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Caetano DG, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Villela LM, Côrtes FH, Cardoso SW, Hoagland B, Grinsztejn B, Veloso VG, De-Simone SG, Guimarães ML. Patterns of Diversity and Humoral Immunogenicity for HIV-1 Antisense Protein (ASP). Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:771. [PMID: 39066409 PMCID: PMC11281420 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 has an antisense gene overlapping env that encodes the ASP protein. ASP functions are still unknown, but it has been associated with gp120 in the viral envelope and membrane of infected cells, making it a potential target for immune response. Despite this, immune response patterns against ASP are poorly described and can be influenced by the high genetic variability of the env gene. To explore this, we analyzed 100k HIV-1 ASP sequences from the Los Alamos HIV sequence database using phylogenetic, Shannon entropy (Hs), and logo tools to study ASP variability in worldwide and Brazilian sequences from the most prevalent HIV-1 subtypes in Brazil (B, C, and F1). Data obtained in silico guided the design and synthesis of 15-mer overlapping peptides through spot synthesis on cellulose membranes. Peptide arrays were screened to assess IgG and IgM responses in pooled plasma samples from HIV controllers and individuals with acute or recent HIV infection. Excluding regions with low alignment accuracy, several sites with higher variability (Hs > 1.5) were identified among the datasets (25 for worldwide sequences, 20 for Brazilian sequences). Among sites with Hs < 1.5, sequence logos allowed the identification of 23 other sites with subtype-specific signatures. Altogether, amino acid variations with frequencies > 20% in the 48 variable sites identified were included in 92 peptides, divided into 15 sets, representing near full-length ASP. During the immune screening, the strongest responses were observed in three sets, one in the middle and one at the C-terminus of the protein. While some sets presented variations potentially associated with epitope displacement between IgG and IgM targets and subtype-specific signatures appeared to impact the level of response for some peptides, signals of cross-reactivity were observed for some sets despite the presence of B/C/F1 signatures. Our data provides a map of ASP regions preferentially targeted by IgG and IgM responses. Despite B/C/F1 subtype signatures in ASP, the amino acid variation in some areas preferentially targeted by IgM and IgG did not negatively impact the response against regions with higher immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Gama Caetano
- AIDS and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil (M.L.G.)
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Larissa Melo Villela
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Heloise Côrtes
- AIDS and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil (M.L.G.)
| | - Sandra Wagner Cardoso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Valdilea Gonçalves Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Salvatore Giovanni De-Simone
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation on Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, Brazil
| | - Monick Lindenmeyer Guimarães
- AIDS and Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil (M.L.G.)
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De-Simone SG, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Lechuga GC, Carvalho JPRS, Gomes LR, Cardozo SV, Morel CM, Provance DW, Silva FRD. High-Throughput IgG Epitope Mapping of Tetanus Neurotoxin: Implications for Immunotherapy and Vaccine Design. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15040239. [PMID: 37104177 PMCID: PMC10146279 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15040239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetanus is an acute, fatal disease caused by exotoxins released from Clostridium tetani during infections. A protective humoral immune response can be induced by vaccinations with pediatric and booster combinatorial vaccines that contain inactivated tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) as a major antigen. Although some epitopes in TeNT have been described using various approaches, a comprehensive list of its antigenic determinants that are involved with immunity has not been elucidated. To this end, a high-resolution analysis of the linear B-cell epitopes in TeNT was performed using antibodies generated in vaccinated children. Two hundred sixty-four peptides that cover the entire coding sequence of the TeNT protein were prepared in situ on a cellulose membrane through SPOT synthesis and probed with sera from children vaccinated (ChVS) with a triple DTP-vaccine to map continuous B-cell epitopes, which were further characterized and validated using immunoassays. Forty-four IgG epitopes were identified. Four (TT-215-218) were chemically synthesized as multiple antigen peptides (MAPs) and used in peptide ELISAs to screen post-pandemic DTP vaccinations. The assay displayed a high performance with high sensitivity (99.99%) and specificity (100%). The complete map of linear IgG epitopes induced by vaccination with inactivated TeNT highlights three key epitopes involved in the efficacy of the vaccine. Antibodies against epitope TT-8/G can block enzymatic activity, and those against epitopes TT-41/G and TT-43/G can interfere with TeNT binding to neuronal cell receptors. We further show that four of the epitopes identified can be employed in peptide ELISAs to assess vaccine coverage. Overall, the data suggest a set of select epitopes to engineer new, directed vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore G De-Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C Lechuga
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - João P R S Carvalho
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 22040-036, RJ, Brazil
| | - Larissa R Gomes
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergian V Cardozo
- Department of Health, Graduate Program in Translational Biomedicine (BIOTRANS), University of Grande Rio (UNIGRANRIO), Caxias 25071-202, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos M Morel
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - David W Provance
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flavio R da Silva
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Diseases of Neglected Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
