development of an efficacious leishmania vaccine by detailing promising vaccine formulations and skin delivery technologies and it addresses protective efficacy of a liposome-based dissolvable microneedle patch vaccine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane S Lanza
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Antiparasite Chemotherapy, UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Sonja Vucen
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Olivia Flynn
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Agnese Donadei
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sandrine Cojean
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Philippe M Loiseau
- Antiparasite Chemotherapy, UMR 8076 CNRS BioCIS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
| | - Ana Paula S M Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Anne C Moore
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Liposomal Formulation of ChimeraT, a Multiple T-Cell Epitope-Containing Recombinant Protein, Is a Candidate Vaccine for Human Visceral Leishmaniasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020289. [PMID: 32526867 PMCID: PMC7349940 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Leishmaniases are neglected diseases caused by infection with Leishmania parasites and there are no human vaccines in use routinely. The purpose of this study was to examine the immunogenicity of ChimeraT, a novel synthetic recombinant vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis (VL), incorporated into a human-compatible liposome formulation. Methods: BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with ChimeraT/liposome vaccine, ChimeraT/saponin adjuvant, or ChimeraT/saline and immune responses examined in vitro and in vivo. Results: Immunization with the ChimeraT/liposome formulation induced a polarized Th1-type response and significant protection against L. infantum infection. ChimeraT/liposome vaccine stimulated significantly high levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12, and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokines by both CD4 and CD8 T-cells, with correspondingly lower levels of IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines. Induced antibodies were predominantly IgG2a isotype, and homologous antigen-stimulated spleen cells produced significant nitrite as a proxy for nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, we examined a small number of treated VL patients and found higher levels of circulating anti-ChimeraT protein IgG2 antibodies, compared to IgG1 levels. Conclusions: Overall, the liposomal formulation of ChimeraT induced a protective Th1-type immune response and thus could be considered in future studies as a vaccine candidate against human VL.
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Chimeric Vaccines Designed by Immunoinformatics-Activated Polyfunctional and Memory T Cells That Trigger Protection against Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020252. [PMID: 32471081 PMCID: PMC7349981 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many vaccine candidates against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) have been proposed; however, to date, none of them have been efficacious for the human or canine disease. On this basis, the design of leishmaniasis vaccines has been constantly changing, and the use of approaches to select specific epitopes seems to be crucial in this scenario. The ability to predict T cell-specific epitopes makes immunoinformatics an even more necessary approach, as in VL an efficient immune response against the parasite is triggered by T lymphocytes in response to Leishmania spp. immunogenic antigens. Moreover, the success of vaccines depends on the capacity to generate long-lasting memory and polyfunctional cells that are able to eliminate the parasite. In this sense, our study used a combination of different approaches to develop potential chimera candidate vaccines against VL. The first point was to identify the most immunogenic epitopes of Leishmania infantum proteins and construct chimeras composed of Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II epitopes. For this, we used immunoinformatics features. Following this, we validated these chimeras in a murine model in a thorough memory study and multifunctionality of T cells that contribute to a better elucidation of the immunological protective mechanisms of polyepitope vaccines (chimera A and B) using multicolor flow cytometry. Our results showed that in silico-designed chimeras can elicit polyfunctional T cells producing T helper (Th)1 cytokines, a strong immune response against Leishmania antigen, and the generation of central and effector memory T cells in the spleen cells of vaccinated animals that was able to reduce the parasite burden in this organ. These findings contribute two potential candidate vaccines against VL that can be used in further studies, and help in this complex field of vaccine development against this challenging parasite.
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Tavares GSV, Mendonça DVC, Pereira IAG, Oliveira-da-Silva JA, Ramos FF, Lage DP, Machado AS, Carvalho LM, Reis TAR, Perin L, Carvalho AMRS, Ottoni FM, Ludolf F, Freitas CS, Bandeira RS, Silva AM, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Duarte MC, Menezes-Souza D, Alves RJ, Roatt BM, Coelho EAF. A clioquinol-containing Pluronic ® F127 polymeric micelle system is effective in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in a murine model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:29. [PMID: 32351209 PMCID: PMC7191975 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A clioquinol (ICHQ)-containing Pluronic® F127 polymeric micelle system (ICHQ/Mic) was recently shown to be effective against Leishmania amazonensis infection in a murine model. In the present study, ICHQ/Mic was tested against L. infantum infection. BALB/c mice (n = 12 per group) were infected with L. infantum stationary promastigotes through subcutaneous injection and, 45 days after challenge, received saline or were treated via the subcutaneous route with empty micelles, ICHQ or ICHQ/Mic. In addition, animals were treated with miltefosine by the oral route, as a drug control. Half of the animals were euthanized 1 and 15 days after treatment, aiming to evaluate two endpoints after therapy, when parasitological and immunological parameters were investigated. Results showed that the treatment using miltefosine, ICHQ or ICHQ/Mic induced significantly higher anti-parasite IFN-γ, IL-12, GM-CSF, nitrite and IgG2a isotype antibody levels, which were associated with low IL-4 and IL-10 production. In addition, a higher frequency of IFN-γ and TNF-α-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells was found in these animals. The parasite load was evaluated in distinct organs, and results showed that the treatment using miltefosine, ICHQ or ICHQ/Mic induced significant reductions in organic parasitism in the treated and infected mice. A comparison between the treatments suggested that ICHQ/Mic was the most effective in inducing a highly polarized Th1-type response, as well as reducing the parasite load in significant levels in the treated and infected animals. Data obtained 15 days after treatment suggested maintenance of the immunological and parasitological responses. In conclusion, ICHQ/Mic could be considered in future studies for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grasiele S V Tavares
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora V C Mendonça
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela A G Pereira
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Amanda S Machado
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lívia M Carvalho
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago A R Reis
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luísa Perin
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Flaviano M Ottoni
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ludolf
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Camila S Freitas
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel S Bandeira
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alessandra M Silva
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana C Duarte
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil - Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil - Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo J Alves
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil - Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Khan MAA, Ami JQ, Faisal K, Chowdhury R, Ghosh P, Hossain F, Abd El Wahed A, Mondal D. An immunoinformatic approach driven by experimental proteomics: in silico design of a subunit candidate vaccine targeting secretory proteins of Leishmania donovani amastigotes. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:196. [PMID: 32295617 PMCID: PMC7160903 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by dimorphic Leishmania species is a parasitic disease with high socioeconomic burden in endemic areas worldwide. Sustaining control of VL in terms of proper and prevailing immunity development is a global necessity amid unavailability of a prophylactic vaccine. Screening of experimental proteome of the human disease propagating form of Leishmania donovani (amastigote) can be more pragmatic for in silico mining of novel vaccine candidates. Methods By using an immunoinformatic approach, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-specific epitopes from experimentally reported L. donovani proteins having secretory potential and increased abundance in amastigotes were screened. A chimera linked with a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) peptide adjuvant was constructed and evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, binding interaction with TLR4 in simulated physiological condition and the trend of immune response following hypothetical immunization. Results Selected epitopes from physiologically important L. donovani proteins were found mostly conserved in L. infantum, covering theoretically more than 98% of the global population. The multi-epitope chimeric vaccine was predicted as stable, antigenic and non-allergenic. Structural analysis of vaccine-TLR4 receptor docked complex and its molecular dynamics simulation suggest sufficiently stable binding interface along with prospect of non-canonical receptor activation. Simulation dynamics of immune response following hypothetical immunization indicate active and memory B as well as CD4+ T cell generation potential, and likely chance of a more Th1 polarized response. Conclusions The methodological approach and results from this study could facilitate more informed screening and selection of candidate antigenic proteins for entry into vaccine production pipeline in future to control human VL.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Anik Ashfaq Khan
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Jenifar Quaiyum Ami
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Khaledul Faisal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Rajashree Chowdhury