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De-Simone SG, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Gonçalves PS, Lechuga GC, Cardoso SV, Provance DW, Morel CM, da Silva FR. B-Cell Epitope Mapping of the Vibrio cholera Toxins A, B, and P and an ELISA Assay. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:531. [PMID: 36613974 PMCID: PMC9820764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral immunization with the choleric toxin (CT) elicits a high level of protection against its enterotoxin activities and can control cholera in endemic settings. However, the complete B-cell epitope map of the CT that is responsible for protection remains to be clarified. A library of one-hundred, twenty-two 15-mer peptides covering the entire sequence of the three chains of the CT protein (CTP) was prepared by SPOT synthesis. The immunoreactivity of membrane-bound peptides with sera from mice vaccinated with an oral inactivated vaccine (Schankol™) allowed the mapping of continuous B-cell epitopes, topological studies, multi-antigen peptide (MAP) synthesis, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) development. Eighteen IgG epitopes were identified; eight in the CTA, three in the CTB, and seven in the protein P. Three V. cholera specific epitopes, Vc/TxA-3, Vc/TxB-11, and Vc/TxP-16, were synthesized as MAP4 and used to coat ELISA plates in order to screen immunized mouse sera. Sensitivities and specificities of 100% were obtained with the MAP4s of Vc/TxA-3 and Vc/TxB-11. The results revealed a set of peptides whose immunoreactivity reflects the immune response to vaccination. The array of peptide data can be applied to develop improved serological tests in order to detect cholera toxin exposure, as well as next generation vaccines to induce more specific antibodies against the cholera toxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore G. De-Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation on Science and Biotechnology, Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-036, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Priscilla S. Gonçalves
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Program of Post-Graduation on Science and Biotechnology, Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-036, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C. Lechuga
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergian V. Cardoso
- Department of Health, Graduate Program in Translational Biomedicine (BIOTRANS), University of Grande Rio (UNIGRANRIO), Caxias 25071-202, RJ, Brazil
| | - David W. Provance
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos M. Morel
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flavio R. da Silva
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics Laboratory (LEMS), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
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De-Simone SG, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Gonçalves PS, Lechuga GC, Mandonado A, Graeff-Teixeira C, Provance DW. Angiostrongilus cantonensis an Atypical Presenilin: Epitope Mapping, Characterization, and Development of an ELISA Peptide Assay for Specific Diagnostic of Angiostrongyliasis. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020108. [PMID: 35207030 PMCID: PMC8878667 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Background: Angiostrongyliasis, the leading cause universal of eosinophilic meningitis, is an emergent disease due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) larvae, transmitted accidentally to humans. The diagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis is based on epidemiologic characteristics, clinical symptoms, medical history, and laboratory findings, particularly hypereosinophilia in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Thus, the diagnosis is difficult and often confused with those produced by other parasitic diseases. Therefore, the development of a fast and specific diagnostic test for angiostrongyliasis is a challenge mainly due to the lack of specificity of the described tests, and therefore, the characterization of a new target is required. Material and Methods: Using bioinformatics tools, the putative presenilin (PS) protein C7BVX5-1 was characterized structurally and phylogenetically. A peptide microarray approach was employed to identify single and specific epitopes, and tetrameric epitope peptides were synthesized to evaluate their performance in an ELISA-peptide assay. Results: The data showed that the A. cantonensis PS protein presents nine transmembrane domains, the catalytic aspartyl domain [(XD (aa 241) and GLGD (aa 332–335)], between TM6 and TM7 and the absence of the PALP and other characteristics domains of the class A22 and homologous presenilin (PSH). These individualities make it an atypical sub-branch of the PS family, located in a separate subgroup along with the enzyme Haemogonchus contournus and separated from other worm subclasses. Twelve B-linear epitopes were identified by microarray of peptides and validated by ELISA using infected rat sera. In addition, their diagnostic performance was demonstrated by an ELISA-MAP4 peptide. Conclusions: Our data show that the putative AgPS is an atypical multi-pass transmembrane protein and indicate that the protein is an excellent immunological target with two (PsAg3 and PsAg9) A. costarisencis cross-reactive epitopes and eight (PsAg1, PsAg2, PsAg6, PsAg7, PsAg8, PsAg10, PsAg11, PsAg12) apparent unique A. cantonensis epitopes. These epitopes could be used in engineered receptacle proteins to develop a specific immunological diagnostic assay for angiostrongyliasis caused by A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore G. De-Simone
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24220-900, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
| | - Priscila S. Gonçalves
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24220-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme C. Lechuga
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
| | - Arnaldo Mandonado
- Laboratory of Biology and Parasitology of Wild Mammals Reservoirs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Carlos Graeff-Teixeira
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Pathology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, ES, Brazil;
| | - David W. Provance
- Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil; (P.N.-P.); (P.S.G.); (G.C.L.); (D.W.P.J.)