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Prakash Ghosh
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Faria Hossain
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Microbiology and Animal Hygiene Division, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Dinesh Mondal
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
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Thi Phung L, Chaiyadet S, Hongsrichan N, Sotillo J, Dinh Thi Dieu H, Quang Tran C, Brindley PJ, Loukas A, Laha T. Partial protection with a chimeric tetraspanin-leucine aminopeptidase subunit vaccine against Opisthorchis viverrini infection in hamsters. Acta Trop 2020; 204:105355. [PMID: 31991114 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Opisthorchiasis is a serious public health problem in East Asia and Europe. The pathology involves hepatobiliary abnormalities such as cholangitis, choledocholithiasis and tissue fibrosis that can develop into cholangiocarcinoma. Prevention of infection is difficult as multiple social and behavioral factors are involved, thus, progress on a prophylactic vaccine against opisthorchiasis is urgently needed. Opisthorchis viverrini tetraspanin-2 (Ov-TSP-2) was previously described as a potential vaccine candidate conferring partial protection against O. viverrini infections in hamsters. In this study, we generated a recombinant chimeric form of the large extracellular loop of Ov-TSP-2 and O. viverrini leucine aminopeptidase, designated rOv-TSP-2-LAP. Hamsters were vaccinated with 100 and 200 µg of rOv-TSP-2-LAP formulated with alum-CpG adjuvant via intraperitoneal injection and evaluated the level of protection against O. viverrini infection. Our results demonstrated that the number of worms recovered from hamsters vaccinated with either 100 or 200 µg of rOv-TSP-2-LAP were significantly reduced by 27% compared to the adjuvant control group. Furthermore, the average length of worms recovered from animals vaccinated with 200 μg of rOv-TSP-2-LAP was significantly shorter than those from the control adjuvant group. Immunized hamsters showed significantly increased serum levels of anti-rOv-TSP-2 IgG and IgG1 compared to adjuvant control group, suggesting that rOv-TSP-2-LAP vaccination induces a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response in hamsters. Therefore, the development of a suitable vaccine against opisthorchiasis requires further work involving new vaccine technologies to improve immunogenicity and protective efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyen Thi Phung
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand; Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Hai Duong city, Hai Duong province, Viet Nam
| | - Sujittra Chaiyadet
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
| | | | - Javier Sotillo
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Hang Dinh Thi Dieu
- Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Hai Duong city, Hai Duong province, Viet Nam
| | - Canh Quang Tran
- Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Hai Duong city, Hai Duong province, Viet Nam
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Thewarach Laha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
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Hamrouni S, Bras-Gonçalves R, Kidar A, Aoun K, Chamakh-Ayari R, Petitdidier E, Messaoudi Y, Pagniez J, Lemesre JL, Meddeb-Garnaoui A. Design of multi-epitope peptides containing HLA class-I and class-II-restricted epitopes derived from immunogenic Leishmania proteins, and evaluation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses induced in cured cutaneous leishmaniasis subjects. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008093. [PMID: 32176691 PMCID: PMC7098648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human leishmaniasis is a public health problem worldwide for which the development of a vaccine remains a challenge. T cell-mediated immune responses are crucial for protection. Peptide vaccines based on the identification of immunodominant T cell epitopes able to induce T cell specific immune responses constitute a promising strategy. Here, we report the identification of human leukocyte antigen class-I (HLA-I) and -II (HLA-II)-restricted multi-epitope peptides from Leishmania proteins that we have previously described as vaccine candidates. Promastigote Surface Antigen (PSA), LmlRAB (L. major large RAB GTPase) and Histone (H2B) were screened, in silico, for T cell epitopes. 6 HLA-I and 5 HLA-II-restricted multi-epitope peptides, able to bind to the most frequent HLA molecules, were designed and used as pools to stimulate PBMCs from individuals with healed cutaneous leishmaniasis. IFN-γ, IL-10, TNF-α and granzyme B (GrB) production was evaluated by ELISA/CBA. The frequency of IFN-γ-producing T cells was quantified by ELISpot. T cells secreting cytokines and memory T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. 16 of 25 peptide pools containing HLA-I, HLA-II or HLA-I and -II peptides were able to induce specific and significant IFN-γ levels. No IL-10 was detected. 6 peptide pools were selected among those inducing the highest IFN-γ levels for further characterization. 3/6 pools were able to induce a significant increase of the percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+, CD8+IFN-γ+ and CD4+GrB+ T cells. The same pools also induced a significant increase of the percentages of bifunctional IFN-γ+/TNF-α+CD4+ and/or central memory T cells. We identified highly promiscuous HLA-I and -II restricted epitope combinations from H2B, PSA and LmlRAB proteins that stimulate both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in recovered individuals. These multi-epitope peptides could be used as potential components of a polytope vaccine for human leishmaniasis. The control of leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease of public health importance, caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, mainly relies on chemotherapy, which is highly toxic. Currently, there is no vaccine against human leishmaniasis. Peptide-based vaccines consisting of T cell epitopes identified within proteins of interest by epitope predictive algorithms are a promising strategy for vaccine development. Here, we identified multi-epitope peptides composed of HLA-I and -II-restricted epitopes, using immunoinformatic tools, within Leishmania proteins previously described as potential vaccine candidates. We showed that multi-epitope peptides used as pools were able to activate IFN-γ producing CD4+ as well as CD8+ T cells, both required for parasite elimination. In addition, granzyme B-producing CD4+ T cells, bifunctional CD4+ IFN-γ+/TNF-α+ and/or TNF-α+/IL-2+ T cells as well as CD4+ and CD8+ central memory T cells, all involved in Leishmania infection control, were significantly increased in response to multi-epitope peptide stimulation. As far as we know, no study has described the detection of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations in response to stimulation by both HLA-I and II-restricted peptides in humans. The immunogenic HLA-I and -II-restricted multi-epitope peptides identified in this study could constitute potential vaccine candidates against human leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Hamrouni
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisie
- Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Tunis, Tunisie
- UMR INTERTRYP, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Karim Aoun
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Rym Chamakh-Ayari
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisie
- Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Tunis, Tunisie
| | - Elodie Petitdidier
- UMR INTERTRYP, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Yasmine Messaoudi
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisie
- Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université de Carthage, Tunis, Tunisie
- UMR INTERTRYP, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Pagniez
- UMR INTERTRYP, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Loup Lemesre
- UMR INTERTRYP, Université de Montpellier, IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Amel Meddeb-Garnaoui
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Médicale, Biotechnologie et Biomolécules, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisie
- * E-mail:
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Sunita, Sajid A, Singh Y, Shukla P. Computational tools for modern vaccine development. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:723-735. [PMID: 31545127 PMCID: PMC7227725 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1670035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines play an essential role in controlling the rates of fatality and morbidity. Vaccines not only arrest the beginning of different diseases but also assign a gateway for its elimination and reduce toxicity. This review gives an overview of the possible uses of computational tools for vaccine design. Moreover, we have described the initiatives of utilizing the diverse computational resources by exploring the immunological databases for developing epitope-based vaccines, peptide-based drugs, and other resources of immunotherapeutics. Finally, the applications of multi-graft and multivalent scaffolding, codon optimization and antibodyomics tools in identifying and designing in silico vaccine candidates are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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24
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Ribeiro PAF, Vale DL, Dias DS, Lage DP, Mendonça DVC, Ramos FF, Carvalho LM, Carvalho AMRS, Steiner BT, Roque MC, Oliveira-da-Silva JA, Oliveira JS, Tavares GSV, Galvani NC, Martins VT, Chávez-Fumagalli MA, Roatt BM, Moreira RLF, Menezes-Souza D, Oliveira MC, Machado-de-Ávila RA, Teixeira AL, Coelho EAF. Leishmania infantum amastin protein incorporated in distinct adjuvant systems induces protection against visceral leishmaniasis. Cytokine 2020; 129:155031. [PMID: 32062145 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The control measures against visceral leishmaniasis (VL) include a precise diagnosis of disease, the treatment of human cases, and reservoir and vector controls. However, these are insufficient to avoid the spread of the disease in specific countries worldwide. As a consequence, prophylactic vaccination could be interesting, although no effective candidate against human disease is available. In the present study, the Leishmania infantum amastin protein was evaluated regarding its immunogenicity and protective efficacy against experimental VL. BALB/c mice immunized with subcutaneous injections of the recombinant protein with or without liposome/saponin (Lip/Sap) as an adjuvant. After immunization, half of the animals per group were euthanized and immunological evaluations were performed, while the others were challenged with L. infantum promastigotes. Forty-five days after infection, the animals were euthanized and parasitological and immunological evaluations were performed. Results showed the development of a Th1-type immune response in rAmastin-Lip and rAmastin-Sap/vaccinated mice, before and after infection, which was based on the production of protein and parasite-specific IFN-γ, IL-12, GM-CSF, and nitrite, as well as the IgG2a isotype antibody. CD4+ T cells were mainly responsible for IFN-γ production in vaccinated mice, which also presented significant reductions in parasitism in their liver, spleen, draining lymph nodes, and bone marrow. In addition, PBMC cultures of treated VL patients and healthy subjects stimulated with rAmastin showed lymphoproliferation and higher IFN-γ production. In conclusion, the present study shows the first case of an L. infantum amastin protein associated with distinct delivery systems inducing protection against L. infantum infection and demonstrates an immunogenic effect of this protein in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia A F Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Danniele L Vale
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Dias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela P Lage
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Débora V C Mendonça