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Gomes LR, Durans AM, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Waterman JA, Freitas MS, De Sá NBR, Pereira LV, Furtado JS, Aquino RG, Machado MCR, Fintelman-Rodrigues N, Souza TML, Morel CM, Provance DW, De-Simone SG. Multiepitope Proteins for the Differential Detection of IgG Antibodies against RBD of the Spike Protein and Non-RBD Regions of SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:986. [PMID: 34579223 PMCID: PMC8473315 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the extent of global connectivity and collective vulnerability to emerging diseases. From its suspected origins in Wuhan, China, it spread to all corners of the world in a matter of months. The absence of high-performance, rapid diagnostic methods that could identify asymptomatic carriers contributed to its worldwide transmission. Serological tests offer numerous benefits compared to other assay platforms to screen large populations. First-generation assays contain targets that represent proteins from SARS-CoV-2. While they could be quickly produced, each actually has a mixture of specific and non-specific epitopes that vary in their reactivity for antibodies. To generate the next generation of the assay, epitopes were identified in three SARS-Cov-2 proteins (S, N, and Orf3a) by SPOT synthesis analysis. After their similarity to other pathogen sequences was analyzed, 11 epitopes outside of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein that showed high reactivity and uniqueness to the virus. These were incorporated into a ß-barrel protein core to create a highly chimeric protein. Another de novo protein was designed that contained only epitopes in the RBD. In-house ELISAs suggest that both multiepitope proteins can serve as targets for high-performance diagnostic tests. Our approach to bioengineer chimeric proteins is highly amenable to other pathogens and immunological uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa R. Gomes
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
| | - Andressa M. Durans
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Medical Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
| | - Jessica A. Waterman
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
| | - Mariana S. Freitas
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
| | - Nathalia B. R. De Sá
- AIDS & Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Lilian V. Pereira
- Angra dos Reis Health Department, Angra dos Reis 23906-10, Brazil; (L.V.P.); (J.S.F.); (R.G.A.)
| | - Jéssica S. Furtado
- Angra dos Reis Health Department, Angra dos Reis 23906-10, Brazil; (L.V.P.); (J.S.F.); (R.G.A.)
| | - Romário G. Aquino
- Angra dos Reis Health Department, Angra dos Reis 23906-10, Brazil; (L.V.P.); (J.S.F.); (R.G.A.)
| | | | - Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Thiago M. L. Souza
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
- Immunopharmacology Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Carlos M. Morel
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
| | - David W. Provance
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
- Interdisciplinary Medical Research Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Salvatore G. De-Simone
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (A.M.D.); (P.N.-P.); (J.A.W.); (M.S.F.); (N.F.-R.); (T.M.L.S.); (C.M.M.); (D.W.P.)
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil
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De-Simone SG, Gomes LR, Napoleão-Pêgo P, Lechuga GC, de Pina JS, da Silva FR. Epitope Mapping of the Diphtheria Toxin and Development of an ELISA-Specific Diagnostic Assay. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:313. [PMID: 33810325 PMCID: PMC8066203 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The diphtheria toxoid antigen is a major component in pediatric and booster combination vaccines and is known to raise a protective humoral immune response upon vaccination. Although antibodies are considered critical for diphtheria protection, little is known about the antigenic determinants that maintain humoral immunity. Methods: One-hundred and twelve 15 mer peptides covering the entire sequence of diphtheria toxin (DTx) protein were prepared by SPOT synthesis. The immunoreactivity of membrane-bound peptides with sera from mice immunized with a triple DTP vaccine allowed mapping of continuous B-cell epitopes, topological studies, multiantigen peptide (MAP) synthesis, and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) development. Results: Twenty epitopes were identified, with two being in the signal peptide, five in the catalytic domain (CD), seven in the HBFT domain, and five in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Two 17 mer (CB/Tx-2/12 and CB/DTx-4-13) derived biepitope peptides linked by a Gly-Gly spacer were chemically synthesized. The peptides were used as antigens to coat ELISA plates and assayed with human (huVS) and mice vaccinated sera (miVS) for in vitro diagnosis of diphtheria. The assay proved to be highly sensitive (99.96%) and specific (100%) for huVS and miVS and, when compared with a commercial ELISA test, demonstrated a high performance. Conclusions: Our work displayed the complete picture of the linear B cell IgG response epitope of the DTx responsible for the protective effect and demonstrated sufficient specificity and eligibility for phase IIB studies of some epitopes to develop new and fast diagnostic assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Giovanni De-Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDNP), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.S.d.P.); (F.R.d.S.)