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernanda F Ramos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lívia M Carvalho
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria R S Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bethina T Steiner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma 88806-000, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marjorie C Roque
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João A Oliveira-da-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jamil S Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Grasiele S V Tavares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Nathália C Galvani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vívian T Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Miguel A Chávez-Fumagalli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Roatt
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia, Núcleo de Pesquisas em Ciências Biológicas/NUPEB, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Insituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo L F Moreira
- Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais, Hospital Eduardo de Menezes, Belo Horizonte 30622-020, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Menezes-Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mônica C Oliveira
- Departamento de Produtos Farmacêuticos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo A Machado-de-Ávila
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma 88806-000, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Antônio L Teixeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo A F Coelho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde: Infectologia e Medicina Tropical, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Clínica, COLTEC, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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25
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Moderate protection is induced by a chimeric protein composed of leucine aminopeptidase and cathepsin L1 against Fasciola hepatica challenge in sheep. Vaccine 2019; 37:3234-3240. [PMID: 31036453 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Leucine aminopeptidase (FhLAP) and cathepsin L1 (FhCL1) of Fasciola hepatica play a critical role in parasite feeding, migration through host tissue, and immune evasion. These antigens have been tested for immune protection as single components with variable degrees of success. The chimeric-protein approach could improve protection levels against fasciolosis. Previously, we reported the design and construction of a chimeric protein composed of antigenic sequences of FhLAP and FhCL1 of F. hepatica. The goal of the present study was to express and evaluate the immune-protective capacity of this chimeric protein (rFhLAP-CL1) in sheep. Animals were randomly allocated into five groups with five animals in each group. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were immunized twice with 100 μg, 200 μg and 400 μg of rFhLAP-CL1 emulsified with Quil A adjuvant, whereas groups 4 and 5 were the adjuvant control and infection control groups, respectively. The animals were then challenged with 200 metacercariae two weeks after the rFhLAP-CL1 booster. The fluke burden was reduced by 25.5%, 30.7% (p < 0.05) and 46.5% (p < 0.01) in sheep immunized with 100 μg, 200 μg and 400 μg of chimeric protein, respectively, in comparison to the infection control group. There was a reduction of 22.7% (p < 0.05) and 24.4% (p < 0.01) in fecal egg count in groups 2 and 3, respectively, compared to the infection control group. Sheep immunized with chimeric protein produced F. hepatica excretion-secretion product-specific total IgG antibody, which were increased after challenge. Moreover, the levels of rFhLAP-CL1-specific IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes in immunized sheep increased rapidly two weeks after the first immunization and were significantly more elevated than those of the control groups, indicating a mixed Th1/Th2 response. This is a preliminary evaluation of the chimeric protein rFhLAP-CL1 as a possible immunogen against F. hepatica infection in sheep.
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26
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High-through identification of T cell-specific phage-exposed mimotopes using PBMCs from tegumentary leishmaniasis patients and their use as vaccine candidates against Leishmania amazonensis infection. Parasitology 2018; 146:322-332. [PMID: 30198459 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182018001403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the current study, phage-exposed mimotopes as targets against tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) were selected by means of bio-panning cycles employing sera of TL patients and healthy subjects, besides the immune stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from untreated and treated TL patients and healthy subjects. The clones were evaluated regarding their specific interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) production in the in vitro cultures, and selectivity and specificity values were calculated, and those presenting the best results were selected for the in vivo experiments. Two clones, namely A4 and A8, were identified and used in immunization protocols from BALB/c mice to protect against Leishmania amazonensis infection. Results showed a polarized Th1 response generated after vaccination, being based on significantly higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); which were associated with lower production of specific IL-4, IL-10 and immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibodies. Vaccinated mice presented significant reductions in the parasite load in the infected tissue and distinct organs, when compared with controls. In conclusion, we presented a strategy to identify new mimotopes able to induce Th1 response in PBMCs from TL patients and healthy subjects, and that were successfully used to protect against L. amazonensis infection.
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