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Department, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Larissa Rodrigues Gomes
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDNP), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.S.d.P.); (F.R.d.S.)
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDNP), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.S.d.P.); (F.R.d.S.)
| | - Guilherme Curty Lechuga
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDNP), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.S.d.P.); (F.R.d.S.)
| | - Jorge Soares de Pina
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDNP), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.S.d.P.); (F.R.d.S.)
| | - Flavio Rocha da Silva
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Diseases Populations (INCT-IDNP), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.R.G.); (P.N.-P.); (G.C.L.); (J.S.d.P.); (F.R.d.S.)
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Pezeshki A, Ovsyannikova IG, McKinney BA, Poland GA, Kennedy RB. The role of systems biology approaches in determining molecular signatures for the development of more effective vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:253-267. [PMID: 30700167 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1575208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging infectious diseases are a major threat to public health, and while vaccines have proven to be one of the most effective preventive measures for infectious diseases, we still do not have safe and effective vaccines against many human pathogens, and emerging diseases continually pose new threats. The purpose of this review is to discuss how the creation of vaccines for these new threats has been hindered by limitations in the current approach to vaccine development. Recent advances in high-throughput technologies have enabled scientists to apply systems biology approaches to collect and integrate increasingly large datasets that capture comprehensive biological changes induced by vaccines, and then decipher the complex immune response to those vaccines. AREAS COVERED This review covers advances in these technologies and recent publications that describe systems biology approaches to understanding vaccine immune responses and to understanding the rational design of new vaccine candidates. EXPERT OPINION Systems biology approaches to vaccine development provide novel information regarding both the immune response and the underlying mechanisms and can inform vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brett A McKinney
- b Department of Mathematics , University of Tulsa , Tulsa , OK , USA.,c Tandy School of Computer Science , University of Tulsa , Tulsa , OK , USA
| | - Gregory A Poland
- a Mayo Vaccine Research Group , Mayo Clinic , Rochester , MN , USA
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Preston A. The role of B. pertussis vaccine antigen gene variants in pertussis resurgence and possible consequences for vaccine development. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 12:1274-6. [PMID: 26889694 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1137402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Whooping cough, or pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis is considered resurgent in a number of countries world-wide, despite continued high level vaccine coverage. Among a number of causes for this that have been proposed, is the emergence of B. pertussis strains expressing variants of the antigens contained in acellular pertussis vaccines; i.e. the evolution of B. pertussis toward vaccine escape. This commentary highlights the contradictory nature of evidence for this but also discusses the importance of understanding the role of B. pertussis adaptation to vaccine-mediated immune selection pressures for vaccine-mediated pertussis control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Preston
- a Milner Center for Evolution and Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath , Bath , UK
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De-Simone SG, Napoleão-Pêgo P, De-Simone TS. Spot Synthesis: An Optimized Microarray to Detect IgE Epitopes. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1352:263-77. [PMID: 26490482 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3037-1_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Peptide microarrays have become increasingly more affordable in recent years with the SPOT technique being one of the most frequently used methods for synthesis and screening of peptides in arrays. Here, a protocol is presented for the identification of the amino acid sites involved in the conversion of human IgG to IgE response during the passive administration of therapeutic, anti-snake venom sera. Similarly, the minimal region of both the IgG and IgE binding epitopes, important for its interaction with ligand, were identified. As the ratio of concentrations for IgG to IgE in human serum is 1:10,000, also presented is a reproductive protocol of chemiluminescence-scanning for the detection of both immunoglobulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore G De-Simone
- FIOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS) / National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Paloma Napoleão-Pêgo
- Department of Cellular andMolecularBiology, Federal FluminenseUniversity,Biology Institute, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thatiane S De-Simone
- IOCRUZ, Center of Technological Development in Health (CDTS) / National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation on Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN) FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Furman D, Davis MM. New approaches to understanding the immune response to vaccination and infection. Vaccine 2015; 33:5271-81. [PMID: 26232539 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.06.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is a network of specialized cell types and tissues that communicates via cytokines and direct contact, to orchestrate specific types of defensive responses. Until recently, we could only study immune responses in a piecemeal, highly focused fashion, on major components like antibodies to the pathogen. But recent advances in technology and in our understanding of the many components of the system, innate and adaptive, have made possible a broader approach, where both the multiple responding cells and cytokines in the blood are measured. This systems immunology approach to a vaccine response or an infection gives us a more holistic picture of the different parts of the immune system that are mobilized and should allow us a much better understanding of the pathways and mechanisms of such responses, as well as to predict vaccine efficacy in different populations well in advance of efficacy studies. Here we summarize the different technologies and methods and discuss how they can inform us about the differences between diseases and vaccines, and how they can greatly accelerate vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Furman
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mark M Davis
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
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